Winter Mountain Bike Skills

Whilst balmy summer evenings may be our best memories of the years riding - there’s no doubt that riding during the winter months throws up plenty of fun, enjoyment and challenges - which make us a better, all round mountain bike rider. Whilst the thought of sloppy trails, cold winds and driving horizontal rain may not sound too appealing, it’s rare that any of this puts us off from heading to the trails during winter. The reward for showing plenty of grit through winter, is the fantastic feeling of accomplishment and refined skills, when spring and summer come round - and your favourite trails return to rideable, solid conditions.

Winter Mountain Biking Kit

The old saying, there is no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothing certainly rings true when out on the bike. Winter bike riders require greater preparation than summer rides - you need breathable MTB base layers, MTB waterproofs, as well as winter bib tights or MTB trousers. It’s also a good idea to think about a set of dry clothes for when you get back to the car/van if you have driven.

Think about the challenges that riding in winter conditions throws up - and what kit you can have to minimise any negative effects. One such challenge is the bike slipping around underneath you as you ride it, hitting frozen obstacles and mud - this requires greater control of the bike, and quicker reactions to correct the bike's position - something you cannot do with frozen hands, so a good pair of winter MTB gloves is a must.

Continuing on the theme of contact points, whilst well worn MTB grips are fine in good weather - they can become slippy and useless in wet conditions, so keeping on top of this consumable and easily replaceable item is well recommended.

If riding with other riders, there will be plenty of mud splattered about - and whilst you can squint - we recommend wearing goggles or glasses - clear or tinted, for winter riding.

Pedals are another area which need to perform in winter conditions, if riding with flat pedals - choose a softer mountain bike shoe/boot for maximum grip with the pedal, and choose a pedal which has pins for grip. If using clipped in pedals - keep them well maintained to prevent mud and grime causing issues with the mechanisms.

Winter Mountain Bike Tyres

We have discussed the importance of staying in good contact with the bike, but it’s also important to think about the bike’s contact with the terrain you are riding on. Winter Mountain Bike Tyres give the obvious advantage over summer and all season tyres - with winter tread patterns have wider patterns and bigger knobbles on the tyres for finding all important purchases in loose conditions. Many riders ride with lower pressures in softer winter conditions, and it’s also worth softening suspension - to prevent tyres being bounced off trails.

Winter Mountain Biking Prep

Some of the simplest tips are the most important when it comes to riding a mountain bike in winter - such as carrying out all of your prep work in the warmth of your home or garage, before you head out. Check brake pads, as it’s not much fun changing these with cold hands in the driving rain.