Mountain Bike Racing - Suitable clothing for XC riding?

I do a lot of XC riding, but nothing competive as of yet. Just wanted to know what you would wear (clothes obvioulsy) while riding an XC race? More importantly, what type of shirts, shorts ect.? Thanks :)

I wear plain black bike shorts and a plain Pearl Izumi grey jersey. I used to wear boxers and gym shorts when I was just starting out, but I quickly learned that bike shorts are much more comfortable. And make you look like a real bike geek too. ;)

As far as shoes go, I wear Diadora Gekos. They aren't the best, but they certainly work for me. The supposed best shoes are Sidi Dominators, but I can't speak for them.

I wear gym-shorts and a nice loose Fox Racing jersey. works for me:)

When I used to race XC, I wore regular bike shorts (or baggy shorts with lycra liners) and jersey. Nowadays, I usually wear the baggies with the lycra liners because they don't rip as easily. Although if I run out of those and haven't done laundry then I'll just use my regular riding shorts. I have also discovered a bunch of jerseys that have zippered back pockets which I like because it doesn't result in quite as much of a yard sale when I crash. :D For shoes, I wear Sidi Action SRS with clipless pedals.

I wear a lycra bib (spandex suspenders) and cycling jersey, both with the LBS logo on it. When I first started racing I did the same as gwhunt, gym shorts and a tshirt. When I got my first pair of lycra shorts and my first jersey I was like "wow, my butt doesn't hurt and I don't feel like I'm drenched in sweat." I haven't looked back since. I also wear DeFeet socks so my feet don't get all sweaty and hot right away, but they're not as big a deal as the bib and jersey

http://www.ems.com/

i wear this stuff all year round and i love everything they make, you wont go wrong. i wear the black techwick and black trek shorts.

I usually just wear a t-shirt, tough rugged shoes, and baggy like shorts. If its a cold day i wear two t-shirts and a warm waterproof jacket, still wear the shorts though.

Wear what you are comfortable in. Most racers will wear the same gear that they ride in on regular trail rides. The only thing I wouls suggest is use clothing that helps keep you cool rather then stright cotton, either baggy or tight. If you do start racing and want to be up there on the podium (once you get out of the beginner class) then you could consider wearing full lycra outfits that will give less drag. I always had to wear baggy/loose fitting jerseys because the tight ones would not fit my chest.

As I said before, go with what you are comfortable in.

:beer:

If you'll be racing in an area with trails thru the woods - or brushy areas, skip the baggy shorts & go with the tight bike shorts & jersey, or stray branches might just catch your clothes & unseat you! Curve, Inc. socks actually have a little padding in them, which makes them comfortable.

Padded shorts - for an XC race, a definate! The lycra blend wikking materials will keep you drier & cooler than straight lycra, and make sure you check the seams in the shorts - you don't want seams rubbing you in the wrong places when your out racing any distance. Generally, the more panels, the better construction a bike short will be - 6 or 8 is great. Bibs obviously don't have a waist band, so there's one less place for material to rub and irritate your skin. The pad should bave some anti-bacterial properties to it.

Darker colors will hold up better to washing, and, after a high temp race, will preserve more of your modesty - unless you're going for a heavy weight lycra, the lighter colors get kind of "see-through" when wet.

Try stuff on, and use what's comfortable - no matter what you get, unless you're hanging our with a bunch of other like-clad folks, you will look silly, so don't bother with a mirror!! Have fun!

I always wear lycra bibs and a jersey. It's just what works for me. I can't imagine riding in other clothes. The lycra actually helps your muscle fight fatigue plus when (not if) you crash it allows you to slide a little and not worry about your clothes getting caught on rocks and roots. In four years I have only had one pair of shorts rip on me. The only jersey that has suffered damage was during a road crash. Baggie clothes have their place, just not in XC. Of course this is just one persons opinion.

Oh yeah, when not at a race there is a ten foot rule. Spandex is fine when you are on the bike or in the vacinity. Once you put the bike on the rack either change clothes or throw some shorts on over the bibs. :)

Another benefit of the lycra shorts is when you are going through a technical section you will be moving in wierd ways and the baggies that I wore had a tendancy to get caught on my seat. This doesn't happen any more with the bibs.