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Fitness first says the racer
Budding racers like it light and tight, but it should still be comfortable for long, sporty rides. Trousers with a sensible seat pad are easy on the seat even after the first training rides.
HELM Good helmets for racers are already available for less than 100 euros. E.G. Scott ARX without Mips (99 euros). If you occasionally ride a road bike, you should choose a version without or with a removable helmet shield. Good ventilation and fit are the be-all and end-all.
BRILLE Sporty glasses should reliably protect your eyes from draughts and dirt and should ideally be frameless for an unrestricted field of vision. Models like the BBB Avenger is available for 60 euros.
WIND JACKET Wind jackets like the Enduro Pakajak II for 50 euros are definitely part of every biker's basic equipment and not only keep out the wind, but also short rain showers. With appropriate clothing underneath, the jacket can be used all year round. They are often available in striking colours for greater safety on the road.
JERSEY Tight-fitting jerseys like the Quest Jersey from Pearl Izumi is available for around 60 euros. The material should dry quickly and the jersey should have back pockets in which you can stow provisions as well as a pump and spare inner tube. A functional vest (approx. 20 euros) should be worn under the jersey.
BIBSHORT The Escape Quest Bibshort costs around 70 euros and already has a high-quality seat pad that ensures comfort on long tours. Important: Always wear them without pants and preferably with seat cream. The bib shorts can also be used in combination with wide shorts.
SHOES Race shoes like the Northwave Origin Plus (120 euros) are ridden exclusively with clipless pedals for better power transmission. Despite the stiff sole, walking comfort should not be too restricted.
Protection and storage space for touring riders
Beginners who already know that they prefer their mountain bike tours to be less particularly long and sporty, but with as much variety as possible, are well advised to pay attention to more protection and more robust materials from the outset.
HELM Helmets for trail use are lowered further for greater protection and also have a visor. The Rail SX from Giant comes with the Mips system, which promises even more safety despite its relatively low price of 120 euros.
BRILLE The Alpina Defey glasses costs 30 euros, sits securely thanks to the rubberised temples and can also be worn well for other sports.
GLOVES Cheap gloves like the Humvee Lite II are available for around 25 euros. Make sure you have long fingers and good workmanship.
BACKPACK Touring rucksacks like the Cube Edge Twenty are available from 90 euros. In order to have enough storage space for a change of clothes and equipment, the capacity should be between 12 and 20 litres. Good compartmentalisation makes bag management easier. If required, the Cube Edge Twenty can also be fitted with a hydration bladder and back protector.
JERSEY You can't go far wrong with a wide-cut jersey. The X-Trail Jersey from Northwave are available for around 50 euros. SHORTS A comfortable pair of shorts like the Northwave Escape Baggy costs around 50 euros and should have a width adjustment for a secure fit. The material should be elasticated and not too thick for more comfort.
KNEE PROTECTORS Lightweight touring knee pads like the Endura Singletrack Lite (60 euros) protect against minor injuries and provide mental safety. The comfortable fit also makes them very pleasant to wear on long tours.
SHOES Whether click or flat is first and foremost a question of taste. Flat shoes like the Pinned Flat from O'Neal are available for 80 euros. It is important to have a sole that has good grip but is not too soft and bends when pedalling.
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