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Helmet

The vast majority of mountain bikers wear a helmet, with very good reason. The nature of the activity means that taking a tumble is a likelihood at some point. If this happens when you are travelling downhill at speed you are at risk of serious harm. As well as injuries such as broken bones and serious gashes, a blow to the head can be fatal or cause permanent disability or paralysis. A helmet may not prevent such serious injuries in some cases, but in others it might.

Body armour

Some areas of the North Downs – the Surrey Hills in particular – are popular venues for downhilling and free riding, highly technical riding that involves negotiating jumps and various obstacles – both natural and those made by ‘trail builders’ – preferably at high speed. Unsurprisingly, enthusiasts often wear full-face helmets, neck braces and body armour, again, with good reason.

Body armour is cumbersome and unnecessary for the less death-defying activity of cross country (or XC, as some style it) mountain biking, but if you like to take on a few jumps here and there, then shin, knee and elbow pads should be considered.