What To Wear Mountain Biking
What To Wear Mountain Biking?
Deciding what to wear mountain biking can be tricky if you re not an experienced rider. What you wear will all depend on what type of riding you are doing, where you are doing it and the weather conditions. Therefore, I can’t just say “you need to wear these clothes”, so I will give you loads of advice, so you can determine what to wear yourself.
Mountain Bike Helmet
Nobody should get on a bike without a helmet on. Some people say that helmets don’t make a difference in a big crash. But, I personally know people that have had their lives saved by their helmet. If you intend to ride in a bike park, there is a good chance you won’t be allowed in without some kind of helmet.
The type of helmet you wear is usually down to the type of riding you do. Your helmet choice is also down to your personal preference. Some people buy the cheapest helmet they can to tick the box and say they have one. But, these cheap helmets don’t provide you with enough coverage and protection. You only have one head, so you need to look after it, and you would be better off saving money elsewhere.
Check out my blog on what mountain bike helmet to buy. Here you will learn all about the features to look out for to suit your style of riding and your head.
Mountain Bike Jersey
Every sport has clothing that is designed specifically for it. This is so you can perform at your best and be as comfortable as possible while doing it.
A proper mountain bike jersey gives you full freedom of movement while keeping you comfortable. The technical materials used in mountain bike jerseys are breathable and wick moisture away from your body. Moisture-wicking fabrics help your body regulate its temperature, stopping you from getting too hot or too cold. Mountain bike jerseys also have strategically placed ventilation under the armpits and on the back, which prevents you from getting too hot when you are working hard.
Learn all about mountain bike jerseys here.
Mountain Bike Shorts
We wear proper mountain bike shorts for the same reason we wear jerseys; they are made for the job at hand. Their durable material protects you in a fall and from the constant friction with the saddle. Mountain bike shorts have stretchy panels sewn into them. These panels make the shorts comfortable, but they also allow you to have the full range of motion while riding.
When it comes to what to wear mountain biking, a pair of mountain bike shorts will make a massive difference to your comfort. It is also worth considering buying waterproof mountain bike shorts, as they make a surprising difference in comfort when riding in wet weather.
Learn all about mountain bike shorts here.
Gloves
When people talk about what to wear mountain biking, gloves divide opinion. Personally, I don’t like riding without them. When I ride without gloves, I feel vulnerable in a couple of ways. Firstly, when my hands are wet or sweaty, I feel I don’t have the grip I really want. Secondly, if I have a crash, I really appreciate having the extra protection gloves give me, especially on stony ground.
When buying gloves, you need to make sure that they are not too thick or thin for your hands and handlebar grips. This is, so you get as much grip as possible. You also need to get the right size to prevent them from bunching up and rubbing your hands.
Learn all about mountain bike gloves here.
Mountain Bike Jacket
Obviously, you ride, and the conditions you are happy to ride in will determine if you wear a mountain bike jacket. You can choose anything from a proper cold weather jacket to a lightweight one that will keep you dry in a downpour.
I ride mainly during the summer in the French Alps, so a jacket isn’t something I often wear. However, my Endura Singletrack jacket is excellent when the weather gets soggy. It packs down small enough to pull out of my backpack when needed and is reasonably breathable.
You may be tempted to buy a cheap waterproof jacket, and this is understandable. However, these cheap ones are not breathable, which means you will get sweaty and uncomfortable very quickly.
Learn all about mountain bike jackets here.
Mountain Bike Shoes
You have two choices when it comes to mountain bike shoes, flats or clipless. I love my flat pedal mountain bike shoes, as they are super grippy and possibly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. However, you will be able to get away with some good flat shoes or skate shoes. You want grip and pedal feel, so don’t opt for hiking boots or anything with a thick sole.
Clipless shoes clip into your pedals, meaning you need to buy both shoes and pedals. Riding clipped in gives you more efficient pedalling and security on bumpy terrain. If you are a beginner, you will have lots of slow speed falls with clipless pedals. But, as you become more experienced, you will see lots of benefits.
It is all down to personal preference, but starting with flat pedals will help you gain some bike skills.
Learn all about mountain bike shoes here.
Backpack/Hip-Pack/Hydration Pack
It is best to be prepared when mountain biking. You should be able to carry some tools, an extra clothing layer and some food and drink, especially if you are out all day.
A good mountain bike backpack is comfortable to ride with, and it allows you to carry everything you need. Of course, you may want something more lightweight, so you may want to consider a hip-pack or a hydration pack. There are a few options to choose from to suit you and the type of riding you do
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What To Wear Mountain Biking? - Answered!
These are the basic things you need to wear mountain biking. You will put together an impressive collection of clothing and accessories over time. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
