Basket
You've just started mountain biking and are wondering what to wear in the winter to keep your activity going. After discovering how to choose your mountain bike clothing, check out our guide to how to properly choose your winter mountain bike clothing.
Protecting the body's extremities
It's no secret that in winter, the extremities of the body (head, hands, feet) are the most sensitive to the cold because they are the most exposed. So these are the first places to insulate from the cold.
We can lose up to 30% of our body heat through the head. To keep it warm under your helmet, consider equipping yourself with a thermal cap (which will protect both the skull, ears and forehead) in case of intense cold or a thermal headband (which will protect only the forehead and ears) in case of less intense cold.
On a bike, the neckband is also a strategic place to protect from the cold. For this purpose, there are neck wraps that can be used in different ways: only around the neck or that you can bring up to your mouth or even your nose.
The second extremity to protect involves the hands. If, depending on the discipline you practice in mountain biking, you are used to riding with long gloves all year round, during the winter months, you will have to turn to a thermal model. Some glove models can also be windproof or waterproof, but in both cases they will remain breathable to allow perspiration to escape. These thermal winter gloves will thus allow you to ride in very cold temperatures, even negative ones depending on the model. If the cold is particularly intense or you're a chilly person by nature, you can opt for silk undergloves to slip on under your thermal gloves.
The third extremity to protect concerns the feet. Indeed, who has never had the unpleasant feeling of having cold toes in winter?
For this, first, you must opt for winter mountain bike shoes, warm and waterproof, while remaining breathable to allow the evacuation of perspiration.
Obviously, you will need to complement this pair of shoes with a pair of thermal socks that can be effective down to -10°C. These socks, especially dedicated to sports practice, keep your feet dry thanks to their system that allows the evacuation of sweat. Some models can be waterproof or windproof and will thus be able to replace shoe covers (which are slipped on over your shoes).
Getting the right upper body gear
After protecting your extremities, it's time to equip yourself to protect your upper body.
To effectively protect yourself from the cold in the winter, it's recommended that you put on three layers of clothing to ensure perfect temperature regulation of your body while keeping it dry:
- A technical undergarment;
- A long sleeve cycling jersey;
- A thermal jacket;
The technical undergarment or undershirt is the first layer to be put on and is worn very snug to the body to prevent heat loss. With long sleeves and designed in a technical material, it allows above all to keep the cyclist's body dry. Some models, depending on the material used, can also create a heat contribution.
In winter, the bike jersey is worn with long sleeves. The purpose of this second layer is to insulate you from the cold outside and retain the heat produced by your body to keep you warm during your activity. In case of moderate cold (fall or early winter), the jersey can be sufficient as an outer layer combined with the undershirt. Depending on your mountain biking practice (XC, enduro, DH), you will find jerseys that are close to the body (like for road biking) or jerseys with a loose fit to facilitate your movements.
The third and final layer involves the thermal jacket. This garment is meant to be both waterproof (to resist moisture), windproof (to keep out air) and breathable (to wick away sweat).
As with the jersey, the thermal jacket can be worn snug or looser. Depending on where you ride, you'll find models that can keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures, allowing you to ride warm all year round. Some jackets are even designed to be waterproof if you're adept at riding in the rain.
To ride warm and dry, you should also remember to adapt your outfit to the intensity of your effort: if you're too covered up and producing intense effort, even the most breathable material won't be enough to wick away all the sweat your body produces.
Getting the right gear for your lower body
Pedaling warms up the thighs so, unlike the upper body, there is no need to put on multiple layers of clothing. It's a good idea to start your ride with a slight chill on your thighs otherwise you risk overheating in your shorts if you get too hot right off the bat.
The best way to get warm is to wear a pair of shorts
In winter, the short or shorts will be swapped for long shorts or bike pants. As with the summer models, there are bib and braceless shorts. Winter waders are thicker and lined with a thermal material like fleece for example to keep thighs and knees warm. There are also models designed in technical fabrics capable of adapting to different situations: windproof (for windy regions), waterproof (for winter outings in the rain) that, despite their specificities, still allow for optimal evacuation of perspiration.
The choice between long shorts or pants will depend on the mountain bike discipline you practice.
In cross-country (XC), the shorts are basically the same as for road cycling. They are therefore adjusted to the body. Some models are even designed to practice mountain biking in sub-zero temperatures thanks to the material used.
Pants designed for freeride or DH are generally made of stronger materials capable of withstanding the elements and the most demanding practitioners.
As with shorts or shorts, choose a comfortable model with a chamois (foam or gel) suitable for the type of effort and length of your outings.
Also know that if there are men's models and women's models, it is to adapt perfectly to the anatomy of each: it is therefore preferable to acquire a model corresponding to your sex to get the maximum comfort.
With our guide, you'll have no more excuses for not taking your ATV out during the winter season. Now how about finding out what men's must-have mountain bike clothing and women's must-have mountain bike clothing or how to choose mountain bike clothing for kids?
