MTB Outerwear

MTB Outerwear 

MTB Outerwear ensures that you can have just as much fun as usual, even in uncomfortable conditions - and without getting wet or freezing. This includes windbreakers, rain jackets and pants, and other weather-resistant clothing. Good outerwear keeps the cold and rain away from you, but at the same time is breathable enough that you do not sweat too much even during strenuous uphill passages. 

How should MTB clothing fit? 

While road biking is primarily about aerodynamics, MTB clothing is mainly about function and protection. A normal fit is optimal, neither too tight - and consequently uncomfortable and hot - nor too loose to prevent snagging on brush and trees on the side of the trail. Also, if you plan to wear pads under your clothes, you should make sure that it leaves enough room for them. MTB jerseys and shorts are specially adapted to the stresses and movement patterns of biking and allow you maximum comfort without compromise. 

Do I need different clothes for different riding styles? 

Of course, you should wear what you feel most comfortable in. However, as you start to make more progress, you will find that clothing tailored to your needs can help you further. In general, the more downhill-oriented you are, especially in enduro and downhill, the better you should protect yourself and your body. You can do this with specific helmets, pads, goggles, gloves and robust clothing. And a good side effect: If you are properly protected, you also feel safer on your bike and are more likely to push your limits. If, on the other hand, you prefer to ride long all-mountain tours, it is worth investing in breathable and lightweight clothing that dries quickly. There is also protective clothing suitable for each application. 

What to wear to the MTB when it's cold? 

Breathable, warm jacket 

An insulated yet breathable jacket is essential for mountain biking in cold weather. A good jacket will keep you warm but won't make you sweat uncomfortably during strenuous uphill sections. Again, pay attention to what conditions you're riding in. In rainy & wet weather, a hardshell jacket can be the right choice. In case you seek protection from the cold and wind, a good windbreaker meets your needs, especially in combination with a good base layer and / or jersey.  

Long MTB pants 

In the cold seasons there are 2 options to keep your legs warm. Long MTB pants and long cycling pants. Here, too, riding style and weather decides what is the right choice for you. Although cycling pants restrict less and fulfill their purpose excellently, long MTB pants also are comfortable through mesh material and good ventilation and additionally protect you from moisture and mud. Furthermore, they offer space for knee pads. 

So, the harsher the conditions, the more you should reach for MTB pants, especially if you are on trails a lot. Here, too, there are many variations, from 3L hard shell pants, which are completely waterproof, to softshell pants to normal MTB pants, which protect you from wind and cold, but not from moisture.  

Warm gloves 

To protect your hands from cold wind and weather, you should use high-quality gloves. They will provide you with the comfort you need without sacrificing grip and protection. Gloves come in a variety of styles, depending on temperature and application.  

Base layer 

A base layer is a great addition to any mountain biking outfit in the cooler seasons, either as an outer layer in cool weather or as a layer under a breathable jacket.  

A base layer should be breathable - synthetic material and merino wool are the best options here. You should avoid cotton, especially in cold weather, as it dries slowly and leaves you cold & damp for a long time. 

Socks 

Your feet also need a little more protection than normal in cold conditions. For cold seasons, there are thicker & functional socks that will always ensure that your toes and feet stay warm. 

What to wear to MTB when it rains? 

Making sure you enjoy mountain biking in wet conditions is all about staying dry and healthy, especially during colder seasons. 

When mountain biking in the rain, it's important to find a compromise of water-repellent yet breathable fabrics that meets your needs. The top layer of your outfit, i.e. jacket and pants, should at best keep water out, while allowing moisture from inside your jacket or pants to escape. New rain jackets and pants now do an excellent job of this, using membranes with holes large enough for water vapor but too small for rain. However, these materials tend to have poor stretch and restrict freedom of movement. The development of rain-resistant outerwear for biking is therefore a science in itself.  

Especially bike-specific shorts and pants make a huge difference, because especially here it is important that despite little stretchy materials the necessary freedom of movement for pedaling is given. In addition: wetness does not only come from above when biking. A jacket that is cut a little longer at the back protects you from rain and spray even in a bent-over downhill position. 

Further protection from rain is provided by helmets with visors, goggles and water-repellent shoes. Gloves are also a good investment if you often lose your grip in wet conditions.