For a mountain bike lesson your child does not need professional gear. They do need the right kit, though: what they wear decides whether they spend the lesson learning and having fun or adjusting trousers, laces and helmet. Here is what to prepare, item by item.
At a glance
- Helmet: always compulsory, the right size and properly adjusted. For enduro, when the route calls for it, a full-face helmet is better.
- Clothing: sporty, comfortable and hard-wearing, allowing free movement. Nothing too baggy that could get caught.
- Shoes: trainers with a flat sole, to keep the foot steady on the pedal. Even better if they are MTB-specific.
- Protection: knee pads, elbow pads and any extra protection depending on the activity, the level and the route.
You do not need to dress like a pro
Racing jerseys, technical trousers and expensive shoes are not essential, especially at the start. Four things, well chosen, are enough: a suitable helmet, comfortable clothes, shoes with the right sole and the protection planned for the lesson. We take care of the rest: route, pace and exercises are tailored to the age and level of the kids.
The helmet is always compulsory
No helmet, no ride, at any level. But having one is not enough: it must be the right size, properly adjusted and stable on the head. A helmet that is too big or badly fastened offers little protection and is annoying throughout the lesson.
Before leaving the house, do this quick check:
- the helmet covers the forehead and sits level, not tilted back;
- the adjustment system at the back of the head is tight enough that the helmet does not wobble;
- the chin strap is fastened and snug, without being too tight;
- if your child shakes their head, the helmet moves with the head and does not slip.
Enduro: for enduro activities, when the route calls for it, we also recommend a full-face helmet, which protects the chin and face.
Clothing that is comfortable, hard-wearing and allows free movement
On a mountain bike you stand up on the pedals, shift forwards and backwards on the saddle, and get off and back on the bike. That is why you need sportswear that lets you move easily and can take a few scrapes from branches and dirt.
- Yes: sports T-shirt, shorts or stretchy trousers, and an extra layer in the backpack if the day is cool.
- No: clothes that are too baggy, trousers with wide hems, dangling laces or cords. All of these can get caught in the bike.
Expensive clothes are not needed: the same clothes your child wears for sport are perfectly fine, as long as they are fitted enough and not delicate.
Shoes with a flat sole
Shoes are the point of contact between foot and pedal, and they matter more than you might think. Choose trainers with a flat sole: a flat sole sits well on the pedal and keeps the foot steady even on descents and over roots. If your child already has MTB-specific shoes, even better.
Avoid shoes with studs or deeply lugged soles, which grip the pedal poorly, and check that the laces are tied properly and tucked into the shoe.
Protection: for enduro it matters
Depending on the activity and level, knee pads, elbow pads and extra protection can be useful. For enduro lessons, which involve more technical descents, protection becomes important.
The choice should always be matched to the type of route and the lesson: there is no single kit that suits everyone. If you are not sure what is needed for the lesson your child has signed up for, ask us beforehand: we will tell you what to bring.
The checklist before you set off
- Helmet of the right size, adjusted and fastened
- Comfortable sportswear, with no loose or dangling parts
- Trainers with a flat sole, laces tied
- Protection planned for the lesson (knee pads, elbow pads…)
- An extra layer if it is cool
For water, snacks and the rest of the equipment, you will find a full list in What to put in your backpack for an MTB ride.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need technical MTB clothing?
No. Comfortable, hard-wearing sportswear is enough, as long as it allows free movement and has no loose parts that could get caught. What matters is having a helmet, suitable shoes and the protection planned for the lesson.
Is the helmet compulsory for the youngest kids too?
Yes, the helmet is always compulsory, at any age and level. It must be the right size, properly adjusted and stable on the head.
When is a full-face helmet needed?
It is recommended for enduro activities, when the route calls for it. For beginner lessons an open MTB helmet is usually enough; if in doubt, ask us before the lesson.
What shoes should my child wear?
Trainers with a flat sole, which keep the foot steady on the pedal. If they have MTB-specific shoes, even better.
Are knee pads and elbow pads necessary?
It depends on the activity and level. For enduro, protection is important; in general, the choice should be matched to the type of route and the lesson.
We take care of the rest
The right bike, route and pace for their age: our instructors take the kids out on the trails of the Val Nervia.
