With solo bike trips to the mountains on the rise, 'what to wear' is one of the biggest questions that comes to mind while prepping for the journey. To address this exact question, popular travel vlogger Mohammed Salim Khan (his YouTube channel MSK has more than 1.3 million subscribers) is here to help! He says people might think that simply wearing denim is good enough. But well-fitted clothes must also serve a purpose on such bike trips and that purpose is safety. So here's a guide to comfortable clothing while going on a solo bike ride to the mountains.
Going For A Solo Bike Trip? Popular Vlogger MSK Has A Guide To Comfy Clothing!
Riding Pants
₹7550
If you feel denim pants are enough, that would mean damage to your knees. According to MSK, another alternative to these would be to carry separate knee and shin guards. "For some, wearing these guards over their denim pants is not comfortable as it interferes with the movement of your joints. Also, some riding pants are waterproof, so you get protected from rains as well. These motorcycle protective pants from Rynox go a long way and you can wear them for years."
Riding Jacket
₹7550
Riding jackets are an absolute must-have. MSK recommends the riding jackets from Rynox, which are extremely versatile. "They have provisions for air ventilation but also save you from the cold. These jackets come with a removable thermal or water-proof lining, that you can make use of depending on the season." We love the fact that it has so many options in terms of colours such as bottle green, earth brown and stone grey, to name a few!
Dri-Fit Tees
₹1795
Besides the gear, another thing to keep in mind is good quality t-shirts. MSK suggests avoiding polyester or linen material. "The reason I don’t suggest cotton full-sleeved t-shirts directly on the skin is that cotton absorbs sweat and moisture which can be uncomfortable. Whether you’re a man or a woman, you have to dress right on a ride. These are important because during long rides, your skin is in a constant state of friction with your riding jacket and riding pants. This could cause rashes and bruises making the ride very uncomfortable." So you can get your hands on these long-sleeved dri-fit tees from Nike to keep the sweat in check.
Compressors For Legs
₹799
After sitting for long hours on the bike, people can experience muscle pulls and strains. That’s why, MSK says, leg compressions or tights are necessary. "If you wear riding pants or denim directly over your skin for too long you will start to feel itchy. Compressors or tights are a perfect base layer for bottoms as they can be worn in any season." This black running tights from Decathlon has moisture-wicking fabric that absorbs perspiration to keep you dry, and is ideal for such scenarios.
Leather Gloves
₹3250
As a rider, you are more likely to extend your hands to save yourself from falling. MSK states, "Leather gloves protect you from injury and also from cold and tan. Riding in the sun leaves the back of your palm most vulnerable to the UV rays. Long exposures to the sun and extreme weather can cause your skin to crack and burn." So, own a pair of gloves from Rynox, which has gone through 15 different tests and is verified to have a certifiable limit of cut, abrasion and impact resistance.
Note: Entire text has been provided by Mohammed Salim Khan.