Ready to get appropriately geared up for your trail-blazing future of mountain bike adventures?
We all know that mountain biking can be an adrenaline-pumping experience, but let’s face it: it’s not always rainbows and sunshine out there. Rocks, roots, and steep drops can present some serious challenges to even the most experienced riders. But that’s where the right protective gear comes in!
In this blog, we’ll be diving deep into the world of mountain bike protection, from helmets and pads to gloves and goggles. We’ll cover everything you need to know to stay safe and have fun on the trails. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, buckle up, and let’s get ready to rumble!
Helmet
Of all the protective gear for mountain biking, we’re willing to go out on a limb and suggest that helmets… are a no brainer! This isn’t Amsterdam ya’ll. Wear. A. Helmet.
A good helmet can protect your head from serious injury and even save your life in the event of a crash (which in mountain biking, is inevitable). But with so many different styles and types of helmets on the market, how do you choose the right one?
First, you have to decide what type of riding you’ll be doing. Cross-country riders will want a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet, while downhillers may want a full-face helmet with maximum protection. There are also trail helmets that offer a balance of protection and ventilation for all-around riding. And don’t forget about the fit – a helmet that doesn’t fit properly won’t do its job in the event of an impact. Ultimately, the right helmet is one that fits well, offers the right level of protection for your riding style, and is comfortable enough to wear for hours on end.
Body Armor
If you want to make sure you’re protected while you’re doing all your shreddy moves, you’re gonna need some body armor. And not just any body armor – you want the kind that’s specifically designed for mountain biking. Let’s take a look at some of the best options out there, from elbow pads to full chest and back armor.
First up, elbow pads! Elbows are pretty important, and you don’t want to mess them up when you take a tight turn or slide past something grazey (which again, is inevitable in mountain biking). That’s where elbow pads come in. They’re like little cushions for your elbows, and they can really save your skin (literally) in a crash. When purchasing any body armor you want to consider breathability, and flexibility, so that you can still move your arms around and do your thing on the bike.
Next up, knee pads. Your knees are another vulnerable spot, so you definitely want to protect them. Knee pads come in a variety of styles, from slim and low-profile to full-on moto-style.
And finally, if you really want to go all out, you can invest in some full chest and back armor. This is like the ultimate protection for your upper body, and it can give you some serious peace of mind when you’re tackling jumps and gnarly terrain.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, investing in some good body armor can really make a difference in keeping you safe and in one piece on the trails – and we love that for you. Having injuries is cool if you’re under the age of 16, but eventually you hit an age and stage where you want to have all the fun, with risking your longterm mobility. Just a thought!
Gloves
Mountain biking gloves are an important piece of gear that can greatly impact your comfort and performance on the trail. Aside from the obvious warming effect that gloves can offer, mountain biking protective gloves offer a slew of comfort factors to make your ride better.
There are several different styles available, including lightweight and breathable gloves, padded gloves for shock absorption and protection against blisters, armored gloves for extra protection against impact, and gloves with touchscreen compatibility for easy device use. Ultimately, the right gloves for you will depend on your personal preferences and riding style.
Eyewear
Mountain biking goggles and eyewear are essential pieces of gear that can protect your eyes from debris, bugs, and the sun’s glare. There’s nothing worse than a rock in the eye mid send!
If you’re riding downhill (or going full enduro) standard goggles have a large, wrap-around lens that provides a wide field of vision, as well as foam padding around the edges to seal out dust and wind. If you’re pedalling, many riders prefer to simply wear sunglasses or performance eyewear because it’s not as hot as goggles. It pays to have interchangeable lenses for both goggles and glasses, especially with the ever-changing conditions in the Southern Alps.
When choosing mountain biking eyewear, consider your personal preferences, riding style, and the conditions you’ll be riding in. Try on several different styles and brands to find the goggles that feel the most comfortable and functional for you.
There you have it folks! We hope this blog has given you all the info you need to have a successful and safe MTB life. For all your protective gear needs, we highly recommend our mates over at POC, where you can get your hands on any of the above gear.
And if you ever show up to the park without your gear, we’ve got helmets and body armor you can rent, just enquire at Ticketing.
