I'm a newb, what do I wear?

[scorchedearth]

1) Helmet - this is mandatory for MTB

2) A pair of compression shorts with a chamois. You're going to be miserable if you start chafing after a bit of riding and it will make your ride hell

3) Eye protection

4) Gloves are good for longer rides especially

[Dresdenlock]

FWIW you are really not going to need that pressure suit..it's overkill...unless you are riding a bike park or some very serious downhill..when I first got into MTBing I got alot of that stuff..I got some padded shorts...661 elbow guards & knee pads...and all that stuff I either never wore or is sitting in a bin taking up space...one day I might get a downhill bike so thats why Im still keeping it.

[SanDiegoDirt]

And while it may not be specifically apparel and protection, look into a good hydration pack at some point.

[jaydee1445]

Originally Posted by Dresdenlock

FWIW you are really not going to need that pressure suit..it's overkill...unless you are riding a bike park or some very serious downhill..when I first got into MTBing I got alot of that stuff..I got some padded shorts...661 elbow guards & knee pads...and all that stuff I either never wore or is sitting in a bin taking up space...one day I might get a downhill bike so thats why Im still keeping it.

I'm delicate don't want any brusies
Actually the 661 is getting kinda worn so I'll use the Sette on the motos and I can pose like a DH racer on my bike.
Mostly got it for urban rides where I'll be falling down stairs.

As far as spandex I look better in yellow than blue and pink

[donalson]

for glasses on the trail I went to walmarts (ya I know) hunting section and picked up a set of amber/yellow shooting glasses... the amber/yellow lens gives LOTS of contrast... for me sunglasses are to dark in the shade... they where very comfortable untill I left em somewhere...

now I roll Oakley M frames... found a good deal on an "array" from a local military guy... has the amber, clear, and black iridium lenses... so have clear for night, amber for trail, and sunglass for road... but I'd still have no probs running those horrid remington amber shooting glasses lol...

anyway I wouldn't ride without a helmet... and I wouldn't ride with a moto helmet either... to freaking hot lol... you need to go somewhere that has a few and try them on... different helmets fit differently (just like motorcycle helmets)... I tried on a few at REI and found one that fit me well, had a good retention system and was in my price range... rode my old one untill I could get together the cash but that new helmet was HUGE in my riding comfort... the old one was difficult to adjust and if I didn't have it adjusted just right it would bounce forward on my head obscuring my vision a bit... not fun or safe.

for gloves... find a pair that fit you and have enough padding... I've used mesh backed roadie gloves and now use 2 finger gloves (first 2 fingers and thumb are full finger others are 1/2)... I like em others hate... find what you like

shorts... once you start riding longer and longer they become a godsend... I roll in a man-o-tard now (bibs)... they look stupid but are even more comfy over riding shorts... being fat I have some shorts over them... lol

[Covi101]

I have an extra helmet, message me your contact info and I will ship to you.

[Mishtar]

I personally wear Knee pads on every single ride and most rides I throw on elbow/forearm pads. They last time I did not was this past summer in whistler and I clipped a tree at a nice pace and tore a gash in my forearm.

The way I look at it is I barely notice the knee pads, yes on hot days they are a little sweaty but once I am riding I barely notice them. I ride flats and I have slipped a pedal a few times on tech climbs and nailed my knee into the stem and the pads saved me some pain. As well if you are riding hard and do take a fall it could save you a cracked knee cap. I truly am surprised how few people wear armor when the new stuff is so light and breathable.

[mhmtbike]

Originally Posted by Jim Holloman

Does UA = Under Armour?

Yes. UA= Under Armour.

[donalson]

Originally Posted by Mishtar

I ride flats and I have slipped a pedal a few times on tech climbs and nailed my knee into the stem and the pads saved me some pain.

there your problem is... clipless covers a multitude of sins ;-) much harder to slip off of clipless... also I notice my knees prefer clipless to flats and stocky shoes

[SamL3227]

Originally Posted by donalson

there your problem is... clipless covers a multitude of sins ;-) much harder to slip off of clipless... also I notice my knees prefer clipless to flats and stocky shoes

clipless covers up a multitude of ineptitude's. proper pedaling tech and good 510/pedal connection will stop slippin pedals almost completely. only time ive "slipped" a pedal in last 2 years has been 3 times when chain snaps(which is its own problem)

no need to wear shin guards with good footwear.


and +3432 on the eye protection. ull be wishin you had em on when u get a bug or big chunk of dirt attached squarely to your retina when at speed.

and for chamois. personal pref. if your seat fits your butbones just right and ur ok with a lil discomfort at the begining then there is no need for butt pad.

[F13Bubba]

Originally Posted by Covi101

I have an extra helmet, message me your contact info and I will ship to you.

I've since gotten a helmet, but if the extra you have is my size, and better than a 1 size fits all lid from walmart, I'll gladly take it off your hands

[mefistofeles]

After taking two friends to the ER since last November I have the following recommendations:

1. Wear a light fullface. A friend of mine lost her tooth and could have lost her complete set of front teeth when she facedplanted. For this reason I would recommend a well ventilated fullface such as Specialized's Deviant or Met's Parachute. I have a Giro Remedy and the aforementioned helmets are much cooler than the vast majority of full face helmets. Another friend also shattered the Parachute and broke both bones in his forearm when he OTB'd on another bike.

2. In addition to a helmet I would suggest the following:

a. Kneepads. Protec Street
b. Elbowpads. Protec Street
c. Wristpads. Protec Street

A complete set of protec pads: $50
Saving yourself a shattered elbow,knee or wrist: priceless.

At some point you're going to go down I suggest being ready for it.

New World Disorder 10 trailer - "Dust and Bones" - YouTube

[Zuper]

Originally Posted by anthonylokrn

Not sure how big of a fella you are, but a bib is so much more comfortable than any shorts if you have a bit of gut.

I don't know what a bib is. Is it like the tight costumes with the sponsors name on them?

[F13Bubba]

Originally Posted by Zuper

I don't know what a bib is. Is it like the tight costumes with the sponsors name on them?

They kind of look like high school wrestling leotards

[BikeAdvocate]

What they siad ^^

My .02 will be Helmet first for sure. I've had the same pro-tec one for like 14 years, also have a Giro Remedy for more aggressive rides. simple gloves with leather palm (mechanics). Then go for a good set of knee/shin guards. Save you from pedal slip and they just look BA.

After you're totally comfortable with your set up, go clipless. It may sound like a big endeavor, but they're pretty easy to get used to. Plus you get way more power, performance, and control when you're clipped in.

If you're really getting crazy in the rock gardens, go with elbow/forearm armor and a chest protector.

[SamL3227]

^^all this stuff except the clipless. proper shoes/pedal interface works much better IMO unless its on the road.

you wont need the shin guards with good shoes because ur feet wont slip. as long as u dont snap a chain or something like that.

5.10s are expensive for shoes. but not really compared to clipless. they can be hundreds of bucks.

plus u got to have a change of shoes for on/off your bike with clipless.

dont do it

[donalson]

Originally Posted by F13Bubba

They kind of look like high school wrestling leotards

exactly how my wife discribes it when I put mine on... they are ugly... especially on a pudgy 300# guy... but they are much more comfy vs standard spandex shorts (which I ware baggies over both 99.98% of the time)

[Tikes]

Helmet First!!! And next... Don't go super cheap on the shorts. Get 2 good pairs (not the most expensive) but mid price point. As you are a new rider, you need to enjoy your experience.

[AZGroundPound3r]

Since you have a helmet, I'd get gloves, a good pair only costs about $25-30. When i wreck my hand is usually the first place to impact, gloves keep your hands from getting scraped up.

[pdmRider]

I wear a simple bucket for casual rides, but a full face specialized for more intense things, but that's probably overkill for what I do anyways.

I don't like bike jerseys so I just wear a comfortable t-shirt, and I've got a pair of Fox mountain bike shorts with a padded lining.
I've got Fox gloves which are a must. Gloves are essential to the enjoyment of your ride.
Shoes have been a hassle for me. I had a pair of ESs with velcro flaps that were great for bike riding but I destroyed them with use.
Some people like clipless pedals/shoes. I don't. But that's your call.

Most importantly is be safe and be comfortable. Don't get caught up in the hype of gear. Rock what works for you.

[pdmRider]

I also have an old pair of oakleys that I wear but sometimes I get so fed up with them that I take them off. It's not a good habit but sometimes I just can't be bothered.
I need to find a better pair of sunglasses for bike rides.

[kms0387]

This is probably a really silly question, but what do you need compression shorts for? Do they have padding to protect your bum??

[F13Bubba]

Originally Posted by kms0387

This is probably a really silly question, but what do you need compression shorts for? Do they have padding to protect your bum??

As I understand it, they help increase bloodflow to your leg muscles, or something. Also, they tend to fit more snugly, resulting in less chasing than with regular underwear.

[kms0387]

Originally Posted by F13Bubba

As I understand it, they help increase bloodflow to your leg muscles, or something. Also, they tend to fit more snugly, resulting in less chasing than with regular underwear.

Very cool! On a sorta different subject do you think a giro womens helmet would be ok for a beginner? Such as Giro Skyla Helmet ?

thanks!
K

[GoingOffRoading]

Helmet is always #1... Also wear appropriate helmet for the appropriate terrain.

As a base layer, I recommend synthetic socks, compression shorts and if its cold, a compression shirt. I felt kind of dumb wearing compression shorts for the first time but now I play all sports with them (mountain biking, cross fit, etc). Zappos.com is your best bet for this stuff.

Mountain biking jersey and shorts... Mostly to look cool but they'll be beefier where it counts (elbows, butt, etc). Spandex suits are for road cycling.

I recommend gloves and knee pads... Both have saved me from injury and when riding solo, that's important.