What to wear for mountain biking on trails
Short answer: Mountain biking takes you along narrow trails with roots, rocks and mud, often in changeable weather. Choose loose, hard wearing shorts over a pair of close fitting inner shorts, a light top that moves sweat away, and protection for your head and hands.
Loose outside, snug underneath
Many mountain bikers ride in loose shorts, because they cope with snagging branches and give freedom when you stand on the pedals. Underneath they wear close fitting inner shorts that stay in place and do not rub against the saddle. Some inner shorts have a pad and others do not, depending on how long your rides are. See bamboo inner shorts. The combination gives you both freedom of movement and calm comfort against the skin.
Underwear on short rides
On a short loop in the local woods, some riders prefer ordinary underpants with a short leg instead of inner shorts. What matters is that they do not roll up and have no thick seams against the saddle. See bamboo underpants for men. Choose a style that fits closely around the thigh, and change after the ride if you have been sweating.
A top that handles sweat and cold
On the climbs you work hard and sweat, and on fast descents the wind cools you down. A close fitting undershirt under a loose riding jersey moves moisture away from the skin and adds a layer of warmth. See bamboo undershirt for men. With a light windproof jacket in your backpack, you can react quickly if the weather turns or you stop for a break.
Protection
A helmet is essential for mountain biking. Gloves protect your hands from blisters and from scrapes in a fall, and many riders also wear knee pads on technical ground. Glasses keep mud, dust and insects out of your eyes. Shoes with a flat, grippy sole or clipless shoes give you control on the pedals. Match your protection to how demanding the trails are.
Mud and water
Woodland trails are wet and muddy for much of the year. Mud and water from the front wheel hit your legs and back, and a mudguard on the bike helps a lot. Dark colours hide stains, and loose shorts in a tightly woven fabric dry faster than denim. Keep a set of dry clothes in the car if you drive to the trails.
Washing after the ride
Let the mud dry and brush most of it off before the clothes go into the machine. Inner shorts, underwear and undershirts are washed after every ride at 30 or 40 degrees. Viscose from bamboo dries best on a rack. Loose outer shorts can often be washed warmer, but check the care label. Clean your gloves and helmet pads now and then too, as they collect sweat.
Backpack and water
On longer rides a small backpack or hip pack is handy for water, tools, a spare tube and a light jacket. A backpack does make your back warm, though, and a thin layer that moves sweat away makes a real difference there. Drink a little and often, even when it is cool, and bring something to eat if the ride lasts more than an hour.
Frequently asked questions
What are inner shorts
Close fitting shorts worn under loose riding shorts. They stay in place, rub less against the saddle and may have a pad.
Can I go mountain biking in ordinary shorts
Yes, on short rides. On longer rides inner shorts give more comfort against the saddle.
What protection do I need
Always a helmet. Gloves and glasses are recommended, and knee pads on technical ground.
