A client recently asked me what makes mountain-bike-specific clothes mountain bikey. While you can certainly wear any comfortable athletic clothes that allow you to bike, there are several reasons to add a few MTB-specific items to your kit. Because mountain biking generally requires a higher range of motion and more exertion than strolling through a park, the best MTB jerseys are designed to provide maximum comfort, functionality, durability, and safety!

(Note: In this article, we will discuss the best MTB jerseys—we’ll talk about jackets, shorts, helmets, socks, shoes, bike pads, and accessories in other articles! )

Best Jersey Fabrics for Mountain Biking

Chances are very good that you will break a sweat during your ride, so your top should be moisture-wicking and breathable. In addition, it should be lightweight but durable enough to withstand tearing and snagging when you fly by overgrown brush, nettle, and tree branches. Finally, your jersey fabric and fit should be somewhat close-fitting, but loose and flexible enough for you to move among the ready, neutral, and climbing positions comfortably. Fabrics to look for include polyester, Capilene, and merino wool. Cotton is a poor choice for athletic pursuits since it doesn’t wick moisture, can keep you cold, and can cause chafing.

Best Jerseys Styles for Mountain Biking

Jerseys designed specifically for mountain biking are usually longer in the back so that when you are leaning over, in the ready stance, they still provide enough coverage over your back to avoid sunburns and chafing from your backpack. Most mountain biking jerseys also have longer sleeves for added protection and so that you avoid the dreaded elbow pad gap. That’s the gap that occurs when you are wearing elbow pads and short sleeves and the skin on your tricep is sticking out. No one likes that:)

Road bike jerseys are different since they have pockets on the back, zip up the front and are very form fitting. When mountain biking, you don’t need pockets in your jersey since you are hopefully carrying a hip pack or backpack with everything needed when you are on the trail, away from civilization. But most of all, it’s a style point! Mountain bike jerseys are for mountain biking and road bike jerseys are for road biking!