Should I Wear Shin Guards for Mountain Biking?

Whether you are a novice or seasoned mountain biker, you may have considered whether it is necessary to wear shin guards while riding. After all, shin guards can be bulky and uncomfortable, so why bother? The truth is that there are several valid reasons to wear shin guards while mountain biking.

The primary purpose of wearing shin guards is to protect your legs from rocks, roots, and debris that can be difficult to see while on the trail. Mountain biking typically takes place on rough terrain, with numerous obstacles like rocks, stumps, and logs. If the trail is especially muddy or wet, these obstacles can be more difficult to maneuver around. Wearing a set of protective shin guards can help protect your shins from any unexpected abrasions or bruises that could occur if you were to strike one of these obstacles with your leg.

Additionally, if you were to take an unexpected spill off your bike, the guard would provide an extra layer of protection against scrapes and cuts from the ground.

Another reason why it’s important to wear shin guards while mountain biking is that they can help improve your performance on the bike. Shin guards provide extra support for your calves and shins while riding over rough terrain or when pedaling up steep hills. This support helps reduce fatigue in your legs and allows you to ride for longer periods of time without feeling sore or tired. Furthermore, some shin guards come with extra padding which helps reduce shock when landing jumps or drops off ledges or jumps.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while it may seem like an unnecessary addition at first glance, wearing shin guards while mountain biking can actually offer a lot of benefits in terms of both protection and improved performance on the trails. Therefore, if you are looking for added protection and comfort when out on the trails it might be worth investing in a good pair of mountain bike specific shin guards.

Photo of author

Chris Powell