Knowing what to wear for MTB rides can make a huge difference to your performance, comfort and safety. Whether you are out exploring your local trails or tearing up some mountain paths, we have got you covered with what to wear from head to toe!
Safety should be your first consideration when it comes to mountain biking
With the MTB industry now flooded with information and with such a vast array of riding clothes and protective gear available, it's easy to feel intimidated if you are new to the sport. To help get you on the right track, we have come up with a short guide on what to wear on your bike this summer.
Protective Gear
Helmets
Helmets have become very lightweight and comfortable nowadays
Starting from the top and what is definitely the most important piece of protective equipment, the helmet. Head safety should always be your top priority no matter where or what type of ride you will be carrying out.
There are two main types of helmets when it comes to trail riding; the breathable, lightweight XC/trail helmet and the more heavy-duty all-mountain helmet. It really depends on how crazy you plan on getting on the trails as to which one you pick. The XC/trail helmet is better for those looking for something light and don’t plan on taking on any dangerous routes, whereas the all-mountain helmets provide a more all-round protection from any nasty crashes. The advantage of investing in an all-mountain helmet, is that due to the boom in the MTB enduro sector, these helmets are getting more and more breathable/lightweight, giving you the best of both worlds.
LIOS Top Tip: Look out for the MIPS logo when purchasing your helmet, which is short for Multi Directional Protection System, meaning the helmet contains a rotational protection system. This means the helmet will rotate relative to the head upon impact and absorbs rotational forces providing increased protection!
Goggles/Glasses
We generally advise wearing your goggles over your eyes rather than your neck!
Some riders prefer to wear goggles and other glasses, but whatever your preference is, it's really important you invest in some protective eyewear.
Whilst riding off road you are highly likely to come into contact with lots of debris, branches and flying insects, so by wearing some goggles or glasses you can protect your eyes from all of these objects that may fly up during your ride.
There are loads of types of glasses out there, from small ones that only cover your eyes, to larger ones that cover most of your upper face. If you want to go full endure, you can invest in some goggles. All these are great for protection against flying objects and wind, but are best for downhill trails as they can tend to get a bit sweaty when powering uphill.
Kneepads
Knee and elbow pads have become much more common
Moving down the body the next thing you should consider is protecting your knees. Somehow your knees always tend to take the brunt of the impact, no matter how serious your crash may be, so it’s always good to wear knee pads.
There are now loads of trail specific knee pads which are easy to pedal in, lightweight, breathable and offer great protection. But just like most things, you will have to weigh up whether you would like your knee pads to have more breathability or more protection, as different materials can affect these factors. Pads with hard plastic caps of course offer more protection but can be really uncomfortable to ride in, whereas softer foam offers more comfort when riding but offers less protection.
The beauty with today’s technology is that soft foam pads now come with VPD or D30, that’s soft and comfy when riding but hardens upon impact for greater protection.
Shoes
Durability and foot support are important for MTB shoes
MTB specific shoes are a must have feature for trail riding. Compared to your standard trainer they are a lot stiffer and more durable, which helps to increase power output, protect your toes from debris and support your foot. They also help to provide extra grip on the pedals which is key for handling when riding on difficult terrain.
When it comes to looking for your MTB shoe you will be bombarded with a large amount of options, from streamline to mega lightweight, to heavy duty. For trail riding its best to go for a middle ground option with a medium to stiff sole in order to provide the best comfort and control.
Clothing
Bike specific clothing
Buying good quality clothing is a good investment longer term
When it comes to your outfit, it’s all about staying cool when tackling the hard inclines but warm enough when on the way back down. Bike specific riding tops, jerseys and shorts are made in durable, but breathable fabric to keep you cool, dry and comfortable by transporting sweat and moisture away from the body. They also tend to be made in tougher material to prevent rips and cuts when riding through woodland trails, where it's easy to snag your clothes on obtrusive trees.
Bike specific clothes also tend to have a tailored fit and are designed to fit comfortably for the forward leaning sitting position you have when on your mountain bike, which helps to increase your manoeuvrability when on your bike.
It’s also a good idea to wear or pack a lightweight wind jacket. This can be a lifesaver if the weather suddenly turns (which we all know is very likely in the UK!). Due to the lightweight nature of these jackets, they are easy to pack and carry around on your ride.
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to ride with gloves. They can help give you extra grip and protect your hands against scrapes and cuts if you fall. Gloves come in many different materials from thick to thin, so just pick a pair that suits you best and what season you’re riding in.
Now you are fully equipped and ready to go out and enjoy some sunny trail rides. Enjoy!
