Explainer: What to Wear when riding Trail & eMTB
If you are riding Trail or eMTB, then there really is no need to be in the full lycra setup that works well for XC and Road. Trail gear is more comfortable and has more protection than traditional endurance lycra gear. It’s also a whole lot more stylish and functional. We reached out to Specialized who sent us a couple of items from their new trail range so we can show you what to wear when riding Trail and eMTB.
Men’s Mountain Liner Bib Shorts
Bibs are an essential wardrobe item that no trail or eMTB rider should leave home without – ever. The chamois (or padding) is designed to work with the saddle and protect you from the jarring vibrations of the trail. Riding without a chamois is asking for a whole heap of health problems to creep into your life. Just don’t do it.
Details
- Specialized Mountain Liner Bib Short with SWAT™
- Women’s specific version also available
- Slim Base Layer
- Available in six sizes
- Five Pockets, one is zippered
- RRP: R2250
- More: specialized.com
My take: Each leg has a pocket to store lightweight goodies like gels or bars and the back panel has another three pockets, to carry tools, your phone, keys and other essentials. With these bibs, you really won’t need to ride with a backpack anymore. The slim base layer meshy material plays nicely with the sweltering African climate, in fact, they ventilate far better than an earlier generation I owned. The chamois is not bulky, at all, and the 3D padding is in the right place keeping ‘things down there’ safe, comfy and cool. The fly is a neat feature making nature breaks a far simpler affair than with traditional bibs. Kudos to the clever crew who have developed what is likely the most functional bib, ever.
Trail Long Sleeve Jersey
If you are hammering through the rough bushveld up North, the fynbos of the Cape, or the forests of KZN, a long sleeve jersey adds protection from the harsh African sun and those unexpected skin-ripping washouts.
Details
- Specialized Long Sleeve Trail Jersey
- Relaxed fit
- Available in five sizes
- Crew neck
- Black or Cast Battleship (grey) colours available
- RRP: R990
- More: specialized.com
My take: I don’t know what engineering is involved here but this thing feels buttery soft and ridiculously comfortable. Specialized says the high-tech fabric actually reflects the sun to aid cooling and I’m not gonna argue with them on that. It rides cooler than it looks. I’m a big fan of long sleeve jerseys for trail riding. I’m using a size small and the sleeve length, torso and chest sizing are spot on. This is a simple, no-pocket, no-frill trail jersey that’s comfortable on the bike and in the café.
Altered-Edition Trail Rain Jacket
Staying as dry as possible is half the secret to enjoying rainy days out on the trail. The Altered Trail Rain Jacket is a lightweight, cozy, waterproofing solution for wet days.
Details
- Specialized Altered-Edition Trail Rain Jacket
- Relaxed fit
- Oak Green
- Available in four sizes
- RRP: R3750
- More: specialized.com
My take: The material is mildly stretchy, and I think that’s what makes the jacket so comfortable. There’s one large zippered pocket on the chest that is easily big enough for smartphones. A tall collar and hoodie (that stretches over the helmet) are my favorite features. Being a waterproof garment it’s understandably bulkier than a wind jacket, yet still stuffs into a bigger-sized jersey pocket or backpack, quite easily.
Trail Air Shorts
Trail shorts have come a long way over the past decade, which has had a major impact on their popularity. They are incredibly comfortable, don’t bunch or snag on the saddle and bring a whole lot of style and confidence to the trail and post-ride feast.
Details
- Specialized Trail Air Shorts
- Available in sizes 28 to 44
- Relaxed fit
- Black or Cast Battleship colours
- RRP: R1500
- More: specialized.com
My take: Less is more when it comes to the Trail Air Shorts. Designed for a relaxed fit and feel, they are the perfect length for long trail rides or eMTB adventures. I’d even use them for XC riding. A simple front buckle system tweaks the fit and the zippered side pocket is large enough to carry big smartphones. The material is stretchy, light and soft. You’d be hard-pressed to beat the comfort, ventilation and cooling offered here.
