Winter Mountain Biking
Is it crazy to ride your mountain bike in the freezing snow during winter? Actually, no. Indeed, you can enjoy a mountain bike ride out in the frozen mountain trails during winter. Although on second thought, it does seem a little crazy at first.
Don’t you worry. Read on to find out what you need to gear your mind and body up for some wicked mountain bike action during winter.
Gear
Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or a novice biker just looking for a different way to stay in shape during the cold months, you have to have the proper equipment needed for the cold ride outdoors.
The first thing you have to have all set up and ready for the frost is your mountain bike. Here’s how to get your bike prepared:
- You need to repack your mountain bike’s hubs, headset, and bottom bracket. If you are a novice biker, you better let the bike shop do this for you.
- Make sure you have mud guards over your front and rear wheels.
- Make sure your bike’s front and rear lights are working.
- Let some air out of your tires for a lower pressure. This provides better traction on the snow.
- If you have clipless pedals, replace them with platform pedals. The snow can make the pedals slippery.
- Do not store your bike away while it still has mud and dirt all over it. Perform regular cleaning and lubrication on the bike and its parts.
Additionally, Use studded tires or chains for extreme winter conditions. And if you have a shock with an elastomer dampening device, replace that device with a metal spring that won't be affected by the cold.
Don’t forget to check on the state of your brake pads. They wear down with use. If you fail to replace them before they are too worn out, you might just find yourself rushing down that steep snowy slope with your brakes failing on you. It is needless to point out that this is very dangerous. So check your brake pads.
You might also want to replace your bike handles’ grips with ones that have “collars” that can be cinched down on to the handlebars. This prevents the grips from slipping, preventing the grips from spoiling your enjoyable ride.
Clothing
After preparing your mountain bike for the outdoors, you’ve got to prepare yourself too this time. The basic challenge posed by the winter outdoors is how to keep the body warm.
Typically, you can wear what you wear for cross-country skiing: a windbreaker, one or two of layers of polypropylene and a turtleneck. Bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket in case it’s extra wet and cold outside.
For the head, a thin polypropylene ski hat will do or alternately, wear a workman's winter hardhat liner inside a helmet without pads.
For your legs, a pair of insulated tights, with a windproof front and articulated knees is good to well below freezing. Wearing regular pants over polypropylene is an alternative, if the combination provides easy knee movement and the pants don't flop in the chain.
For your hands, ski gloves are better than mittens, allowing one or two fingers to hook over the brake levers.
After making all these preparations, you’re now set to ride through the icy mountain trails during winter with your mountain bike. Stay safe.
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