Next to your bike itself, your clothing and gear is probably the biggest factor that determines how much you enjoy your time on the trails. Thankfully there’s a huge market of MTB clothing out there, and we’ve got a bunch of new items in this roundup for men, women and young shredders.
Muc-Off has expanded their men’s technical apparel line for 2021 with updates and a few new pieces, and men who dig Western styling should check out Club Ride’s new skull print shirt. New company Ride Force comes to the table with jerseys designed to fit all kinds of women, and another newcomer Skidz launches their first line of kids riding gear.
Muc-Off 2021 MTB clothing:
Following up on their initial clothing launch early last year, Muc-Off has updated their Technical Apparel line for 2021. The clothing line has expanded and introduces some new color options for this year.
First up, the Riders Gilet is a new addition for 2021. Eco-conscious consumers will appreciate that the gilet is made entirely from REPREVE recycled polyester (largely comprised of plastic ocean waste and bottles). The gilet is windproof and packable, and some key construction features include mesh side panels, a dropped rear hem, a soft-lined collar, a zipped chest pocket, and reflective details.
This close-fitting gilet features the Muc-Off Anchoring System (MOAS) so it includes elastic straps and buttons to attach itself to the Technical Riders Jacket for seamless layering. On warmer days the Riders Gilet is perfectly suitable as an outer layer over a jersey or t-shirt.
The Riders Gilet is sold in XS-XXL sizes, and in Black only. MSRP is £99.99 (approx. $140 USD).
The Technical Riders Jacket carries over from last year, but there’s a new green color option for 2021. This all-weather jacket is made from a three layer M.O.D 94 fabric that Muc-Off developed themselves to be waterproof, hydrophobic and breathable…and it stretches! This jacket offers an ergonomic fit with a dropped tail for full back coverage.
Waterproof zippers, taped seams and a 3-point adjustable and removable hood should keep the elements out, and the jacket has pit zips for ventilation. The jacket also offers two side pockets and a chest pocket, a soft lined collar and reflective details. The Technical Riders Jacket sells for $249.99, and comes in sizes XS-XXL.
Like the jacket, the Technical Riders Short gets a new green color but otherwise remains unchanged from 2020. The shorts are made from Muc-Off’s M.O.D 94 three layer fabric so they’re waterproof, breathable, and stretchy. They also get waterproof zippers, and a weatherproof layer over the rear stretch panel.
The Technical Riders Short offers plenty of storage: There are two zipped pockets, a large side pocket, and if that’s not enough Muc-Off’s Essentials Case can be attached to the shorts’ rear panel via Molle webbing straps. Other details include elastic waist adjusters, knee-pad friendly leg length and a zipped fly. The Technical Riders Short retails for $119.99, in sizes XS-XXL.
Muc-Off has base layers covered with Long and Short Sleeved Jerseys. This year’s versions come in Green or Black, with Muc-Off’s signature pink accents. Both versions are made from a midweight breathable mesh fabric that offers a little stretch. The rear hems are dropped, the shoulders are seamless, and the jerseys include a microfibre lens cleaning cloth.
Short Sleeve Jerseys cost $39.99, and the Long Sleeves are $44.99. Both come in XS-XXL sizes.
Another new addition for 2021 is the Technical Riders Sock. Available in green to match the updated jacket and shorts, these regular length socks are ideal for any cyclist. Contour compression provides support for your feet, and a sculpted fit reduces rubbing and ensures seamless comfort. The tight-weave fabric is designed to retain its shape, too.
These socks are made from a sweat-wicking poly/lycra blend, and are constructed with flat toe seams and mesh upper panels. The Technical Riders Sock is sold in UK sizes 3-11, and MSRP is $19.99.
Club Ride – New West Skull Print shirt:
Giddy up pardner! Club Ride recently announced a new cow skull print for their New West men’s button-up shirt. The New West Skull Print offers a Western style option for an upscale but functional riding shirt.
The New West Skull Print provides the same Sport fit as Club Ride’s existing New West shirts, and its 95% polyester/5% spandex blend provides a little 2-way stretch. The body is made from a quick-drying, moisture wicking fabric that provides UPF50 sun protection, and the underarms feature mesh vents.
One chest pocket and a zippered rear pocket carry small items, and finishing details include pearl snaps, Ridelight reflective accents, and a hidden sunglass cleaner. The New West Skull Print comes in two colors – Khaki and Denim. Sizes range from S-XXL, and it sells for $79.95.
Ride Force Women’s MTB Clothing:
Jackson, Wyoming’s Ride Force is, in their own words, “a brand focused on empowering women in the outdoors by providing a performance clothing option inclusive of fit, styling, technical features and design.” CEO and founder Taylor-Ann Smith was tired of women’s riding gear that was overtly feminine or cut for a professional athlete’s body, so Ride Force was created to offer clothing options all women can feel comfortable in.
Ride Force just launched this spring, and they’ve released a pair of 2021 Signature MTB Jerseys. All panels of these jerseys are made from a premium mesh polyblend fabric that offers flex, breathability and SPF 30 sun protection. They also feature seamless shoulders and a hidden goggle wipe inside the hem.
But with Ride Force it’s all about the right fit for all riders; all their jerseys follow a non-feminine cut (longer torso, no tapered sides, no deep V-necks) and offer a unisex fit. They recommend women who want a tighter fit should size down, stick to your usual size for a standard fit, or go one size up for a looser jersey. Sizes range from XS-XXL.
Skidz MTB Youth Clothing:
You don’t want your young ripper suffering through a ride in a cotton T-shirt and cargo shorts do you? Why shouldn’t kids enjoy the same technical performance advantages that grown-ups get from our gear?
Fairfax, CA’s Justin Schwartz is a DH racer, industry insider and owner of Mount Tam Apparel. As a well-known local in the Marin MTB scene Justin decided his 12 nieces and nephews should have better clothing to ride in, so along came Skidz offering jerseys, shorts, gloves and apparel for kids 6-15 years old.
Skidz has five Trail Jerseys for youth, all made with lightweight, breathable fabrics that wick away sweat. There are three different styles and a few graphic options within; The Flagship and Earth jerseys are the simplest T-shirt style, the Palms and Airplanes jerseys add a front pocket, and the Tie-Dye jersey gets ¾ sleeves. Each graphic comes in one colorway.
All jerseys sell for $45 except the Tie-Dye ¾ Sleeve which costs $50. All are available in youth sizes S-XL (Skidz has a sizing guide on their website).
Skidz MTB Mountain Bike Shorts are a simple riding short made from a lightweight, breathable 3-way stretch fabric. The shorts are water-resistant and feature a Velcro-adjustable waist, zipper fly and two hand pockets. The Mountain Bike Shorts retail for $50. Sizes S-XL are available (covering waist sizes 23.5”-31”) in Dark Grey only.
And finally, since kids tend to crash a lot (I know I did!) you can protect their hands with the Grip It and Rip It Gloves. These gloves feature flex zones at the knuckles, grippy silicone prints on the braking fingers, and breathable 4-way stretch mesh uppers. The gloves cost $25, and come in the Midnight color shown above. S/M or M/L sizes are available.
