Protective Equipment for Mountain Bike Riding
There are many reasons to wear protective equipment when you’re mountain biking. However, it can be hard to figure out exactly what equipment is essential and which items are unnecessary. We take a look at a selection of the protective equipment you can buy for mountain biking, so you can figure out what to buy.
Helmet
A helmet is essential for protecting your head during a ride. You can buy several types of helmets; each has its own benefits. The main two options are a half-lid helmet and a full-face helmet. A half-lid helmet is fine for most riders using bikes every day on less difficult terrain. A full-face helmet offers more protection completely covering your face; they’re more difficult to wear and can make you very hot. Professional mountain bike riders will want to opt for a full-face helmet. You can also buy helmets that combine full-face and half-lid helmets. These are called breakaway helmets; you can choose to add a section to turn the half-lid into a full face or leave it off if you’re on more of a casual ride. Helmets are the most vital piece of protection that every bike rider should always wear when riding their bike.
Eye protection
Things can get very dirty when riding your mountain bike off-road; dirt and dust can fly up and get caught in your eye, leading to an accident or crash. If you’re serious about mountain biking, you should invest in a pair of good-quality mountain bike goggles. Goggles or glasses will protect your eyes from dirt and dust. Some goggles also have UV protection to help prevent sun damage and make riding easier in bright sunny conditions. Glasses can also help to protect your eyes, but they’re less effective and more likely to fall off on rough terrains.
Knee guards
When you fall off your bike, your knees are likely to take a large proportion of the impact, and this may cut your skin or damage your knee joint without the right protection. Knee guards, also known as knee pads, can help protect your skin and knee joints. There are a few different types that offer varying degrees of protection; soft knee guards are the easiest to wear; they’re thin and flexible but only provide a small layer of protection. Hard plastic knee guards are more hard-wearing; they offer better protection and can include specially designed materials that harden on impact to protect your joints. These are a little more expensive but worth the money to protect your knee from damage. You can also buy mountain bike knee guards that extend down onto your shin for even more protection. When trying out knee protection, consider how comfortable they will be and if they will impact your movement level. You need to find a balance between comfort and protection.
Mountain bike gloves
Gloves help to protect your hands and increase your level of grip. Hands are very fragile and can easily become damaged when falling off a bike on rugged or rough terrain. Mountain bike gloves will minimize the risk of injury and help prevent any cuts or wounds in your hands. Some gloves have protection that surrounds the joints, so if your hands are crushed or trapped, your joints will be better protected. Many riders choose to wear gloves as it helps them grip the handles and use the brakes and provides some protection to their hands.
The main items every rider should wear are a helmet, knee guards and gloves; goggles are also a good item that is relatively inexpensive. These are just a few of the options mountain bike riders have when it comes to protecting themselves from injuries during a ride. There are also protective mountain bike shorts, pants, torso armor and neck braces that riders can choose to wear to help protect their body. Always look for specific mountain bike gear for the most suitable protection when tackling trails. If you’re unsure of your size, you should visit a specialist shop where the professionals can help you choose a helmet, gloves and knee protection to fit your body. They can also advise you on any additional protection you might need for the type of track or terrain you’re biking on.
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