Mountain Biking Equipment and Clothing
Hey Thrill-Seekers!!! I'm Brent Lott and a Passionate Mountain Bike rider. Keep reading if you would like to know about how to choose the best Gear for your Downhill bike ride.
Brent Lott - Downhill
Like most other extreme sports out there, mount biking is very reliant on the type of equipment you have, especially when it comes to your safety. There will be many cases when you’ll need to react quickly, and if you don’t, then you’re going to need proper protection if the worst comes to pass.
After learning more about this sport with my friend and expert, Brent Lott, I have come to appreciate how much of a difference preparation and gear can have, so here are some of the insights I have I have acquired over time.
What To Wear
Specific cycling clothing makes the trip more comfortable, regardless of the cycling style you are doing. That said, different mountain biking styles will dictate the type of clothing you should choose.
Shorts: Mountain bike shorts options range from styles that fit the shape (often used by cross country runners) to baggy styles with a more casual look and more coverage and durability for hooks along the path. These generally have an inner lining with padding that helps reduce seat fatigue and lessens the impact of the trail.
Jersey: Similar to shorts, jerseys range from those that fit your shape to those that are more loose and casual. Regardless of the setting, you should choose something that absorbs sweat and dries rather quickly. You should also look for something that can be washed and dried with little effort. If you carry a backpack, you won't need many pockets, although some mountain bike shirts have many to spare.
Gloves: You will be surprised how much a good pair of gloves reduces hand and wrist fatigue. So, try to get a pair with padding in the palm area. Gloves with full fingers keep hands warmer and provide some texture between the fingers and grip on the brakes. Both fingerless and regular gloves add protection in case of an accident.
Brent Lott - Thrill-Seeker
Mountain Bike Helmets
Mountain bike helmets often offer more coverage and protection than the road bike types. Look for one with sufficient ventilation and protection at the bottom and the back of the head. With downhill racing, helmets are essential, and you can rent one in most bicycle parks.
All market models must pass certified safety tests, and many helmets now feature the new MIPS technology with a low friction layer that slides independently of the outer shell and limits the possible rotation when the helmet is struck at an angle.
Mountain Bike Shoes and Pedals
The correct combination of shoe and pedal depends on the level of comfort and the type of cycling you are aiming for, so here are some of your options.
Platform pedals: Beginners and people with less confidence practicing mountain biking can benefit from starting with flat platform pedals so that they can get on and off the bike quickly, without having to release the pedal. This method is an excellent way to start building the technique.
And if you make the transition to automatic pedals, it's a much smoother experience. If you are interested in buying platform pedal shoes, get ones with a sole that can sink into the pegs of the pedal. They will also allow you to disassemble easily if things get dangerous.
Automatic pedals: As your skills progress, you can slowly transition to automatic pedals. These pedals offer much more control and power transfer, but also require more engagement in complicated terrain.
When you learn to drive with automatic pedals, you should practice on soft grassy terrain to get used to placing and removing your foot from the pedal.
For all driving styles, take the sturdy MTB shoes which protect toes and have a decent grip for when you have to walk through rain and mud.
You can also consider hydration packs or handy mountain bike repair kits in certain circumstances, especially when going for longer rides. The most important things I’ve learned from Brent Lott is that thinking ahead can get you far in this sport. If your bike lets you down, there won’t be any spare tubes, CO2 inflators, or multi-tools around unless you bring them with you, so always hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
