What gear can and cannot do
Falls are a normal part of learning tricks, and protective gear is there to reduce the chance or severity of some injuries when they happen. It cannot make a risky trick safe, it cannot guarantee that you will not be hurt, and it should not be a reason to attempt something beyond your skill. Think of it as one layer in a set that also includes a suitable venue, a well-maintained bike, small progressive steps and, for some tricks, qualified instruction.
This is general information, not a recommendation of any product, and I do not make claims about particular brands or certifications. Look for the standards that apply in your country, read the manufacturer’s instructions, and ask a knowledgeable shop if you are unsure.
Helmet
A helmet is the first item most trick riders put on. Many riders choose a style designed for the kind of riding they do: some trick and skatepark riders use a more rounded, fuller-coverage design, while others use a typical bike helmet. What matters most is that it is designed for cycling or similar activity where relevant, meets a recognised standard where you live, and fits you.
A helmet that does not fit well may not protect as intended. In general:
- It should sit level on the head, covering the forehead rather than tipped back.
- The straps should form a neat Y around the ears and be snug but comfortable when fastened.
- It should not rock or slide when you shake your head.
Bike helmet fit tips cover the adjustment steps, and choosing a helmet goes deeper into types. If you fall and the helmet takes a significant impact, it may need replacing even when it looks undamaged, so see helmet replacement after impact and follow the manufacturer’s advice. Helmets also age, and manufacturers often give guidance on when to replace them.
Gloves
Gloves help protect palms when you put your hands out in a fall, and they can improve grip on cold or sweaty days. Look for a pair that fits closely without bunching at the fingers, so you can still feel the grips and operate the brake levers. Lighter gloves suit gentle skills practice; padded or reinforced ones are used by riders doing jumps or park riding. Replace gloves that have worn through.
Knee and elbow pads
Knees and elbows are among the most commonly injured spots in falls, and pads are widely used for skills work. The main points are fit and comfort:
- Pads should stay in place when you move, bend and twist. Ones that slide down tend to expose the joint when you need them.
- They should not restrict your pedalling or limit movement so much that you ride differently.
- Soft pads suit lower-impact practice, while harder shells are used where sliding is likely.
- Hot, uncomfortable pads tend to get left in the bag, so a pad you will actually wear is better than one that is slightly more protective but unpleasant.
Sizing guides vary between makers, so measure as the manufacturer suggests and, if possible, try pads on while moving.
Wrist, shin and body protection
Wrist guards, shin guards, padded shorts, back protectors and other body armour appear in disciplines such as jumps, downhill and skatepark riding. Whether you need them depends on the trick, the venue and your own judgment. Some park operators set minimum requirements, so check the rules for where you ride. Skills lessons often give clear guidance on what to wear for each activity.
If you are weighing which items to add, choosing protective gear compares the options, and the page on trick protective gear gives starter suggestions for beginners.
Shoes
Shoes affect how securely your feet stay on the pedals, which matters for any trick that involves unweighting, hopping or fast foot movements. For flat pedals, shoes with a flat, fairly firm sole and a grippy surface are generally used; running shoes with thick, soft or curved soles can be slippery or flex too much. Closed shoes protect the toes and ankles better than sandals. Shoelaces should be tucked or tied so they cannot catch on the chain or cranks.
Clipless pedals and cleats are a different system with their own risks and learning curve. If you have not used them, practise unclipping at a standstill before going near anything that involves tricks.
Eye protection and clothing
Sunglasses or clear glasses protect against grit, insects and branches, and some riders find them helpful in bright light. Clothing should be fitted enough that it will not catch in the chain or grips, and long sleeves or trousers can reduce scrapes, although they are not the same as proper pads. For visibility on any ride in public, see our separate everyday guide.
Putting it on and checking it
Before each session, put your gear on and run through a quick check:
- Helmet level, straps adjusted and buckled.
- Gloves on, grips and levers still easy to reach.
- Pads positioned over the joints and secure.
- Shoes tied and soles in good condition.
- Clothing clear of the chain.
Gear and falling
Protection works best alongside good falling habits. Falling off safely and practising low-speed falls on soft ground reduce the chance that a tumble turns into something serious, and bailing out is a habit worth building in a safe place. Many myths exist around kit, such as the idea that lots of padding means you can try anything. Kit myths covers some of these. In truth, gear helps, but outcomes remain uncertain, and tricks with a high risk of serious injury, such as flips, should be learned only at a skills park with qualified instruction.