| Mountain biking is an interesting and exciting | | | | Many mountain bikers choose to wear padded |
| extreme sport that some people are hesitant to | | | | pants or undergarments to protect vulnerable |
| get into because they're simply not sure what | | | | parts of the body from injury should they fall. |
| they will need to purchase in terms of apparel and | | | | Regardless of whether or not the biker chooses |
| gear. That said, so long as the rider has clothing | | | | padding, it is important that the clothing worn fits |
| that fits well and will hold up to the rigorous | | | | well, and is even perhaps a bit clingy, such as |
| demands of mountain biking, as well as changing | | | | something made from Lycra. Loose clothing can |
| weather, the biker should be set. And, of course, | | | | get caught on the bicycle itself, or the terrain the |
| don't forget a good helmet! | | | | cyclist is riding on, creating an unnecessary hazard. |
| Mountain biking apparel may not be the most | | | | Cycling shoes are important, as well. There are |
| aesthetically pleasing, but that's not the point. | | | | different types of shoes, and a rider should |
| Mountain biking isn't a fashion show, and it is | | | | choose what they are comfortable with, as well |
| important that the clothing the biker chooses to | | | | as what works best with the style of bike they |
| wear is functional and can meet the demands of | | | | ride. Low-cut cycling shoes - the ones most |
| riding a mountain bike. Because most mountain | | | | commonly seen on cyclists - are a good choice |
| bikes are ridden on difficult, off-road terrains, the | | | | for some, though higher cut, boot-like shoes are |
| clothing the rider chooses must be made of | | | | far more common for mountain bikers because |
| durable, strong fabrics and materials, and the rider | | | | they provide more support and protection to a |
| should not be afraid to get it dirty - because it will | | | | larger area of the foot as well as the ankles, |
| get very dirty in the often muddy and dusty | | | | which could be vulnerable to injury should the bike |
| conditions that mountain bikers face. | | | | fall. |
| Goggles are essential gear for all mountain bikers. | | | | While socks aren't the greatest consideration for |
| There are different types of goggles for different | | | | a mountain biker, it is a good idea to choose |
| riding situations. Depending on the conditions, some | | | | socks that are lightweight and designated for |
| riders will need sunglass-type goggles, which come | | | | cycling and other sports. Many socks these days |
| in many different colors. However, for riding in | | | | are made of special fabrics that are specifically |
| lower light conditions, riders can buy clear goggles. | | | | designed to wick sweat away from the skin, |
| Regardless of the choice, goggles and glasses are | | | | keeping the feet dry. This can prevent chafing |
| used to protect the rider's eyes from debris | | | | and other uncomfortable conditions, especially |
| kicked up by the bike and are one of the most | | | | when it comes to longer rides. |
| important things a biker can buy when choosing | | | | And of course, all mountain bikers need a helmet. |
| equipment. | | | | It is important to find a solid and sturdy helmet, |
| Almost all mountain bikers choose to wear gloves. | | | | as there are many dangers associated with |
| They can buy full-hand gloves or fingerless gloves, | | | | mountain biking, including head injuries. A helmet |
| depending on their needs. The gloves are essential | | | | needs to fit properly; it if is too big or too small, it |
| because they help the rider maintain a better grip | | | | will not be nearly as effective as a helmet that is |
| on the handlebars of the bike, by providing a | | | | the correct size for the biker's head. Head injuries |
| barrier between the hand and any sweat on it | | | | are a major risk for mountain bikers, so it is |
| and the bar. As such, the biker's hands are less | | | | important to have a good, solid helmet. |
| likely to slip off the handlebars, especially on | | | | These are just some guidelines to follow, they're |
| bumpy, slippery, or difficult terrain. Gloves also | | | | pretty basic mountain biking gear. The most |
| provide some protection for the hands in case of | | | | important thing to remember is to have fun and |
| a fall, and can protect the hands from the | | | | choose equipment that works well for you, as an |
| elements, when riding in cold or inclement | | | | individual biker, because there are no universal |
| weather. | | | | rules when it comes to mountain biking gear. |