What To Wear Downhill Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking isn’t for the faint hearted. Steep, rough and with big jumps and drops, all your focus needs to be on what’s in front of you. It definitely shouldn’t be on what you’re wearing or feelings of discomfort. As you’re heading down off-road slopes at speed, you also need a bit of extra protection from any wind chill, rain and rough terrain. 

The gear riders choose should be tough enough to match their hardcore attitudes and ensure they’re ready for anything. Here, we’ll give you a complete rundown of the essential downhill mountain biking kit. 

Difference Between MTB and Downhill MTB

Mountain biking (MTB) involves riding across rough, off-road terrain, including climbs and descents. Downhill MTB focuses on riding down sharp descents, typically as fast as possible. This means the bikes are designed differently. For example, downhill mountain bikes are heavier and have more powerful brakes and lower gears to help riders get to the bottom of slopes quickly. They also have strong suspensions to absorb the intense impacts. 

The same rules apply for the types of gear required for MTB compared to downhill MTB. While all MTB riders need protection from off-road terrain, those heading down slopes should invest in specialist gear that can withstand the aggressive riding style. 

Must-Have Riding Gear 

Starting with the right clothes will ensure you feel comfortable and protected throughout the whole ride. This involves being prepared for any weather conditions, as well as the speed and impacts of heading down steep, rough terrain. 

Cycling Jacket

If you’re looking at the sky and wondering if it’s going to be cold or wet, then pack or wear a cycling jacket. Even if it’s not actually raining, make sure to choose a jacket with materials that are water or wind resistant (though windproof or waterproof offer the best protection) to reduce the amount of wet or cold getting to your skin. 

Cycling-specific features such as an over-the-helmet hood, longer back and pre-shaped elbows will keep you covered while you turn the handlebars, look out towards the trail or head down muddy slopes. It’ll also help you stay warm and dry as you’re cheering on or chatting to fellow riders post-session. 

MTB Shorts and Pants

MTB shorts and pants should be loose-fitting and made from breathable materials. This will prevent sweat building up inside your clothes. They should also be durable and resistant to water, which will help protect you from the elements and terrain, even when you’re moving at speed.

A reinforced seat area, adjustable waistband and lightweight construction that allows for freedom of movement makes for a more comfortable ride. Other features such as zipped pockets, packability and air vents also make MTB shorts and pants more practical for days spent downhill riding. 

Trail Jersey

Similarly to shorts and pants, trail shirts and jerseys are loose-fitting and made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. This will stop the top from clinging to your skin and causing discomfort as you head down descents. Choosing a jersey or shirt with materials that are soft and have plenty of stretch will mean you don’t feel restricted as you twist and move over technical sections. 

Protective Gear 

Speed and extreme terrain are why riders fall in love with downhill MTB. It’s also why an extra level of protection is recommended. 

Well-Fitted Full Face Helmet

While you can get away with wearing an open-faced helmet on standard MTB trails, the slopes and aggressive riding style of downhill means you’re at greater risk of big impacts. A full-face helmet will keep your nose, chin and cheeks completely protected if you fall. Just make sure it fits securely to your head and doesn’t shift as you turn left to right or nod. This will stop it from obscuring your vision and ensure everything’s shielded correctly. 

Knee and Elbow Pads

As you pedal, turn, twist and brake, your elbows and knees are doing more hard work than you realize. It also means they’re more exposed to the surrounding terrain. To stop clashes and scrapes from ending your afternoon on the trails while moving with ease, get some hard-shell knee and elbow pads. 

Upper Body Armour Suit

To make sure your pride is what’s hurting most after a fall, get a quality upper body armour suit. This will protect your chest and back from any unexpected impacts. This means you can test yourself and push your athletic limits with more peace of mind and protection. 

Goggles or Glasses

Keep your eyes clear and protected from any debris, spray or mud with a pair of goggles or glasses. Make sure they completely cover your eye area and fit comfortably without being too loose or tight. Test them under your helmet before you head out on the trails to ensure they don’t dig in or fog up and distract you from the track ahead. 

Downhill Gear Essentials

To make the most of your day out on the slopes and enjoy as many runs in as possible, it’s worth keeping a few essentials on hand to avoid being stopped in your tracks. 

MTB Gloves

Lots of impact comes through your handlebars. MTB gloves that are breathable and durable with great grip will help you grip on your handles, focus on controlling your bike and protect your hands in an impact. 

Padding in the palms absorbs shocks coming through the handlebars. Durable, water and wind-resistant materials stop the wet, cold or hard surfaces from making your fingers and thumbs feel numb. Plus, extra shielding on the fingers and back of the hands helps protect them in falls. 

MTB Shoes and Clips

Having the right MTB shoes and clips is essential for keeping your feet secure and powering ahead. Most MTB designs are clipless, meaning the cleats sit in the sole. When you’re switching shoes or getting your first pair, make sure you have pedal clips which are compatible with the cleats on your footwear. Also, while you’re getting used to them, adjust the pedal tension so it's easier to twist your foot out without it falling out unexpectedly. 

Other features you should look for in MTB shoes include:

• Stiff soles that will protect your feet from rough terrain

• Boot-like designs which give your ankles extra support

• Reinforced toes, including steel inserts in some cases

• Weather proof materials to help your feet stay warm and dry

When you try on shoes, make sure they’re snug to your feet without any pinching or pressure points. This will help you put maximum pressure through your pedals without sliding or slipping. 

Trail Backpack 

To keep your day kit, including any extra layers or essentials, secure without weighing you down, invest in a trail backpack. Made from weatherproof materials and with several different compartments, you can organize your gear as you like it so everything is at-hand and still protected from knocks or weather conditions. The shoulder and chest straps should have cushioning to fit comfortably while staying secure as you move. 

Bike Repair Kit

Tire punctures, slipped chains and problems with your gears or brakes can crop up as you start to test your limits downhill. To make sure your bike is performing as well as you are, it helps to have a few bike tools on hand. Taking a bike pack with a spare inner tube, puncture repair patches and a multitool will help you fix most issues on the trail side. 

First Aid Kit

Slips, slides and knocks are inevitable as you take on more and more challenging trails. Having a first aid kit with painkillers, plasters, bandages, and antiseptic wipes means you or other riders can fix up and get back out there. Or, if something more serious happens, you can offer the immediate care they need quickly to help them recover and return to the trail sooner.

Hydration Pack

Staying well-hydrated is essential to maximize your performance across the whole day and help you recover faster afterwards. Having a water bottle and electrolytes on hand will help you restore energy as you sweat and exert yourself. Keeping a few glucose-dense snacks on hand, such as gels or bars, will also help you refuel quickly and maintain your power on the trail.