What to Wear for Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a sport that has taken off in popularity in the past several years. With more and more people prioritizing time outdoors, it’s likely to continue this upward trend. 

Whether you’ve never mountain biked before and don’t know where to start, or you’re looking to update your old cycling gear, you may be unsure of which items are needed to mountain bike safely and in comfort. 

Here’s an overview of what to wear for mountain biking and the reasons for each item. 

What to Wear for Mountain Biking

To make sure your mountain biking adventure goes smoothly, there are some essential clothing items and extras you’ll want to invest in. Here are the must-haves when it comes to mountain biking gear: 

Mountain Bike Shorts

Shorts for mountain biking don’t have to be super fitted like regular biking shorts, but many people prefer them. Mountain biking shorts are made of durable materials that breathe well and let you move most efficiently, so you can worry less about chafing and friction. 

It’s also a good idea to opt for shorts that have padding in them for ultimate comfort.

Mountain Bike Helmet

Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, always put on your helmet before mountain biking.

Mountain bike helmets come in a wide range depending on how much protection you’re looking for. The rougher and more extreme the ride, the more head protection you’ll want. 

Mountain Bike Jersey

While you could wear a regular cotton shirt, jerseys for mountain biking are much better options. 

These will help wick away sweat to keep you cool while riding, and long-sleeve options will protect your arms from stray branches and other foliage. 

If you’re looking for a UK brand that specializes in quality mountain biking clothing, Broken Riders is a great choice. Check them out!

Mountain Bike Gloves

Gloves are important for keeping your hands scratch-free if you fall, so invest in a quality pair. They’ll also prevent your handlebars from getting slick with sweat or rain. 

Just make sure you get the right size (and try them on before buying!) so you don’t get blisters. 

Mountain Bike Footwear

You can mountain bike in regular tennis shoes, but if you want to step up your mountain biking game, investing in quality footwear is a good idea. 

Make sure the biking shoes you select work well with your bike pedals, and opt for waterproof shoes if possible.

Mountain Bike Pads

Many people like to wear padding on their knees, elbows, and sometimes shins while mountain biking. If you’re going to be doing more intensive riding, the more padding, the better. 

You can also get armor to protect the rest of your body if desired. 

Mountain Bike Packs

If you’re going for a short ride, you may not need a backpack. But if you want to store things like food, keys, money, or your phone with you while adventuring, getting a biking backpack is ideal. 

Choose a pack that has water reservoirs in it to stay hydrated, too!

Ride Smart

While this list contains all the essentials for what to wear for mountain biking, there are always other additions you can invest in. By making sure you have the proper biking gear, you’ll be hitting the trails in style while staying safe. 

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