How to boost your confidence for your first mountain bike ride.

Are you about to embark on your first mountain bike ride? Amidst the mix of excitement, curiosity, and uncertainty, there's one thing you can put to rest—concerns about what gear to bring. This article equips you with the fundamental gear essentials to ensure your inaugural ride is a success. By grasping these basics, you can redirect your focus towards enjoying the trail, honing your skills, and absorbing the experience without the distraction of wardrobe worries. Whether you're borrowing gear or working with some outdated pieces, understanding how to dress appropriately is key to enhancing your ride, regardless of the equipment at your disposal.

TL;DR:

This comprehensive guide ensures you're well-equipped for your first mountain bike ride, covering essential gear like helmets, chamois, bike shorts, breathable shirts, tall socks, sunglasses, gloves, and shoes. Bonus items like a hip-pack or backpack, water, and snacks are also emphasized for trail preparedness. The key takeaway is to prioritize comfort, functionality, and being prepared on the trail, enhancing your overall biking experience.

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The gear you need to help you feel ready to ride:

1. Helmet 

Of course, helmet is at the top of our list. While there are many styles and unique functions of mountain biking helmets, when you are just getting started make sure you at least have some basic head protection. If you're looking to be in the sport for a few seasons, do invest in the right helmet (we can talk about later). But for your first ride, make sure you're grabbing a helmet that fits you snuggly. 

Many bike helmet manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three to five years. But there’s no universally agreed-upon standard for how often you should replace your bike helmet. If you’re borrowing, it’s worth asking around to make sure the loaner helmet is not too old, nor has had been through crashes. 

How to prep your helmet to ride: 

1. Start by first making sure the helmet is sitting level on head and just above the eyebrows.
2. Rotate the rear tension knob so that the helmet is tight enough to not move when you turn or shake your head.
3. Adjust the chin strap so that the buckle sits just below the chin.
4. Adjust the side straps so that they connect like a "V" just below the ears.
5. Tighten or loosen the chin strap so that you can fit two fingers between the chin and buckle 

2. Chamois

Get your French on hunny. Grab a baguette and say it with me: “shammy.” A chamois is your padded bike shorts, made of cushioning foam of varying densities, with a top surface that helps to wick moisture and provide a soft feel against your skin. 

While using a chamois is a personal choice, it can offer relief from bike seat discomfort, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider spending hours on the saddle. Although not mandatory, having a chamois is advisable - especially when starting out - to avoid potential discomfort during or after your ride. Women's chamois, designed for continuous support in the central crotch region, often have wider foam placement for the sit bones.

For mountain bikers who opt for a chamois, it's typically a separate piece worn under bike shorts. Some prefer the streamlined look of Lycra or spandex, where the chamois is sewn into the shorts. One important tip: if you choose to wear a chamois, skip the underwear. Wearing underwear with a chamois can lead to bacterial build-up due to restricted air flow. So, remember, let your chamois do its job solo. Now, go take care of that bum!

3. Bike Shorts

Bike shorts come in various styles - tight, loose, long, or even denim (hello Jorts); the options and designs are diverse! As you start on your cycling journey, it's worth experimenting with different types to discover what suits you best in terms of comfort. Here are some common options to consider:

• Downhill shorts: These are loose-fitting Bermuda-style shorts that offer ample coverage. The material is typically more durable than your usual stretchy fabric, providing essential resilience as you navigate through tree branches or dirt (planned, of course!). Another advantage is that if you opt for loose shorts, there's extra room to incorporate a chamois, making it a win-win for longer, technical rides.
• Spandex: If you prefer a snug fit and don't require as much protection from the fabric, lycra might be your go-to choice. Often, these shorts come with a chamois sewn in, a common feature in road biking kits.
• Jorts: The stylish dirtbag choice. Embrace your inner mountain biker vibes with these jean shorts, whether store-bought or crafted from old jeans. While they exude a laid-back look, be mindful that the crotch area might be a snug with a chamois, especially if you're resurrecting jeans into jorts from a decade ago. 

4. Breathable Shirt 

You have some options here, ladies! And chances are they are already in your closet. Our suggestion? Go for a breathable t-shirt or a long sleeve, depending on your riding style and the season. Not only do they offer sun protection, but they also add an extra layer of defense in case of a fall. While tanks may be tempting (and v cute) for casual or short rides, think twice about potential outcomes if you hit the dirt. Also, keep in mind (because you'll quickly fall in love with mountain biking) that it involves a significant amount of sun exposure over time. The key takeaway no matter your shirt: prioritize sunscreen as an essential for both pre-ride and during-ride, ladies!

5. Tall Socks

Consider tall socks as an opportunity to showcase a fun pattern or quirky saying, utilizing the extra fabric compared to your anklets. Beyond style, this additional fabric serves a practical purpose, acting as a buffer against your greasy chain or tall grasses during your bike rides. Find socks made from durable fabric with good stretch for both comfort and functionality.

6. Sunglasses / Eye protection 

We believe in your long-term riding commitment (😘), so safeguarding those pupils is crucial. It's not just the sun you need protection from; it's also debris kicked up when riding—tires and wind can toss up dirt, mud, allergens, bugs, and more. Here are some options:

• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Glasses with clear lenses 
• Sunglasses with transition lenses
• Sunglasses with exchangeable lens for varied riding conditions
• Goggles (mainly for downhill, but since we were making a list 🤷‍♀️. . .) 

7. Gloves

Did you know gloves for MTB are not for warmth but for protection? (Winter riding's a different story - we know.) These lightweight gloves become a crucial part of your gear, especially when you find yourself high-fiving tall grasses, punching through overgrown tallgrass, or catching yourself from gravel if you take a fall. If you work with your hands in your job or hobby, definitely get a pair or two. 

Personal tip: I tend to get hot while climbing, so I skip the gloves uphill, but downhill – always a glove up.

8. Shoes 

Let's talk about shoes – if it's your first few rides, you might not have official MTB shoes, and that's perfectly fine! While dedicated mountain biking shoes offer pedal grip, comfort, sole stiffness, and toe protection, you can use what you have, like a pair of Vans or running shoes. The main difference is that you'll miss out on the rigid sole in mountain bike shoes, which enhances power transfer in your pedal stroke. MTB shoes are akin to rock climbing shoes – a rigid sole which transfers strength from all parts of your foot to propel you forward. Regardless of the shoes you choose for your rides, ensure those laces are securely tied—maybe even double-knotted.

Now that you're dressed and feeling prepared, let's cover a few bonus gear essentials you'll need:

9. Hip-pack or backpack 

Since we cant fit everything in our pockets (cough cough), the best choice is a fanny pack or backpack. Your preference might depend on your stature and items to bring– some prefer the low-sitting convenience of a hip pack, while others opt for the spaciousness of a backpack. Whether it's fixing a flat, carrying a rainjacket, or reaching for an emergency Lara bar, your pack helps you stay prepared on the trail. 

Here are some other items you might want to toss into your pack:

• Multi-tool
• Tire levers (for fixing flats)
• Snacks
• ID
• Phone
• Chapstick
• Travel-size sunscreen
• Rain jacket (if varied weather)
• Picture of your dog
• More snacks

Being prepared on the trail not only benefits you but can also make you a savior for a fellow rider in need. Trail karma points go a long way, as one day you might find yourself needing something from a stranger to keep your ride going.

10. Water

Now, let's talk about staying hydrated—bottle or bladder. Keeping yourself well-hydrated is crucial to having a great ride. Even if you're not breaking a sweat or thirsty, hydration is a must. While I don't have a strict rule or formula for how much water you should bring, I can share a few routines I follow:

• Fill the water bladder all the way up.
• Bring an additional water bottle for the bike mount and add an electrolyte mix.
• For trail rides where I know my water consumption, I'll take one or two water bottles.
• On hot days, I drink a full glass of water while filling up my water vessels, and I bring an extra bottle. Remember, trail karma and having extra water can be a godsend, even if it's not for you.
• Always have a car water bottle. Sometimes your body may surprise you with an unexpected need for more water, and having a backup in the car is reassuring.
• Consider the location and season. While some trailheads may have water, it's wise to check ahead of time, especially if you rely on them for refills. I've encountered out-of-order pumps when I needed them the most, so planning ahead is key. Stay hydrated out there!  

11. Snacks

Let's dive into the critical topic of snacks. Wait, but how did food end up in the last spot? It's practically 90% of mountain biking, whether it's on-trail snacks or post-ride treats. During your ride, it's essential to pack non-perishable and easily packable food. Bars like Lara bars, Cliff bars, and FIG bars are excellent choices, providing both convenience and a calorie boost to keep you energized. I usually stash two bars in my bag. I also like to bring some salty snack for the car ride afterward. 

Pro tip - Fruit snacks are the highest form of trail currency. Bring extra fruit snacks.

Embarking on your first mountain bike ride can be a mix of excitement, curiosity, and uncertainty, but gear concerns should be the least of your worries. This article covers fundamental gear essentials, from helmets to shoes, providing a guide to ensure a successful inaugural ride. Dressing appropriately, understanding gear basics, and being prepared on the trail are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of comfort and functionality. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting, these gear insights will enhance your biking experience.

Enjoy the ride, Babe. XOX