What should my child wear mountain biking? A beginner's guide
Fortan ambassador, Ellie
Getting Trail Ready: Part 2 of 3
The honest answer? They can ride in whatever they've got on. But as they get more into it, the right kit makes riding more comfortable, more confident — and a lot more fun.
Start with what you have
Nobody needs a full kit before their first ride. If your child has leggings, joggers and a pair of trainers, they can get out on the trails today. The best thing for a beginner is just getting out there — not waiting until everything is perfect. That said, once they catch the bug (and they usually do), having the right clothing makes a real difference to how much they enjoy riding.
The helmet first — always
Before anything else, make sure the helmet fits properly. A well-fitted MTB helmet — either a trail helmet or full-face depending on the terrain — is the one non-negotiable. Everything else is an upgrade. The helmet is a baseline.
Ellie out on the trails
What MTB-specific clothing actually does differently
Trail riding is different from cycling to school. There's more movement, more stopping, more scrambling on and off the bike, and often a lot more mud. MTB-specific clothing is cut to allow for this — shorter at the front when you're bent forward over the bars, longer at the back to cover you when you're sitting. The fabric is typically more durable, with added stretch and a bit of water resistance.
MTB shorts are baggy by design — not for style, but because they sit comfortably over knee pads and allow full leg movement. Underneath, a padded liner (either built in or worn separately) makes longer rides significantly more comfortable. For tops, a fitted base layer with a looser outer layer is a good combination: breathable, easy to move in, and easy to throw an extra layer over when the weather turns (which in Scotland, it will).
“Kids’ MTB sizing varies massively between brands, so buying by age rarely works. A slimmer fit works best, and an adjustable waist is a must to get more wear as they grow.”
Gloves: underrated for young riders
Full-finger gloves are one of the first things worth adding after the helmet. They improve grip on the bars, take the edge off trail vibration on longer rides, and protect small hands from scrapes when they inevitably go over the bars. Kids often resist them at first — until they try a ride without and feel the difference.
Knee and elbow pads: when do they make sense?
For younger riders building their skills, lightweight knee pads are a good idea — they give a bit of confidence to try new things, and they protect the most common impact point. They don't need to be thick or heavy; a slim-profile pair that sits under shorts works well. Elbow pads are more optional at this stage but worth considering if your child is pushing into rougher terrain.
Layering for changeable weather
If you're riding in Scotland (or anywhere in the UK, really), versatility matters more than any single piece of kit. A lightweight packable jacket that stuffs into a pocket or backpack is worth its weight in gold. Teach your child to pack it even on sunny days — conditions can shift quickly in the hills, and being able to throw on a layer without having to cut a ride short is a useful habit to build early.
“We’ve been really impressed with Fortan — their Grom line is properly designed around kids’ geometry, which makes a big difference.”
Fortan Grom range — designed for young riders
The Grom range is available in four colourways, but our favourite has to be the Pink Fade — and we think the young riders at Next Gen might agree.
High-performance breathable fabric with a lightweight open-mesh back panel for maximum airflow. Cut specifically for younger riders, with raglan sleeves for comfort and freedom of movement.
Lightweight 4-way stretch trousers built for all-day riding. Adjustable ratchet waistband, zipped pockets and kneepad-compatible ankle cuffs.
Jersey + trousers together - the full Grom look in one. If they're going to get kitted out, the bundle is the obvious way to do it.
This post was created in partnership with Fortan, proud sponsors of Limitlass: Next Gen.