Is Your MTB Gear Making You Sick?

Have you questioned if your MTB gear influences your health? Let’s discover the truth together and keep you riding happily and healthily. You may have seen my post about this on Instagram. Here is a bit more deep dive into this topic. Recycled plastic clothing contains chemicals of concern due to the recycling process and the inherent nature of plastic materials. These chemicals can include phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, flame retardants, and other hazardous substances, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Most MTB gear unfortunately is made from recycled plastics, containing BPA’s, Phthalates, microplastics, flame retardants, heavy metals (like lead) and PFAS. These materials are cheap to manufacture, but are also breathable, lightweight and weather-resistant, which make them ideal for mountain biking. The downside is that Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that because sweat contains oil, it actually encourages the chemicals in plastic to dissolve and diffuse, leading to leaching into your body through your skin where your skin touches them! You might think that it’s not a big deal, especially since these products claim to be sustainable and beneficial for the environment. But what you may not realise is that these chemicals are extremely toxic endocrine disruptors, and the claim that recycled clothing is better for the environment is also a myth. Endocrine disrupters are chemicals that block or mimic natural hormones & interfere with their signalling, synthesis, transport, binding & elimination; Causing reproductive problems, growth & development issues, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, thyroid disease, skin disorders and cancer. Chemicals of Concern Include: 1. Phthalates: Used to soften plastics and are endocrine disruptors. extended exposure to this chemical can cause reproductive disorders, fertility problems and complications during pregnancy. 2.Bisphenols (like BPA): Also known as endocrine disruptors, found in recycled plastic and can be released from clothing. Women’s health is seriously impacted by this chemical, and is linked with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). 3. PFAS: “Forever chemicals” that are persistent in the environment and can cause cancer. 4. Flame Retardants: Used to make materials fire-resistant, but can be toxic. 5. Heavy Metals: Can be introduced during the recycling process. Linked to damage the kidneys, liver, and brain and thyroid. 6. Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen used as a preservative, potentially released from recycled polyester. 7. Recycling Process Contaminants: The recycling process itself can introduce contaminants, such as detergents, resistant coatings, and dyes. All of these chemicals eventually end up in the environment too. The claim that recycled clothing is better for the environment is a myth. While plastic bottle clothing may seem like a sustainable choice, it is not very durable and can quickly lose its shape and quality after a few washes. This can lead to more frequent replacements and a higher environmental impact.  When clothing containing these chemicals is washed, the chemicals also leach out and enter the water supply, harming the environment. On top of that, toxic chemicals such as organic compounds and greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere during the production of these fibres. These contribute to global warming as well as air pollution. The interesting thing about recycled plastics is that they cause more harm than virgin polyester fibres because recycled polyester fibres are often shorter and less strong, which can lead to weaker fabrics that do not hold up as well over time. Symptoms Of Hormonal Disruption Include: Weight changes ,fatigue, acne, skin cancer, mood swings, headaches, Anxiety, Brain fog, menstrual abnormalities, Fertility problems, PCOS, endometriosis, Early puberty, Diabetes, Nervous system disorders, Learning disabilities, Breast cancer & other cancers. Tips To Lower Your Exposure To Recycled Plastic Clothing: My goal is not to criticize or endorse any particular brands, my goal is to make you aware of certain chemicals in recycled plastic clothing and other synthetic materials so that you may make an informed choice about which clothing you will choose to wear on your bike. In cool weather, try to wear a base layer of natural fibres so u can still rock your favourite MTB kit. I found these cool knicks which are made from a Blend of: 83% Merino Wool 13% Nylon 4% Elastane. https://www.mtbdirect.com.au/products/mons-royale-womens-low-pro-merino-aircon-mtb-short-liner?variant=43016320286765 And Dharco have released cotton T-shirts like this one: https://www.mtbdirect.com.au/products/dharco-womens-cotton-crop?variant=43148205424685 If you are looking for new gear, look for brands using a high percentage of organic cotton, hemp, bamboo or merino wool. Also, did you know? You can wear anything you want on the bike. (it doesn’t have to be MTB brand clothing). However, I love this brand and these are super cool. Casual + bike specific! https://riptonco.com/products/womens-jorts-soot I’ve also heard some local brands are in the process of releasing a new collection made entirely of Hemp, organic cotton and spandex. Exciting! Watch this space. I have started washing any synthetic fabrics I currently own separately from natural fibres, especially underwear to avoid contamination. Underwear is a big deal, because it sits close to reproductive organs and is closest to the skin and body than outer clothing. “Ultimately, our personal well-being is closely linked with the quality of our environment and the products we choose.” Choose wisely! Ali xx Further Reading and Research: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139484/#:~:text=In%20mice%2C%20Chen%20et%20al,81%5D%20(Table%204) https://www.isglobal.org/en/healthisglobal/-/custom-blog-portlet/los-disruptores-endocrinos-que-son-y-como-nos-afectan- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3365860/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35176278/

What I am Currently Loving (and reading!)

I Love this new blog by Chocolate foot on How to buy your child a new (or newish) mountain bike. (and not get sucked in by a sales tatic). Read it here:

• https://www.chocolatefoot.com.au/post/how-to-buy-your-child-a-new-or-newish-mountain-bike

I am currently reading this amazing book on period health, called the Period Repair Manual.

Even if you are on birth control and don’t have a period, (or have a pill bleed every month) I recommend reading this book. it contains protocols and insights and many women’s health issues, regardless of whether you currently have a period or not. I loved the section on how the Pill came into existence, and the fact that it hasn’t changed since the 1950s despite technology, research and women’s health!

Topics include:

• How to come off hormonal birth control or choose the least toxic one.
• What your period should be like – from young girls to perimenopause!
• Things that can go wrong – endometriosis, andenomyosis, PCOS, infertility, skipping periods etc.
• How to talk to your doctor.
• Treatment protocols for all common period problems, including PCOS and endometriosis.
• Insights from Canadian endocrinology professor Jerilynn C. Prior.
• Special topics such as Histamine Intolerance and How to Choose a Probiotic.
• Suggested brands for supplements.
• Perimenopause – Menopause

Available online via amazon, booktopia and Big W.

Check it out at www.larabriden.com

I’ve also added some dates for Women’s MTB clinics in April, May and June 2025.

Check them out here.

(If you would like to book a private lesson with me, get in touch with me at mtbmamas@gmail.com)

What’s New this Month: The Girls MTB Day on April 16th was a great success! Here is what one mum had to say. “The girls and I had a blast. They were buzzing in the car all the way home.  We both learnt a lot of new technical skills to work on. It definitely increased our confidence on the bike.” If you have a daughter aged 8-15 who loves mountain biking, why not book her in? We have spaces available for Wednesday April 23rd. Mums are welcome to join in as well for an extra $50. It’s a fun way to spend some time together over the holidays and ride bikes.

Book Here

You got this

Ali xx