What gear do I need to start mountain biking?

A trail kit starts with a durable jersey , shell shorts with a padded liner , full-finger gloves , and shoes matched to your pedals, plus a helmet. Add knee pads for technical terrain and a packable jacket for weather.

Should I wear shell shorts or bib shorts on the trail?

Shell shorts with a liner are the most versatile and make quick changes easy, while bibs suit long, seated climbs on smoother trails where all-day chamois support matters most. Browse both in Shorts & Pants , or see the Shorts & Bibs Guide .

Do I need knee-pad-compatible shorts?

For technical trails or bike park days, yes. Look for shorts or pants with wider leg openings and a longer inseam so the hems clear your knee pads instead of riding up onto them.

What shoes do I need for mountain biking?

Match your pedals: 2-bolt SPD clipless shoes lock in for efficient climbing and rough-trail control, while flat pedal shoes with grippy soles keep your feet planted for technical and playful riding. The soles differ, so the shoes are not interchangeable.

Do I need body protection for mountain biking?

For technical trails, jumps, and bike park riding, knee pads add a real margin of safety, and many trail riders wear lightweight ones routinely. Ours use D3O , which stays flexible while pedalling, so they are comfortable enough to climb in. See MTB Protection and build up coverage as the terrain gets rougher.

What should I wear mountain biking in cold or wet weather?

Layer a base layer under a jersey, add MTB pants or thermal layers, and carry a windproof or waterproof jacket , venting on climbs. Warm gloves and the right shoes round it out.

Women's Mountain Bike

Trail-Tested. Rider-Tuned.
Our women’s MTB gear is built for durability, dialed for fit, and ready for every ride—from singletrack missions to backcountry epics.

Women's MTB Jerseys Women's MTB Bottoms Women's MTB Shoes Women's MTB Gloves

From punchy climbs to backcountry descents, our women's mountain bike apparel is built to disappear under pressure: breathable MTB jerseys, durable shorts and pants, pad-compatible fits, and storage that stays put when the trail gets rowdy.

Build Your Trail Kit

MTB Jerseys: quick-dry tops that vent on the climb and stay quiet on the descent.

Shorts & Pants: pad-friendly stretch, abrasion resistance, and secure pockets that don't bounce.

Liner Shorts: women-specific chamois comfort under shells for all-day support.

Gloves: grip and protection tuned for technical terrain. Full-finger is the trail standard.

Jackets: wind and weather protection that breathes and packs small.

Shoes: clipless 2-bolt SPD or grippy flats. Match your pedals and terrain.

Shorts & Pants, Trail Dialed

Run shells with a breathable liner for mobility and comfort. Look for DWR finishes to shed spray, a gusseted crotch for movement, and leg openings that clear pads without snagging. New to liners or MTB chamois? Start with our Shorts & Bibs Guide and the Chamois Guide.

Protection for the Trail

Knees are the most commonly injured area in mountain biking and the easiest to protect for the least penalty. For technical trails, jumps, and bike park days, add knee and elbow guards from MTB Protection. Ours use D3O impact material, which stays flexible while you pedal and firms up only on impact, so you can climb in them rather than carrying them to the top.

Dress for Heat, Dust & Storms

Heat: airy jerseys and light gloves keep airflow high on exposed climbs.

Wind: stash a packable shell for ridge lines and descents.

Rain: go seam-sealed with pieces that breathe during hard efforts.

Cold: a base layer under a thermal jersey, then trail pants instead of shorts.

Quick Temperature Guide

75°F and up (24°C+): lightweight short-sleeve jersey and shorts over a liner.

60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C): same, plus a packable wind layer for descents.

45 to 60°F (7 to 16°C): thermal jersey with a wind jacket; consider trail pants.

Below 45°F (7°C): base layer under a thermal jersey, an insulated or waterproof shell, and pants.

Which MTB Line?

Canyon: the accessible, comfort-first trail line for weekend rides.

Summit: all-mountain performance with the broadest range and the most weather protection.

Elevate: gravity and bike park. Currently men's and unisex, with gloves in women's sizing and unisex guards.

Fit & Sizing

MTB gear should move with you, with room for pads where needed. Hems cover the ride position without snagging the saddle; waist adjusters lock the fit without pinch. Women's cuts are shaped through the shoulders, torso, hips, and legs rather than sized down. Use our Size & Fit Guide to confirm your size, and the MTB Beginner's Guide or Mountain Biking Guide if you are new to the discipline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about PEARL iZUMi products.

A trail kit starts with a durable jersey, shell shorts with a padded liner, full-finger gloves, and shoes matched to your pedals, plus a helmet. Add knee pads for technical terrain and a packable jacket for weather.
Shell shorts with a liner are the most versatile and make quick changes easy, while bibs suit long, seated climbs on smoother trails where all-day chamois support matters most. Browse both in Shorts & Pants, or see the Shorts & Bibs Guide.
For technical trails or bike park days, yes. Look for shorts or pants with wider leg openings and a longer inseam so the hems clear your knee pads instead of riding up onto them.
Match your pedals: 2-bolt SPD clipless shoes lock in for efficient climbing and rough-trail control, while flat pedal shoes with grippy soles keep your feet planted for technical and playful riding. The soles differ, so the shoes are not interchangeable.
For technical trails, jumps, and bike park riding, knee pads add a real margin of safety, and many trail riders wear lightweight ones routinely. Ours use D3O, which stays flexible while pedalling, so they are comfortable enough to climb in. See MTB Protection and build up coverage as the terrain gets rougher.
Layer a base layer under a jersey, add MTB pants or thermal layers, and carry a windproof or waterproof jacket, venting on climbs. Warm gloves and the right shoes round it out.
They are built for different riding rather than being a good-better-best ladder. Canyon is the accessible, comfort-first trail line. Summit is all-mountain performance with the broadest range and the most weather protection. Elevate is gravity focused; it is currently men's and unisex, with gloves offered in women's sizing and unisex guards, so Summit is the deeper women's option.

Women's Mountain Bike

Build Your Trail Kit

Shorts & Pants, Trail Dialed

Protection for the Trail

Dress for Heat, Dust & Storms

Quick Temperature Guide

Which MTB Line?

Fit & Sizing

Frequently Asked Questions

Shop By Category

Customer Service

About PEARL iZUMi

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Men's Quest Shorts