Road cyclists will accumulate a decent collection of lycra in their early years getting serious about riding. For long miles in the saddle, the fit and comfort of performance cycling apparel can't be beaten.
As gravel has gained popularity, many roadies find themselves going further afield and tackling rougher terrain: dirt roads, trails and tracks that are traditionally the domain of mountain bikers and their baggy fits. At what point should a roadie begin to develop a more dedicated off-road wardrobe? Is there any science to MTB apparel or is it all fashion?
To start with, aerodynamics is much less important on the trail. Sure, spandex might help save some energy here or there, but unless you're a downhill racer, you're going to spend more time on the brakes than on the rivet. Might as well take advantage of the comfort and style of a looser fit.
Durability, on the other hand, is much more relevant off-road. While spandex offers performance benefits, it also threatens to tear at the first encounter with thorns, branches, or, worst case scenario, the trail itself. MTB apparel is designed with abrasion resistance in mind. You'll frequently find reinforced elbows & knees, tough double stitching, and thicker, longer-wearing fabrics.
Speaking of the worst-case scenario, coming off the bike is a fundamental reality of riding a bike on varied terrain. After a certain number of close personal introductions to the forest floor, many mountain bikers will pad up with knee, elbow & sometimes torso protection. Looser-fitting MTB apparel allows for this protective layer.
Photo credit: Pearl Izumi, Endura
Don't worry — you don't have to sacrifice downstairs comfort to dip a toe in the world of trail wear. Many off-road cycling shorts come with an integrated and/or removable chamois, and those that don't are usually specifically designed to pair with a liner short or bibshort. While MTB jerseys don't usually offer the same pockets as the road equivalent, MTB shorts frequently feature zippered pockets, and many of the liner options also include cargo capacity.
You also don't even necessarily need to look to a new brand. Many road-focused brands are offering some of the most performance-oriented and well-considered trail apparel we've seen, including styles from Assos, Pearl Izumi, Giro & Castelli.
All that said, there are no rules. Wear what makes you comfortable. Wear what makes you feel fast. Wear what makes you look awesome. You're absolutely allowed to wear lycra on the trail. But if you're interested in experimenting with apparel made specifically for the rough stuff, we've put together a collection of some of our favorites.
#ridewithbtd
Words by Ben Hubbird
