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MTB
Enduro gear: The essential kit list
New to enduro mountain biking? Here’s a quick guide on what to wear.
Enduro mountain biking is an accessible sport that can be a great way to introduce new riders to both the endurance element of cross country and the exhilaration of downhill. However, along with the thrills there can sometimes be spills, so it’s definitely worth investing in a few pieces of essential kit that will help keep you safe and comfortable while out and about on the trails.
Wallner with Johansen in tow during Enduro World Champs back in 2019.
© Duncan Philpott/Enduro World Series
Want to know why Enduro is such a fast growing sport in Sweden? Check this article out:
1. Helmet
For obvious reasons, a helmet is an important piece of kit that you don’t want to skimp on.
Full face helmets might seem pretty cumbersome, but when you’re flying over roots and rocks, you’ll definitely appreciate the added protection.
You can also wear an open face (also known as all-mountain) helmet when riding Enduro. If you are putting a lot of miles in pedaling it can be more comfortable and breathable to wear one, however, if you’re riding or racing as part of an organised event be sure to carefully check the rules and regulations beforehand, as many enduro events require you to wear full-face helmets.
Sometimes you can also wear a small helmet when riding Enduro.
© Aaron Blatt / Red Bull Content Pool
2. Goggles
Professional racers always wear full-face helmets and goggles when racing.
© Sebastian Marko / Red Bull Content Pool
Single lens goggles offer ultimate eye protection and should be a must-have on your enduro kit list. While glasses can be worn, goggles will provide superior protection against the wind, dust, dirt and mud that will inevitably crop up when tearing down trails. Goggles work particularly well with a full face helmet, but can also be used with an open lid. However, if you use a small helmet it is worth considering wear riding glasses.
Are you about to race your first Enduro race? Here are some things to keep in mind:
3. Shoes
Make sure you wear proper MTB shoes.
© Specialized; Trek; O’Neal; Scott; Giro; Adidas
Before picking your shoes, you will need to choose whether you want to ride with clipless or flat pedals, as ultimately this will decide the type of shoe you need. It's all about personal choice, but flats are a great introduction if you’re new to the sport and still sussing out the basics. Clipless pedals are known for having the benefit of power and efficiency, but flat shoes have been developing considerably over the years to keep up with their counterparts, and as a result are still the choice of many a pro rider.
4. Gloves
Gloves are essential for protecting your hands
© [unknown]
Not only will gloves help protect your hands should you take a fall – a decent grip can help with bike control, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. When choosing a pair of gloves, think about the type of weather you’ll be riding in, as warmth and waterproofing will vary from glove to glove.
5. Knee pads
Knee pads have come a long way since their cumbersome arrival. The pads that slip on over your legs tend to be the most secure, but make sure to find a pair that fit well and are comfortable, as you want them to go unnoticed – pads that dig in or slip about while you’re riding will quickly become incredibly annoying.
Want to get more info on what to wear when mountain biking? Check out this article:
6. Packs
The USWE Zulo 2 liter bum bag.
© USWE
The newest trend in Enduro is to either wear a hip pack (aka bum bag) or nothing at all. A hip pack is a small bag that you wear around your waist and you can fit the most important pieces of kit in: like a water bottle, tools and energy.
Most Enduro riders don't use any bag but instead carry everything they need for the ride or race on their bike and in their pockets. There are many clever ways to "hide" equipment on your bike and plenty of bibs that have smart pockets for storing everything from jackets to bananas.
OneUp Components EDC Tool System "hides" tools on your bike.
© TBS
If you're in for a big day on the bike and you're going to need to bring a fair few bits, wearing a backpack is obviously the best way to go as they fit the most.
Want to know how to best pack your back pack?
