But then something happens. They ride with Gripit gloves. And this brings a whole new meaning to “grip it and rip it.” They realize a portion of their struggles riding a mountain bike are because they have been dealing with a mtb gear problem they least expected. Poor gloves. So here are 5 things to look for when purchasing mountain bike gloves:
1. A good mountain biking glove is minimal. The best mtb gloves are not over engineered with obstructions to hand and finger movement. Instead, it is a glove that has a minimal amount of material on the palms fingers. Just enough that it has all the needed protection, but allows the rider to feel the grip and levers.
2. The best mtb gloves are fitted. A glove that fits correctly should feel tight and slim. This will minimize bunching in the fingers and palm. Too much bunching will cause the bars to slip in your hands, forcing you to squeeze tighter and exhaust your forearms.
3. Mountain bike gloves to need be grippy. We’ve all heard the saying, “grip it and rip it.” Well a grippy glove is the first ingredient to being able to do just that, grip it. If a glove doesn’t grip well, it will cause the bars to move around in your hand which is a problem for a host of reasons. You lose bike control and forearm pump will occur. This can result in sloppy or worse, crashing.
4. Gloves need to be comfortable and protective. A good glove protects your hands from blisters, chafing, and in the event of a crash, cuts and bruises. We’ve all seen gloves that put so much emphasis on protection, the result is something that is uncomfortable and restrictive. The best mtb gloves are able to strike a balance between comfortable and protective.
5. Last, and arguably the most important feature of a good mountain bike glove, is style. Nobody wants a glove that doesn't look good. And let's be honest, half of being a good mountain biker is looking good in your gear;). Even those who say they don’t care what it looks like, probably care the most. So don't ever compromise on glove style!
Gripit Sports offer glove that are minimalist, fitted and grippy. They produce gloves that are comfortable, without compromising protection. And of course, they have a variety of rad styles stretching from muted colors and stripes, to florals and tie-dye.
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1. Get you in better riding shape. Mountain biking works a lot of the same muscles that riding a dirt bike uses. From your quads, glutes, and calf muscles, to your arms, hands and core, mountain biking will help to exercise and build up those muscles. It will also dramatically increase your cardiovascular endurance. So while the downhill is where most of the fun lies with mountain biking, go out and earn it. Think of the uphill on a mountain bike as training for your next moto. It will give you the endurance you are looking for on your dirt bike.
2. Mtb riding will improve your balance. And I mean really improve it. A mountain bike will teach you a lot about how to position your body correctly to avoid crashes and ride faster. Because a mountain bike has no throttle and it is much more lightweight and nimble, your body positioning is SO IMPORTANT. While it is also very important on a dirt bike, a dirt bike gives you ways to make up for bad technique or body positioning such as being able to throttle out or the ability to dab your foot. Both things that are impossible or more difficult to do on a mountain bike.
3. Mtbiking will teach you to keep you to ride looking ahead and help you learn to pick lines. It's no secret that a mountain bike is lighter, has skinnier tires, and less beefy suspension. That's one reason why it can be such a thrill. You feel every bump and rock on a mountain bike. But that also means you have to take extra care to pick the correct lines. Obstacles that dirtbikes would roll over without you even noticing, a mountain bike could get hung up on. So it teaches you to be alert and stay looking ahead, planning each line and move. A valuable skill that will transfer over to dirt biking.
4. Mountain biking is easier to do on a time crunch. One of the nicest things about mountain biking is that the prep to ride is quick. For a lot of people, mountain bike trails are closer, making it more accessible during the work week or on a time crunch. It also requires less gear than dirt biking. Throw on some shoes, helmet, and gloves, and you're all set to shred. Not to mention loading the bike is super quick and easy. In the space of just 1-2 hours, I can get a good mountain bike ride in. Whereas dirt biking typically takes a half to full day.
4. Riding mountain bikes is a blast. I grew up dirt biking for years before I really got into mountain biking. And quite honestly, on a day off work, I would much rather be riding my dirt bike. But I’ve developed a whole new passion for two wheels through mountain bikes. It's a rush and there is no better feeling of accomplishment than completing a rigorous climb. And then as a reward, you get a fast and flowy downhill.
So if your true passion lies with dirt bikes, I'm right there with you. But open your mind to another sport with two wheels. Recognize the positives of riding mountain bikes and if anything, use it as a fun way train and improve your dirt biking.
]]>1. Most motocross riders prefer a glove that is MINIMALIST. What do we mean by that? We mean a glove that doesn't obstruct the movements of your hand. A glove that allows you to feel the grip of your dirt bike and each movement of the levers so that you can be precise and intentional. A minimalist glove keeps the palm bunch-free, allowing you to grip it and rip it without obstruction.
2. The best dirt biking gloves are FITTED. What do we mean by fitted? We mean a bunch-free glove. Your riding glove needs to be a slim and tight fit around your fingers and hand. When a glove is too loose, it can really hinder your ability to grip the bars well. A glove that isn’t fitted to your hand will move around as you ride, causing you to lose control over your bike and force you to grip the bars harder. Arm pump can occur and in the worst scenarios is a crash.
3. The best gloves for dirt bikes are GRIPPY. A grippy glove minimizes the rider’s effort to hold on to the bars. This minimizes fatigue and arm pump, as well as giving you greater control over you and your bike’s movement.
4. Something extremely important to all motorcycle gloves is COMFORT. You could have a great fitting glove that is grippy and protective, but what's that worth when the glove is just flat out uncomfortable. Gripit Gloves are made with a 4-way stretch material and a small amount of seams carefully placed to not rub your hand in the wrong places.
5. Let’s be real, having RAD STYLE is an integral part of dirt biking. It just is. A pair of gloves with unique designs that fit your style is key to standing out and allowing you to be you. Gripit gloves have a variety of unique style options just for you that you won’t find anywhere else.
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