What to Wear When Mountain Biking? From Head to Toe
What to wear when mountain biking? Let’s explore!
Cycling on a bike requires a different mindset than conventional cycling. You can’t wear whatever you want, even if you’ve been wearing it for a long time.
Wearing a range of clothes is thus not only a need but also a significant safety precaution.
Many people who are new to mountain biking have no idea what to wear when mountain biking. As a result, I’ll show you the greatest wearables for a fun MTB ride.
What to Wear When Mountain Biking?
The three most crucial features to look for in mountain biking clothes are protection, comfort, and perspiration management. These are the important essentials to have in your gear closet, whether you’re a careful or aggressive rider:
1. Mountain Bike Jerseys
Because mountain bikes and road bikes are so dissimilar, it’s only natural that riders wear accordingly.
It is technically permissible to ride mountain biking while wearing a cotton shirt.
If you’ve ever tried to ride your mountain bike while wearing a cotton shirt, you’ll know that it doesn’t drain perspiration as well as jersey cloth.
Invest in a high-quality cycling jersey to receive mountain bike clothing that is really useful, practical, and ideal for adventure-seekers and trail-builders like you.
You’ll thank yourself once you’re on the trail, comfy and protected from the elements in your warm riding gear.
The best approach to protect yourself from the elements is to wear a long-sleeved jersey. For downhill riding, choose a jersey that is slightly looser fitting than road bike jerseys.
A ventilated front zip is especially suitable while engaging in cross-country rides.
2. Mountain Bike Shorts
These are flexible and durable, letting you move around freely while remaining protected.
Its supple materials let you bike easily over rough terrain while also giving much-needed comfort. To give additional protection, downhill shorts are more cushioned and longer in length.
Additional padded liners or chamois are either incorporated into the shorts or removable, depending on your preferences. By reducing friction, these shorts wick sweat and decrease chafing. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of chamois with you, even if you’re a complete beginner.
3. Mountain Bike Shoes
When pedaling across difficult terrain, you want shoes that fit snugly and provide you with a strong grip on the pedals. Choose shoes that will allow you to efficiently pedal up steep, rocky hills. You can ride with clipped-in or flat clip-less shoes, depending on your preferences.
Flat shoes provide you with better control over your feet and pedals, whereas clipped shoes make strong strokes easier to complete.
If you’re new to mountain biking, experiment with these two styles to find which one is best for you.
4. Cycling Jackets
Make sure you have the correct jacket for the task, one that can withstand even the worst conditions.
It should be waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting your phone wet when carrying it about in your pockets.
Choose reused textiles for jackets that are not only good at wicking sweat but also good for the environment. Select a rain jacket comprised of fabrics that drain moisture away from your skin while keeping the rain out.
These coats also include strategically placed vents that allow warm, moist air to escape. Some riders like to wear waterproof onesies.
If you think your terrain calls for it, go ahead and wear your cycling buddy in the most fashionable pair, you can find!
5. MTB Gloves
Riding gloves let you maintain a better grip on the handlebars, which is especially beneficial on lengthy journeys. They safeguard your hands from slipping when cycling in the rain or when they are sweaty. When picking riding gloves, keep aerodynamics, lightweight quality, and overall feel and control in mind.
Choose between summer cycling with fingerless gloves and winter mountain riding with full finger gloves.
Like your mountain bike jersey, your gloves should be breathable, moisture-wicking, and waterproof, with varying levels of protection depending on the weather.
It should give enough traction to keep you on track while also keeping you cool (fingerless) in the summer and warm (fingerless) in the winter (full-fingers).
6. Bike Tights
When any type of clothing can be worn while mountain biking, specialized mountain biking apparel, such as bike tights, offers better protection.
It’s ideal for winter rides, as well as chilly mornings and late afternoons because it’s made of a heavier fabric.
They make pedaling much easier by stretching with you as you move. Because the majority of bike tights are made of light Lycra fabric, they can even be worn in hot weather.
7. Socks
Because you are not wearing the correct mountain bike socks, you get cold feet while riding.
You’ll need a solid pair of woolen socks with a layer of thin silk-based socks underneath when the weather becomes cold in the winter.
You can just go for one thicker pair if you want to get rid of all the layers.
In the end, you should avoid exposing your feet to the cold. Use a sole insert to add an extra layer of insulation when the weather is very chilly, and you don’t want to miss riding your mountain bike.
8. Mountain Bike Shoes
It’s time to put away your flat pedals and sneakers from when you first started biking.
If you want to be an official mountain biker, you’ll need the proper pedals and shoes.
To begin, buy clipless pedals so you can feel more connected to your bike without the conspicuous presence of the clip, which will help you deliver more powerful and efficient strokes.
If you want to be more comfortable, invest in a pair of shoes with strong soles. Choosing a waterproof shoe ensures that your feet remain dry and free of moisture.
Shoes with fiber-reinforced soles are another possibility.
9. Helmet
Mountain biking requires the use of a helmet, which should not be disregarded. Crashing, hitting with a tree, or slipping off the path on your bike is common among mountain bikers, and you should wear a mountain biking helmet to protect your head from injuries.
A full-face helmet with a neck brace will protect your head from being pulled back in the event of an accident if you’re the type of rider who wants to try every mountain bike trick out there.
10. Glasses or Goggles
The sun’s high glare may endanger your safety unless you wear tinted glasses. You may need to wear your glasses most of the time if you ride the trails.
However, if the trail is muddy, you can use your goggles instead. Goggles are most commonly associated with full-face helmets, but they can also be worn with trail or shell helmets.
Downhill riders prefer goggles because they are less likely to fall off and offer better protection if the drop becomes too difficult.
Conclusion
Mountain bikers are picky about their bike for a reason. Because when riding a mountain bike, any attire will not be enough. So, they often wonder what to wear when mountain biking?
You should consider style and personal preferences in addition to comfort, fit, and sweat management.
When downhill or trail riding, you may want to wear arm and leg warmers, knee and elbow protectors, or full body armor. There are many companies to choose from when it comes to mountain biking clothes. The appropriate attire might help you move faster when riding a mountain bike.
You won’t have to spend energy cycling since appropriate mountain bike attire is more aerodynamic and fits perfectly with no additional fabric blowing in the breeze. For an all-mountain trip, bring a more serious kit, so you’re prepared for any weather conditions while riding your mountain bike.
On longer rides, remember to bring your hydro pack with you to stay hydrated.
Getting the right cycling apparel should be your first focus, whether you’re a novice or a pro mountain bike rider.
