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Mountain biking is a fantastic activity for developing strength, endurance, and agility. Whether mountain biking is your passion or part of a cross-training fitness program, having the right bike gear, clothes, and equipment can make your next trip to the mountains a much safer and more comfortable experience.
The Proper Mountain Bike Shoes for Better Performance
You can ride a bike in almost any shoes, but anyone who is serious about mountain biking will sure benefit from specialized mountain bike shoes. As bike pedals determine what footwear you’ll wear, cycling shoes are often matched with a compatible pedal to secure your feet on the bicycle. Bike shoes, as opposed to traditional sports shoes, have stronger soles for more effective energy transmission while you ride.
Most cycling shoes feature a flat or a clip-in technology where you clip onto the pedals using a cleat on the sole of the shoe. This has the advantage of allowing you to create a more fluid effort throughout the pedal stroke, both lifting up and pushing down. Many bike shoes include two or three holes for clipping onto clipless pedals, allowing you to ride more effectively with each stroke. Whether you like cleats or flat pedal shoes, the right mtb shoes collection will provide you with a wide range of options to choose from.
Flat Mountain Bike Shoes
Flats are simply regular pedals that all bikes have, and one of their most significant advantages is that they do not require any specific shoes to ride. Simply hop on your bike and ride with whichever shoes you have on. You can use standard joggers, but mountain bike shoes work considerably better.
A flat pedal mountain bike shoe will often feature a flat sole to increase the contact area with the pedal, but the rubber is stickier than what you’d find on conventional shoes. The majority of flat pedal shoes resemble overbuilt skate shoes and use regular laces. However, velcro straps and even Boa laces are common in some models. If you have laces on your mtb shoes, make sure to tuck the ends out of the way as you don’t want them to get stuck in your pedals or drivetrain.
Clip-in Shoes
Clip-in shoes often called clipless shoes, are used for everything from cross-country racing to downhill racing and they come in a number of styles to fit the intended use. They do, however, have significantly firmer soles than a flat pedal shoe. Clip-in mtb shoes are virtually identical to their flat pedal counterparts, with the exception of a cleat placement on the soles. The clip-in system keeps you glued to the bike throughout those bumpy runs or leaps. Your foot will be released if you move your heel to one side.
One of the greatest benefits of purchasing clip-in mountain biking shoes is that they can boost the riding efficiency for some riders. Clips ensure that your feet are always in the appropriate place on the pedal. This enables you to ride easily and forcefully without having to worry about your feet slipping around on the pedal. Clip-in pedals also allow you to deliver power across a greater portion of the pedal stroke. If you have a sloppy or less-than-perfect pedal stroke, being clipped in may be beneficial.
Moisture-Wicking Jersey for Staying Dry
When it comes to mountain bike clothes, the appropriate top is probably less significant than the right bottoms, but there is still a good reason to purchase one. First and foremost, mountain biking is a great workout, so you’ll be sweating profusely! Most mountain bike jerseys use wicking merino wool and synthetic fabrics to help you manage your temperature. Second, accidents happen, and clothing serves as protection. While a tank top will keep you cool on the ascent, it will not protect you from the ground if you fall.
Bike Shorts and Padded Tights for Comfort
Mountain-bike shorts, like road-bike shorts, include elasticity for ease of leg mobility and a cushioned crotch lining to prevent friction and absorb perspiration. The majority of mountain bike shorts are made of tough materials and contain a number of pockets. The weight of the cloth and the length of the shorts should be increased as your requirement for abrasion protection grows. Shorts for downhill riding, for example, should be thicker and longer than shorts for other riding styles.
Mountain bike shorts’ integrated cushioning can be slightly thinner than road cycle shorts’ since you sit more erect and your riding position alternates between sitting and standing. Most liners are detachable, giving you the option of purchasing cushioned liner shorts in addition to your cycling underwear. It is mostly a question of personal taste whether you use an integrated liner or separate cycling underpants.
Bike Gloves for a Steady Grip
Although not all riders prefer to wear gloves, wearing them is recommended to all, especially novice riders. Gloves not only improve your grip on your handlebars and brake levers, but they also help you decrease hand and arm fatigue, allowing you to ride for longer periods of time. Mountain bike gloves also keep your digits toasty and protect you from falls. Look for gloves that fit your hand shape properly, with no additional material bunching up, so you can use your brake levers, shifter, and dropper post freely.
Mountain Bike Helmets for Impact Protection
The most essential piece of protective gear to wear while mountain biking is your helmet. Mountain bike helmets provide more protection over the back of your head and ears, and they frequently include safety technologies such as MIPS for increased impact protection.
As for mountain biking at night, make sure you shop some of the best led headlamps the market has to offer. Riding at night has been safer and much easier in recent years as headlights have improved. The introduction of LED lighting, as well as lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries, has resulted in a brighter field of view and a longer light source.
Mountain Biking Pads for Preventing Knee and Elbow Injuries
Depending on the sort of riding you do and your risk tolerance, you may want to add additional protection to your mountain bike kit than simply a helmet. Knee pads are the most frequent form of pad used by mountain bikers. Knee pads are recommended for new riders as well as those who do a lot of descending and enduro-style riding. For additional information, see our buying guide for mountain bike knee pads. Elbow pads, padded shorts, and chest/back protectors are other sorts of padding to seek for.
