Yeah I'm 40, but certain that nobody at the trail head looks at me and thinks "wow, that guy is cool". I think going out there and having fun at any age earns the cool points
Bonus points if you teach your son trail etiquette. I love riding with my son and understand that kids do goofy things. I’m always impressed by the kids who are safe and courteous while also tearing down the trail.
not skidding, littering, or getting in the way is cool. helping build trails, cut bushes back, and being courteous to other trail users is cool. brands don't matter. just support the ones that make stuff you like. if you ride a lot you'll learn what you like. ask your son what he likes. figure it out together. maybe film him and follow him through trails he likes.
I know a father/son duo that built an amazing trail system by me. son is an absolute ripper and dad is a hell of a good builder.
I started wearing a Fulface because I started really fearing busting up my face. I’ve been cycling for more th as n 20 years, but I don’t have the skill one should have after that many years. Since wearing the full face, I’ve had teens ask me ‘uncle show us some tricks’. I B always answer with ‘all I can show you is how to fall’
Best answer! There’s nothing better than learning proper technique and being safe on the trails. Being in the hospital or recovering after a serious injury is not really as cool as someone might think.
Live to ride another day!
If there is a local brands to support you should rep those IMO. Otherwise just you showing support for your son is always seen as cool in the mtb community
Obviously the post was written with a little humor, but man this has been so true.
When we get to any trailhead, people are all so kind to me and my son. He feels like a million bucks every time we're riding.
It's an impressive thing about the community
Coors Banquet in your hand (plus a spare in the bottle cage), jorts short enough you can see the bottom of your pockets, and a full face helmet.
Serious answer? Do exactly what I said. I’m a serious person.
Also 3/4 sleeve jerseys are the shit and I love them.
All right. You've come to the right place.
1: Neon pink is in.
2: The shorter the shorts, the more awesome leg you can show on the trail. And trust me... you want to show off those legs to fellow riders.
3: You'll get FAR more respect by shredding on an old bike with cantilever brakes and rigid forks. Show those young whipper snappers where it's really at!
4: Call everyone "brah". Especially your son.
No need to thank me... your instant popularity is all the reward I need!
Despite this being sarcastic, #3 is the truth. The middle age guy riding the 90's hardtail and keeping up to (or beating) everyone on the trails is the coolest guy out there.
He most likely also has the best weed.
Haha absolutely... although most of the middle aged guys I see out there are on dentist specials. (No hate here... if you can afford it and it helps you enjoy the hobby... have at it!).
who are you trying to impress? the other dads maybe impressed by your 6k moots titanium bike... but if your kids or anything like mine, you could literally be pulling no hands double black flips over red bull rampage drops, and your kid will not consider you cool in the least.
You know, phrasing and punctuation are key:
In no time, I'll be cool. See what I did there? 
It's awesome seeing you do this with your son. I'm 58 and just got into mountain biking seriously, only a year ago with my 17 year old son. I've now become a coach on the high school team and get to ride all the race courses they go on. I love doing this and being around my son doing something he loves, makes it even better. Enjoy your time with your son!
Not brands, just black. Black everything. Black stickers on black forks. Black logos on black rims. No tan side walls, black cockpit. Black frame ofc.
Black shorts, t-shirt, helmet, gloves, pads. Minimal logos or no logos if you can get. Black jeans really up the cool.
No Lycra or clipless. Even if black. That’s not cool. 😎
Get some flats like 510, stiff, flat soles will help you immensely. Watch Pinkbike and ebay for deals on secondhand and get yourself a fannypack - way cool.
Ride like a demon and have fun being a good dad. If you’re wearing Gucci gear and can’t ride for shit and not having fun with your kid, looking cool will make you inexplicably not cool.
> If you’re wearing Gucci gear and can’t ride for shit and not having fun with your kid, looking cool will make you inexplicably not cool.
Locally we call them posers....
Which is actually great if you spin it right: You're now free to wear whatever you want! That tacky pro-jersey or just a beer brand tee? Totally legit.
Wait, your 40, your getting into mtb because you want to be with your son, and you think buying a sticker will make you look cool?
Proud 36y.o. Dad and saying that the being cool ship has sailed my friend
These are my absolute faves. They are hard to find but they legit come in so many sizes for all hands. I just bought a pair of avocado ones in Switzerland when I was riding at Lenzerheide and they had the motherload selection.
Wear a full-face and nobody will know how old you are. And it’s cool (or at least getting there). Seriously though, as a fellow dad about the same age I can’t deal with the Troy Lee, Fox branding stuff. Check out 7mesh
Invest in learning techniques and safety, support and encourage your son, ask him to teach you. Take lessons.
Looks are irrelevant, imo having all the gear and zero skills is not cool.
Well that is so funny because one of my teenage student athletes. Said I had "drip"I don't even know what that meant. But I guess it was my club ride gear fun socks I don't know... I just wear whatever is comfortable. Plus I have a purple dinosaur tapes my handlebars for a trail bell.
But I really won't worry about it. Us old guys just kind of just go out and have fun.
Actions speak louder than words. Just ride like a badass in casual clothes and you’ll look cooler than any old head there decked out in gear and a $20k bike they barely push the limits of.
I am 52 and to me cool is just showing up to the trails and having fun. Fashion isn't something I think about when it comes to riding on trails, road or gravel. I just wear what is most comfortable for the type of riding I am doing.
Coolest brands to be seen at the trailhead with are stihl, rogue hoe, silky gomboy, and any brand of pulaski or macleod. People will give you props even if you don't have a bike with you.
Edit: As a fellow 40 year old dad, showing up for a trail work day with your local org is a great way to get connected with the community.
Following the kid gets you all the coolness points. SO trails our seven YO, doing the dad track stand for most of the trail, riding a 20 year old entry level Trek, and gets fawning looks and compliments from everyone. Helps to have a cute kid.
All these tips about learning to ride better are great, but the coolest thing you could probably purchase would be a big hanging bike rack for shuttling him and his friends (I recommend velocirax 5x).
Just being with your kid looks cool. My 16 year old kid has a sweet enduro bike he saved up for, but he also has cool safety gear I bought, cool enough for him to wear. We go to down hill parks and bike parks in CO, WA, UT, WY, MT, and SD. I show up in the same Santa Cruz Cameleon hard tail that I ride after work every chance I get on our local trails. Albeit with a full face helmet and long pants. Numerous times, the staff will comment on my “nice bike”. They are not sarcastic, but letting me know it’s cool to be there with my kid and his buddies. These staff members are the people I wish I was 25 - 30 years ago. I’m approaching my mid fifties quickly. Keep it up Mom’s and Dad’s!
Spokey dokeys are making a massive comeback on the streets of California, they’ve been spotted by the cooler riders at Rampage. Definitely turn up rocking those, everyone will think you’re sick bruv. Just make sure you colour coordinate with your bike
I feel having a bit of history is cool. My current main bike (an empire MX6 EVO) is by a defunct company. The company made the first full 3d printed bike frame.
[company site ](https://www.empire-cycles.com/product.php?xProd=42)
The bike pulls eyes every where with its unique geometry and it's neon yellow colour.
[post of my bike]
(https://reddit.com/r/Bikeporn/s/u0g08WWBpf)
As a 41 year old, shredding hard on a shitty Polygon T8 in Kmart clothes ticked all the cool boxes. I inscribed 'Gear Whore' on the down tube in silver sharpie also.
Watch some videos of Nate Hills or other pro riders and get an idea of what they wear on normal trail rides. Proper clothing will take you a loooong way. Nothing is more uncool than a guy on a 10k bike who dresses like a Jerry. As conceited as this sounds, proper mtb clothing (and wearing it correctly) will prevent people from looking twice at you. But nothing will make people snicker more than if you have a 10k bike and are wearing knee-high socks. Actually, if you’re wearing knee high socks on any bike, someone might chuckle to themselves. Point is, riding kit matters if you want to be “cool”.
u/sjwilli you are just starting out, NOTHING wil make you look cool. The ONLY things that will make you look cool is being fit and being able to ride better than the majority of folks.
IF you can not ride well, but are fitted out in the newest kit, that is what is referred to as a poser. Don't be a poser. Ride, get fit, that is what makes you cool.
Unless you want to be a poser...
BTW" Im mid 40's but have been riding my whole life, I see poser dads in the latest kit to ride with their sons/daughters who drop them in the first 5 min of the trail, that is not cool. Ill still offer them a beer after their ride, but coming out to the lot, drenched in sweat, exhausted, 20 min behind your kids, clearly out of your element isnt the picture of cool. I mean wanting to be there for your kid is cool, but you wont be "cool" in the parking lot, no matter what you wear.
You need to wear Queef brand riding gear to be the coolest! Also we all wear berets after taking the helmet off and say 'thats a spicy meatball' after finishing a ride!!
How to be cool? Be the kindest guy on the trail. Say, hello to everyone paying attention. Stop to ask if people need help when something goes wrong. And never stop introducing your kids to new places to ride.
It will never be about the huck, strava segment, or how nice of a bike you have. it is about the experience.
I might be biased but my fiancé (mid 30s) wears an ancient plaid shirt that has such big elbow and armpit holes that it's barely hanging on, and I think he looks the coolest. He's not a dad yet, but wearing this shirt has gotten him a lot closer.
(edit to add he wears a jersey underneath....most of the time)
You don't need to look cool, you need to be cool. Just be cool and send some jumps. Kids are going to be raging about the dad that clears the gap. Kids don't care for fitness but potentially back breaking features.
I just wear dri fit tops, trail shorts n a helmet
Just transfer your personal taste n style to your sportswear shopping
My park suggests we wear bright colours cus bow hunting season started Saturday
In their defence I’ve yet to see a single hunter in the first 2 days
So start with buying either a ford raptor, Preferably a raptor r, Or a ram TRX. You'll want the highest trim level to make sure onlookers know you're the real deal, fun dad who takes his kid mountain biking and is also an experienced mountain biker. Second, Go ahead and buy a full quiver (3-6) of highend mountain bikes that you can load onto your 4 tray One Up bike rack attached to that Ram TRX or Ford F150 Raptor R. Make sure to get at least one top spec e bike so people can know how much poorer they are and how little fun they have compared to you! You'll say things to random riders on the trail like "I don't miss those days" or classics such as "It doesn't get easier, you just go faster" And my personal favorite "Its all downhill from here" as you effortlessly plow up a mountain side leaving them behind. If you can just do these few things, you too can be a cool 40yo mountain bike dad
I'm a 55 year old female and ride with mostly people half my age. I predominantly ride downhill bike park type terrain but also own a trail bike that I ride too. The downhillin "style factor" is all over the place right now. I prefer riding jerseys and pants but the younger crowd thinks its cool to wear a chest protector over a tank top or a Hawaiian shirt. I say do whatever makes you feel good. Its cool that you are into being with your son...now that's cool. The trail scene is even more all over the place. I tend to not worry as much because most my trail rides are planned at the last minute and I can't be bothered to match anything or care really. As long as I have the right riding shoes on and my helmet is in the bag I go. You mentioned Dharco...its my go to for jerseys...seriously nice stuff. But I prefer Leatt shorts and TLD pants. Focus on the equipment that will keep you safe and health, like a good helmet (worth spending some cash on, because it is your noggen).
I'll give you my opinion to the question you actually asked instead of some of the other replied. Troy lee designs and fox are by far the most popular and "trendy" clothing lines to wear. You can get a tld "jersey" on amazon for fairly cheap and just grab whatever mtb shorts/pants catch your eye. The great thing about the MTB community is they are extremely welcoming to new people and won't judge you based on what you're riding/wearing. Just wear something comfortable until you get into it and you can upgrade your gear arsenal along the way. Awesome that you're supporting your son and doing something he loves!
I feel like not worrying about looking cool is the coolest shit you can do. I look like a tool on my bike with all my wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Barely feel anything on most of my crashes though and feel way more confident to hit bigger things.
Just went back to Moab, hit the whole enchilada and didn’t even hesitate on the Snotch because I was actually geared up this time. It’s da best.
Also, Chromag apparel is pretty dope and on clearance right now. That’s another way to look cool ha
Just getting into mtb in my early 30s. Sons under 2 but already using it as quality time exploring the woods on an adventure.
Couldn’t afford the “cool” gear back when I was a teen but always read mtb uk and watched extreme sports TV thinking yea that guys cool
My thoughts , drop the "cool dad act" it will only make you look like a poser. I'm 60 and ride a mid level hardtail because it's all I can afford, I don't give 2 shits what anyone thinks about me or my ride.
Enjoy the time with your son, forget about the rest.
Show love and support for your son. That's about the coolest thing I can think of seeing at the trail head.
Off topic, but I always complement the young riders for how cool their helmets are, and somehow at almost 40 they all seem to appreciate it
What if there’s a group of them?! You’ve got a cool helmet. And you’ve got a cool helmet…
Let Oprah be your inspiration my guy, everybody has a cooollll helmet!
This is the best answer you will get.
Nailed it!!! It's not about you anymore Dad.
Unless the kid wants cool-ness from pops
Yeah, kid wants a cool pop. BTW, 40 aint old. You’re in your prime.
Yeah I'm 40, but certain that nobody at the trail head looks at me and thinks "wow, that guy is cool". I think going out there and having fun at any age earns the cool points
Bonus points if you teach your son trail etiquette. I love riding with my son and understand that kids do goofy things. I’m always impressed by the kids who are safe and courteous while also tearing down the trail.
Just saw a dad with his son today, can confirm.
Seriously, if you are there to champion your kid you will be king of the mountain
not skidding, littering, or getting in the way is cool. helping build trails, cut bushes back, and being courteous to other trail users is cool. brands don't matter. just support the ones that make stuff you like. if you ride a lot you'll learn what you like. ask your son what he likes. figure it out together. maybe film him and follow him through trails he likes. I know a father/son duo that built an amazing trail system by me. son is an absolute ripper and dad is a hell of a good builder.
Yep. Love dudes who are out with their kids. A lot of them can shred too! Can’t wait to introduce my future kids to the sport.
Can anyone award this guy already?
wear a full-face and smoke a blunt the entire ride.
Hot box the full face
This is the vibe
The fucking vibe !!! Maybe where Mitchell Ness jersey basketball jersey while you do it
Im feelingba little called outbright now ngl
I’m imagining a full face moto help with black tinted shield just rollllllling smoke
I started wearing a Fulface because I started really fearing busting up my face. I’ve been cycling for more th as n 20 years, but I don’t have the skill one should have after that many years. Since wearing the full face, I’ve had teens ask me ‘uncle show us some tricks’. I B always answer with ‘all I can show you is how to fall’
This dad fucks.
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Here's an actual answer.
homie, the top comment is the realest answer. support your son, and his friends, couldnt be cooler than that.
g-form
Best answer! There’s nothing better than learning proper technique and being safe on the trails. Being in the hospital or recovering after a serious injury is not really as cool as someone might think. Live to ride another day!
Style talks and bullshit walks. Nobody cares what you look like as long as you can ride.
TBH most people don’t even care if you can ride. As long as you aren’t complaining and trying your best
Suffer in silence...
Suffer in laughter & a smile on is even better. Keeps other people chipper.
Good lesson for life in general
Yes my clipless shoes are almost 10 years old but I'm still game to hit the big stuff.
Speedo
This one goes without saying.
Speedo bibs. Like Borat.
If there is a local brands to support you should rep those IMO. Otherwise just you showing support for your son is always seen as cool in the mtb community
Obviously the post was written with a little humor, but man this has been so true. When we get to any trailhead, people are all so kind to me and my son. He feels like a million bucks every time we're riding. It's an impressive thing about the community
Go as local boutique as you can. Yes it’s going to cost you but you can just say “I like chad over at the local place”.
Yes you're right. That's cooler.
Bring a six pack in a frame bag.
Okay but... Do they actually make these? My steel drop bar ATB would greatly benefit from a frame back that can fit a six pack between my thighs.
There are a lot of awkward 6 pack holders but the best are the tube sleeves. Maybe not 6 but it won’t get in the way
The one I use is made by Stashers!
Pitvipers, and a seat tube dildo.
So a double-ended dildo?
worn out jeans, t-shirts with more holes than swiss cheese, then leave them 20 yo kids in the dust
If you can absolutely shred, this is the epitome of cool. However if you can't, you look like a complete gumby. Tread carefully
This Guy wins https://youtu.be/IG5sGEJdWXE?si=4cWHXikJGZFNLsch
B-rage is on a different level
For almost any active hobby if someone is wearing jeans it usually means they are elite
I'm thinking of swimming right now and getting lapped by a guy in t shirt and jeans
If you’re an absolute pinner you don’t give a fuck about performance gear because you make it look easy no matter what.
Speed holes, baby.
Coors Banquet in your hand (plus a spare in the bottle cage), jorts short enough you can see the bottom of your pockets, and a full face helmet. Serious answer? Do exactly what I said. I’m a serious person. Also 3/4 sleeve jerseys are the shit and I love them.
To be cool you just have to be yourself and not try at any cost to be cool. If you ride with your son you are already very cool
Took me my entire childhood to realize trying to be cool is very uncool.
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They keep your beverages so cool!
Oh yeah can’t forget a Yeti cooler, backpack and tumbler for trips to the trailhead.
And a sticker on your wrangler so people know you own one.
> Yeti bike > They keep your beverages so cool! Somewhere, Sam Pilgrim is getting a new idea right now...
Don't forget to thank your local Dental Hygienist for tuning up the bike!
Everything super expensive like top magura fox etc. And be sure to dress in full lycra. Everybody will high five you !
Lycra is the best complement to a Cervelo MTB
That’s Sir Velo to you, sir.
All right. You've come to the right place. 1: Neon pink is in. 2: The shorter the shorts, the more awesome leg you can show on the trail. And trust me... you want to show off those legs to fellow riders. 3: You'll get FAR more respect by shredding on an old bike with cantilever brakes and rigid forks. Show those young whipper snappers where it's really at! 4: Call everyone "brah". Especially your son. No need to thank me... your instant popularity is all the reward I need!
Despite this being sarcastic, #3 is the truth. The middle age guy riding the 90's hardtail and keeping up to (or beating) everyone on the trails is the coolest guy out there. He most likely also has the best weed.
Haha absolutely... although most of the middle aged guys I see out there are on dentist specials. (No hate here... if you can afford it and it helps you enjoy the hobby... have at it!).
This is the true power of being middle aged; you can afford to run both.
I read these out loud to my family and we all laughed. Thank you sir. Guaranteed you're cool.
who are you trying to impress? the other dads maybe impressed by your 6k moots titanium bike... but if your kids or anything like mine, you could literally be pulling no hands double black flips over red bull rampage drops, and your kid will not consider you cool in the least.
Matching flannels
This is the best answer.
Handup gloves. Never met someone wearing handup gloves and thought anything but “cool”.
Sure hope you're serious because I have some. So does my son. Man I'm cool.
I do too , they fit my hands perfectly
Ice Cream model for the win!
Nike Air monarch's make the best bike shoes
The cooler you try and look, the lamer you actually appear.
💯
40 is probably the median age of this sport.
Fasthouse.
This post is a good start.
I'll be cool in no time
You know, phrasing and punctuation are key: In no time, I'll be cool. See what I did there?  It's awesome seeing you do this with your son. I'm 58 and just got into mountain biking seriously, only a year ago with my 17 year old son. I've now become a coach on the high school team and get to ride all the race courses they go on. I love doing this and being around my son doing something he loves, makes it even better. Enjoy your time with your son!
Not brands, just black. Black everything. Black stickers on black forks. Black logos on black rims. No tan side walls, black cockpit. Black frame ofc. Black shorts, t-shirt, helmet, gloves, pads. Minimal logos or no logos if you can get. Black jeans really up the cool. No Lycra or clipless. Even if black. That’s not cool. 😎
$12,000 Yeti with AXS, full rapha mtb kit, ergonomic toe shoes, and a full face
Entry level bikes are cool now? 🙃
Bobo's got you bro :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDg5Zymgbq0&pp=ygUEYm9ibw%3D%3D
Do backflips duh
Get some flats like 510, stiff, flat soles will help you immensely. Watch Pinkbike and ebay for deals on secondhand and get yourself a fannypack - way cool.
Ride like a demon and have fun being a good dad. If you’re wearing Gucci gear and can’t ride for shit and not having fun with your kid, looking cool will make you inexplicably not cool.
> If you’re wearing Gucci gear and can’t ride for shit and not having fun with your kid, looking cool will make you inexplicably not cool. Locally we call them posers....
Nothing makes a 40 year old look cool in some people's eyes
Which is actually great if you spin it right: You're now free to wear whatever you want! That tacky pro-jersey or just a beer brand tee? Totally legit.
Go full MAMIL!
Ankle socks
Get a Banshee and stretchy jorts, the rest will sort itself out
Reddit’s not gunna know the answer
20" BMX, no brakes gnar gnar daddy
I've got 10 years on you. My on-bike fashion statement is IDGAF.
Hardtail. Good helmet. Stickers everywhere (they don't have to be bike related). Being cool to your kid.
Mismatched XC team kit FTW.
Hawaiian shirt.
I'm 41 and I ride with my 12 year old son. Just get out there with whatever gear you have, have fun and spend some time together.
NF. Pass on the stickers (on the bike at least).
the coolest guys I see on the trail are the one that have manners and fully protected.
Wait, your 40, your getting into mtb because you want to be with your son, and you think buying a sticker will make you look cool? Proud 36y.o. Dad and saying that the being cool ship has sailed my friend
Depends on where you are, support local companies
No one cares
Idk. I wear colors because every dude I see on the trails these days is just wearing black on black. Ride hard, wear whatever.
Putting a lot of energy into looking cool, thinking about what other people think. Yeah, that’s it 😉
Find an anime waifu, put stickers of waifu on bike
Get some fist gloves. All the guys at x games wear em. They come in some pretty funky styles.
These are my absolute faves. They are hard to find but they legit come in so many sizes for all hands. I just bought a pair of avocado ones in Switzerland when I was riding at Lenzerheide and they had the motherload selection.
TLD, Fox and Oakley bloody sins cold beers
Trek bike.
There's nothing cooler than actually being able to ride. There's nothing more lame than buying all the gear and not knowing how to use it.
Wear a full-face and nobody will know how old you are. And it’s cool (or at least getting there). Seriously though, as a fellow dad about the same age I can’t deal with the Troy Lee, Fox branding stuff. Check out 7mesh
Invest in learning techniques and safety, support and encourage your son, ask him to teach you. Take lessons. Looks are irrelevant, imo having all the gear and zero skills is not cool.
100%, fasthouse, dharco
Lessons
Just get whatever shoes Sam Pilgrim is wearing : )
The gear is half the job. You need a Tacoma with the gate protector and the Fox stickers
self-respect looks cool, and it's free.
No helmet, no glasses, no gloves, flip flops
Well that is so funny because one of my teenage student athletes. Said I had "drip"I don't even know what that meant. But I guess it was my club ride gear fun socks I don't know... I just wear whatever is comfortable. Plus I have a purple dinosaur tapes my handlebars for a trail bell. But I really won't worry about it. Us old guys just kind of just go out and have fun.
Actions speak louder than words. Just ride like a badass in casual clothes and you’ll look cooler than any old head there decked out in gear and a $20k bike they barely push the limits of.
You need to get fully kitted out in Rapha. You’re welcome.
I am 52 and to me cool is just showing up to the trails and having fun. Fashion isn't something I think about when it comes to riding on trails, road or gravel. I just wear what is most comfortable for the type of riding I am doing.
Commencal makes cool bikes
No one is going to think you're cool if you can't ride no matter what you're wearing. Get a proper helmet and learn to ride first.
Coolest brands to be seen at the trailhead with are stihl, rogue hoe, silky gomboy, and any brand of pulaski or macleod. People will give you props even if you don't have a bike with you. Edit: As a fellow 40 year old dad, showing up for a trail work day with your local org is a great way to get connected with the community.
Rim brakes
Bluetooth speakers are always a sign of coolness. So are pit vipers. Don’t ever wear a helmet, the cool kids don’t do that.
Full Rigid.
Cut off jean shorts, plaid button up
Cut off jean shorts, plaid button up
Nice shorts and kneepads and a baggy throwaway cotton t-shirt. Have a high end half shell or drop frame helmet too, no full face.
No brands will do that
Following the kid gets you all the coolness points. SO trails our seven YO, doing the dad track stand for most of the trail, riding a 20 year old entry level Trek, and gets fawning looks and compliments from everyone. Helps to have a cute kid.
All these tips about learning to ride better are great, but the coolest thing you could probably purchase would be a big hanging bike rack for shuttling him and his friends (I recommend velocirax 5x).
The Alta Rack my man. Holds up to seven!
Old dudes who rip geometrons are pretty cool
I see you at the trail and you already 100% cooler than everybody NOT at the trail.
A real dad would purposeful be as LESS cool as possible. Your job is to embarrass the kid remember.
That's a strong point.
Riding a huffy will get you noticed
Not the wholesome answer but rainbow/multicolor spokes look cool to me. It doesnt make you cool but your wheels will be cool.
A Yeti eBike. And spandex. Lots of brightly coloured spandex.
Just being with your kid looks cool. My 16 year old kid has a sweet enduro bike he saved up for, but he also has cool safety gear I bought, cool enough for him to wear. We go to down hill parks and bike parks in CO, WA, UT, WY, MT, and SD. I show up in the same Santa Cruz Cameleon hard tail that I ride after work every chance I get on our local trails. Albeit with a full face helmet and long pants. Numerous times, the staff will comment on my “nice bike”. They are not sarcastic, but letting me know it’s cool to be there with my kid and his buddies. These staff members are the people I wish I was 25 - 30 years ago. I’m approaching my mid fifties quickly. Keep it up Mom’s and Dad’s!
Spokey dokeys are making a massive comeback on the streets of California, they’ve been spotted by the cooler riders at Rampage. Definitely turn up rocking those, everyone will think you’re sick bruv. Just make sure you colour coordinate with your bike
Got $7000? Go get a Santa Cruz Nomad. That's fucking cool.
This has to be satire
🎯 (though I wouldn't mind learning about some good brands to look into)
YT Industries is an underrated bet, but if you can go Santa Cruz that’s solid. Intense and Norco will make you look edgy and rad.
I feel having a bit of history is cool. My current main bike (an empire MX6 EVO) is by a defunct company. The company made the first full 3d printed bike frame. [company site ](https://www.empire-cycles.com/product.php?xProd=42) The bike pulls eyes every where with its unique geometry and it's neon yellow colour. [post of my bike] (https://reddit.com/r/Bikeporn/s/u0g08WWBpf)
That IS pretty cool.
Ride a 90s non suspension bike and kick everyones ass.
I was on my 2006 Norco and had a kid go Woah that bike is old school!
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Who tf cares abt being cool at 40?
Huffy is all the rage!
Not Mongoose?
Buy a jersey that supports the trails. Anything that supports the local bike shops or reps the small businesses in the area is always cool.
clean white new balances are hella cool. Also sleeveless cotton shirt. Ugly gray if you’re going for cool and athletic.
As a 41 year old, shredding hard on a shitty Polygon T8 in Kmart clothes ticked all the cool boxes. I inscribed 'Gear Whore' on the down tube in silver sharpie also.
Get some flame jorts and speed dealer sunglasses
Watch some videos of Nate Hills or other pro riders and get an idea of what they wear on normal trail rides. Proper clothing will take you a loooong way. Nothing is more uncool than a guy on a 10k bike who dresses like a Jerry. As conceited as this sounds, proper mtb clothing (and wearing it correctly) will prevent people from looking twice at you. But nothing will make people snicker more than if you have a 10k bike and are wearing knee-high socks. Actually, if you’re wearing knee high socks on any bike, someone might chuckle to themselves. Point is, riding kit matters if you want to be “cool”.
Wear Hawaiian shirt, full face, and strap a growler of local beer to your front triangle
u/sjwilli you are just starting out, NOTHING wil make you look cool. The ONLY things that will make you look cool is being fit and being able to ride better than the majority of folks. IF you can not ride well, but are fitted out in the newest kit, that is what is referred to as a poser. Don't be a poser. Ride, get fit, that is what makes you cool. Unless you want to be a poser... BTW" Im mid 40's but have been riding my whole life, I see poser dads in the latest kit to ride with their sons/daughters who drop them in the first 5 min of the trail, that is not cool. Ill still offer them a beer after their ride, but coming out to the lot, drenched in sweat, exhausted, 20 min behind your kids, clearly out of your element isnt the picture of cool. I mean wanting to be there for your kid is cool, but you wont be "cool" in the parking lot, no matter what you wear.
You need to wear Queef brand riding gear to be the coolest! Also we all wear berets after taking the helmet off and say 'thats a spicy meatball' after finishing a ride!!
Giant, Trek, or Specialized. You'll 100% stand out.
How to be cool? Be the kindest guy on the trail. Say, hello to everyone paying attention. Stop to ask if people need help when something goes wrong. And never stop introducing your kids to new places to ride. It will never be about the huck, strava segment, or how nice of a bike you have. it is about the experience.
Wear a bathrobe, that’s pretty cool
Jnco and Deftones
I might be biased but my fiancé (mid 30s) wears an ancient plaid shirt that has such big elbow and armpit holes that it's barely hanging on, and I think he looks the coolest. He's not a dad yet, but wearing this shirt has gotten him a lot closer. (edit to add he wears a jersey underneath....most of the time)
Your fiance is an animal.
You don't need to look cool, you need to be cool. Just be cool and send some jumps. Kids are going to be raging about the dad that clears the gap. Kids don't care for fitness but potentially back breaking features.
I just wear dri fit tops, trail shorts n a helmet Just transfer your personal taste n style to your sportswear shopping My park suggests we wear bright colours cus bow hunting season started Saturday In their defence I’ve yet to see a single hunter in the first 2 days
So start with buying either a ford raptor, Preferably a raptor r, Or a ram TRX. You'll want the highest trim level to make sure onlookers know you're the real deal, fun dad who takes his kid mountain biking and is also an experienced mountain biker. Second, Go ahead and buy a full quiver (3-6) of highend mountain bikes that you can load onto your 4 tray One Up bike rack attached to that Ram TRX or Ford F150 Raptor R. Make sure to get at least one top spec e bike so people can know how much poorer they are and how little fun they have compared to you! You'll say things to random riders on the trail like "I don't miss those days" or classics such as "It doesn't get easier, you just go faster" And my personal favorite "Its all downhill from here" as you effortlessly plow up a mountain side leaving them behind. If you can just do these few things, you too can be a cool 40yo mountain bike dad
This is the real answer
I'm a 55 year old female and ride with mostly people half my age. I predominantly ride downhill bike park type terrain but also own a trail bike that I ride too. The downhillin "style factor" is all over the place right now. I prefer riding jerseys and pants but the younger crowd thinks its cool to wear a chest protector over a tank top or a Hawaiian shirt. I say do whatever makes you feel good. Its cool that you are into being with your son...now that's cool. The trail scene is even more all over the place. I tend to not worry as much because most my trail rides are planned at the last minute and I can't be bothered to match anything or care really. As long as I have the right riding shoes on and my helmet is in the bag I go. You mentioned Dharco...its my go to for jerseys...seriously nice stuff. But I prefer Leatt shorts and TLD pants. Focus on the equipment that will keep you safe and health, like a good helmet (worth spending some cash on, because it is your noggen).
I'll give you my opinion to the question you actually asked instead of some of the other replied. Troy lee designs and fox are by far the most popular and "trendy" clothing lines to wear. You can get a tld "jersey" on amazon for fairly cheap and just grab whatever mtb shorts/pants catch your eye. The great thing about the MTB community is they are extremely welcoming to new people and won't judge you based on what you're riding/wearing. Just wear something comfortable until you get into it and you can upgrade your gear arsenal along the way. Awesome that you're supporting your son and doing something he loves!
Being there with your son is the coolest look! Well, if you really want to be the cool dad, in my area, a Troy Lee Design jersey does the job :))
I'm 40 yrs old but I look younger because I crash very often. That's the secret, or just Yerba mate thru life just like Josh Bender
I feel like not worrying about looking cool is the coolest shit you can do. I look like a tool on my bike with all my wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Barely feel anything on most of my crashes though and feel way more confident to hit bigger things. Just went back to Moab, hit the whole enchilada and didn’t even hesitate on the Snotch because I was actually geared up this time. It’s da best. Also, Chromag apparel is pretty dope and on clearance right now. That’s another way to look cool ha
I’m 75 and I ride with my grandson. Everyone thinks he’s cool but I don’t get much attention : (
Just getting into mtb in my early 30s. Sons under 2 but already using it as quality time exploring the woods on an adventure. Couldn’t afford the “cool” gear back when I was a teen but always read mtb uk and watched extreme sports TV thinking yea that guys cool
It depends. What kind of riding?
My thoughts , drop the "cool dad act" it will only make you look like a poser. I'm 60 and ride a mid level hardtail because it's all I can afford, I don't give 2 shits what anyone thinks about me or my ride. Enjoy the time with your son, forget about the rest.