Summer is on its way out, which is just fine if you ask us. Maybe some people are into sweating profusely while riding trails made of moon dust—and that’s OK, we won’t judge. But when the temperatures drop, the leaves start changing, and the trails get some much-needed moisture, that’s when singletrack season really gets its second wind.
But with major temperature swings frequently in the cards, mountain biking in the fall isn’t quite as simple as just throwing on some shorts and a jersey like you can at the height of summer. That’s why we put together this head-to-toe guide to help you find the elusive warm-but-not-too-warm during all your fall rides this season. And if you want to keep the party going even when winter starts creeping in, we’ve got some tips for that too.
A word to the wise when figuring out your own layering strategy: it’s almost always better to be a little bit cold at the beginning of a ride than to overdress. Your body temperature will rise as your heart and legs get pumping, so it’s a good idea to account for that when putting together your kit.
We promised you a head-to-toe guide, and we’re taking that literally, dammit. Most people already know you lose a lot of heat out of the top of your head. Well, you lose even more when forcing cold air through the vents in your helmet at high speed. A thin headband or cycling cap under your helmet can be a gift from the bike gods on those chilly morning or evening rides, and keep your ears (or entire noggin) insulated from the nonstop stream of natural AC.
When it really starts getting cold, a neck gaiter or balaclava can take the edge off the frigid air coming into your lungs, as well as offering a nice bit of all-around warmth without adding much weight or bulk to your outfit.
When it comes to your upper-body layers, milder temps can make it as simple as throwing on a long-sleeve jersey with a lightweight base layer underneath. When the mercury starts dropping, you’ll want to layer up from there with a fleece, tech flannel. or even a waterproof, windproof jacket. Most cycling jackets will work fine, but those made for mountain biking usually have more durable fabrics to withstand thorns, branches, and the occasional OTB.
Fall riding often comes with surprise thundershowers, so even if you’re not wearing a jacket as your outer layer, it’s a good idea to be prepared with at least a packable rain shell.
You have a lot of options when it comes to your lower layers. A general rule of thumb is to start thinking about covering your legs anywhere below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. At the top of this range, a set knee pads might be warm enough, but if it’s getting much colder than that—or if conditions are a bit wet—you’ll want to start thinking about a set of mountain bike pants, with your chamois of choice underneath. In addition to being waterproof and windproof, they’re also durable enough to withstand the occasional crash when you’re too busy staring at the leaves to properly judge your speed coming into a corner.
Many people also opt for cold-weather tights underneath a set of baggy trail shorts. You can get cycling tights with a chamois built in, or tights without padding that you can wear over a set of chamois shorts (never underneath—it’ll cause chafing). Just keep in mind that the more elastic-y fabric won’t be as resistant to snags or tears from trailside obstacles.
We’re lumping these two together—not only because the title of this section is decent advice for staying warm—but also because your hands and feet are traditionally some of the hardest places to keep comfy when riding in colder weather. Cold-weather cycling gloves come in a variety of thicknesses to suit different body temperatures, and are one of the most cost-effective comfort upgrades you can make when that fall wind starts whipping. While most MTB gloves are already full-fingered, a little extra insulation and windproofing really go a long way.
As for your feet, investing in some medium or heavyweight merino wool socks will help keep those piggies warm—even when you accidentally dab a foot in the middle of a puddle and soak your shoes. (Ask us how we know.) Not only does merino make an excellent insulating layer, it also dries out incredibly fast and still retains heat even when wet. Sheep really have it figured out when it comes to dressing for the weather.
Of course, everybody’s a little different in terms of running warm or cold, and which parts of their body are prone to catching a chill. Take these tips and make them your own based on where and when you ride, and you’ll be set up for a fantastic late season full of hero dirt and leaf peeping. Just don’t forget some hot coffee and your favorite pastry to enjoy after the ride.
TJ Parsons is a semi-reformed snowboard bum who now has a semi-adult career as a professional writer and creative. He's a self-proclaimed perpetual intermediate who thinks the outdoors are for everyone, and who wants to help dismantle gatekeeping and elitism in outdoor sports. When he's not squeezing brain juice into a keyboard, you'll find him riding boards or bikes throughout the Intermountain West.
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