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There's nothing like a good mountain biking session to get your thrills! But how should you dress your upper and lower body to make the most of this outdoor activity? Which cycling clothes to choose in summer and winter? Short or long sleeve jersey? Shorts or pants? The practice of mountain biking on technical trails and strewn with obstacles comes with multiple issues in mountain bike equipment: breathable textiles, body regulation, safety, protection against the elements, freedom of movement, comfort ... Overview of the essential criteria to choose your mountain bike clothing well!
The quality of textiles
Like any sporting activity, mountain biking has its own dress codes and constraints that require the purchase of dedicated equipment. Unless, perhaps, you only use your bike for your daily commute, and even then.
We recommend fleeing cotton textiles that absorb and retain perspiration like a sponge. Once impregnated, the cotton will remain damp throughout the outing. An unpleasant sensation that you can easily avoid by turning to quality clothing, designed specifically for mountain biking. Today, you can find good quality cycling clothes at affordable prices.
Mountain bike clothing is made from breathable synthetic materials. This means that the fiber is breathable, allowing sweat to evaporate from the jersey or shorts. Polyester is often favored because of its elasticity, quick-drying ability and resistance to abrasion and washing.
Some brands use eco-friendly fibers that are naturally antibacterial, such as bamboo, a material that is lightweight, strong and soft. Another eco-friendly and innovative material you'll come across is tencel. This is a biodegradable fiber made from Austrian wood pulp whose advantages are no match for polyester: thermoregulating, stretchy, comfortable and of course, ensuring optimal moisture transfer.
Also pay attention to how the yokes are assembled. Favor mountain bike clothing without seams or with flat seams to limit chafing and gain comfort.
The type of practice: leisure or competition
The second criterion to consider when selecting your mountain biker's gear concerns the level of practice. Do you aspire to ride mountain bikes casually for fun or do you plan to race competitively? If you're pedaling with family or friends on a Sunday morning, you'll certainly not have the same expectations as a rider training intensively.
For recreational use, focus primarily on versatility and comfort in order to have maximum fun once in the saddle. You will easily find technical clothing on the market with a good quality/price ratio.
Advanced riders, meanwhile, will choose high-end, ergonomic mountain bike clothing that is as light as it is durable to meet their performance goals.
Mountain bike clothing tailored to the discipline
Mountain biking has several disciplines that impose different clothing requirements: all mountain, enduro, downhill (DH), freeride... Still, there are some common characteristics of mountain biking clothing:
- Upper body clothing has a longer cut in the back to allow for good coverage of the back when the rider is leaning over the handlebars. They often have back or side pockets to store personal items and supplies.
- The cuts offer great freedom of movement;
- Fabrics are durable and lightweight.
What to wear for all mountain biking and hiking?
All mountain biking is practiced on various rugged terrain, in the mountains or in the forest, alternating between climbs and slopes with sometimes technical passages. To be comfortable on your suspended mountain bike, choose versatile clothing: a fitted short-sleeve or 3/4-sleeve jersey with a V-neck and mountain bike shorts with internal thigh vents. Long-distance mountain bikers can swap casual shorts for padded crotch shorts.
What to wear for cross-country biking?
XC mountain biking is an event that requires significant physical effort in that mountain bikers must avoid obstacles on the course and finish the race as quickly as possible. Therefore, they need above all an aerodynamic equipment. Among the key pieces of the XC wardrobe: a close-fitting, lightweight jersey and shorts that offer good support, with or without suspenders.
They need to be able to ride in the best possible conditions
What to wear for enduro, downhill or freeride riding?
These extreme disciplines go hand in hand with more perilous conditions. Thrill seekers hurtle down the slopes at full speed, swallowing obstacles under their big tires. As a result, clothing is focused primarily on safety. In addition to knee and elbow pads, riders usually wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting T-shirts to accommodate a back protector. For the lower body, long reinforced shorts are a must, and even pants to protect the legs from scratches and impacts in case of a fall. Mountain bike (MTB) pant models are stretchy with a tight fit below the knees so as not to interfere with pedaling.
A bike outfit for every weather
It is fundamental to adapt your mountain bike outfit to the weather conditions. When you go out for a walk in the winter, you don't dress the same as you would in the summer, do you? The same is true with cycling.
Dressing for hot weather
As the warm weather arrives, the mild spring weather heralds pleasant mountain biking trips in the bright sunshine. Temperatures can quickly climb as summer approaches. You should therefore choose thin clothing that is resistant to repeated rubbing. Get yourself a short-sleeved mesh MTB jersey with microperforated fabric for better ventilation. Don't hesitate to slip a tank top or short-sleeved technical undergarment under your shirt to maximize sweat wicking.
For the lower body, short shorts or shorts allow you to feel the air on your calves, an appreciable sensation in high heat. Note that some endurists and downhillers prefer to wear pants even when the weather is mild to ride with more confidence.
Dressing up when it's cold
It takes more than a plummeting thermometer to scare a mountain biker! But to enjoy the magic of winter riding, it's best to be properly equipped with winter mountain bike clothing.
The solution to dealing with the cold is to adopt the three layer system:
- a membrane in contact with the body for moisture transfer: this is the role of the baselayer offering a second skin effect;
- a middle layer to retain the heat emitted by the body: this is the role of the breathable MTB jersey;
- an outer layer to insulate from the cold: this is the role of the thermal jacket.
Then it's up to you to mix the layers to find the right outfit for the temperature. For example, you can marry a short-sleeved underwear with a long-sleeved jersey or a long-sleeved baselayer with a mountain bike shirt. For the legs, pants are king! Those who are chilly may choose to add an undershort as a complement.
Keep in mind that in winter or fall, your clothing must keep you warm while allowing for body regulation. The breathability and thermal insulation combo is essential.
It's also important to protect your extremities with gloves and an under-cap to slip under your mountain bike helmet.
Dressing up when it's windy
A thin, ultralight windbreaker is a great companion for early morning starts or fast descents. Its compressible material offers minimal bulk when folded into its storage pocket. A very practical garment that also exists in a sleeveless vest version.
A softshell jacket that combines thermoregulation, warmth and windproof effect is a sensible alternative for cool-weather outdoor activities.
Dressing up when it rains
Because a real rider doesn't mind mud or splashes, manufacturers offer models designed to brave the elements.
There are several technologies to choose from depending on the intensity of the precipitation:
- A water repellent garment, or water repellent, allows water to run off in droplets. It preserves moisture and will be enough to keep you dry in drizzle or intermittent light rain.
- A 100% waterproof jacket that is lightweight and compressible is ideal for unexpected showers.
- A hardshell material offers maximum protection from the elements (wind, hail, snow).
The level of impermeability is usually measured using a water column and is expressed in Schmerber. The principle is to pour liquid on the fabric to test its resistance to pressure. A value equal to or greater than 10,000 is synonymous with good resistance to water penetration.
These technologies are found primarily on bike jackets, but also on rain pants.
The morphology of the mountain biker
When mountain biking, it is essential to dress according to your morphology. We are all naturally different: long or short arms, slender or stocky chest, square or slender shoulders, thin or developed legs, etc. That's why a garment may fit your biker friend perfectly, while you may find it uncomfortable to wear. Some people like tight-fitting fabrics, while others swear by flared cuts. The key is to feel comfortable in comfortable clothes.
While there are plenty of ATV outfits for men on the market, the ladies aren't left out either. Now, manufacturers are offering collections specifically adapted to the female anatomy. Among the women's mountain bike clothing are cycling jerseys that respect the curves of the chest and shorts with a smaller chamois for the glutes of female riders. Perfect for enduring hours in the saddle without pain!
Cycling gear in the right size
Size is a primary consideration when choosing your mountain bike clothing. Spotted a model you like, but it's no longer available in your size? It's better to write it off rather than default to the next size down or up.
Usually, the MTB fit is quite familiar, slightly slim-fitting. A criterion to be nuanced, however, depending on the discipline practiced, as mentioned above.
The points of vigilance to keep in mind:
- a jersey that is too loose may interfere with mountain bike riding;
- a too large shorts risks coming up between the thighs and causing inflammation;
- a too large pants may compromise your pedaling and hinder mobility on the saddle.
Inversely, avoid clothing that is too small and tight, which compresses the body and prevents proper blood flow.
If you're shopping online, measure your measurements (chest size, hip size, thigh size, etc.), then refer to the size guide linked to the product you wish to order.
A mini rider at home? Opt for kid's mountain bike clothing that's appropriate for his age and needs.
The design of mountain bike clothing
Mountain biking is also about looks! Your preferences come into play: you can opt for a style that's closer to road cyclists with a tight-fitting outfit or consider a more casual look with the loose jersey and mountain bike shorts combo.
On the market, there are designs for all disciplines and tastes: sober or original, plain or patterned, colorful or dark. It's even possible to buy the clothes worn by the professional riders of the world's biggest mountain bike teams, like the KMC Orbea outfit!
It's up to you to mix and match the pieces to shape a look that's uniquely yours!
