What to wear when Mountain Biking?

I just have a Specialized Ambush Comp with an ANGi helmet, which is plenty for me. Although it is a top-of-the-line helmet, it does not provide any facial protection. In addition to being very comfortable and lightweight, this helmet seems to be quite protective.

I understand that after spending thousands of dollars on a high-quality mountain bike, you’ve already spent a lot of money, but the helmet is not something you should save on. I propose that you spend at least $100 on your purchase.

Shoes While I’m not completely suited for mountain riding, I did invest in a good pair of mountain bike shoes early on in my journey.

When I went for my first ride on a friend’s bike, I squished my foot between the pedal and the stump. It was excruciating. I was fortunate in that I did not break my foot or a toe. I learnt the hard way about the importance of a decent pair of mountain bike shoes the hard way.

A decent pair of mountain bike shoes should not only protect your foot, but they should also be waterproof, ensuring that your feet remain dry. My shoes are virtually completely waterproof, which is fantastic.

I’m using the Shimano GR9 shoe, which is as follows:

Shimano GR9 mountain bike mount

Shimano GR9 mountain bike shoes include a strong plastic toe for added durability. These aren’t the greatest in the world, but they’re enough for my needs in terms of foot protection. Available for purchase on Amazon.

Mountain bike shoes, like any other piece of equipment, may cost $500 or more. Unless you’re a professional, I don’t think that’s required unless you can’t stand the thought of not having the best of everything.

That being said, shoes are essential since you may easily injure your feet if you don’t wear them. Wearing anything with defensive characteristics is a good idea. When your foot becomes trapped between a pedal and a root or a rock, it is your foot that suffers the consequences, not the rock or the pedal itself.

In most activities, gloves aren’t necessary, but I find them to be beneficial while mountain biking, particularly when it’s rainy or chilly. Whenever I ride at a high rate, my fingertips get quite chilly, making for an uncomfortable ride.

In addition, I like the protection that a decent pair of mountain biking globes provides against branches and lacerations in general on the trail.

The purchase of a nice pair of globes is something I highly suggest.

Gloves are available in both full-finger and fingerless styles. In colder weather, full-fingered gloves are a must-have accessory. In warmer temperatures, fingerless gloves are acceptable (or no gloves).

Tanluhu Cycling Gloves are made of leather. 

Gloves for Mountain Biking Cycling Gloves for Men and Women with Half Fingers: Breathable, Shock-Absorbing Road Racing Riding Gloves

Seibertron Dirtpaw is a Unisex product. BMX MX ATV MTB Racing Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Off-Road/Dirt Bike Gloves BMX MX ATV MTB Racing Mountain Bike Bicycle Cycling Off-Road/Dirt Bike Gloves Motorcycle for Road Racing Gloves for Motocross Sports Full Finger Gloves with Touch Recognition in Black L

Shirt / Jersey / Vest

Okay, I cycle in standard t-shirts and, if it’s chilly outdoors, I wear a cozy Patagonia sweatshirt to keep warm and comfortable. There isn’t anything here that is specialized for mountain riding.

I’ll confess that I’m not adequately dressed.

My cotton t-shirts act like a loofah, soaking up perspiration like a sponge. It’s not the best situation. I definitely need to invest in some moisture-wicking tees that are specifically intended for mountain riding (or any sweat-inducing sport).

My Patagonia sweatshirt, on the other hand, is excellent for mountain riding. It’s comfortable and toasty.

Shirts with spine protection

If you’re worried about sustaining a spinal injury, you may purchase MTB jerseys that include spine protection, such as the ones made by Alpinestars.

More information about the POC, VPD Air+ Tee with Back Protector, Mountain Biking Armor for Men and Women, Uranium Black, L Spine Protection MTB Shirt can be found by clicking on the picture of the product.
Shorts I prefer shorts over pants since they are more comfortable and offer more protection than trousers.

To be sure, mountain bike shorts are available in a variety of styles and colors. Unlike road bike shorts, they are not too tight and not too baggy either. Baggy is not recommended since it has the potential to get entangled in branches, which might be fatal.

Good mountain bike shorts resist water, are sturdy (well-made), dry fast, breathe well, are equipped with zipper pockets, and are quite comfortable to ride in.

For reference, here’s an image of what mountain bike shorts should look like (I don’t own them, but they are something I would consider purchasing if they fit well):

Men’s Mountain Bike Biking Shorts, Bicycle MTB Shorts, Loose Fit Cycling Baggy Lightweight Pants with Zip Pockets, Cycorld Men’s Mountain Bike Biking Shorts (2) 2XL (waist 36-38 inches, hips 44-46 inches; green, no underwear)

For price information, please see the picture.
You may choose between bib shorts and ordinary shorts. The shorts are secured with over-the-shoulder straps in a bib design.

If you want more warmth but do not wish to wear full-length trousers, tights may be worn below the shorts. This allows for more fluid movement as well as warmth.

Pants

You may obtain mountain bike trousers with built-in armor, which is a wonderful feature to have while riding in the mountains. This is something that my friend and his children have, and it’s a fantastic method to protect your legs. Because it’s integrated into the pant legs, it’s quite comfortable… much more so than external protection.

Another significant advantage of wearing pants is that they keep you dry. However, although I would not recommend wearing water-resistant leggings in the summer, they are an absolute requirement if you plan on riding in the rain. It must be able to breathe, defend itself, and withstand being submerged in water. I have an inexpensive pair of shoes that are just waterproof. I’m in desperate need of an update.

My issue is that I really despise riding while wearing trousers. It’s very hot and constricting for me.

Here’s an example of trousers that are suitable for mountain biking:

Men’s Hiking Pants by MAGCOMSEN Pants that dry quickly Waterproof Pants that dry quickly Lightweight Pants that dry quickly Pants for the workplace Men’s Shorts for the Summer

Jacket or sweatshirt

You are not required to purchase a “mountain biking sweatshirt or jacket,” but I encourage that you do so in order to stay warm. It’s important to wear loose clothes while riding trails since it may catch on trees and cause you to be yanked off your bike.

I want my outerwear to be tight, but not restricting, so I can move freely. This is supposing that it is chilly enough to merit wearing an outer layer.

While I like my Patagonia hoodie, it is not water-resistant in the same way as the following items are:

Black Medium INBIKE Men’s Cycling Jacket, Winter Fleece Thermal Windproof Soft Shell Wind Coat (Winter Fleece Thermal Windproof Soft Shell Wind Coat)

Backpack with a bladder of water

I’m a bit of a dinosaur. The only thing I carry about with me is a tiny, tight backpack in which I keep a water bottle or two. It does not have a bladder, as seen in the accompanying illustration.

For Men and Women, the Arvano Mountain Bike Backpack Cycling Backpack – 6L Breathable Hydration Pack Biking Backpack Lightweight Ski Rucksack, Small Bicycle Backpack for Running Riding Skiing is the perfect cycling backpack for men and women (NO Water Bladder)

Whether you choose a standard backpack or one that includes a bladder, the most important thing to look for is a pack that is small enough that nothing protrudes beyond the breadth of your back. It should also be able to adhere securely to your body. Nothing you don’t want to happen is for anything to grab on something and drag you off your bike.

It is a good idea to have some kind of water with you on your trip. Riding a bike up and down mountains is strenuous and thirst-squenching labour. I drink a lot of water while I’m out, particularly in the heat.

In addition, I carry a water bottle linked to my bike for emergency purposes.