The hair? Perfect! The cassette? Shiny! And the gear? Right on trend! A quick glance at the trails might make you think: Equipment is everything, skill is secondary. But does expensive gear make us better, faster, safer? What truly counts on the trail? A (mostly) entirely serious discourse.

Surprised, huh? Almost everyone can still learn a trick or two from the pros.

The “Overequipped German” is a well-known species that never fails due to lack of gear. Closely related to their urban cousins, the “American Tourist”, you’ll find them roaming in National Parks across Europe. For these creatures, only the best will do. But what does exclusive equipment, expensive accessories, and fancy clothing really achieve? Does the rider with the best gear also ride the fastest, or are they just barking up the wrong tree? Sure, good equipment never hurt anyone, and style matters, especially for the younger crowd, or the young-at-heart. But haven’t we all caught ourselves focusing more on style than skills? Be honest!

As long as you look good, the speed will follow, won’t it?

E-Mountainbikes – Not just a mid-life crisis!

The average eMTB buyer isn’t exactly a spring chicken – they’re probably near or past the middle of their years. Still, younger riders are increasingly choosing eMTBs too. The reasons are varied, but often purchasing power and age or declining fitness play a crucial role. Modern eMTBs are quite pricey, even if the price-performance ratio is right, as shown in our comparison test of the best e-MTBs under 7,000 euros. For many, an eMTB means re-entering our beloved sport, whether after an illness or simply because grinding uphill isn’t top of the agenda anymore. I have an e-mountainbike redemption story of my own, using my eMTB alongside some dietary changes to help get back into my old shape after a long period of declining health. Many beginners and younger riders also opt for eMTBs due to the obvious benefits: more trails in the same time, challenging uphills, fun downhills, and significantly shorter recovery times. Adjustable support also balances out fitness differences, allowing younger and older riders, fitness junkies and couch potatoes, and families with kids to enjoy rides together – without frustration or anger. If you’re thinking of making the leap, our comprehensive, interactive buying guide can help you find the right bike.

All the gear, no idea! What to look out for when buying.

Anyone who’s spent thousands on an eMTB won’t hesitate to spend on quality accessories and stylish clothes. But beware: financial capabilities often exceed fitness levels and skills. This is where the danger lies, in trying to compensate for lack of skill and fitness with gear – it’s so easy to blame your bike, the wrong tires, uncomfortable clothes… for your poor performance, as seen on the trails in the mid and high mountains. What you’ll often see, adorned in the finest MTB kit with the most expensive gear, struggling down not-so-challenging trails, is a sight for masochists and Reinhard Fendrich fans at best. Long live the sport! In principle, the approach isn’t flawed because “buy cheap, buy twice” often holds true. And who are we to sneer at anyone for getting out on their bike? However, bike and gear purchases should be made with measure and goal, knowing your demands and relying on expert advice.

… feel free to ponder over the perfect gear after the ride.
If you can pull off tricks like these …

Expensive gear isn’t always good, and what looks good isn’t necessarily functional. With pants and jerseys, design over function might not be a big deal. But an ill-fitting pad in your shorts can ruin your ride, and make it uncomfortable to sit down for the next few days. Safety equipment, especially helmets, should be top-notch, with the latest technology and perfect fit. Having a spare helmet isn’t a bad idea either – better than a fifth pair of bike shoes for the harshest weather – especially if you head straight for the post-ride beer at the first sign of drizzle.

Gear over skill? The trail exposes everything – Ruthlessly!

When you hit the trails with the latest and greatest gear for the first time, it quickly shows who has the skills and whether fancy gear can make up for it. Spoiler alert: it can’t! Even the best clothes, grippiest pedals, and coolest glasses won’t help if you lack the basics. Is the drop too high? Roots too slippery? Uphill too technical? Meanwhile, you’re getting passed by a teenager on a battered hardtail, wearing Vans. It’s time to ask the ultimate question: Who wants to be a Skillionaire? Do you want to look good or ride well? Ideally, both.

To ride trails safely and enjoyably, you need the right technique. This means regular riding, and practicing essential basics. But what are the basics that truly help on the trail? To start with, some things that look simple but challenge many riders. The track stand, for example, is something many struggle with, as seen at red lights. Balancing on two wheels is easy to learn and can be practiced anytime. Just invest a few minutes before a ride, or take a quick session in the garage. Soon, this simple technique becomes second nature, and it offers significant trail advantages. Better balance translates to more confidence and safety on technical uphills and narrow, exposed paths. The same goes for cornering and slow riding techniques, making many maneuvers easier both on trails and roads. Skills like the bunny hop, rear wheel pivot, or manual are more complex, but manageable with practice – or a skills course at one of the many MTB schools. They teach everything from basic posture to advanced skills like drops and jumps, maximizing safety and fun on trails. If you’re not ready for formal training, get some tips from experienced friends, or try following a faster rider. You’ll be amazed at how much difference the right line can make.

Gear follows skill! Not the other way around.

Once you master the basics and some advanced skills, the right gear can enhance your ride. But only then, as the real benefit of many items is limited. The primary principle remains: Safety first. Then skill, and finally style. For gear, this means investing in safety first: helmet, gloves, glasses, shoes, and pads – the minimum for a safe ride. Master the essential skills, and you’ll look good on the trail, even in a t-shirt and cargo shorts. At least, you’ll look much better than Mr. Style Master, who anchors up at every bump and tests his waterproof shorts from the inside going over drops.

Helmets, gloves, and glasses boost safety and confidence. It’s worth investing well here.
Key sections need to be analyzed before riding and matched with your skills – don’t be afraid to stop and look first.

Gear can also offer technical advantages. indirectly. Proper equipment provides more safety and confidence. With a clear mind, tricky sections are easier to handle than with doubts and blocks. More grip on the pedals, well-fitting protectors, and self-tinting glasses enhance the bike feel and overall ride, but they can’t replace riding skills. However, our beloved sport is about fun, emotion, and adventure. Gear should be part of that. We work hard to afford things that make life better, more exciting, and simply enjoyable. Who doesn’t know the feeling of hovering over the “buy” button? The guilt over spending 300 euros on an admittedly awesome windbreaker. Then the anticipation of waiting for your favorite bike shop to deliver the package… That’s what we wake up for. Gear should be more than just decoration. Clothing and equipment can enhance your rides, tipping the scale towards choosing the eMTB over the couch even in lousy weather. Gear also provides endless conversation topics on long bike tours with friends. What better subject for hours of talk than the latest cool stuff?

Skills first, then gear!

If you’ve invested heavily in your eMTB, you want to look good on the trail. Functional clothing and high-quality gear never hurt. Lacking skills, however, can hurt quite a lot. Simple exercises like the track stand or slow cornering can offer unexpected advantages when the going gets rough, allowing you to conquer sections you previously walked. So, prioritize skills, then gear – but never ride without a helmet and pads! Soon, you’ll be a true Skillionaire.


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Words: Patrick Gruber Photos: Mike Hunger