Mountain biking in autumn: clothing to keep you warm and dry

In the morning it’s still a bit chilly, around midday it gets quite warm, and the sun sets early – in autumn you have to be ready for almost any weather and temperature. In addition, you’ll probably sweat while ascending despite the cooler temperatures, but you may get very cold during breaks or when descending. That’s why it’s worth thinking carefully about the clothing you’ll need for your mountain bike tour in autumn.

The right clothes for changing autumn weather

It’s best to wear layers. This allows you to easily adapt your clothes, whether for changing temperatures or more or less exertion. In the video, Janine shares her key tips for mountain biking in autumn.

Be sure to pack waterproof gloves. During a drizzle, or in the early morning or evening hours, it’s often so cold that the hands quickly begin to freeze. Your feet should also stay warm and dry. Water-repellent cycling shoes or waterproof socks are recommended. If your feet sweat quickly, a fresh change of socks will make the tour more comfortable.

A snood keeps your head and throat warm. It doesn’t take up much space, but is particularly comfortable to wear in the cooler morning and evening hours. Helmet caps keep your head even warmer.

Light for your helmet and bike

Dawn lingers for longer in the mornings and evenings, and occurs earlier than in summer. You need a good light – not only so that you can see things, but so that others can see you. You can illuminate the trail with a helmet light in addition to your bike light; this will automatically brighten your field of vision. If you’re out on the road with your mountain bike, it’s important to remember that by law, a helmet light does not replace the need for a bike light.

Tyres with good tread for slippery conditions

Muddy paths, damp leaves, slippery roots: for mountain biking in autumn, it might be worth changing your tyres. Look for tyres with a good tread that offer excellent grip even on damp and slippery surfaces. Wide tires with a good tread and studs that are far apart increase friction and thus grip. Slightly lowering the air pressure in the tube increases the effectiveness. Make sure that the tyres are made of a rubber compound that is also suitable for low temperatures. The following applies: the lower the temperatures, the softer the rubber compound should be.

Emergency kit – first aid kit and life blanket

As always, you’ll need a first aid kit. In addition to painkillers, plasters, bandages, gauze and disinfectants, a life blanket is essential. It can protect against hypothermia – more common in low temperatures – in the event of an accident. Check your first aid kit regularly and refill it after use.

Clean your mountain bike particularly well

In autumn, there will be more dirt left on your mountain bike after a tour. It’s best to rinse it off immediately, before it dries. Use a garden hose or a bucket of water; many mountain stations or bike hotels offer bike washing stations. NB: Be careful with the chain, bearings and other sensitive parts. It’s particularly important to dry the chain well – otherwise, the chain will stay wet for a long time, because water does not evaporate as quickly at cooler temperatures. Finally, oil the chain.

You should also wash your clothes. Did you know that rain jackets and trousers stay waterproof for longer if they are washed regularly? Sweat impairs the seams and clogs the membrane. Make sure to follow the instructions on the care label when washing. As a general rule, close all zips and wash gently with detergent and without fabric softener at a low temperature (40° C).