Do you need special mountain biking apparel in order to ride a bike? Of course not! You will be able to ride without the specifically designed shorts, gloves, socks, and shoes. However, suitable gear enables you to get real enjoyment from the sport, and to perform at your peak.

Mountain biking apparel isn't just about looking good. It is about clothing performing well in any weather, and under difficult mountain biking conditions. The ideal gear allows the rider to get on with the ride, instead of being hampered by inadequate protection.

The basic items of mountain biking apparel needed for riding are gloves, shorts, socks, shoes, sunglasses, and a protective helmet.

Gloves are available in full or half finger types, and both have padding where you need it to prevent your hands from going numb. In addition, gloves will protect your hands in case of a fall.

Shorts come in two styles, baggy or tight. Lycra is the preferred material for mountain biking apparel. Both have padding to protect your backside, and prevent numbness. If you have a favorite pair of ordinary shorts you want to wear, look for the padded underwear that will allow you to do this, while still offering protection.

Cycling socks are slightly thinner than regular athletic socks, and are made of special wicking material to keep your feet dry. Socks also protect your ankles, and should always be part of your mountain biking apparel.

The shoes forming part of mountain biking apparel, have one important feature: SDP compatibility. This means that they have a rigid sole, and an area that will hold the cleats for a clipless pedal. The shoe is then attached to the bike. The sole's lack of flexibility means that you can keep an even pressure on the pedal.

Shoes come in many different styles. They range from something similar to a hiking boot, to lighter shoes in racing style.

The helmet is the most important piece of mountain biking apparel. This essential item's safety considerations makes it a must-have. It can be a life-saving piece of equipment. When choosing a helmet, look for a good fit. Always ensure that it has the certification it needs to provide vital head-protection.

When buying quality mountain biking apparel, asking the right questions may save you money in the long run.

You need to know if the fabric used in the mountain biking apparel, is designed to 'wick'. This means that the fabric has the characteristic of removing moisture from the skin to the outer layer of the material, where it can dry more easily. This is the only way to keep the rider cool and comfortable.

You may also want to ask if the mountain biking apparel has a zip in the front for extra air flow, and pockets in the back for keeping maps, snacks or other necessities. Comfort and convenience go hand in hand.

You also need to know if the mountain biking apparel has invisible seams. This is essential to prevent chafing and rubbing on your skin. It will make your ride far more comfortable and improve endurance. If buying a jersey, whether short or long sleeved, make sure that it fits well, and can be left hanging over your shorts.

If you are riding in wet, windy and cold weather, a jacket may become an important mountain biking apparel item. Look at the stitching, the zips, and the fabric in terms of durability. It will need to balance water resistance with the ability to aid sweat loss. A well-designed jacket will have zips that open up under your armpit, to let cool air in when needed.

As a serious rider, you will be training throughout the year in all weather conditions. It is therefore important to look at layering mountain biking apparel. Cannondale has produced some well-designed layering systems. They use technically advanced materials to aid the competitive rider.

Your goal is to feel comfortable to such an extent, that you are able to forget all about mountain biking apparel. Enjoy the ride!

For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com

Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web. Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.