Keeping the Chill Out During Winter Mountain Bike Riding
Mountain bike apparel for riding in the cold is quite different from that worn for summertime riding. Cold weather riding offers some of the most challenging riding conditions of the year, so it's only appropriate that you would wear the right mountain bike apparel for the occasion.
When considering winter mountain bike apparel, you need to think about your entire body. From head to toe your apparel should be appropriate for the climate and conditions you will be facing. Following are some tips for mountain bike apparel that will keep you warm and dry during cold weather.
Start by wearing multiple layers. The first layer should absorb sweat and body moisture from your skin. The second layer should be used to insulate you from the cold and keep you warm. The final layer of mountain bike apparel should offer you protection from outside moisture, such as rain or snow. By combining all of these mountain bike apparel tips, you can enjoy a comfortable ride.
When selecting winter mountain bike apparel, give a lot of thought to your hands and feet. If they're cold, it's unlikely you will enjoy your ride. For your hands and feet, look at thick, well-insulated gloves and either winter riding boots or insulated booties that slip over your summer clip-less shoes. Many riders simply use ski gloves, but there are also many gloves available on the market designed for mountain biking that will provide you with the same level of warmth but with less bulk and more padding for your palms.
Finally, look at mountain bike apparel for your head and eyes. Your head should be kept warm by wearing a beanie-style hat under your helmet, preferably one with face protection as well. Your head is the largest outlet for body heat so you should try to avoid heat loss by using appropriate apparel on your head. Be sure your helmet still fits properly when also wearing the hat.
Mountain bike apparel also applies to protecting your eyes, and a face mask or goggles will do the trick. You should shield your eyes from the elements so that you can keep them open and on the path in front of you at all times. There's nothing more dangerous than having to close your eyes while riding, so have the right mountain bike apparel for your eyes!
As you can see, preparing to ride in cold weather calls for different mountain bike apparel than when you get ready for a summer ride. If you're going to set out for a ride in the cold, planning ahead can keep you warm so that you can think about the ride and your surroundings, instead of how cold you are.
