Despite what genre of cycling you prefer, the appropriate safety equipment should be worn at all times. Even a low-speed cycling crash can result in serious head trauma. A safety helmet will provide sufficient protection for most recreational bikers. However, more extreme disciplines, including mountain biking and BMX, require the use of additional safety gear.
Helmets
The overall shape and design of the helmet fluctuates based on the cycling genre. The road helmet has an elongated shape and features a hard outer shell. Mountain bike helmets feature a similar shape but offer increased rear protection. Dome BMX helmets provide all-around coverage for high-speed crashes. The safest bike helmets have been tested and approved for use. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the safest helmets have been certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as well as a private organization known as the Snell Foundation.
Knee Pads
Depending on the type of terrain, you may want to wear a pair of protective knee pads. Mountain bikers and BMXers commonly ride off-road tracks that feature hazards such as sharp rocks and roots. The outer shell of the knee pad will prevent bruising and lacerations during slide-outs on the trail. Knee pads come in two different designs known as the hard shell and soft shell. X Sports Protective recommends soft-shell knee pads for BMX and mountain biking. Soft-shell knee pads feature flexible pads made from dense foam.
Riding Goggles
Goggles are a necessary piece of riding gear while navigating off-road trails and dirt jumps. Goggles shield your eyes from flying dirt and debris as you execute high-speed turns and maneuvers. The safest goggles feature a series of vents that help to prevent the lens from fogging. According to Vital MTB, top-rated goggles have been specially designed to fit around the full-face helmet commonly used by mountain bikers. Goggles with an interchangeable lens allow you to adapt to low-light riding conditions.
Shoes
When choosing a pair of cycling shoes, first examine the type of pedals featured on your bike. Mountain bikes generally feature platform for flat pedals. The safest mountain biking shoes feature a rubber outer sole that offers increased grip while pedaling. Road bikes often feature specialized clip-in pedals. The safest road shoes feature a cleat system that fastens into the pedals. This helps you to maintain control of the bike during high-speed descents.
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