Mountain biking is not just a hobby; it is also a passion because it requires the right set of clothing to become. While an MTB cycling jersey is an important part of it, you must also select other clothing items that go together. After all, you need a complete outfit that will be comfortable and offer you protection.
So, if you are looking for clothing items for mountain biking, you are in the right place. Here is your complete guide to ensure you have a safe experience in no time.
- Part 1: What Is The Difference Between Sports And MTB Cycling Jerseys
- Part 2: The Various Components of Mountain Bike Clothing
- Part 3: Final Thoughts
Part 1: What Is The Difference Between Sports And MTB Cycling Jerseys
After doing some research on MTB cycling jerseys, you might be wondering why they are so expensive. After all, even sports jerseys don’t have such a high price tag, but there is a reason for that. Both these jerseys are unique and offer something different to the user that makes their experience better.
There are many differences between the sports and MTB cycling jerseys, but the most important ones include durability, breathability, fit, and comfort. You will find that mountain bike jerseys are generally more expensive because they making on a smaller scale. That is because mountain biking is a niche sport that not everyone.
In recent times, many mountain bike jersey brands fall in fabrics that are made from recycled fibers and earth-friendly materials. Because of these developments, you receive better comfort, fit, durability, and breathability. Unfortunately, all of this contributes to a high price tag of an MTB cycling jersey.
On the other hand, manufacturers produce sports jerseys on a massive scale. Because of this, not everyone might pay attention to detail, which is why you have to find the perfect fit. Anything that is mass can compromise quality.
So, these are the top main differences between the sports and MTB cycling jerseys. Depending on your preferences and needs, you can select the one you find best.
Part 2: The Various Components Of Mountain Bike Clothing
If you want to enhance your mountain biking experience, you must invest in the right clothing items. These items can enhance your safety during riding and ensure that you can take part in it without feeling too hot or tired. Of course, you can wear whatever you feel more comfortable in, but it is best to have all the clothing gear.
So, if you are a beginner at mountain biking, you have come to the right place. Here is all the mountain bike clothing gear you must invest in for the best experience in no time:
1. Goggles/Glasses
When you are riding your mountain bike, your safety should be your top priority. That is why it is crucial to invest in the right goggles or glass. They protect your eyes from debris, mud, and glare from the sun.
If you go mountain biking in different terrain and weather conditions, then you will require glasses and goggles according to the situation. That is why you must look for glasses that come with interchangeable lens options. For example, tinted lenses are ideal for decreasing glare from the sun, while a clear lens is ideal if you are riding in dark or dull conditions.
On the other hand, if you are going riding in an incredibly muddy area, then the ideal option for you is to wear goggles. That is because goggles offer a high vision range while ensuring that you are protected from the weather or debris. Most of the time, downhill mountain bike riders wear goggles because they offer more protection and security while descending.
2. Helmet
You can invest in the best MTB cycling jersey, but it will all be futile if you don’t have a helmet to protect you while riding. A helmet is an essential item that will offer head protection for a long time. That is because mountain biking is dangerous, as you can slip, bump, or crash.
There are helmets that are specifically designed for mountain bike riders. Such helmets include an integrated peak that helps to keep the rain and sun out of your eyes and deflect any branches that are hanging low. Besides that, the helmet also sits lower around the sides and back of the head to offer you the best coverage.
If you take part in endure and downhill racing or downhill riding, then it is best for you to wear a helmet that covers your entire face. It will offer you complete protection as you descend. Besides that, many riders also pair a full-face helmet with a neck brace to protect themselve if there is a crash.
The latest mountain bike helmets have the best technology known as MIPS. It is inside the helmet to decrease the rotation force on the brain. Such force is present in specific impacts, which the technology protects the riders from in no time.
3. Mountain Bike Cycling Jersey
Now that we covered the most important protection gear, you must also invest in the best mountain bike cycling jersey. That is because the clothes you wear will determine how comfortable you feel while riding. Many people save money by wearing any jersey, but you need to invest your money in a jersey that is specifically manufactured for mountain bike riding.
In recent times, many mountain bike apparel brands have come into the market that offers excellent jerseys. However, remember that most MTB cycling jerseys will offer a loose cut. Besides that, you will have three options of sleeves that include short sleeves, three-quarters, and long sleeves.
Of course, a short sleeve jersey is ideal for the summertime, but a long-sleeve jersey will offer the best protection regardless of the weather. For example, a long sleeve shirt can offer you protection from branches, thorns, nettles, and more. Many MTB cycling jerseys with long sleeves will also have a mesh panel so that air can pass through and cool you down.
The best part is that there are endless designs, patterns, styles, budgets, and other factors you can choose from now. Of course, the key is to find the right brand jersey that will offer you everything you need. Once you do, the jersey will last you a long time to come.
4. Gloves
Even if you get the best MTB cycling jersey, it will not matter if you don’t have comfortable gloves for your ride. Most mountain bike riders opt for full-finger gloves because they offer extensive protection to the hands. They protect hands from undergrowth and crashes.
The best part is that some of these gloves also come with padding to offer you cushioning so that your palms remain comfortable. On the other hand, gloves manufactured for enduro or downhill riding offer more protection on the hand’s back. That is because when individuals are riding this way, the chances of crashing are higher.
Gloves are not only about protecting your hands. That is because the right gloves will also help you have an excellent grip on your mountain bike. The palms of such gloves are manufactured to offer extra traction as you use the handlebar.
So, be sure to look for the right gloves when shopping for your mountain bike hear. The key is to look for gloves with grippers so that you have more control over the shifters and brakes. On the other hand, full-finger gloves will offer wind protection and insulation during colder months.
5. Shorts Or Trousers
If you are investing in the right MTB cycling jersey, then you must also get the perfect trousers or shorts for yourself. For example, if you live in a wet and cold climate most of the year, then trousers will give you the best comfort and protection. On the other hand, if it is mostly summer where you live, then you will get the most out of shorts.
Riding trousers can be water-resistant and waterproof, depending on the material. For example, water-resistant trousers will be made of a soft fabric that will also enhance the durability and fit of the material. On the other hand, waterproof trousers will usually be made from a hard fabric that will offer rain protection but will not be breathable.
Of course, the secret to finding the right trouser is one that fits you perfectly. You need something that will be close enough to not get in the way while offering you enough room so that your pedaling is not restricted. So, be sure to take these factors into consideration before buying the perfect shorts for your mountain bike ride.
6. Shoes
No matter what you do, you must not compromise on the shoes for your mountain biking adventures. The shoe and pedal interface is the most important in terms of contact points. That is because, as a rider, you need to feel secure when you are riding rough grounds.
Besides that, the shoes must allow you to pedal effectively as you are going through a technical and tough climb. When it comes to shows, you have two options: clipless pedals and flat pedals. If you ride cross-country or on many trails, then you will find it best to ride clipped in.
On the other hand, clipless shows have a recessed cleat and a heft tread to ensure that you can work as normally as possible. Besides that, other mountain bike riders opt for flat pedals as these shoes look like trainers or skate shoes. Because of this, they have a lace-up fastening system to help you tuck laces into.
Such shoes also have a tread pattern sole that works best with pedal pins. It is also made of rubber that offers extra grip while you are riding. If you are a mountain biking enthusiast and you ride in the winter months, you must opt for waterproof and warm shoes.
7. Socks
Yes, besides the mountain bike cycling jersey, socks are also an important part of your riding experience. After all, everything comes together to ensure ideal comfort as you ride the trails. Socks can aid in shin and calf protection from cuts and scratches that can come from pedals or undergrowth.
Many people that go mountain bike riding in wet conditions opt for waterproof socks because they help keep the feet dry and warm even if the shoes get wet. On the other hand, if you ride in the summer, then you must invest in breathable and lightweight socks to keep your feet cool.
Remember, if the weather conditions are highly wet, then you can also opt for waterproof shoe covers. These are worn on top of riding shows, and they offer additional protection when the weather is incredibly wet.
8. Jacket
Finally, you must invest in the best jacket to wear over your MTB cycling jersey. You never know how the weather can turn out to be, which is why it is always great to keep a jacket with you. You can opt for a lightweight, hybrid, or waterproof jacket.
Of course, the jacket you select will depend on the weather conditions and your needs. The waterproof jacket is ideal for colder months as it will offer complete protection from the rain. So, be sure to choose the right one in no time.
Part 3: Final Thoughts
That was your complete guide to the MTB cycling jersey and all other mountain bike clothing components that you need to invest in. As a mountain bike rider, you need to invest in a complete kit that will offer you protection while ensuring that you experience a comfortable ride. So, shop all the right items and take your mountain biking experience to another level in no time, as you will be comfortable and protected.
