Discover the Gear You Need for Mountain Biking
If you’re new to mountain biking, don’t fret. Though getting into the hobby can be confusing at first, it gets easier if you know what you need to pick when it comes to gear essentials. Getting the wrong mountain biking gear can be a recipe for disaster because you could end up buying something that doesn’t meet your expectations and end up wasting money.
There is a lot of MTB equipment on the market and this post will help you avoid confusion by showing you how to find the right pieces for a variety of styles, like single-track, downhill and freeride mountain biking.
Get The Perfect Biking Clothes
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to mountain biking clothes. Comfort and breathability are the two crucial factors that you have to consider when shopping for mountain bike clothes. There are various pieces of clothing that are specially designed for mountain bikers, and these include pants, shirts and footwear.
You can choose between full-length biking pants or shorts, but if you live in a warm climate, then shorts are definitely the best option. Mountain biking shirts should be comfortable as well, and they should not restrict your movement. When shopping for a new mountain biking shirt, look for one that is stylish, functional and comfortable. The shirt should fit your body well and be free of any hanging strings or loose fabric.
Mountain biking shirts are available in a variety of styles, including short-sleeved, long-sleeved and sleeveless. Each type has a different benefit during your ride. For example, short-sleeved shirts offer less protection from the sun and are best suited for cooler temperatures or indoor mountain biking sessions.
Long-sleeved shirts offer more protection from the elements. They also tend to last longer than short-sleeved shirts. Sleeveless shirts are ideal for warmer weather however they do not provide much protection from the sun or other elements. The next thing to consider when choosing a mountain biking shirt is its function. A good mountain biking shirt should be breathable and allow moisture to escape from your body as you ride. This will prevent your skin from being irritated by sweat and keep you cool during your ride.
Look for mountain bike clothes with mesh panels on the underarms or sides to allow enhanced airflow as you ride at high speeds. As for footwear, get yourself a good pair of cycling shoes so you can enjoy maximum power transfer from your feet to the pedals. Your regular pair of sneakers won’t do for challenging trails.
Choose a Helmet that Fits
You can go cheap on other items, but not on your helmet. It must fit snugly and be worn properly in order to protect you in case of a fall. Measure your head at the widest point with a cloth tape, slightly above your ears. Go to your local bike shop and try on some helmets that are labelled as fitting your size. If possible, have an experienced biker help you fit the helmet. Pick one that doesn’t obstruct your view and feels comfortable when you wear it.
Pick Out a Pair of Gloves
Gloves are optional, but worth it, especially for downhill and freeride. A lot of people say it’s about the padding and protection, but that’s not really true. Besides offering a little bit of padding, gloves do three important things:
- They provide a place to wipe the sweat off your face;
- They protect your hands in a fall;
- They give you more grip on the handlebars and controls.
Buy a Hydration Pack
One important thing you need to have is a hydration pack. It’s what allows you to have water when you are out on the trail. The reason why this is so important is because it allows you to stay hydrated throughout your ride. It’s easy for people to become dehydrated, and the consequences of this are very serious. You could become nauseous, faint, or worse. Having a hydration pack will prevent this from becoming an issue for you.
Use Navigation Tools
A navigation tool is a must to make sure you don’t get lost in the wild. Luckily, these days, you can find a perfect GPS for your mountain biking needs online. You can use it to mark your spots and share trails with others. It also allows you to create maps of trails that are not in your local area, so you won’t have to drive hours just to see a trail that’s not available in your area.
To Sum Up
If you really want to get more out of your mountain biking experience, then you need to have the right gear. If you’re just a beginner, this is one thing that you should be aware of. Remember you don’t have to spend money on just the latest stuff to get by. There are a lot of places that already have second-hand gear at great prices.