| For those of us who live in a climate that is cold and | | | | not a good choice because it does not wick moisture. |
| snowy during the winter season, we often give up on | | | | The outer layer should be wind and water resistant, |
| mountain biking until the warm weather returns, but | | | | yet breathable. |
| with the right mountain bike clothing, we can stay | | | | Hands: Fingers are often the first body part to get cold. |
| warm and comfortable during the cold and snowy | | | | It is essential to keep your hands and fingers |
| season, making winter mountain biking an enjoyable | | | | comfortable and functional since they are controlling |
| experience. | | | | the brakes and shifters. Ski gloves can be used to |
| Tips to stay warm from head to toe: | | | | keep your hands and fingers warm, but they are bulky |
| Head: We lose the majority of our body heat through | | | | and it can be hard to shift and brake. Insulated gloves |
| our head. A helmet liner will keep your head warm and | | | | made for biking are better because they are less |
| help retain body heat. | | | | bulky and it is easier to move your fingers to shift and |
| Neck: Make sure your neck is able to be covered. | | | | brake. The lobster claw style is a good option because |
| Most mountain bike jackets have zip-up collars, often | | | | it keeps your first two and last two fingers next to |
| with a fleece lining for comfort and to wick sweat. | | | | each other, which helps them stay warmer. |
| You can also get a neck warmer for more heavy | | | | Legs: To keep your legs warm, try Lycra biking shorts |
| duty protection. | | | | with fleece-lined tights over them. Other options are to |
| Torso and Arms: Layering is the key! Layers can be | | | | either wear cycling tights or combine leg warmers with |
| adjusted as you are riding to maintain a comfortable | | | | regular bike shorts. |
| body temperature. If you are warm before you even | | | | Feet: You can buy winter mountain bike shoes that are |
| start riding, you will be too hot once you start riding, | | | | made for riding in cold conditions, but they tend to be |
| especially if you are climbing. If you are uncomfortably | | | | pricey. If you do not want to fork out that much cash, |
| cold before you start to ride, you may need another | | | | you can get booties that slip over your bike shoes that |
| layer. It is OK to be a little chilly because you will warm | | | | have a little hole for the cleat to be exposed. Wool |
| up when you start riding. The inside layer should be | | | | socks are great for keeping your feet and toes warm |
| made of a moisture-wicking material. This is important | | | | and dry because they have natural wicking properties |
| because the moisture from sweat will cause you to | | | | that will help your feet stay dry when they sweat. |
| get cold if it does not dry quickly. The middle layer can | | | | Don't let winter stop you from enjoying the singletrack. |
| be one or more layers that should also having wicking | | | | Stay warm with the right type of mountain bike |
| properties and be insulating to help maintain warmth. | | | | clothing and enjoy the ride all year long. See you on |
| Examples include wool or synthetic materials. Cotton is | | | | the trail! |