Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1162341
September 2019 19 Ven la on becomes more important than ever when the much lower speeds of Trials are considered. An- other visible difference in a Trials helmet is the need for the base of the helmet to be cut a bit higher than usual at the back. This is to allow for a rider to p their heads back as they look up the steepest of hills so o en encountered at the higher levels of the sport. Next on our list of essen al Trials apparel are the various pads used for knees, elbows, chest and back. In most off-road racing applica ons, a rider will choose hard plas c shells for upper body and spinal protec- on. The majority of the me these are intended to be worn outside the rider's jersey, but in a Trials applica- on these hard shell types of gear will end up tangled in the bars and control cables of the machine, as the riders contort themselves to nego ate the course. There are some Trials-specific shells that are made of so er and more flexible materials that can be worn comfortably under the rider's jersey. These new so pads ven late well and are made from velocity-sen- si ve materials that act more s ffly under harsher impacts than standard so pads of the past. Along with the aforemen oned body shells, there is a great selec on of knee and elbow guards to round out this protec on category. I would suggest Trials-specific gloves as the next addi on to our list. Similar to the feel of Trials boots, gloves with a more tac le feel for the controls is man- datory for the best performance. Trial gloves are most- ly made from a single layer construc on in the palm and fingers allowing for the best feel and minimize or prevent blistering of the rider's hands. Padding on the front side of a Trials glove will also be somewhat less than that of a moto/enduro version, as the need for roost and rock protec on is much less in a Trials envi- ronment then on a race course. Moving on with our list of Trials essen al gear are pants and jerseys used for the sport. Generally speaking, Trials clothing is trimmed of extra weight and are more slim-fi ng than most racing gear. The need for giant knee guards and heavy impact reduc on is much reduced, and any excess mate- rials are removed to keep the rider from ge ng any loose or baggy materials snagged on the bike's controls. The lighter and thinner fabrics used for Trials clothing are a huge help for keeping the rider cooler and avoiding heat exhaus on that can occur in longer and ho er events. Last on our list is a decent backpack style hydra on unit such as those offered by Camelback. These are essen al for maintaining proper hydra on in longer events and can also provide a handy means for the rider to carry some basic tools, small parts, and nutri onal energy snacks. I o en include my cell phone for any solo rides, for safety and security in case things don't go as planned. I've included a few pics to illustrate the various gear and encourage our readership here at Trail Rider to discover what is available in the marketplace to add to your enjoyment and longevity in the sport. So that's it on my list for what's needed for riders new or old to get properly ou i ed for one of the most challenging and fun sports on wheels, Ob- served Trials. As always, our readers are invited to Jack's Cycles any me for a first-hand look at just what Trials might have to offer for you !