Mountain Biker's Gear for MTB
The mountain bike gear gathered here outfits and protects the mountain biker from head to toe: visored or full-face helmets, shoes for cleats or flat pedals, knee pads, shorts, gloves, and a front seat for kids, from Abus, Leatt, Met, Northwave, Shimano, Quoc, Giro, 7iDP or Shotgun. Everything you need for cross-country, enduro, downhill or family rides on the trails.
Well protected and well shod, you feel braver on the trails.
Mountain Bike Helmet: Visor, Full Face, and Rotational Protection
The mountain bike helmet sits lower on the back of the head than a road helmet and features an adjustable visor to shield against branches and low sun. The Met Crossover, with an open shell, is suitable for hiking and cross-country. For enduro and bike parks, the full face helmet adds a chin guard to protect the jaw: the Abus YouDrop FF comes in a child size for young downhill riders.
The MIPS system, a thin internal shell that slides a few millimeters during an angled impact, reduces the rotational forces transmitted to the brain. Any helmet should be replaced after a severe fall, even if there are no visible cracks.
Mountain Bike Shoes: SPD, Flat, or Winter
Shoes for clipless pedals accommodate a two-hole SPD cleat recessed into the treaded sole: they allow you to pedal securely while walking without slipping when you need to push the bike. The Shimano cross-country models, the Northwave Magma XC Rock, and the Quoc GT XC with laces are part of this family, with a sole that is more or less stiff depending on the desired efficiency.
For flat pedals, a soft rubber sole, without a cleat, grips the pins and allows for free foot placement. In winter, the Northwave Himalaya, a high-top and insulated model, keeps feet warm and dry in mud and cold.
Knee Pads, Shorts, and Gloves for Trail Riding
The mountain bike knee pad should protect without hindering pedalling. The 7iDP Transition, flexible and ventilated, can be worn all day, including climbs, and comes in child sizes for young riders. It slips under a baggy short, like the Giro Arc, which has a sturdy fabric that withstands rubbing against branches and sliding on gravel.
Long gloves improve grip on wet grips and protect the palm in case of a fall. A loose-fitting breathable mesh jersey, with short or long sleeves, completes the outfit and allows a slim back protection to fit underneath.
The Selection
Mountain bike gear is organised by type:
- Mountain Bike Helmets.
- Mountain Bike Shoes.
- Protective Gear.
- Jerseys.
- Shorts and Bibs.
- Pants.
- Jackets.
- Gloves.
- Shoe Covers.
- Socks.
- Textile Accessories.
Other gear, road, BMX, urban, electronic, nutrition, accessories, can be found on the equipment page.
Taking a Young Child on Your Mountain Bike
The front seat Shotgun attaches to the top tube of the frame and positions the child between the parent's arms, sitting on a small saddle, with their feet on footrests. It allows for sharing easy trails with a child around two to five years old, who holds their own little handlebar and sees the path ahead.
A helmet is mandatory in France for children under twelve, whether they are passengers or riders, since March 22, 2017. For a child who pedals on their own, models with a dial, like those from Abus or Leatt, adjust to their head size and accommodate their growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clip in and unclip a mountain bike shoe?
You engage the front of the cleat into the pedal, then push down with your heel until it clicks. To release, a quick rotation of the heel outward is enough; start with a low spring tension and practice while stationary.
How do you choose the size of a mountain bike helmet?
Measure the head circumference one centimetre above the eyebrows and choose the size that frames it. When properly adjusted, the helmet should not tilt forward or backward, and the strap should allow one finger to fit under the chin.
What protective gear do you need to start enduro?
A full face or chin bar helmet, soft knee pads, and long gloves form the basic setup. A back protector, integrated into a vest or bag, is added for steeper descents and bike park days.
Chamois shorts or baggy shorts for mountain biking?
Baggy shorts, worn over a chamois-lined undershort, better absorb friction and leave room for knee pads. Fitted shorts are more efficient in cross-country where every gram and every bit of friction counts.
How do you care for mountain bike shoes after a muddy ride?
Remove mud with warm water and a soft brush, avoiding machine washing which damages adhesives and closures. They should air dry, stuffed with newspaper, away from radiators that could harden the upper and sole.
