The Fashion Police keep trying to influence mountain bike attire. The thing is, this is an area where FUNCTION most definitely defines FORM. Stylish Bike Clothing (an oxymoron if ever there was one) is all very pretty to look at, but it generally doesn’t work in the woods. Here again, the “Industry” attempts to hold “The Pros” up to us as examples, in the hopes that we will buy their stuff.
But there is a problem with following “The Pros.” First off, Pros are called that because they are professionals. They work for it. They have bosses, who sign their paychecks. These same people tell The Pros what they will like, and what they will wear. A professional racer is an animated billboard. Their clothing is advertising.
That’s all very well and good, but it doesn’t serve much purpose for those of us who want to ride in the woods. I’ve never noticed the woodchucks and starlings paying much attention to slogans and logos. Our clothing and gear serves to protect us, and aid us in our activity. Those are the first considerations. Let the posers stand around the trailhead in their fashion attire. Stick to your guns and wear what works.
What works?
- Gloves: Gloves are almost mandatory. You have to be able to control the bike, and having a solid connection to the bars helps. We strongly recommend a full finger glove for off-road riding. Protection is the key here. In the woods, you will bump into trees, get tangled up in brush and brambles, fall over. Protect your hands. There are a lot of good, cycle-specific full finger gloves on the market. We particularly favor the Fox Bomber™ as it offers unbeatable protection, with hard knuckle plates, good breathability, great grip, and excellent form.
- Boots/Shoes: Boots or shoes should have enough tread or sole to give traction. (Your feet are not going to be on the pedals all the time!) Footwear should also have enough structure, or padding, to protect against impact.
- Shorts: Cycle-specific shorts are good, as they are comfortable and breathable. There are a lot of mountain bike specific “baggy” shorts available, and a fair number of riders like them for the added protection and increased utility.
- Tights: Sometimes (often) you will be riding in the cooler parts of the year. Cycling tights (Worn over your cycling shorts, and possibly under baggies) are just about the best answer to this.
- Jersey: When it gets warmer, a cycling type jersey is much more comfortable than a cotton tee-shirt. For cooler times, dress for the weather. Layer.
- Jacket: Two types of jackets are worth considering. First, if it’s cool, wear something that lets you ride easily, and move freely, while it protects you from the chill. For the rest of the year, it’s not a bad idea to have a packable rain jacket along.
- Glasses: This can’t be stated too strongly. Wear Eye Protection!!! If you do not need prescription eyewear (good for you!) choose something that covers your eyes well. Other rider’s bikes will throw stuff up. There are bugs flying around. Small branches can suddenly appear. Sometimes it seems that all of this is aimed at your eyes.
- Helmet: Wear one! You are going to go down. ‘Nuff said? In considering which helmet to use, pick one with a lot of ventilation. You will make a lot of heat, and you usually aren't moving fast enough for a lot of air cooling.
Today’s Term: Gnarl and Gnarly ~ To gnarl is to mess up. Oddly gnarly usually refers to something that is hard and/or exciting. A particularly tricky section of trail, with an element of danger could be said gnarly.
This series, running every Tuesday, is intended to help those who are new to mountain bike riding. By no means is it an exhaustive treatment, but it is our fond hope that it will help you, the beginner, to begin to enjoy riding your bike off road.
Future Topics:
Pedals
Preparations
Standing and staying loose
Trail Care & Maintenance
Hydration
Track Stand
Bunny Hop
Wheelie
“Cleaning” the mud
Your next mountain bike or Mountain Biking 201
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