For a commute or very light gravel ride I tend to wear no protection (helmets are not mandatory in my country). When I go for gnarlier rides I use cheap hardware store glasses for eye protection and gloves with towel part near the wrist so I can wipe sweat. Jeans are good enough protection for my legs. I avoid riding with shorts. I put helmet only when racing or when I participate in organized bike tours as this is required by their rules. I am terrified from the though that some insect may enter my shorts or helmet and sting me. This happened to me once.
I find elbow pads more important that knee pads since we have super chunky rocks on the trails, and what happens when you dump? Not sure about you but I put my arms out to break the fall instinctively and it just took one good forearm to a boulder to make me realize elbow pads are a must.
For any aggressive riding , ive been wearing the leatt body tee , as i really need shoulder and back protection Got the leatt shorts as well . Elbow and knee pads are always standard for me on any trail.
$5 pair of 3M safety glasses with the thin frames from your local hardware store. I've been running them for years. They're light, comfortable, dirt cheap, and are built to product your eyes. And you break them, well they're only $5.
I see most riders with knee pads but much fewer with elbow pads. Which is puzzling because, from painful experience, I reckon elbow pads are equally important. At least for me, my elbow/arms often take the worst hits and I have had some really bad injuries (especially lacerations and bad skin-off injuries) back when I didn’t wear elbow protection. Always use them now for all trail/enduro downhills. Only leave them at home for lighter cross country rides.
Like you I always wear my Helmet and Knee pads. I have just recently started wearing a padded shirt as well. I have had both Rotator Cuffs repaired, and the shoulder padding has been a game changer. From time to time I have been known to clip trees on the trail and seemed to hit my shoulders often. I am also considering shin guards, as I run flats, and now have lots of scars. 😂
I think you covered this subject extremely well. For most riding, I wear a helmet and knee pads. When I do get a chance to ride downhill or to a bike park, I will wear a full-face helmet. I have rarely ever worn elbow pads or chest armor, but I do own them for the extremely rare case I need them.
On most trails....just knee protectors are enough, i like to wear protective inner shorts too, but on bike parks i do not see any reason why would you not come with everything....after some experiences, I go to the bike park always with full armor jaket, chest, back, shoulders and elvows, knee protectors, protection inner short, full size helmet, and long sleve t-shirt and long trousers and gloves...I think makes no sense to take the risk on a bike park, as you're not pedaling for the most part.
This is the better instructional video on MTB protective wear!!! Chris and Steve on EMBN said at least wear a helmet, but most everything else is uncomfortable and usually unnecessary and might not even help (???)
As an intermediate bike park rider I always wear a Bluegrass carbon full face helmet, Sam Hill knee Pads, 100% Fortis elbow pads and a Leatt 6.5 chest protector. The down side to all of this is getting hot and the added weight. This has saved me on numerous occassions from certain injury. The most recent fall I cased a table top causing me to buck ove the bars and bruise my hip bone. I've carried the injury since and been unable to sleep on my left side.
I love my Dainese Trail Skins AIR elbow and knee pads - like having air conditioning when compared with other pads. Perfect for casual trail riding in the hot. I'd rather have pads with less protection that run much cooler, as I'm more inclined to ACTUALLY WEAR THEM, and as a 54 year old who has wiped out so many times I can't even begin to tack a number to that stat, even a little bit of pad is better than nothing..... Pads that are too hot are usually the reason why people conveniently 'forget' to wear their pads for a ride. Typically wear pearl izumi's Select bike short liners under Giro shorts and a regular cotton tshirt. I actually prefer cotton as it keeps me much cooler than fancy tech shirts. Five ten freerider pro's w/ platforms....leatt 2.5 gloves a size smaller than normal, and a troy lee A2 - that's it
I wear protective leatt shorts, gloves, and elbow pads all the time since I don't know that I'm wearing them. Knee pads are a necessary evil, so I bought ones that have a zip so i can take them off easily. Usually I wear leatt stealth armoured t-shirt but not today as it was too muggy. It's more than most people wear but I had a bad crash on a road bike!
I've been wearing my trail skins for the last few years, as I'm now in my 40's, peace of mind for the old knees...... They are a great fit. I even wear them on flat chilled rides too, 👌🏻
For techy riding, have daenese knee pads+hip protectors + ixs trigger mips full face. Ixs helmet really good, very light and airy. Really like the daenese pads, they are airy and don't fall down!! Bike park, have 661 upper body armor. Smith wildcat glasses... For me, most tricky pads to get a good fit are elbows... They always slide down... While riding or when falling off... Currently using the daenese trail air...good video 👍
I always ride with helmet, gloves, knee pads and lace up ankle braces at a minimum. If there’s any level of gnar involved, I’ll add padded shorts and shin guards.
I think Neil meant he prefers the Shimano AM5 for clipless shoes. The GR5, just like the GR7s he's wearing in the video, are flat pedal shoes without cleats.
Can I ask why no one wears neck braces? If you’ve watched any of the Friday fails you know that going OTB is a very common thing so is breaking a collar bone or worse your neck! I feel like this would be next to the most important piece of gear next to a helmet!
Probably cost compared to perceived risk. They are damn expensive. And I guess mtb people aren't as exposed to them yet? Almost everyone jumping sleds or motos got em though.
Just started mountainbiking a few weeks ago. Already starting to notice how expensive this hobby can be haha. I am from the netherlands currently riding and doing very easy trails without knee and shoulderpads. Open helmet and just a nice breathable jersey and shorts over my bib shorts. I would love to get “trail examples” for the right amount of protection. If you’ve got any?
I just started riding a few months ago. I wear knee pads, elbow pads and an open face helmet. Mostly doing local trails, small ups and downs with some faster flow sections. I definitely won't ride without the knee pads, I've taken quite a few shots to my knees coming off the bike already and they have saved me a lot of bleeding. Almost all of those are low speed crashes, we've got a ton of rocks here so picking my way across trail and then getting a wheel kicked out or something.
@@seanwaite7248 lol I fell last weekend. One thick bruised knee and two bleeding knees. Immediately ordered knee protectors. Haha learned that the hard way.
Would love some thoughts on goggles for people who wear glasses. I’m not able to wear contact lenses so just wear my prescription sunglasses. Given there prescription their not cheap would love a more trail specific goggle etc.
Lol I think for many people, including Neil especially when he mentioned the hip pads and his bad crash in south America, people start wearing the gear after they have a bad experience. I'm bad about wearing knee pads. But every so often I'll go sliding, tear up my knees, then wear pads for a month or two again.
Don’t do big trials but for casual off road I just wear padded cycling tights, find them really comfortable. Tried the baggy shorts and didn’t like them. All down to what suits the rider
Ive just had total rebuild of left side of face after riding in an open face helmet, freak accident, but full face anywhere offroad now. My face is now made up of more metal components than bone. 🤣
As a 50+ MTB rider with family I try to go fast but always priority for safety. So no more crazy jumping unless its very controlled. I rarely wear protective gear as its very uncomfortable. Instead I go slower.
So, you have priority for safety but refuse to wear protective gear? That's waiting for a disaster to happen. If it's really uncomfortable you should check out some gear that's comfortable.
Hey! You can get some really comfy and minimalistic protection these days. It's worth checking out so you can have more peace of mind out on the trails. 👍
hello Neil i would like to know how important back protection is for MTB? because i have a permanent back injury but i still ride but worry about falling and reinjuring the back. what are the choices for back braces and such?
Hi! It all depends on your personal preference and the riding you do. For example, we'd always suggest chest/back protection for downhill riding. If you're concerned about your back by all means, wear a spinal protector to be on the safe side. A neck brace can also be used to prevent damage to your spine in a crash. 👍
hell i ride in the woods in the midwest of the us and i don't use pads. i wear a tshirt, jeans or cargo pants, padded gloves, full face helmet, and goggles.
To solve the helmet problem I would say get a removqble chin bar helmet so if it gets to hot u remove it and strap it to ur bag or leave it in your car
Detachable chin pieces on trail helmets were available many years ago. Back in the early 2000s Lazer allready had helmets like this. So thats nothing new.
My problem is always the pedal screws getting incarnated in my legs, I could fall no matter how and that's always what cuts me up. What do you people recommend to protect me from those?
I personally run a plastic soccer shin pad which has padding underneath the plastic (Puma Ultra light). It also has some ankle padding which is great for when your ankle hits the cranks. I pull my socks up over them which helps keeps them in place, for this reason I've never injured my shins and you barely notice them on.
well,I think that now we talk about all of the possible things that the MTB rider needed to know..any not covered subject regarding MTB?...I dont think so...well..lets ride... :)
Frankly, if I had to choose between knee pads and a helmet, probably I would go with the knee pads. Luckily I don't have to choose... That is one thing I would even put on If I just roll around on my DJ bike with my kids, goofing around the house. The experience is that in any fall or crash, you ALWAYS hit your knee. Frame, bars, sticks/trees and whatever you land on, usually your knee is somewhere in the way. And to keep riding, your knees are kind of useful ...
No way.... Knees can heal, yeah they can be a bitch in the long run after an injury, but the brain cannot heal.... one bad crash and you're a vegetable lol.....
Hi Denes! We can see where you're coming from with always banging your knees in a crash. We'd always wear a helmet over any other protection, though. Safe riding! 👊
Am I the only one that hates the feeling of the new jerseys? That polyester/whatever mix... Much rather use a cotton long sleeved shirt, but can't find them anymore :(
bold claim but thanks for giving me an idea. I'll test the durability of mountain bike shoes by skating and see how long it will last. Ive already used my worn out skate shoes mountain biking and they still hold up.
"I think it looks a bit weird." Some of us are only interested in riding and not at all interested in what we look like to other riders. I'm happy to be completely immune to the fashion judgement of others. 😎
@@gmbn Yeah, I sometimes ride double black tech DH but I don't really feel the need for protection which doesn't involve a helmet. Some people like it but I'd say it's not for me.
What MTB protection gear do you ride with!? Let us know down below! 👇
Full face chest/back plate is the way to go
For a commute or very light gravel ride I tend to wear no protection (helmets are not mandatory in my country). When I go for gnarlier rides I use cheap hardware store glasses for eye protection and gloves with towel part near the wrist so I can wipe sweat. Jeans are good enough protection for my legs. I avoid riding with shorts. I put helmet only when racing or when I participate in organized bike tours as this is required by their rules. I am terrified from the though that some insect may enter my shorts or helmet and sting me. This happened to me once.
helmet only
I always wear my knee guards. Been there more than I ever wanted
Gloves helmet riding jeans baggy tee shirt flat etnites Vader
I find elbow pads more important that knee pads since we have super chunky rocks on the trails, and what happens when you dump? Not sure about you but I put my arms out to break the fall instinctively and it just took one good forearm to a boulder to make me realize elbow pads are a must.
For any aggressive riding , ive been wearing the leatt body tee , as i really need shoulder and back protection Got the leatt shorts as well . Elbow and knee pads are always standard for me on any trail.
Same here 👍
$5 pair of 3M safety glasses with the thin frames from your local hardware store. I've been running them for years. They're light, comfortable, dirt cheap, and are built to product your eyes. And you break them, well they're only $5.
I see most riders with knee pads but much fewer with elbow pads. Which is puzzling because, from painful experience, I reckon elbow pads are equally important. At least for me, my elbow/arms often take the worst hits and I have had some really bad injuries (especially lacerations and bad skin-off injuries) back when I didn’t wear elbow protection. Always use them now for all trail/enduro downhills. Only leave them at home for lighter cross country rides.
Like you I always wear my Helmet and Knee pads. I have just recently started wearing a padded shirt as well. I have had both Rotator Cuffs repaired, and the shoulder padding has been a game changer. From time to time I have been known to clip trees on the trail and seemed to hit my shoulders often. I am also considering shin guards, as I run flats, and now have lots of scars. 😂
Pedal burgers. Lol
I think you covered this subject extremely well. For most riding, I wear a helmet and knee pads. When I do get a chance to ride downhill or to a bike park, I will wear a full-face helmet. I have rarely ever worn elbow pads or chest armor, but I do own them for the extremely rare case I need them.
On most trails....just knee protectors are enough, i like to wear protective inner shorts too, but on bike parks i do not see any reason why would you not come with everything....after some experiences, I go to the bike park always with full armor jaket, chest, back, shoulders and elvows, knee protectors, protection inner short, full size helmet, and long sleve t-shirt and long trousers and gloves...I think makes no sense to take the risk on a bike park, as you're not pedaling for the most part.
This is the better instructional video on MTB protective wear!!! Chris and Steve on EMBN said at least wear a helmet, but most everything else is uncomfortable and usually unnecessary and might not even help (???)
As an intermediate bike park rider I always wear a Bluegrass carbon full face helmet, Sam Hill knee Pads, 100% Fortis elbow pads and a Leatt 6.5 chest protector.
The down side to all of this is getting hot and the added weight.
This has saved me on numerous occassions from certain injury. The most recent fall I cased a table top causing me to buck ove the bars and bruise my hip bone. I've carried the injury since and been unable to sleep on my left side.
I love my Dainese Trail Skins AIR elbow and knee pads - like having air conditioning when compared with other pads. Perfect for casual trail riding in the hot. I'd rather have pads with less protection that run much cooler, as I'm more inclined to ACTUALLY WEAR THEM, and as a 54 year old who has wiped out so many times I can't even begin to tack a number to that stat, even a little bit of pad is better than nothing..... Pads that are too hot are usually the reason why people conveniently 'forget' to wear their pads for a ride.
Typically wear pearl izumi's Select bike short liners under Giro shorts and a regular cotton tshirt. I actually prefer cotton as it keeps me much cooler than fancy tech shirts. Five ten freerider pro's w/ platforms....leatt 2.5 gloves a size smaller than normal, and a troy lee A2 - that's it
I wear protective leatt shorts, gloves, and elbow pads all the time since I don't know that I'm wearing them. Knee pads are a necessary evil, so I bought ones that have a zip so i can take them off easily. Usually I wear leatt stealth armoured t-shirt but not today as it was too muggy. It's more than most people wear but I had a bad crash on a road bike!
Helmet: Giro Chronicle trail helmet
Eyewear: Oakley Radar EV Prizm Trail Torch Sunglasses
Protection: AirFlex Pro Black knee guards
Clothing: TLD or Fox Racing shirt, Endura or Nukeproof padded trail shorts, cotton socks
Shoes: Specialized 2FO Roost shoes
Gloves: 100% Cognito Full Finger Gloves
Nice info there thanks…
new investment on some new gear before I go back out on the trails
Thanks, Arron! We're stoked that you found this one useful! Safe riding! 🙌
I've been wearing my trail skins for the last few years, as I'm now in my 40's, peace of mind for the old knees...... They are a great fit. I even wear them on flat chilled rides too, 👌🏻
For techy riding, have daenese knee pads+hip protectors + ixs trigger mips full face. Ixs helmet really good, very light and airy. Really like the daenese pads, they are airy and don't fall down!! Bike park, have 661 upper body armor. Smith wildcat glasses... For me, most tricky pads to get a good fit are elbows... They always slide down... While riding or when falling off... Currently using the daenese trail air...good video 👍
Thanks Neil a great wee informative vid
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the support! 👊
I wear freebie safety glasses z87 rated that are clear. Works great, and if they scratch, they're easily replaced.
Never a terrible shout to have something instead of nothing!
Nice, thanks Neil.
Thanks for watching! 🙌
I always ride with helmet, gloves, knee pads and lace up ankle braces at a minimum. If there’s any level of gnar involved, I’ll add padded shorts and shin guards.
Sounds like a good setup! Safe riding! 👊
Love the Giga!
💯%! Yellow suits the Nukeproof Giga so well! 😍
I think Neil meant he prefers the Shimano AM5 for clipless shoes. The GR5, just like the GR7s he's wearing in the video, are flat pedal shoes without cleats.
yeah, that's it. I got confused
Can I ask why no one wears neck braces? If you’ve watched any of the Friday fails you know that going OTB is a very common thing so is breaking a collar bone or worse your neck! I feel like this would be next to the most important piece of gear next to a helmet!
Probably cost compared to perceived risk. They are damn expensive. And I guess mtb people aren't as exposed to them yet? Almost everyone jumping sleds or motos got em though.
Full finger gloves , knee pads , drop frame helmet , safety glasses ,510 shoes and of course GMBN jersey and shorts 😀
Just started mountainbiking a few weeks ago. Already starting to notice how expensive this hobby can be haha. I am from the netherlands currently riding and doing very easy trails without knee and shoulderpads. Open helmet and just a nice breathable jersey and shorts over my bib shorts. I would love to get “trail examples” for the right amount of protection. If you’ve got any?
I just started riding a few months ago. I wear knee pads, elbow pads and an open face helmet. Mostly doing local trails, small ups and downs with some faster flow sections. I definitely won't ride without the knee pads, I've taken quite a few shots to my knees coming off the bike already and they have saved me a lot of bleeding. Almost all of those are low speed crashes, we've got a ton of rocks here so picking my way across trail and then getting a wheel kicked out or something.
@@seanwaite7248 lol I fell last weekend. One thick bruised knee and two bleeding knees. Immediately ordered knee protectors. Haha learned that the hard way.
Would love some thoughts on goggles for people who wear glasses. I’m not able to wear contact lenses so just wear my prescription sunglasses. Given there prescription their not cheap would love a more trail specific goggle etc.
Btw Neil best presenter. Still have my original jersey. Some Chinese riders called me Neil Donahue. You’re famous worldwide
Lol I think for many people, including Neil especially when he mentioned the hip pads and his bad crash in south America, people start wearing the gear after they have a bad experience. I'm bad about wearing knee pads. But every so often I'll go sliding, tear up my knees, then wear pads for a month or two again.
I thought gear was dorky til i did a very popular technical trail and everyone but me had full faces and all the padding
Don’t do big trials but for casual off road I just wear padded cycling tights, find them really comfortable. Tried the baggy shorts and didn’t like them. All down to what suits the rider
You're right Sam! It sounds like you wear a suitable amount of protection for the sort of riding you do. 👍
I like riding in full kit during any mtb. Esp Norwegian trails are ruff.
Ive just had total rebuild of left side of face after riding in an open face helmet, freak accident, but full face anywhere offroad now.
My face is now made up of more metal components than bone. 🤣
How do you keep your kneepads in place while wearing trousers? Mine keeps sliding down, even with the velcro strapped.
As a 50+ MTB rider with family I try to go fast but always priority for safety. So no more crazy jumping unless its very controlled. I rarely wear protective gear as its very uncomfortable. Instead I go slower.
So, you have priority for safety but refuse to wear protective gear? That's waiting for a disaster to happen. If it's really uncomfortable you should check out some gear that's comfortable.
Better to be uncomfortable than injured lol...
Hey! You can get some really comfy and minimalistic protection these days. It's worth checking out so you can have more peace of mind out on the trails. 👍
hello Neil i would like to know how important back protection is for MTB? because i have a permanent back injury but i still ride but worry about falling and reinjuring the back. what are the choices for back braces and such?
Hi! It all depends on your personal preference and the riding you do. For example, we'd always suggest chest/back protection for downhill riding. If you're concerned about your back by all means, wear a spinal protector to be on the safe side. A neck brace can also be used to prevent damage to your spine in a crash. 👍
I’ve been injured for about a week now. I wish I had back padding
Best of luck with your recovery, Oscar! 👍
hell i ride in the woods in the midwest of the us and i don't use pads. i wear a tshirt, jeans or cargo pants, padded gloves, full face helmet, and goggles.
To solve the helmet problem I would say get a removqble chin bar helmet so if it gets to hot u remove it and strap it to ur bag or leave it in your car
Detachable chin pieces on trail helmets were available many years ago. Back in the early 2000s Lazer allready had helmets like this. So thats nothing new.
I bought xc style pads and have stopped wearing them. I really need hard knee pads but they’re not exciting to buy
Are neck collars still things? I don't think I've seen any recently.
They're still a thing and a common sight in a lot of big bikeparks, but they're not used very much outside of the park or freeride realms these days!
I just wear helmet and gloves! 😅
My problem is always the pedal screws getting incarnated in my legs, I could fall no matter how and that's always what cuts me up. What do you people recommend to protect me from those?
I personally run a plastic soccer shin pad which has padding underneath the plastic (Puma Ultra light). It also has some ankle padding which is great for when your ankle hits the cranks. I pull my socks up over them which helps keeps them in place, for this reason I've never injured my shins and you barely notice them on.
If this came out last week I'd of been laughing in pain at the mistake of being out without armour on a trail
well,I think that now we talk about all of the possible things that the MTB rider needed to know..any not covered subject regarding MTB?...I dont think so...well..lets ride... :)
Does anybody has any issues on riding with metal plates on elbow?
Frankly, if I had to choose between knee pads and a helmet, probably I would go with the knee pads.
Luckily I don't have to choose... That is one thing I would even put on If I just roll around on my DJ bike with my kids, goofing around the house.
The experience is that in any fall or crash, you ALWAYS hit your knee. Frame, bars, sticks/trees and whatever you land on, usually your knee is somewhere in the way.
And to keep riding, your knees are kind of useful ...
Your brain is also pretty useful to keep on riding! Always wear a helmet
No way....
Knees can heal, yeah they can be a bitch in the long run after an injury, but the brain cannot heal.... one bad crash and you're a vegetable lol.....
Hi Denes! We can see where you're coming from with always banging your knees in a crash. We'd always wear a helmet over any other protection, though. Safe riding! 👊
@@Renzofk you missed the part, that "luckily I don't have to choose" ...
I always wear a helmet, knee pads and gloves ...
@@Corri42 you missed the part, that "luckily I don't have to choose" ...
I always wear a helmet, knee pads and gloves ...
Am I the only one that hates the feeling of the new jerseys? That polyester/whatever mix...
Much rather use a cotton long sleeved shirt, but can't find them anymore :(
What about Wrist guards? anyone?
You missed the upper half of the body. 🤦🏻 Edit: Thank you!
Like the head and elbows? ^^
@@ickebins6948 chest, shoulders.
@@ickebins6948 and back
@@vasipro For trail riding?
@@ickebins6948 in the city I was hit by a car so it is useful to know.
bold claim but thanks for giving me an idea. I'll test the durability of mountain bike shoes by skating and see how long it will last. Ive already used my worn out skate shoes mountain biking and they still hold up.
"I think it looks a bit weird." Some of us are only interested in riding and not at all interested in what we look like to other riders. I'm happy to be completely immune to the fashion judgement of others. 😎
I dont like armpump with elbowpads 😒
I just can't clear like any jumps at a trail center/dj place, please any help and tips, appreciate it
Go faster, actively push the bike into the jump, and stay loose in the air.
What Porter said, plus confidence! Start small and build up to bigger jumps :)
@@gmbn it is like a flat place with lot of jump lines, i'm a smaller sized person so i can't carry as much speed even while pedalling really hard,
Cons of protection gear apart helmets: I ride cross-country I ain't tryna ride 150km with a Minecraft chestplate.
Loving the reference! Maybe a chest protector is a little over the top for XC. 😅
@@gmbn Yeah, I sometimes ride double black tech DH but I don't really feel the need for protection which doesn't involve a helmet.
Some people like it but I'd say it's not for me.
Fox programe, far more vented
glasses distort my depth perception..
That wasn't a "pros and cons". It was just "look at the range and features of my sponsors' gear". 👎
Surely the first comment gets a bike
Lol
@@dave_clarke but he would like a bike, cannot bike a like ..
A bike he would like, but a like cannot equal a bike