Have You Ever Heard “You Ride as You Look”? Well... That’s a Lie

How many parts does your body have?

That's right! Legs, arms, torso and head. We won't be more specific here, anyway.

So... Briefly and basic now, ok?

Forget sandals and tennis shoes. You are on bike. There are two main decisions about your biking shoes.

Decision one. Do you have clipless pedals? If that's the case search for shoes compatible with your pedal system. It means harder sole and ability to attach metal cleats on your shoe.

Decision two. Ride-'n-walk type of shoes.

No doubt there will be moments when you will get off your bike and step on your own feet. The question is how far will you go? Consider shoes with softer sole and larger tread if you are going to take a little walk without changing your biking shoes. You will have much more comfort than having stiff-as-a-brick shoes on your feet.

And what about shorts?

Three general choices you have. "Casual" biking shorts also called baggy shorts. No squeezing seams on most sensitive parts of your crotch. Durable and "breathable" materials. Lot of pockets with zippers to hold your precious stuff safe.

Best choice for mountain biker on my humble opinion.

Classic biking shorts. They look like your second skin. You don't even need to wear underwear with these. Designed more for road bikers than off-road fans.

Finally, bib shorts as your third choice.

Bib shorts are something-in-between classic cycling shorts and trousers with braces. Bib shorts look little bit funny, however nobody sees them under your cycling jersey.

Advantages? Very comfortable because your breathing is not constrained. Your waist is free. No belt, no strap.

Tell me one thing. Do you like sweat? Read the next passage if your answer is NO.

So, what's so special about your cycling clothes and sweat? Surely, I do not promise you won't sweat anymore after you buy cycling jersey.

However, your sweat (and not only sweat, water and moisture too) won't stay on your skin to long.

Thanks to synthetic breathable materials your cycling jersey will help you to stay as dry as possible depending on your riding (and sweating) conditions.

Add better protection from sun, wind and better visibility on the road (electric yellow - my favorite color for cycling jersey) and you really won't regret you bought a biking jersey.

...when you find yourself flying out of your bike?

Despite that peaceful flying moment you will hit the ground sooner or later (better sooner...). Most likely your hands will be the part of your body that hits the ground first. Purely protection instincts.

I won't go much deeper with this topic. You need cycling gloves. Especially if you are mountain biker. Together with protection from bloody hands (ouch...) you get less friction for your skin while holding grips.

Protection from sun and cold (depending on model of your gloves) comes without a question, too.

This is not a college exam. However, I bet you don't use your head as a bumper or door opener when you walk on your feet.

So, why should it be different when you are on your bike?

Rhetorical question. You know the answer already.

Protect yourself. Especially your head. And you will be able to use it for its initial purpose. What's that? Well, that's not a topic of discussion on mountain bikes site...

The answer - you use your head to wear a helmet. Full stop.