Style Check: Women’s Trail Riding Outfit

Like many, I become a loyalist when I find a brand I really like. Whether it be a pair of mountain bike gloves, shorts or a jersey – I often develop fan girl like tendencies once I find something that works for me.

For instance, Troy Lee Designs is hands down (pun intended) my go-to for mountain biking gloves. I own literally 15 pairs of their gloves — they have the best fit, design and durability out there. The women’s Ace gloves are my favorite flashy pair of gloves with amazing rhinestone details, but I also purchase the youth gloves (size large) for the variety of colors in solids (the hot pink ones are my favorite).

A quick break while riding Annadel State Park.

I am also this way with trail riding shorts. Maloja, a little known European brand here in the States, features the best fit, look and durability that I look for in a short. (the downside is the limited availability) I am tall and thin, and prefer a slim cut short that hits the top of my knee. It also needs to have pockets, look good from behind and never hang up on my saddle. I like them so much I have over 11 pairs of their shorts.

Jerseys, however, are a different equation. Maloja makes some great looking long sleeve trail riding tops with nice, large back pockets, but I’m not excited about the look and fit of their short sleeve models, freeride versions or tanks. So currently I rotate selections in from various apparel brands —provided they fit well. They can’t be overly baggy or tight, and must be long enough in the torso. Breathability is also key, as well as clearance for my Gform trail riding elbow pads.

This brings me to my current trail riding outfit. This ensemble is based around a blue and white printed Maloja Freno Rug Short. Because the pattern is a bit busy, the rest of the outfit is solid black. Since I mountain bike using a hydration pack, back pockets on my picks aren’t necessary. I am wearing a polyester short sleeve top from Jo & Co – it is performance wear not marketed towards cycling but breathes well, fits nicely and doesn’t snag.