CROSS-COUNTRY KIT

Cross-country riders and racers will look for similar cycling jerseys to those of road riders (see road bike jersey guide or link). These will be cut with a slim-fit to reduce wind drag and the materials will put a focus on breathability and light weight to give riders an edge when it comes to all out speed and efficiency.

Cross-country racers and riders that are riding longer endurance style rides may tend to look for Lycra cycling shorts and bib shorts. These tight-fitting MTB shorts will be more aerodynamic and more efficient on longer rides. On these rides, the challenge may be more in the distance than in the terrain, so safety is sacrificed in the name of comfort. High-end bib shorts and MTB shorts will also have more exact fit and more technically advanced chamois (padding).

XC kits will often have several pockets for carrying food and necessary gear. There is growing trend of incorporating stash pockets in unique areas to provide storage and easy access to essential items. A good example is a nutritional gel pocket on the thigh area of Lycra shorts/bib shorts. Since XC riding and racing can mean lots of time in the saddle, many kits will have additional UV light protection from the sun.

XC MTB JERSEY FEATURES:

• Tight – Slim Fit
• Pockets for easy access to food and repair items
• Breathable materials
• UV Protection

XC MTB SHORTS / BIB SHORTS FEATURES:

• Snug fit using Lycra to conform to the body
• High-end chamois pad to allow for long hours in the saddle
• Additional pockets to carry necessary items
• Materials designed to wick away sweat

TRAIL KIT

Trail riders that like to pedal up the mountain as much as they enjoy the ride down may be looking for a kit that breathes well, but still provide a bit more protection, and fits a bit looser than their XC friends. A trail-oriented kit will offer protective elements but puts a premium on comfort for longer rides over varied terrain. Often these kits will have both a short sleeve and long sleeve or ¾ sleeve MTB jersey option to match your MTB shorts.

Riders that mix up their riding between XC and more aggressive trail riding may look for a slimmer fitting kit that offers a slightly looser fit, but still has lightweight material that will move with the legs during hard pedaling sessions. Some riders find that a Lycra kit looks too “racy” and like the slim-fit loose MTB shorts as a great alternative.

TRAIL MTB JERSEY FEATURES:

• Slim – Loose Fit
• Integrated pockets for easy access to food and repair items
• Breathable materials
• Reinforced areas for abrasion resistance
• Optional ¾ or long sleeve versions

TRAIL MTB SHORTS / BIB SHORTS FEATURES:

• Slim – loose fit with flexible design for pedaling
• Integrated protective panels or features
• Optional integrated chamois liner for comfort while pedaling in the saddle
• Additional pockets to carry necessary items

AGGRESSIVE TRAIL RIDING / ENDURO

Aggressive trail mountain bike clothing will have a more durable construction than the lighter weight XC/trail style. These enduro-style kits trade the lighter weight materials for stronger materials located in strategic locations to protect the rider and add durability. Since this style of riding still involves a lot of pedaling, it is common to find integrated stretchy panels that allow the materials to flex with movement. Mountain bike clothing in this segment may also have additional pockets and a longer and looser fit to accommodate mountain bike knee pads and elbow pads.

ENDURO MTB JERSEY FEATURES:

• Slim – Loose Fit
• Integrated pockets for easy access to food and repair items
• Breathable materials
• Extra reinforced areas for abrasion resistance
• Optional ¾ or long sleeve versions

ENDURO MTB SHORTS / BIB SHORTS FEATURES:

• Slim – loose fit with flexible design for pedaling
• Integrated protective panels or features
• Optional integrated chamois liner for comfort while pedaling in the saddle
• Additional pockets to carry necessary items
• Optional room for slim mountain bike knee pads

GRAVITY / DH

Gravity riders are looking to push the limits on the trails, and need more protection when things get too rowdy. The bikes and protective mountain bike gear they use are focused on extreme riding over challenging terrain. Gravity-oriented kits prioritize durability and protection over breathability, comfort, and aerodynamics.

Few kits can withstand the gnarliest crashes, but tough fabrics can significantly reduce abrasions from trail features. Many of these MTB jerseys and MTB shorts will have reinforced aspects around key areas for better protection, while having more forgiving materials to keep things cool and comfortable. Look for long sleeves or ¾ sleeves in these MTB jerseys with roomier cuts to accommodate body protection. Gravity racer kits will be a much slimmer cut to help with aerodynamics.

GRAVITY MTB JERSEY FEATURES:

• Loose fit (slim fit for racing)
• Reinforced areas for abrasion resistance
• ¾ or long sleeve versions
• Room for elbow pads, and body armor
• Integrated goggle wipe fabric is a cool feature

GRAVITY MTB SHORTS / BIB SHORTS FEATURES:

• Loose fit (slim fit for racing)
• Available in MTB shorts, but very common to ride in moto-style pants for protection
• At least 1 pocket for nutritionals and/or a goggle wipe
• Materials designed to take a hit without tearing and providing protection
• Room for mountain bike knee pads and other protective gear

WET WEATHER MOUNTAIN BIKE CLOTHING

Aggressive trail mountain bike clothing will have a more durable construction than the lighter weight XC/trail style. These enduro-style kits trade the lighter weight materials for stronger materials located in strategic locations to protect the rider and add durability. Since this style of riding still involves a lot of pedaling, it is common to find integrated stretchy panels that allow the materials to flex with movement. Mountain bike clothing in this segment may also have additional pockets and a longer and looser fit to accommodate mountain bike knee pads and elbow pads..