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Trail Biking Essentials

Top picks and expertise for classic mountain bike joyriding.

The best gear and apparel for this discipline put fun and flow at the forefront. If you’re new to the sport or looking for an all-rounder to pedal a variety of trails, you’re in the right place.

What We Look For In A Trail Mountain Bike

Suspension, geometry, wheels, and tires that blend climbing efficiency and downhill performance harmoniously are top of mind when choosing a trail bike.

Suspension: Mid-travel suspension will help manage climbing efficiency while still buffering our impact on the descent. 110–150mm of travel in the front and rear is ideal.

Geometry: Balance is key to a life well-rolled. Poised head tube angles are ready for high-speeds with comfortable reach numbers to turn on a dime.

Wheels: Similarly, balance is key with trail bike wheels. We look for a strength-to-weight ratio that pairs with our climbing and downhill goals.

Tires: An aggressive front tire for cornering action ahead of a fast-rolling rear tire with lower braking knob s is the system we like to stick with.

If you’re looking to buy your first bike, we recommend starting with a complete build like the bikes below. And if you’re looking to build your own custom ride, reach out to a Gearhead® Expert to get your dream bike built

Bike deets run deep, and they can easily get your head spinning. Since the best bike for you will depend on your individual measurements and preferences, we recommend reading our Mountain Bike Buying Guide for the fine-tuned details.

Trail Bikes

A rider cruises down a singletrack as the sun sets behind them.

Well-balanced machines that manage the ups and downs of the ride.

Trail bike shapes and suspension are generally spec’d right in the middle (between enduro and cross-country designs) to optimize overall performance, but some models lean in one direction or the other.

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What We Look For In Trail Apparel

Lapping trail miles requires comfortable clothing that lets the air flow through as we find our own flow. Added qualities like lightweight, rip-resistant fabrics and bike-specific fits are what keep us spinning with lots of positive energy.

Our latest lineup of bike apparel was put through the wringer by Gearhead® Experts and our pro riders alike. Our Slickrock Short is the result of all their miles in the field: four-way stretch tech, adequate venting, 50+ UPF rating, and a PFC-free DWR treatment are just a few ways this short keeps us ready for every condition we find ourselves in. Plus, 85% recycled content within the fabric lowers our impact out there.

Best Men’s Trail Apparel

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Backcountry Long-Sleeve MTB Jersey & Slickrock Bike Pant

We developed the Long-Sleeve MTB Jersey with the rider and ride in mind. Its four-way stretch fabric throughout our MTB Jersey is unrestricted yet breathable, while woven sleeves increase durability. Like our other bike-specific apparel, it has a droptail hem to keep you covered on the saddle, and a built-in glasses cleaner, too.

Similarly, we rolled out the Slickrock Pant with tough, stretchy fabric that lives for bike miles. It’s lightweight, breathable, and treated to shed dirt, mud, and water. It’s vented at the thigh with zippered pockets to keep your body cool and your gear secure. Plus, it’s available in plenty of colors and sizes to match your own style and fit preference.

Complete Your Kit

Bike-specific designs that breathe and move in all the ways you do.

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Best Women’s Trail Apparel

Backcountry Long-Sleeve MTB Jersey & Slickrock Pant

The Long-Sleeve Jersey delivers a relaxed fit that doesn’t ride-up, it’s UPF 50+ rated, and its sleeves are fabricated with extra durability so we’re always protected. We designed our Slickrock Pant to be comfortable at every turn, too. A high back rise and articulated hip stay in sync with our movement, and airy venting, water-shedding treatment, and adjustability options seal the deal.

Pairing our top trail bike shirt and pant with the MTN Air Jacket is an easy choice to stay ready for changing conditions. It keeps our temp regulated and when the ride heats up, the lightweight jacket packs down small to clear the way for fully focused pedaling.

Complete Your Kit

Inspired by the thrill. (Almost) as tough as you are.

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What We Look For In Trail Helmets

We like to head out with lightweight coverage that carries plenty of vents to cool down when our pace progresses. Generally, all bike helmets are unisex. The best helmets fit as snug as a glove and have MIPS protection to maximize safety. Sleek, good-looking shapes with visor coverage crown-out the assortment we’ve selected below.

Best Trail Bike Helmet

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Top Picks From The Backcountry Bulletin

Backcountry Bulletin

What We Look For In Trail Shoes

Your choice of footwear creates the foundation of your body-to-bike connection. We look for comfortable, durable, power-infused shoes that don’t hang us up when we clip in.

Best Men’s Trail Shoe

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Tallac Clip BOA Mountain Bike Shoe

Detailed with an easy-to-engage 2-bolt clip and fast-fitting BOA system, these shoes make hopping in and out of the saddle seamless. Rugged materials make up their overall outer construction, and the sole construction within drives plenty of power to maximize efficiency whether charging up or downhill. Plus, its sole is further perfected with added cushion for comfort on heavy landings.

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Best Women’s Trail Shoe

Freerider Pro Canvas Cycling Shoe

Constructed with a durable canvas upper, this flat-pedal shoe is versatile enough for all our favorite trails. Its toe box is impact-resistant so our feet don’t get banged-up in a jam, and its EVA midsole helps absorb shock and keep us feeling ready for every drop to come. Topped off by a sole that maintains traction in tricky sections, we feel confident that we won’t slip off the pedals or down hike-a-bike sections with the Freeriders at our feet.

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What We Look For In Hip Packs

A fully stocked loadout means we can stay after it all day. The best on-trail packs balance our carry-ons without a loose, free-swinging fit. We look for minimal, weatherproof, sweat-wicking, aerodynamic designs that secure our gear without adding unnecessary bulk. Specific placements for additional water, tools, and electronics are also a plus.