First Time Trail Rider

abarth_1200

Hi everyone.

Had my new bike for a few weeks now, getting a bit fed up of riding it around town and through the odd forest path.

I have found a few trails around me and a few MTB clubs too which I might be joining shortly.

I am a bit nervous as I dont have any mates who are into MTB (last year me and my GF moved into our new house and most of my mates dont have GF's and still go to uni)

One thing I am worried about is turning up in all the wrong gear. I have (in my wardrobe) jeans, skate shoes and a few hoodies and tees. I dont think jeans are very suitable for XC trail riding neither are my heavy hoodies and cotton tees.

I have been looking at shorts (Im not a fan of shorts but they look ok for riding in as they wont snag in the chainrings) and enduras singltrack trousers but they are all very expensive never mind all the other essentails I have already thrown money at it (pump, inner tube, patches, gloves, helmet, chain lub, muc off spray, tools, handlebars and stem, mudguards)

My GF is getting on to me about the amount of extra money this bike has cost me (£100 plus) and its really getting me down and making me feel guilty but these are thing I need to make this new hobby work.

What I would like to know is what is the correct clothing to turn up at a club meet for the first time to go XC trail riding.

Also how long did it take all you guys out their to get your gear together.

As you can probably tell I am a bit lost and alone feeling here and looking forward to any advice.

Oxygen Thief

Just stick a pair of shorts and a t-shirt on, if it's cold chuck a jumper on too. I don't think mountain biking is 'too' snobby. Running is! go on mountain biking sites and click the links to clothing and that's the kinda stuff that people wear. Or look at the pictures on galleries of mountain niking websites and you'll see what people wear. Don't turn up in jeans as you will look like a right tit (for obvious reasons).

It's an expensive hobby!!!!

m@tty123

dont use a cotton t-shirt, you want to be wearing a proper base layer that wicks sweat away from your body because a t-shirt holds onto the sweat and will make you so cold when you stop. this is because once you start to sweat a t-shirt just soaks up the sweat and gets wet then when you stop you will feel really cold especially on colder rides. for the bottom half shorts are a cheap and decent thing to wear, nothing too expensive. waterproof jacket when its wet and a warm mid layer such as a fleece when its cold. this will do you for starting to ride as you won't need any greatly expensive kit when you start and you can upgrade your kit as you get the money and as you go for more adventurous riding. if you dont know where to get a decent base layer there are some good options here http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Cate ... =PRICE_ASC

Hitby

If you want to save some cash it's worth looking in places like tk maxx etc. I got a decent wicking shirt for 7 quid in there. As for shorts, just get a pair of padded cycling shorts from anywhere for a couple of quid and then put any pair of your own shorts on over the top. If you don't have any you can get some decent baggy ones from places like sports direct for a couple of pound.

As you get more into it you'll no doubt be wanting to spend more but I know how hard that can be when you've just bought a new house! Eventually you'll learn that it's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission

"Can I have some new shorts?"
"No"
=No result.

"I've bought some new shorts"
"Angry, temporarily"
=Result!

Most of all though, don't worry about what other people think, make sure that you're comfortable because if you arn't then you won't enjoy your ride.

The only things I wouldn't be without are
Helmet
Padded Shorts
Gloves/Mitts

hth
Dan

abarth_1200

Hey thanks everyone very good advice and very encouraging.

I have a tk maxx near me Ill go have a look.

I do have a few Helly hanson wicking base layers, ive noticed that they are not very good at keeping wind out but I suppose the next thing I will be getting is a light windproof midlayer.

Im looking more forward to getting out there and enjoying the great outdoors

piker

Baselayer http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/regatta-ashwell-t-p141560

Padded shorts http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-cy ... src=google

I just wear a cheap pair of shorts over the top of the padded shorts and if it gets a bit cold one of these over the baselayer http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/regatta-men ... et-p105544

Dont bother what anyone else is wearing just get yourself comfortable,wearing big brand names does not make you a better rider as you will find out when you visit your first trail centre.

rubins4

Hi Abarth.

Before you head to the shops to spend a load of money, i would first just go for a few rides and find out what you really need. You might find that most of the stuff you have already is more than adequate. I know I spend most of the time riding in a tee, hoody, shorts and vans. I would suggest getting helmet and gloves regardless (for obvious reasons) but I think alot of peolpe get suckered into buy kit they think they need rather than actually need.

Might help you save a few pennies..

Good luck!

EDIT: what piker said.... :oops:

bartimaeus

I'd say that padded shorts and some suitable shoes are 'essential' - everything else can be counted as 'make do with what you have'. You'll soon work out what you need to acquire to enhance your enjoyment of the sport - wicking base-layers, something waterproof enough to make the bad weather days a bit more fun etc etc.

It's up to you... I don't think you will find too much snobbery out there, though MTB can be a gear-o-holics delightm and you will find plenty of money saving suggestions on the forums to assist you in getting what you want within your budget.

In my experience some of the best riders have some of the most distressed gear... and by the time it's covered in mud no-one will be able to see the labels anyway.

abarth_1200

Thanks again guys, those are some cheap options there.

Im not worried about labels more about the right gear, I know jeans are restrictive and heavy and once they get wet they are wet for the day.

I already have gloves and a helmet, I will stick with my fleece and base layer and have a look for some cheap shorts and hopefully I will be ready to go hit those trails

butcher of bakersfield

abarth_1200 wrote:

One thing I am worried about is turning up in all the wrong gear. I have (in my wardrobe) jeans, skate shoes and a few hoodies and tees. I dont think jeans are very suitable for XC trail riding neither are my heavy hoodies and cotton tees.

Stop worrying so much. Skate shoes a lot of people wear for MTBing. Jeans and hoodies aren't ideal for facing the elements, but it depends what you're doing. I generally prefer a hoody for a local ride. It's warm and comfortable, and I even find sweat less of an issue cos it just soaks it up. Obviously if you're planning an all dayer, waterproofs, or at least showerproof are a good idea, otherwise if the skies open you're farked in a hoody.

Jeans are similar to hoodies. Fine for a casual ride - as long as they don't catch in the chainring. Useless in the rain. But it's nice to go out dressed as you are and not feel like you have to put on uniform as if you're going to work. Again though, for the loong rides out with no guarantee of good weather, some light, quick drying shorts are ideal. They don't have to be biking specific though. You can pick up some shorts in the local sports outlet for about a fiver.

And cotton t-shirts aren't really a big deal if you ask me.

You can build up the wardrobe over time. If you're looking for some cheap deals though, sign up to the LIDL and ALDI newsletters, they get batches of biking gear in from time to time at a very affordable price. LIDL has some in right now, though most of it is probably gone- you have to be quick.

My GF is getting on to me about the amount of extra money this bike has cost me (£100 plus) and its really getting me down and making me feel guilty but these are thing I need to make this new hobby work.

Give her a couple of slaps. Job done.

abarth_1200

Lol thanks guys feeling a lot better now.

I went a 15 mile ride along a river path today in my jeans, cotton tee and wicking base layer. The jeans got a bit sweaty around the saddle area so I think shorts are a first for my shopping list

cmm303

abarth_1200 wrote:

One thing I am worried about is turning up in all the wrong gear. I have (in my wardrobe) jeans, skate shoes and a few hoodies and tees. I dont think jeans are very suitable for XC trail riding neither are my heavy hoodies and cotton tees.

Wrong side of 50 to to be trusted on fashion by somebody Uni age, according to my kids! I started MTB last year with an uncool make of bike and no specialised gear. I endorse lots that been said already.
Def try the sport before you go shopping majorly: 1) to find if the sport is for you and 2) determine what *you* need to be comfortable.

My view ......

- Need helmet and gloves - you're already there - Recommend some padded shorts - cheap at first, so padded underwear or lycra and cover with something trendier from your wardrobe like some sports shorts / 3/4 lengths (I've even recognised swim shorts on a trail, only cos I had identical ones, but a very pracitcal idea given the weather that day!) Wiggle's own brand DHB stuff is sound. My outdoor activity background says no to denim and cotton if you are out for any length of time because it is cold and heavy wet, and stays wet forever. - Cheap base layer top + microfleece / sports top / trackie top - If you are up for long sessions of all weather punishment then a waterproof top is also needed and I would not skimp here, as it needs to be light, compact (for carrying when in use) and breathable. This will cost ££££. - Eye protection, recommended if cycling close to others or in forests. Make do with sunglasses at first. - Saddle bag for repair kit or little cheap rucksack if you need to carry food & spare clothing - Water bottle with bike mounted cage

Personally, my only biking specific purchase were a pair of cheap padded lycra shorts (which nobody sees :oops: ) and some shoes because I had no trainers that I was happy getting plastered in mud. I was lucky I already had a lot of other kit from other activities which does just fine and I had to buy a water bottle cage - the bottle itself was free from the local gym which I did replace with one with a cap to stop the mouthpiece getting gritty (yuk).

abarth_1200 wrote:

never mind all the other essentails I have already thrown money at it (pump, inner tube, patches, gloves, helmet, chain lub, muc off spray, tools, handlebars and stem, mudguards)

Not all needed at once.

- muc off spray: not a must and imho expensive. Warm water, sponge and some old brushes / toothbrush will do. You can use washing up detergent (not household cleaner) but rinse off thoroughly because it contains salts. - tools: amazingly you can get away with very little and buy as you need. If you are lucky a birthday or christmas will come round in time. - mudguards: really needed? I took them off after my first trail ride

Enjoy and have fun

Northwind

For me, any old random shorts will do the job, I've got "proper" riding shorts but I'm often out in a pair I got for £5 from Woolies Some people say they find regular shorts uncomfortable though but you might not. Worth trying first. Jeans aren't so nice to ride in if you're working hard, they can chafe and they go horrible when they're wet.

For a top layer, base layers are a good start, one good top layer that people often have lying around is football tops, they tend to be made of suitable materials.

Basically, try and avoid spending any money at all if you can

fredy

Wear what you want. who cares? i wear jeans and a shirt normally. unless its really cold when i wear a coat too. and a beenie hat.

Radioactiveman

fredy wrote:

Wear what you want. who cares? i wear jeans and a shirt normally. unless its really cold when i wear a coat too. and a beenie hat.

I would love to see you out mountain biking in torrential rain and gale force winds in jeans and a t shirt . Choice of clothing has a direct impact on your comfort and performance and ability to survive. I doubt for one second that someone wearing jeans could climb as well as someone wearing shorts. Also when it rains I am sure you would get some nice chafe and after 20 miles in the saddle the seams would make some nice impressions in your arse.

The amount of clowns (usually walkers) that get pulled off the fells by mountain rescue in the lake district when the weather turns bad wearing inappropriate clothing is unbelievable. People die from exposure btw.

The aldi stuff is a good start. What you need/want depends where you ride, how exposed,duration etc

rubins4

The one essential for me, as I dont have any lycra short which i suspect do the same job, is some tight underwear. i couldnt handle getting tighty whities so got some tight fitting trunk type boxers, rather than lose fitting boxers. Once you have trapped your nads between the saddle and you thigh, you will understand the necessecity :idea: :oops:

spaniamania

http://www.inmotionproducts.com/


Buy cheap clothes as and when you can afford.
Keep the mrs sweet.
Lull her into a false sense of security ,
Then explain all her money is required to fund the singlespeed project

fredy

Radioactiveman wrote:

fredy wrote:

Wear what you want. who cares? i wear jeans and a shirt normally. unless its really cold when i wear a coat too. and a beenie hat.

I would love to see you out mountain biking in torrential rain and gale force winds in jeans and a t shirt . Choice of clothing has a direct impact on your comfort and performance and ability to survive. I doubt for one second that someone wearing jeans could climb as well as someone wearing shorts. Also when it rains I am sure you would get some nice chafe and after 20 miles in the saddle the seams would make some nice impressions in your ars*.

The amount of clowns (usually walkers) that get pulled off the fells by mountain rescue in the lake district when the weather turns bad wearing inappropriate clothing is unbelievable. People die from exposure btw.

The aldi stuff is a good start. What you need/want depends where you ride, how exposed,duration etc

if its wet out i wear kharkis, you're right, jeans would be very uncomfortable. But there is no need to go out and buy a load of lycra. Then again, i ride for fun, not for competition, not to commute, just for when i feel like going out for a ride so its not serious for me.

BorisSpencer

Check out Aldi on Thursday for budget underwear.
I'll be giving the compression stuff a go, after buying the Lidl version a few weeks ago and being amazed at the quality.