Mountain biking in winter: Tips for a pleasant and safe ride
You don't want to give up your mountain bike during the winter months? Can you imagine riding your bike even in the snow? If you want to ride your mountain bike in the winter, there's nothing wrong with that: Having fun in the fresh air in winter actually has numerous advantages.
In this article, you'll learn why mountain biking in winter is a good idea and what you need to keep in mind. We'll also introduce you to our heated clothing, which will keep you warm on your bike even in icy temperatures.
Mountain biking in winter: Is it a good idea?
Mountain biking in winter keeps you fit, improves your riding technique and can lift your mood.
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Cycling clothing for winter: What matters:
Your cycling clothing should be warm, water-repellent and highly visible.
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Mountain biking in winter with our heated jackets:
Our heated jacket protects you from unpleasant wind and warms your upper body while you bike.
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Heated socks & gloves: Protect yourself on your mountain bike in winter:
With our heated socks and gloves you'll stay nice and warm even in icy temperatures.
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Mountain biking in winter: Is it a good idea?
If you've been riding your mountain bike all year round, you're faced with the question of whether to put it away in the winter or continue riding it. After all, your daily rides or weekend mountain bike excursions have kept you fit and in a good mood. Would you want to forgo that, especially in winter, when the cold and darkness can be depressing?
We summarize for you why you should ride your mountain bike in winter too:
You stay fit:
Biking improves your stamina and keeps you fit. If you've been riding year-round, you can continue exploring exciting trails on your mountain bike in the winter. This will help you maintain your stamina, have more energy, and get some exercise.
You rediscover trails:
You're probably already familiar with the trails in your area. But in winter, you'll discover them from a whole new perspective. Snow, slush, and mud present you with entirely new challenges that can be truly exciting.
You improve your riding technique:
If you ride your mountain bike in winter, the weather conditions will be a change for you. This will help you improve your riding technique and get to know your bike even better. However, always be careful and avoid putting yourself in danger.
You spend time in nature:
During the colder months, many people spend a large portion of their time at home. Riding your mountain bike allows you to get outside and spend time in nature. This can have a positive effect on your mood and your immune system. Plus, you have the flexibility to decide when you want to go, allowing you to pursue your hobby whenever you have time.
Do you want to feel the wind in your face and ride your favorite trails even in winter? As you can see, there's nothing wrong with mountain biking in winter. In the following chapters, you'll learn what's especially important when riding in cold temperatures.
Cycling clothing for winter: What matters
Before you start cycling or mountain biking in the winter, you should consider the right clothing. Because once the temperatures drop, you shouldn't get on your bike in your usual cycling gear.
First, you should adapt your clothing to the weather conditions. It shouldn't be too thick, but also not too thin. At the same time, make sure your cycling clothing is waterproof and breathable. This is especially important in winter. Base layers can also be a good choice.
We also recommend choosing light-colored clothing. This will make you much more visible at dusk or in the dark. Some garments are also equipped with reflectors to further increase your visibility. With the right clothing, you'll be more visible in traffic, which is a crucial advantage when biking.
Protect your respiratory tract with a scarf
Low temperatures and dry air can damage your respiratory system. They dry out, increasing your risk of catching a cold. We therefore recommend protecting your respiratory system with a practical tube scarf. Wear it over your nose and mouth. Also, try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. A helmet cap will also keep your head warm.
Mountain biking in winter with our heated jackets
If you want to brave the low winter temperatures, you're well prepared with a heated jacket. Our Heat Jackets are equipped with two high-quality heat pads that you can activate while mountain biking in winter. They are inserted into the jacket and provide pleasant warmth to your body on cold days.
The insulated jacket seals out the cold and ensures warmth stays inside. At the same time, its surface is wind- and water-repellent. We offer our Heat Jackets for both men and women. Take a look at the model and fight the cold while mountain biking in winter:
Heated socks & gloves: Protect yourself on your mountain bike in winter
If you've equipped yourself with a heated jacket for your mountain bike tour, you should also check out our socks and gloves. These are also heated and will protect your sensitive hands and feet from cold and wet conditions.
If you ride your mountain bike in winter, your fingers can quickly get so cold that you can barely feel them. However, you should always have an optimal grip on the handlebars: Our heated gloves warm every finger from above and below. This allows you to ride your mountain bike safely even in subzero temperatures.
In addition to lined gloves, you should also wear socks that provide adequate protection against the cold. We recommend our heated socks. Each toe is heated from the top and bottom. They fit perfectly inside winter mountain bike boots – there are also special overshoes for mountain bikers. Cold feet while biking in winter are a thing of the past.
Want to prepare even better? In the following chapters, we'll give you five tips that can help you with mountain biking in winter.
Tip 1: Ensure adequate lighting
The lighting conditions in winter put many cyclists and mountain bikers at risk. Because you're easily overlooked in the dark, proper lighting is essential. Before you get on your mountain bike in winter, you should thoroughly check your bike lights.
It's especially important that your headlights are working and that the legally required reflectors are correctly installed. There's also a wide range of additional lights that you can attach to your helmet or handlebars to further increase your visibility.
Tip 2: Prepare for snow and ice with MTB tires
Once you've equipped your bike with the necessary lights, there are other things you can do to prepare for winter. For example, you can reduce the air pressure in your tires. The smaller contact area provides more grip.
Alternatively, you can also switch to studded tires. These are winter tires for bicycles equipped with spikes. These are ideal for riding on icy trails in subzero temperatures. If you're riding with motor assistance, you should check the maximum temperatures the motor is rated for in advance to avoid cold-related damage.
Cleaning and care are especially important in winter
Don't want your bike gathering dust in the basement during the winter? If you ride your mountain bike in low temperatures, you should take good care of it. Clean it after every ride: Road salt can have a negative impact on your bike's paint. Also, check it regularly for wear and damage – in extreme weather conditions, you'll especially depend on a well-maintained bike.
Tip 3: Adapt your riding technique to the weather conditions
Wet and slippery roads are commonplace in winter. Snow, mud, and salt can pose a danger to mountain bikers. Therefore, it's essential to adapt your riding technique to the weather conditions in winter.
If you're out in snow and mud, you should drive slower than usual. Also, be careful when braking and expect cars to stop abruptly in traffic. If you're out in the woods, we also recommend staying on familiar trails.
Tip 4: Ride in a group – even more fun mountain biking in winter
If you're out mountain biking in the winter, you can still have a great time even in subzero temperatures. Those who struggle with the cold and dark season can join a group and ride their mountain bikes together. This kind of group experience will put you in a good mood.
And after a long ride in the wind and cold, you can enjoy a warm cup of tea together and end the day together. So what are you waiting for? Ask your friends or family and organize a mountain bike tour in winter.
Are you a sports enthusiast and want to go jogging or skiing in the winter? On our blog, you'll find helpful tips for other popular winter sports:
Tip 5: Preparation is key
If you want to go mountain biking in the winter, don't just hop on your bike. Instead, prepare thoroughly for the ride. Be sure to bring your phone and make sure the battery is charged. You should also let someone know if you plan to ride a trail in the winter.
Weather conditions in winter can change suddenly, so you should be as prepared as possible. It may be advisable to bring water and a flashlight.
Conclusion: Tips for mountain biking in winter ensure safe riding fun
Can you imagine getting on your bike in winter, whatever the weather? If you're prepared for the cold weather, there's nothing wrong with that. Besides choosing your clothing, maintaining your bike is especially important. Check the lights and, if necessary, equip yourself with studded tires.
On cold days, you should also wear the right clothing. We recommend our heated jackets, socks, and gloves. They warm your body even at -10 degrees Celsius and ensure you don't get chilled in such cold temperatures. Check them out and prepare yourself for the icy winter temperatures.