What To Wear Mountain Biking: The Complete Guide

Mountain biking is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Whether a beginner or an experienced cyclist, it’s essential to wear suitable clothing and gear to stay safe and comfortable on the trail.

You should wear a helmet, gloves, goggles, and cycling shoes when mountain biking. These items will protect you from injuries and the elements by providing padding, grip, and support. Your clothing should be loose-fitting and made from breathable materials to keep you cool and comfortable.

In this article, I’ll discuss all the essential items you need to wear when mountain biking. I’ll also take you through choosing the right gear for your mountain biking adventure and the factors to consider. Keep reading!

Helmet

Head injuries are the primary cause of admissions among bicycle accident victims. According to Science Direct, 33% of bicycle accident victims sustain severe head injuries. Among these, 49% encounter the displacement of extracerebral hematoma. Such head-damaging injuries demonstrate how risky mountain biking can be without the necessary protective gear.

A helmet is the most important protective gear for mountain biking. It protects your head from impact in case of a fall or collision.

It’s worth noting that the chances of bumping into an object, slipping, or crashing are high when riding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 1,000 cyclists fatalities per annum in the U.S., with more than 130,000 injuries.

Wearing a helmet during your mountain biking adventure will protect your head in case of an accident.

You should look for a snugly fitting mountain bike helmet as this will be comfortable to wear for long periods. Such helmets should:

• Have an integrated peak to protect your eyes from sun and  rain.
• Come with straps that won’t loosen while riding.
• Have good ventilation to keep your head cool.

A mountain bike helmet that fits these criteria will protect your head and keep you comfortable on long rides.

When choosing a mountain bike helmet, it’s crucial to find one that’s comfortable and stylish. You can consider a full-face helmet that can protect your entire head when going for downhill riding.

Gloves

Your hands are one of the most critical parts of your body in mountain biking. They’re responsible for controlling the brakes and gears, so keeping them protected in case of a fall is essential.

Mountain biking gloves usually have padding on the palms to absorb vibrations and shocks. This padding can also help prevent blisters and calluses. Gloves also protect your hands from branches and obstacles you may encounter along the trail.

A loose grip on the handlebars is one cause of accidents among bikers. Wearing gloves when riding is a sure way to ensure a tight grip throughout your biking adventure. These gloves soak up the sweat from your palms to keep them dry for the proper grip.

Apart from ensuring a tight grip, mountain bike gloves protect you from:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Bumps and bruises
• Insect bites
• Sunburn
• Poisonous plants

Depending on the weather and your preferences, there are different mountain bike gloves to choose from. You can find gloves that are:

• Fingerless
• Full-fingered
• Windproof
• Waterproof

You should always look for a comfortable and breathable pair of gloves. Gloves with built-in wrist guards are also essential for added protection.

Choosing gloves with added protection like padding on the back is advisable if you’re an enduro rider. This form of riding involves going over obstacles at high speeds, so it’s important to have gloves that can protect your hands in case of a fall.

You can go for full-finger gloves depending on the weather. Such gloves are crucial during winter.

Sunglasses or Goggles

Apart from the sun, mountain biking exposes your eyes to:

• Dust
• Dirt
• Flying insects
• Debris
• Pollen grains

The worst part is that while some of these deterrents are visible, others are not. This makes it hard to avoid them while riding. They also don’t care whether you’re a solo rider or riding in a group–you can be a victim anytime.

Imagine a situation where you’re riding fast; then a painful insect hits you right in the eye. This can cause you to lose focus and have an accident. Thus, It’s advisable to wear sunglasses or goggles when mountain biking to prevent such situations.

Choose a pair of sunglasses or goggles that:

• Fit snugly on your face without slipping.
• Have shatter-resistant lenses.
• Come with UV protection.
• Are comfortable to wear for long periods.
• Have vents to prevent fogging.

Sunglasses usually have lenses that block 100% of UV rays. Goggles, on the other hand, provide a seal around your eyes to keep out dust and debris. They also have ventilation to prevent fogging.

Cycling Shoes

You might be tempted to mountain bike in your running shoes, but that’s a recipe for disaster. Running shoes are not designed for the rigors of mountain biking. They don’t provide the necessary grip and support you need when riding.

Mountain biking shoes have stiff yet comfortable soles. This design helps transfer energy from your legs to the pedals more efficiently. The shoes also have an excellent grip to keep your feet in place on the pedals.

When choosing mountain biking shoes, go for a comfortable and breathable pair. You might also want to consider shoes with built-in ankle support for added protection.

A key factor to consider for your mountain bike shoes is pedals. The typical mountain bike pedals are:

• Clipless. These pedals have a mechanism that locks your shoes to the pedals. This provides a more efficient pedaling action and keeps your feet in place.
• Flat/Platform. These pedals don’t have a locking mechanism. They’re ideal for beginner mountain bikers or those who want to be able to bail quickly.

You’ll have to select shoes compatible with your clipless pedals for efficiency. The cleats must fit well into the pedal to avoid accidents. On the other hand, you can use any cycling shoes with the platform pedals, provided they have an excellent grip.

Flat shoes can work well if the pedals have a rough-textured surface. Such a surface will provide enough grip to keep your feet in place.

Always tuck the laces in when using shoes with a lace-up fastening to avoid them getting caught on anything.

Finally, you should consider waterproofing your shoes during the rainy season. Riding in wet shoes can be uncomfortable and dangerous.

Sunscreen

Mountain biking exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays for long. Johns Hopkins Medicine discusses that unprotected exposure to UV rays for long is hazardous to the skin. Some of the related risks are:

• Skin cancer
• Damage to the eyes
• Sunburn
• Hyperpigmentation
• Wrinkles

Wearing sunscreen when mountain biking will protect you from these risks. You should choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Such a sunscreen will block 97% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

It’s also essential to choose a water-resistant sunscreen when mountain biking. This sunscreen won’t sweat off easily, so you can stay protected even when sweating.

The way you apply the sunscreen before leaving is also vital. It’s advisable to prioritize the exposed areas of your skin, like the forehead and hands, during the application. Moreover, reapplying the sunscreen every two hours will ensure its complete protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

Mountain Bike Shorts

Mountain bike shorts are designed to protect your legs while riding. They’re usually made of Lycra, a stretchy and breathable fabric. This fabric is ideal for mountain biking because it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movement.

Mountain bike shorts also have a padded liner to cushion your bum during long rides. This liner is usually made of foam or gel. It’s placed in the center of the short to protect your sitting bones from impact.

The padding in mountain bike shorts varies from one brand to another. Some have thick padding, while others have thin padding. The padding thickness depends on the type of riding you’ll be doing. For instance, if you’ll be mainly doing downhill riding, you’ll need shorts with thicker padding.

Mountain bike shorts are available in different styles, such as:

• Baggy. These have a loose fit and usually come with a removable liner. They’re ideal for all types of mountain biking that don’t require speed. They are also comfortable in summer to eliminate chafing.
• Lycra. These are tight-fitting shorts ideal for racing and other high-intensity ridings. Although they provide less protection than baggy shorts, they’re more comfortable in hot weather.
• Liner shorts. These are usually made of Lycra and have a padded liner. They’re ideal for mountain biking, especially on rough terrains. Riding in such terrains entails constantly getting in and out of the saddle.

Chamois Cream

According to Healthline, biking is one of the most common causes of chafing. Chafing is a skin irritation caused by a combination of friction and moisture.

The chamois cream helps protect your skin from this irritation.

The cream also keeps your skin lubricated to reduce friction. This, in turn, makes riding more comfortable. Chamois creams come in different scents and formulations. Therefore, you can choose one that’s unscented or one with a pleasant scent based on your preference.

You should apply the cream to your skin before each ride. Be sure to spread it evenly over the area where you’re most likely to experience chafing. Such areas include:

• Between your legs, on either side.
• On your inner thighs.
• Around your groin.
• On your nipples.

If you have other areas prone to chafing, you should also apply the cream to those areas.

Put on your mountain bike shorts or bibs after applying the cream. The chamois cream will help keep your skin dry and reduce friction.

Mountain Bike Jersey

A mountain bike jersey is a must-have for any mountain biker. Jerseys are designed to wick away sweat and keep you cool while riding. They’re usually made of polyester or other synthetic fabrics.

The jersey should fit snugly but not too tight. It should also be long enough to tuck into your shorts. This will prevent it from riding up while you’re riding.

Mountain bike jerseys usually have a zipper in the front. The zipper allows you to control how much airflow you get while riding.

They also have pockets in the back for carrying essential items like:

• Keys
• Phone
• Wallet
• First-aid kit
• Snacks

These jerseys come in different styles, such as:

• Long-sleeved. These are ideal for cold weather or when riding in the sun. They provide more coverage than short-sleeved jerseys and help protect your skin from UV rays.
• Short-sleeved. These are ideal for hot weather. They provide less coverage than long-sleeved jerseys and help keep you cool while riding.
• Sleeveless. These are ideal for scorching sun. They provide the least amount of coverage to keep you cool while riding.

There’s no right or wrong riding jersey; it all boils down to personal preference. You should choose the one you’re most comfortable wearing.

Jacket

You can’t always predict the weather when out riding. That’s why it’s crucial to have a jacket with you always.

A mountain bike jacket protects riders from the elements. It’s usually made of Gore-Tex or other waterproof and breathable fabrics.

The jacket should fit snugly; you should be able to move freely while wearing it.

Riding jackets come in three main categories discussed below:

Lightweight

Lightweight riding jackets are ideal for cool weather. They’re usually made of lightweight and water-resistant fabrics like nylon.

They protect against wind and light rain. They’re also breathable to prevent you from getting too hot while riding.

These jackets are meant for light packing. You can easily fold or roll up and put them in your jersey pocket.

Midweight (Hybrid)

Midweight riding jackets are ideal for colder weather. They’re usually made of thicker fabrics like Gore-Tex or fleece that provide warmth and repel water.

They protect from the wind, rain, and cold temperatures. They’re also breathable for sufficient air circulation within your body.

These jackets are meant for moderate packing. You can fold or roll them up and put them in your jersey pocket or backpack.

Heavyweight (Full Waterproof)

Heavyweight riding jackets are ideal for cold and wet weather. They’re usually made of Gore-Tex.

They protect from the wind, rain, snow, and cold temperatures.

These jackets are meant for heavy packing. You can wear them over your other layers to keep you warm and dry in bad weather.

Waterproof jackets usually come with many pockets to make it easy for you to store your belongings.

Mountain Bike Pants/Trousers

Mountain bike pants are a must-have if you live in an area with inclement weather. These pants:

• Protect your legs from being scratched by branches.
• Provide warmth in cold weather.
• Prevents you from getting soaked in mud.

Riding pants are typically made of Gore-Tex, durable water repellent (DWR) nylon or other synthetic fabrics. Such materials make these trousers lightweight, durable, and breathable.

Mountain bike pants come in the following styles:

• Baggy. Baggy mountain bike pants are loose-fitting. They have a relaxed fit through the hips and thighs with a widening at the bottom of the leg. Such trousers provide more coverage than tight-fitting ones. They’re ideal for cold weather or when riding in the sun.
• Tight-fitting. Tight-fitting mountain bike pants are form-fitting. They have a slim fit through the hips and thighs with a narrowing at the bottom of the leg. Such trousers provide less coverage than baggy ones. They’re ideal for hot weather or when you’re racing.

You can go for waterproof or water-resistant pants. Waterproof pants are made from hardshell materials like Gore-Tex. They’re ideal for wet and cold weather.

On the other hand, water-resistant pants are made from water-repellent materials like DWR-treated nylon. They provide some protection from the elements but are not as waterproof as hardshell pants.

Riding Socks

Riding socks are different from regular socks. They’re typically made of wool or synthetic materials like Coolmax. Such fabrics wick sweat from your skin to keep your feet dry.

They also provide insulation in cold weather.

Riding socks come in different heights like:

• Ankle-length. Ankle-length riding socks provide coverage to your ankles. They’re ideal for hot weather or when racing.
• Knee-length. Knee-length riding socks provide coverage to your knees. They’re ideal for cold weather and rain to keep away mud splashes.
• Over-the-knee. Over-the-knee riding socks cover your legs to the thighs. The best time to use these socks is in cold weather, rain, and mud.

Leg Warmers

Leg warmers are ideal for cold weather. They provide warmth to your muscles and prevent you from freezing and shivering.

Unlike socks, leg warmers can be removed easily. You can take them off when feeling too hot and put them back on when you’re cold again.

They’re usually made of heavy wool or Lycra.

When going for leg warmers, choose a pair that:

• Fits snugly without being too tight.
• Is comfortable to wear.
• Don’t slip down when you’re riding.

Hydration Pack

Riding in scorching sun is dangerous. You can get dehydrated quickly, so you need to carry sufficient water.

A hydration pack is a convenient way to carry water while riding. It has a bladder filled with water and a tube that goes over your shoulder so you can drink while riding.

Riding in hot weather exposes you to intense sweating that brings about cooling. Sweat is composed of water and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. You lose these electrolytes when you sweat a lot.

That’s why it’s crucial to drink water and sports drinks like DRIP Drop when riding in hot weather. Sports drinks contain electrolytes that can help replenish the ones you’ve lost through sweating and can be carried in the hydration pack.

Padding

Padding is essential to protect your buttocks, hips, and thighs from the bumps and vibrations of riding.

The main types of padding are:

• Foam. Foam is the most common type of padding. It’s mainly made of polyurethane which makes it softer.
• Gel. Gel is a softer and more expensive type of padding made of silicone.

Padding comes in the following main thicknesses:

• Thin. Thin padding is ideal for racing and hot weather. It doesn’t add much bulk, and you won’t get too sweaty.
• Thick. Thick padding is ideal for cold weather and rough trails. It provides more cushioning and comfort.

When choosing a pad, make sure it:

• Is comfortable to wear.
• Provides enough cushioning for your needs.
• Isn’t too heavy for a comfortable ride.

Weather is key to choosing the right pad as you don’t want to overheat in hot weather or freeze in cold weather.

Benefits of the Right Gear for Mountain Biking

Mountain biking involves traversing diverse terrains, some of which can be risky. These terrains can expose you to:

• Insects
• Poisonous plants
• Falls
• Mud and dirt
• Extreme weather elements

As a result, it’s essential to choose the right gear to protect yourself from these risks. The right gear can also make your ride more comfortable.

Here are some benefits of choosing the right gear for mountain biking:

It Protects You From the Risks of Biking

According to the Better Health Channel, only 7% of cycling-related injuries result from collisions with vehicles. This means that 93% of cycling injuries are due to weather, falls, being hit by objects, or crashing into stationary objects.

This highlights the importance of choosing the right gear for mountain biking as it will protect you from risks like falls and crashes. The right gear can also help reduce the severity of injuries if you have an accident.

For example, wearing a helmet will protect your head from severe injuries in the event of a fall.

It Makes Your Ride More Comfortable

Comfortable riding is key to reducing biking accidents.

Mountain biking involves passing through bumps, irregular surfaces, and rough terrains. These surfaces require a tight grip on the handlebars, a firm pedal grip, and a comfortable seating position.

An uncomfortable riding position can cause fatigue, which increases the risk of accidents. The right gear helps you maintain a comfortable position on your bike and make your ride more enjoyable. An example is wearing padded shorts, which prevents saddle sores. On the other hand, gloves prevent blisters on your hands, ensuring a tighter grip on the handlebars.

It Improves Your Performance

You need to be able to react quickly to changes in terrain when mountain biking. This means having a clear view of the trail and moving your body freely.

The right gear helps improve your performance by providing a clear view of the trail and allowing you to move your body more freely. For example, wearing goggles prevents dirt and debris from getting into your eyes, while wearing gloves helps you grip the handlebars more tightly.

It Helps You Stay hydrated

Mountain biking can be strenuous, and you can quickly become dehydrated. This is especially true in hot weather.

Dehydration can cause fatigue, cramps, and headaches. It can also lead to more severe problems like heat stroke.

Wearing a hydration backpack helps you to stay hydrated on the ride. The pack allows you to carry water and drink it regularly throughout your ride.

It Helps You Enjoy the Ride

Recreation is one of the reasons people ride mountain bikes. However, enjoying recreational riding can remain a dream if your body is straining.

The right biking gear ensures that you have an enjoyable experience. For example, wearing a jacket and socks will keep you warm and prevent hypothermia if you’re riding in cold weather. Similarly, wearing light clothes will keep you cool and prevent heat stroke while riding in hot weather.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Mountain Biking Gear

Choosing the right gear for mountain biking can seem daunting. However, there are only a few key factors you need to consider:

Weather Conditions

According to Research Gate, the performance of a cyclist is mainly affected by:

• Air temperature
• Precipitation
• Sunshine
• Cloud cover
• Wind strength
• Humidity

It’s, therefore, advisable to choose biking gear based on the prevailing weather conditions. For example, wearing heavy clothes while riding in summer will make you sweat more and feel uncomfortable.

On the other hand, if you’re riding in cold weather, you need to wear clothing that will keep you warm. This includes a jacket, gloves, and socks.

Your Level of Experience

Choosing gear that offers more protection if you’re a beginner is best. For example, you might want to wear long pants and sleeves to protect your skin from scrapes in the event of a fall. You can start choosing less bulky gear that offers more freedom of movement as you gain more experience.

Your Budget

The cost of mountain biking gear can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Generally, more expensive gear is of higher quality and offers better protection.

However, you don’t need to break the bank to get started. A wide range of affordable gear is available for beginners on a tight budget.

The key is to ensure anything you wear for your mountain biking adventure will protect you from the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why Do Mountain Bikers Wear Baggy Shorts?

Mountain bikers wear baggy shorts because they are safer and more comfortable. These shorts give them more room to stretch while riding the bikes. As a result, they reduce the chances of accidents. They also tend to remain warmer in cold weather, which makes them more comfortable than Lycra.

Are Mountain Bike Gloves Necessary?

Mountain bike gloves are necessary because they absorb sweat from the hands ensuring a tight grip on the handlebars. A tight grip is required for a smooth ride.

Even if all goes well and you don’t get into any accidents for not wearing mountain bike gloves, you are always at risk of developing uncomfortable or even painful blisters from riding without gloves. Better be safe than sorry!