Everyone learns to ride their bike with a flat pedal, the classic pedal type made of aluminum with a large platform and a series of pins to hold your feet properly. Because of how easy it is to learn and disengage, these pedals are typically the go-to choice for beginners. 

After a while, many mountain bikers switch to clipless or clip-in pedals, especially if they're planning to take on some challenging terrains. You clip your shoe into the pedals, which significantly up your pedaling efficiency and power. Besides that, you can also set your seat height with a high level of accuracy since your feet are stuck to the same spot. 

At the end of the day, you should pick your pedals and mountain bike shoes based on your riding style. That said, the general rule is to not make the jump from a flat pedal to clipless pedals too quickly since that prevents you from honing your cycling skills. It might also be dangerous if you couldn't jump off your bike quickly after an accident.

Although you can use a road cycling shoe or sneakers with flat pedals, it's much better to wear a flat pedal shoe. 

Flat shoes are a versatile option for casual mountain bikers who like to ride and walk during their excursions. With a sticky rubber outsole, it provides a better grip on your pedals. Besides that, these shoes also typically have a firm midsole and often include some impact-absorbing material to protect your heel and toes. 

Wearing the best flat shoes inspires beginners' and experts' confidence since you're not clipped into the flat pedal. If you're involved in an accident, you can jump off quickly without worrying about going down with your bike. Besides that, these shoes offer no assistance, meaning you can perfect your fundamental riding techniques. 

On the flip side, your feet inevitably bounce off the pedals on bumps, which makes it much harder to pedal through challenging terrains and uphills. Besides that, your shoe could be prematurely damaged by the flat pedal pins. Not to mention how painful it is when you hit your shins on the pedals.

A clipless cycling shoe is made to clip onto the pedals so that you can make full use of your pedaling. There are a few cleat systems that you can fit to the pedal, like two-bolt or three-bolt cleats. However, it's important to remember that the cleat comes with the pedals instead of the shoe-you'd have to fit the cleat to the shoe yourself. 

Since your feet are clipped to the pedals, all you need is a firm upstroke or two to keep your pace on challenging terrain. Not only that, but you'd also reduce the risk of injury since your feet move with the pedals.

The downside of using clipless shoes is that you won't be able to roam freely off-bike with the cleat pattern on your soles. Because of this, you'd have to bring an extra pair of shoes, adding extra bulk and weight to your backpack.

Sole Construction

The sole is arguably the most critical part of MTB shoes. Most of these shoes are typically made of nylon or carbon fiber, depending on your riding style or what you need. 

Nylon soles are typically found in entry-level or urban shoes because they're more cost-effective. Because of their flexibility, they are ideal for both walking and cycling. A carbon outsole, however, helps you pedal faster and longer by prioritizing power transfer and efficiency. The stiff sole allows you to conquer difficult-to-ride terrains like steep hills and rocky trails. 

Comfort

When you're on the trail, you'd want your bike comfort to be as high as possible. Heat causes your feet to expand and blood to pool as you ride, which is why having comfortable shoes is extremely important. Not only does it reduce the risk of injury, but you'd also be able to go further. 

Most mountain bike shoes are made of durable and breathable synthetic materials. A knitted upper allows a lot of airflow through your shoe, making it suitable for warmer and more humid climates. If you're planning to ride in colder temperatures, you should choose a well-insulated shoe to protect your feet from low temperatures, debris, and water. 

Closure System

• Lace: A classic closure system, lace offers a balance of upper foot comfort, adjustability, and lightness. However, they're hard to adjust when you're riding, which might mean more stops during your excursions. 
• Velcro Straps: They offer a lot of on-the-go adjustability, which is a valuable thing in mountain biking. However, it's not uncommon for the velcro to lose its grip after a year or so.  
• Rotary Dials: Rotary dials are one of the most popular closure systems since they offer many on-the-fly adjustments while offering a quick-release option. The downside is that they tend not to play too well with overshoes, making them somewhat unsuitable for cycling in colder temperatures. The Boa S3 Snap Dial is one of the most popular rotary dials on the market. 
• Soft Instep Closure System: Made by SIDI, the soft instep closure system consists of a strap surrounded by soft and durable rubber that prevents the straps from digging into the instep of your foot. That being said, they tend to get worn after about a year, although you can change them yourself.

Other Features

• Toe cap: Like toe protection on work boots, toe caps protect your toes from tough tree roots, giant boulders, and any other obstacles that might damage your toes. 
• Waterproofing: Not every pair of mountain bike shoes come with waterproofing. But if you're planning to cycle a lot in rainy areas, having a shoe made of waterproof materials would work wonders on the trail as they prevent your feet from getting wet and soaked. 
• Reflective Features: When you're riding under low-light conditions, you'd want to make sure that you can be seen. Bright and reflective footwear can alert other mountain bikers of your position and reduce the chance of creating an accident. 

A pair of mountain bike shoes can check all the requirements of your list but would still mean nothing if you don't have the right fit. Without the perfect fit, you won't reap all the benefits of using a good shoe. Worse, you might even be hindered by shoes that are just a little too tight. 

When selecting your shoe, you need to make sure that they fit in length, forefoot width and provide a snug hold at the heel. You can use a size chart to choose the best cycling shoe, but it's still much better to go to a shop and try them on. 

That's because cycling shoes come in varying widths and shapes even though they're from the same brand. Some would have a narrower heel for slippage prevention, while others provide a wider toe box for splayed toes. If your feet' shape and size are more unusual, you can also opt for shoes with adjustable soles that you can customize to fit the contour of your feet. 

Another thing you should do when buying mountain bike shoes is to wear cycling-specific socks when trying on the shoe. Cycling socks are usually thinner than regular socks, which could affect the fit when you're riding on the trails.

Cross-Country (XC) Helmet

Cross-country helmets, also known as XC helmets, are the lightest and most breathable helmet type. If you're planning to coast down flowy singletrack, these helmets are a breeze and a pleasure to ride in. However, they don't do very well in gnarly downhills since they offer almost no protection from obstacles. 

Downhill Helmet

On the other end of the spectrum, you have downhill helmets that provide a ton of heavy-duty protection. If you're a downhill rider, you prioritize speed, and the last thing you want is to be smacked in the head by a branch as you zip down the mountain trails. 

The full face helmet is very popular among enduro and racing bikers because it offers extra coverage and protection with a sturdy unibody shell and visor. The downside is that it can get boiling inside, making this type of helmet unsuitable for longer rides. That said, many cyclists keep a full face helmet on hand anyway for more rigorous rides and use a lighter one as their primary helmet. 

Some opt for a full-face helmet with a removable chin bar to convert it to a helmet with more ventilation when they don't need so much protection. However, that does come with a pretty hefty price tag.

Trail Helmet

A trail helmet is an ideal compromise between the lightweight XC design and the full coverage downhill helmets. It offers a good amount of coverage around the temples, sides, and the back of your head while providing plenty of ventilation. 

A higher-end trail helmet also includes an adjustable visor and soft interior padding for extra protection and comfort for longer, more challenging rides. Because of its versatility, it's usually the go-to model for beginner and expert mountain bikers alike. 

A helmet's main job is to provide impact protection by absorbing impact energy and distributing the load evenly. 

Mountain biking helmets are made from Expanded Polystyrene(EPS) foam that compresses on impact. The EPS liner serves two purposes-cushioning the blow and distributing the force of the crash. Since the foam could split, helmet manufacturers use a hard, smooth outer shell to keep everything in place. Besides protecting your head from puncture-type accidents, the shell slides on the ground to protect you from jerky movements that could cause nasty neck injuries. 

Impact Protection Systems

Modern-day mountain biking helmets are constantly improving since safety is the number one concern for most mountain bikers. That's why many bike gear manufacturers include innovative impact protection technologies made to prevent further head injuries in an accident. 

One of the most popular mountain bike helmet systems is a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS). A MIPS helmet uses a thin plastic lining inside the helmet that pivots the shell ever so slightly during impact to reduce any twisting forces delivered to your head. 

Finding the perfect fit is critical to ensure maximum effectiveness during an impact. It's also for your general comfort since mountain biking is already a physically demanding sport-you don't need your helmet to make it harder for you. 

When your helmet is too loose, it flops around your head and makes riding on a rough trail a harrowing experience. But if it's too tight, it constricts your head, and you might end up with a pounding headache at the end of the day. 

That's why it's essential to buy a helmet that fits perfectly. Theoretically, all models use a one-size-fits-all across all brands. But if you're into serious riding, you should invest in a helmet that comes in multiple sizes or a more sophisticated fit system. 

Helmet sizes are based on the broadest part of your head, which is approximately an inch above your eyebrows. The ideal way to measure your head is, of course, using a measuring tape. Try to keep the tape as level as possible and above your ears. You should also use a mirror to check and re-measure a few times to ensure that your numbers are good. 

A well-fitting helmet sits level on your head and feels snug without any retention systems in place. When trying on the helmet, push the helmet from side to side and back to front. The helmet should not tilt or move too much when you fiddle with it.

Ventilation

It's inevitable to sweat buckets when you're on your mountain bike. That's why no matter which design you choose, you should always pick one that includes plenty of air vents in the helmet. The more air vents there are, the easier it is to disperse hot air and the cooler you'll feel on the trails. 

But ventilation isn't just about the number of vents on your helmet. There are also multiple factors involved, including the padding thickness and the MIPS liner inside the helmet. Even though they provide comfort and protection, they also tend to interrupt the airflow. 

Weight

Think about it—how does it feel to wear a bowling ball on your head when cycling down rough mountain trails? 

While extra protection might feel more critical initially, the heavier helmet might put a lot of stress on your neck and shoulders. On the other hand, there's no point in wearing a full-face helmet over the much sleeker and lighter XC helmet when you're doing some casual riding, so pick one that suits your preferred riding style the best.

Padding And Comfort

You're going to wear the bicycle helmet for an extended time, so you have to make sure you're 100% comfortable in it. 

Padding does more than just provide comfort—like the chin strap, it also keeps your helmet in place for maximum impact protection. Not only that, but it should also provide enough ventilation to keep you cool on the trail. Some helmets even come with a machine-washable removable liner to make them more hygienic. You can also add more padding to make it as thick or thin as you want it. 

Retention System

The retention system has evolved beyond the straps under your chin. Now, most modern helmet designs include an additional retention system behind your head that can be adjusted to fine-tune your fit. 

There are a few variations-older models use a thumbwheel while others use more advanced fasteners like the glove-compatible Fidlock Magnetic Buckle. Regardless, you should always ensure that you can adjust the retention system with one hand while you're riding. 

Higher-end helmets also offer some height adjustment for the perfect head fit. You can try to fit a cotton cap under the helmet and retention system to see if it suits you. You should also remember that retention systems are meant to keep the helmet on your head in a crash. If it takes too much adjusting for the helmet to fit you, it most likely doesn't. 

Women-Specific Features

Most of the helmets on the market are unisex, but certain women-specific features might make your riding trip more comfortable. For one, women's bike helmets have smaller diameter sizes and are typically more colorful. Besides that, some also provide ponytail support for long hair. 

Don't worry-these helmets are only optimized to make life easier for women. The impact protection technology and safety protection aren't compromised.

1. Can climbing helmets be used as biking helmets?

No, since climbing helmets and biking helmets are built based on different specifications. Climbing helmets are designed to spread the impact of falling rocks and debris across your entire skull. They won't do very well when a rock or branch comes hurling at high speed. 

An MTB helmet, however, is designed to take the impact from flying debris. Not only that, but they go through several rounds of rigorous safety checks to ensure their effectiveness against trail obstacles. 

2. How much should I spend on mountain bike helmets?

Mountain bike helmets are available in an extensive price range. You can find cheaper helmets from $20 onwards or higher-ends that start at $60. It depends on the helmet material and its features. For example, carbon fiber composite is the most durable and lightest helmet material, but it is often more expensive than plastic. You would also need to pay more for advanced safety features and other bells and whistles.  

For some mountain bikers, saddle sore is the push they needed to transition into padded bike shorts. Even if your saddle is cushioned, you’d inevitably suffer from these painful lesions without a pair of padded shorts. 

Padded bike shorts form a layer of cushioning between your nether regions, rear, and saddle. Not only do they protect you from saddle sores, but they also relieve some pressure from your lower half. Besides that, the padding in the bike shorts also absorbs the vibrations from your bike tires that could cause soreness and pain.  

The chamois is the star of the show as it provides all the benefits you get from wearing biker shorts. Simply put, it’s the final line of defense between your nether regions and the saddle. 

Chamois are typically made with foam, gel padding, and a soft fabric cover. But, no matter what type of fabric cover it uses, it’s made of an antibacterial material to prevent urinary tract infection. Not only that, but the chamois pad is specifically designed to wick sweat and moisture away from your body.

Mountain Bike Shorts (MTB Shorts)

MTB shorts are typically baggier and feature many practical design choices that a mountain biker would find helpful. They are made of rugged but lightweight nylon fabric that provides better protection and ventilation. They also come with many pockets.

• Best Mountain bike shorts: Bontrager Rhythm ($80) 

The Bontrager Rhythm is built to withstand rough trails with durable but lightweight materials. Besides that, they also have plenty of smartly placed pockets (two front ones, one below your hip, and a small zippered thigh pocket) and a secure buckle system to help fine-tune your fit. The 14” inseam falls below the knee for many MTB riders, giving you the option to add knee pads if you want to. 

Road Shorts/ Waist Shorts

Road shorts, or waist shorts, are the tight-fitting shorts that most people think of when we bring up cycling shorts. They are typically made of Lycra or some other moisture-wicking and breathable synthetic materials. Not only that, but the design also reduces wind speed and provides more aerodynamics, making them perfect for racing. 

Road bike shorts are generally cheaper and often a good ‘first cycling short’ option for those new to the sport. You can quickly put them on and take them off since they are secured with an elastic waistband. The downside is that the waistband might cut into your waist on longer rides. 

• Best road shorts for men: Baleaf Men’s 3D Padded Pants Tights ($29.99)

The Baleaf Men’s 3D Padded Pants Tights strike a good compromise between performance, fit, durability, and price tag. They use a stretchy, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric with reflective details to increase visibility. Not only that, but it also comes equipped with silicone leg grippers to hold the shorts in place.

• Best women’s cycling shorts: Samsara Performance 9” Short ($149)

As a women-led company, Samsara has tons of experience designing women’s shorts. The Performance 9” Short has an 11” chamois, making cycling for long hours extremely comfortable. It also uses a mesh-like inner layer to encase the chamois to avoid abrasions from the seams. These durable yet fashionable shorts are available in four colors. 

Cycling Bib Shorts

Bib shorts have bib straps attached to the main body of the shorts. Since they are usually more comfortable and fit better, these are a must-have in every serious cyclists’ kit. 

The bib straps hold up your shorts to eliminate the possibility of having a tough piece of fabric at your waist digging into your stomach. It’s also nearly impossible for them to slip off, so you don’t have to worry about exposing yourself to your fellow cyclists behind you. Not only that, but the straps also keep the chamois in place to reduce any blisters or unwanted chafing. 

The downside to these shorts is that they make emergency toilet breaks a bit more complicated as there’s an extra step of taking them off. They could also be too hot to wear during hot days since heat and sweat accumulate under the straps. 

• Best bib shorts for men: Giordana Men’s FR-C Pro Bib Short ($250) 

The Giordana Men’s FR-C Pro Bib Short is explicitly made for high-mileage rides and races. It uses a blend of Lycra panels on different parts of your shorts to provide the most benefits. For example, it has anti-abrasion for the seat and inner leg with compressive Lycra on the front and sides. In addition, the upper part of the bib is constructed of breathable mesh to prevent overheating during long rides.

• Best bib shorts for women: Pearl Izumi Women’s Pursuit Attack Bib Short ($80)

The Pursuit Attack Bib offers moderate compression throughout the leg for better blood circulation and a wide silicon edge to the leg to keep your shorts from riding up. Not only that, but they also have a lot of stretches to accommodate different body types. They have a drop-tail design in the back that makes mid-ride nature calls a lot more pleasant and faster. These shorts are cut from recycled polyester, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for nature lovers. 

Ideal Fabrics To Look For

Most padded bike shorts use synthetic materials since these materials typically dry faster, keep sweat away from your body, and prevent bacteria from growing. 

Nylon and polyester are two of the most commonly used materials in cycling shorts—nylon being the more rugged of the two. But regardless of the primary material, the most comfortable pair of biking shorts are blends that contain at least 15% spandex. That’s because spandex offers stretch and compression while holding up to the abrasions of the cycling motion against your bike seat. The higher the spandex content, the more stretchable it’ll be. 

Lycra bike shorts are also great since they stay in place no matter how much you move. This limits abrasions and keeps you more comfortable when you’re cycling. Not only that, but they also shed heat very quickly and wicks moisture away. 

Pockets

Although you keep most of your gear in your backpack, you’d still need pockets on your shorts. You can store your trail map, energy bars, some cash, or even your phone if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous. 

There are three different orientations of pockets for MTB shorts. Side cargo pockets are usually more spacious, making them perfect for holding bulkier items like your phone or wallet. Front slash pockets are located at your waist, while rear-center pockets are below your waistband. 

Tightness

We get it—you might not feel the most comfortable in skin-tight cycling shorts. But having your shorts adhere to your skin brings a few more benefits, like increasing your aerodynamics and speed while reducing the chances of being caught in a rogue branch. 

Regardless, the most important thing when it comes to tightness is how comfortable you feel in them. If you’re more comfortable with baggy shorts, you can opt for loose cycling shorts with built-in leg gripper-elastic bands at the leg of your pants with silicon on them to prevent your shorts from riding up. 

Inseam Length

Inseam is the length of your shorts from your crotch to the end of the leg opening. As a general rule of thumb, you should choose shorts that end slightly above your knee. That’s because you need your shorts to protect your inner thighs from rubbing against the saddle. In colder weather, you can wear cycling shorts that are padded down to the legs. 

Chamois Thickness

Like we’ve mentioned before, the chamois is the most critical part of padded cycling shorts. They can be made from fabric, foams, and gels to offer optimal cushioning and shock absorption. 

Typically, thicker and denser pad linings are made of 3D gel padding and are better for longer rides. Besides that, they should also be carefully placed to optimize your cycling position. 

Panels And Construction

Cycling shorts are made of panels that contour the shorts to fit properly on your body when you’re cycling. As a general rule of thumb, the more panels your shorts have, the more curved they are and the more natural they feel. 

The panels aren’t the only thing that matters—construction is essential too. For example, when buying cycling shorts, you should look for flatlock stitching that feels smooth against your skin. That’s because raised seams can cause painful pressure points and abrasions from the cycling motion. 

Less expensive shorts usually have a 6-panel design, while higher-end shorts can go up to 12 panels. However, there are new designs that use stretch fabrics that fit pretty well without the paneling design.

Your bike shorts can handle a lot on the trail, but their lifespan might be severely shortened by strong detergent and unforgiving washing machine cycles. 

We know that hand washing your gear is the last thing on your mind after a tiring biking trip. However, you should always hand wash your shorts to maximize the number of uses you get from your shorts. Not only that, you should soak your shorts in cold, soapy water to rid your shorts of all the bacteria from sweat after gently rubbing them in mild detergent. 

Lycra and sweat are not best friends, and your shorts will erode after marinating in your sweat for too long. If you don’t have time, you should rinse your shorts with cold water and let them air dry until you hand wash them. 

Alternatively, you can get machine-safe shorts that you can pop into the washer. Before putting your shorts in a delicate cycle, make sure to put them in a laundry bag to protect them from zippers, velcro, and the metal drum of the washing machine.

With a rough sport like mountain biking, you're bound to fall or injure yourself no matter how careful you are. That's why gloves are so essential: to ensure that your hands are kept free from pain even in the event of a horrible crash. 

Besides that, mountain cyclists are also prone to nerve damage from the impact of riding your bike. Wearing a padded mountain bike glove can drastically dampen the vibrations and shocks to your hand and subsequently minimize nerve damage. It's also much more comfortable to ride with gloves, allowing you to go on long bike trips.

On sunny afternoons, you might lose some control over your bike from sweaty palms. MTB gloves (mountain biking gloves) are made to absorb sweat while keeping your hands dry when cycling, which allows you to grip onto the handlebars for extended periods without losing control. Not only that, but some gloves even have a built-in soft towel on the thumb to quickly dab off sweat from your forehead on an intense excursion.

Fit

Your hands do a lot of heavy lifting when you're biking, so you'd want to make sure that the fit is perfect. One of the most important factors to consider is getting the right size, but since every brand varies from size to size, the best way to know your size is by measuring your hand.  

If your gloves are too tight, they will restrict your movements and cause some severe chafing. But if they're too loose, they might get caught on branches or affect your grip and control. The webbing between your fingers should also be taut. 

Try making a fist with your hands with the gloves on—if you can't do it, it's way too tight. But if it bunches up in your hand, it's too loose.  

Comfort Level

Small, well-made interior seams make all the difference in the comfort level of a good MTB glove. Conversely, poor seam placements create hotspots and blisters that could make your ride a living hell. This is why high-end brands often find clever ways to keep the seams away from the fingertips where they could potentially distract you. 

Look for breathability and comfort in the fabric itself. MTB gloves can be constructed with a range of different materials—whether it's polyester, synthetic leather, or lycra. Other riders prefer different fabrics, so make sure that your gloves can absorb sweat and let out the heat. For winter gloves, make sure that they have good insulation to keep your blood flowing. 

Touchscreen Compatibility

Touchscreen compatibility has become a common feature in cycling-specific gloves to make it more convenient for bikers to check their phones during their trip.

That being said, it could be a hit or miss as some designs and materials seem to work better. There's no single style that consistently performs better than the rest, so try out different brands to see how well they do for you. 

Durability

Between constant contact with the handlebars, encounters with branches, and protecting you from crashes, your gloves must be able to handle some abuse. 

Durability is essential, as your gloves should at least last an entire season without falling apart. Besides choosing a pair of gloves made of durable fabric, you should also check if there are reinforcements in easily breakable parts like the webbing between the fingers and the palm. 

Grip

Sweaty hands and handlebars are not a good combination. Besides being uncomfortable, you'd also lose control over your bike, which can be challenging when you're zipping down the trail. 

Wearing gloves is great for grip on multiple levels. Some are built with a silicone grip on the thumb so that you can hold onto the bars better. Some are made of breathable material to prevent sweaty palms. Besides that, gloves with the optimal shape and fit for your hand would also help you perform better. 

If you have bigger hands, you might appreciate a thicker grip that prevents your hands from slipping. It would also help facilitate better gear shifting and braking. 

Padding

Some bikers don't like gloves with a padded palm since they can be uncomfortable from trapping too much heat. Others prefer it for its shock-absorption properties. So it really depends on how you feel when you wear the gloves. 

Another important factor to consider is nerve damage prevention. You might experience some hand numbness or tingling when you ride for an extended time. This condition is so common that it's even called 'Cyclist's Palsy'! 

You can minimize the damage from this with well-thought-out gel padding. Each gel pad should be positioned over the major nerves on your hand to provide maximum cushioning without completely dampening vibrations from your bike. It should also relieve pressure on your hand while you're riding. If you're on a budget, you can opt for a glove with foam padding. 

Both the fingerless cycling glove and its full-fingered counterpart have their own strengths and weaknesses. 

Fingerless gloves are much more breathable but provide a lot less security. However, for mountain bikers who need a lot more protection, full-fingered gloves might be preferable. They also provide extra grip for dangerous downhill rides and extra insulation for colder temperatures up in the mountains. 

Ultimately, it depends where you usually ride your bike. If you don't intend to ride for long, fingerless gloves might be your solution. But for longer distances and colder climates, full-fingered cycling gloves are the way to go.

Although brands race to produce the best gloves, your choice should adapt to the demands of your trip. What one biker considers the best might not be your cup of tea and vice versa. 

The most important thing to consider is what you need from it. For example, if you do a lot of cross-country riding, you should consider lightweight gloves that absorb a good amount of vibration and sweat. But if you're into enduro riding, you should opt for long gloves with gel pads on the palm to relieve pressure from your hand.

Besides that, you should also consider the amount of protection you need from your gloves. Downhill racers would naturally need more heavy-duty protection than trail riders. This also applies in special cases like in kids' bike gloves.

Since gloves are sized differently across brands, the most secure way to ensure that your fit is to measure your hand. 

Measure from the tip of your longest finger towards the base of your palm to determine how long your glove should be. You should also wrap the tape measure on the widest part of your palm and make a fist before you take the measurement. This will help you figure out your width. Using these measurements, you can accurately determine your glove size.

Although you can wear your favorite activewear when riding, mountain bike clothing can go a long way in making your ride more comfortable and safe. 

Like dressing for any occasion, you should pick your clothing based on the weather, temperature, and environment. For example, if you're heading off in the mountains, you should wear or pack heavy-duty clothes and warm socks for the cold. But if you're doing a short ride, you can get away with a simple t-shirt and shorts.

MTB Shorts

Although you can wear a regular pair of pants, they might hinder your movement and end up causing muscle fatigue or cramps. So when choosing the best mountain bike shorts, you must consider what cycling style you want to do.

For cross-country bikers, you'd want a pair of baggy shorts for maximum ventilation and movement. However, if downhill riding is more up to your speed, you should choose shorts made of durable material with bigger leg openings for your knee pads. 

Like MTB jerseys, MTB shorts are made of breathable synthetic materials. Not only that, but it also offers just enough room for easy leg movement without getting caught in your surroundings. 

The padded section of your bike shorts is the most critical part of MTB shorts. Also called a chamois, this padded crotch liner is made with foam of varying density to cater to different rides. Besides alleviating pressure in your nether regions, it also provides a friction-fighting fabric with antimicrobial properties to prevent chafing and bacteria.

Some padded shorts come with removable chamois so that you can sub in a thicker or thinner one, depending on your ride. They also ride higher at the back to cover your butt when you're riding.

Socks

As a general rule of thumb, your cycling socks should be thin enough to fit into your shoe and long enough to protect your legs from trail hazards. It would be best to opt for socks made of merino wool, nylon, or polyester since these materials wick away sweat and moisture. 

Besides looking cool, mountain biker socks might have extra features that amp up their sweat management and thermal balance properties. Cycling socks also tend to be thicker than normal ones, which makes them ideal for colder temperatures. Not only that, but some socks have anti-micro bacterial properties that prevent your feet from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

The most important thing is comfort and fit. Your socks should be snug since you don't want to cut off your blood circulation accidentally, but anything else is up to you and your cycling needs.

Shoes

Any comfortable shoe that you use for running and hiking would work for mountain biking. But if your love for mountain biking grows (and it probably would), it's better to invest in a pair of good mountain biking shoes. 

Beginner mountain bikers often start with flatter and stiffer MTB sneakers with a sticky rubber sole. This gives you more comfort and security since the shoe sticks to the flat pedal and allows you to dab your foot a little when things get wild on the trail. 

As you become a better rider, you might want to consider clipless mountain bike shoes. These shoes have cleats that clip onto your clipless pedals, keeping your feet in place while you're bouncing on the trail. This gives you a great deal of comfort and security even on the roughest terrains.

Peloton offers its own in-house branded apparel collection. They have also partnered up with a number of fitness and lifestyle brands to expand their offering. They sell Peloton-branded apparel from Nike, Lululemon, WITH, Beyond Yoga, Oliver Thomas, and Spiritual Gangster. 

Peloton has recently joined forces with Adidas to produce an apparel line of lifestyle and performance wear. The pieces were created in collaboration with Peloton instructors Ally Love, Cody Rigsby, and Robin Arzón.

Peloton’s apparel store (both online and brick-and-mortar Peloton showrooms) is called The Peloton Boutique. Here you can purchase Peloton branded merchandise, including fitness wear and accessories. The Peloton apparel store offers Peloton branded clothing along with items from their partner companies.

The Adidas X Peloton range is available on the Adidas and Peloton websites and in certain Adidas and Peloton retail stores.

Peloton does not offer warranties on its apparel. They also do not offer exchanges with the exception of their shoes – because their products sell out too fast. However, you can return an item within 30 days of the original purchase date. Items that are being returned should not have been worn or washed and should have the original tags attached. Purchases made with a referral code that is returned will be refunded with another referral code.

Because Peloton has partnered up with different brands, the sizing of their workout apparel differs. You may need a Small in one brand and an Extra Large in another. Peloton has a size chart on every product page. Alternatively, suppose you already own a piece of clothing from a specific brand, like Lululemon. In that case, you can use that to gauge the size that you need.

For example, the Adidas range includes sizes between Extra Small and 2x Extra Large in men, women, and unisex styles.

Hydration is vital, especially while you are working out on your Peloton bike. Having a water bottle close by will make staying hydrated easier. Squirt, fast flow, or pour water bottles that are easy to open are more convenient than bottles with screw caps.

Your water bottle should be large enough to hold enough fluid for longer or more intense Peloton rides, or you may need two bottles. While Peloton bikes have two water bottle holders, they are narrow, and you may struggle to fit larger bottles into them. Taller and slimmer water bottles work better if you want to place them in your Peloton water bottle holders.

Cycling shoes, including shoes that you could use with your exercise bike, come in a wide variety of different designs and sizes. They have specialized cleats on the soles (near the front of the shoe) that clips onto the pedals. These make for a more effective, comfortable, and safer ride. Cleats come in two main types: Look Delta cleats and SPD cleats.

Spending a lot of time in the saddle is likely to leave you with a sore bum, especially when you are just starting out. Honestly, even veteran Peloton riders still get sore bums after long rides. Luckily, there are various ways to make your ride more comfortable.

Padded cycling shorts or leggings have padded inserts around your bottom. These inserts usually contain high-density foam, silicone gel, or a combination of the two. They often come in different thicknesses to provide different levels of padding.

A heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate during your workout. In fact, many heart rate monitors can also track the intensity of your workout, the distance that you have cycled, and how many calories you have burned.

You could purchase a Peloton heart rate monitor when you order your Peloton bike. However, Peloton accessories are not always shipped with the indoor bike. This means that you may only receive your accessories after you have received your bike or the other way around. Peloton bikes are compatible with most heart rate monitors that have ANT+ technology. ANT+ is a wireless technology that allows data sharing between different devices regardless of their brand.

A dedicated sweat towel (or two) is handy to wipe sweaty handlebars and sweaty bodies. Wiping down your handlebars (and your body) during your workout will make your workout more comfortable and safer. Microfiber towels work great. You could also opt for a towel that is specifically designed to fit over your Peloton handlebars. These sweat towels keep your hands (and handlebars) from getting sweaty while eliminating the need to wipe them mid-cycle.

Once you've decided to purchase a truck bed bike rack, you'll want to be sure that you purchase one that fits your bicycle and truck's specifications. Some of the bike rack options available include:

• Fork Mount Rack Or Wheel Mount Truck Bed Bike Rack: These are similar to a rooftop bicycle car rack, but with one key difference. These bike racks fit in the bed of your truck. A fork-mounted rack is where your bicycle's front wheel is removed to fit on the rack system. With a wheel mount rack, the wheel stays on your bike. You may need to directly bolt the rack to your truck's bed or install a bolt-on track with both mount styles. One of the main benefits of a fork mount rack or a wheel mount is that they are very secure, and you never have to worry about your bike bouncing or falling out on a bumpy road. This kind of mount system typically fits two or three bikes side by side in your truck bed. Fork Mount racks are also great because even when bolted to your truck, they don't get in the way if you want to put other things in the bed of your truck. 

• Tailgate Bike Pads: A tailgate pad bike carrier can quickly be taken on and off of your tailgate and can easily hold multiple bikes, up to seven at a time! To attach it to your truck, you just strap the pad to your tailgate and place the front fork and front tire of your bike over the top of the tailgate, and the rest of the bicycle is secure in your pickup truck bed. The padding will prevent your bicycle from rubbing against the metal and wearing it down or scratching the paint. If you're driving down an incredibly windy road, most of the tailgate bike pads also have velcro straps to hold the fork in place.

While a bike rack itself won't prevent a bike from being stolen, a bike lock can safely secure and protect your bicycle. If your truck bike racks don't come with a locking mechanism, make sure to buy an additional lock kit or a strap to tie down your bike.

It entirely depends on the kind of truck bed bike rack you buy. Typically though, it only takes a few minutes to install the bike rack since all you need to do is place the bar between the truck bed and put it between the tailgate.

Since a truck bed bike rack is designed for trucks, it can fit in any truck bed type. The only problem you may run into is the length of your bicycle. If you're having issues fitting your bike in your truck bed, you can put the bike in the pickup truck at an angle and keep the front wheel in place. Worst case scenario, you can remove the wheel from your bicycle so it can easily fit in your truck bed.

You'll want to be sure to be aware of a few things before purchasing your truck bed bike rack.

• Weight: Keep an eye out for the weight restrictions on your new bike rack. While most of them can carry one or more road or mountain bikes easily, they may not carry multiple recumbent, cargo, or tandem bikes. So, if you have one of these specialty bikes, make sure you purchase a bike carrier designed for them. One way you can reduce the weight of your bike is by removing the bike's seat and pedals, although this can quickly become a hassle if you do a lot of driving and unloading your bike in a day as you visit different trails. If you need to remove any part of your bike, like the seat or even the bike tire, you can leave it in your truck's bed and tie it down with bungee cords or a rope.

• Wheel size: Most bike racks can easily fit a normal-sized bicycle wheel, but if your wheel is larger than 29 inches, it may not quite fit snugly on your new bike rack.
  

Water Bottles

Water bottles may seem like a funny or insignificant thing to upgrade, but it’s totally worth treating yourself to a better water bottle since you’ll be using it (or should be using it) on every ride.

This doesn’t mean you have to go super fancy, but there are some pretty great water bottles out there on the market to help you on your way to a fun ride and easy hydration.

Cleats

For excellent foot to pedal contact, treat yourself to some pretty sweet bike cleats. Even if your bike doesn’t come with cleats intact, you can always use cleats that have been sold separately and clip them on with kits. You won’t regret it once you feel how amazing the push off is with brand new cleats. Now you’re going to want to get shoes to match. Totally optional, though.

Bike Cleaner

You’re going to need a good bike cleaner in order to keep your new gear clean and looking fabulous. Get yourself a really good bike cleaner to clean off all the gunk that gets accumulated over time. This way, you’re ensuring the longevity of your bike, but also the longevity of the gear you’ve purchased to match. You won’t regret it and your bike will thank you with years of dutiful service.

Tail light

A tail light is so important because it will help alert drivers that you’re on the road. This is an easy upgrade, but an upgrade that could end up saving your life one day. You never know, you could be on a trail and someone could be tired and driving down the road completely unaware of your presence. Seeing that blinking tail light will alert them that you’re near and keep drivers from bumping into you. You can’t go wrong with a tail light.

Kickstand

Sometimes it’s the simplest details that make all the difference. With a pretty sweet kickstand, you can easily park your bike anywhere without worrying about the whole bike toppling over. These are really handy if you are going for rides out in the mountains or in non-flat surfaces that could need a little extra support.