5 Winter MTB Riding Tips

Just the sight of a frigid landscape might be enough to shake most mountain bikers from riding, but just a few tips will set you up for winter riding success!

You may live in a climate where the winter season still allows for the occasional bike ride. Whether you time trail conditions between snow storms or simply have to wear water repellent layers to brave the rain. There are some things to consider when riding during these colder months (northern hemisphere). If your local trails allow, it can be a great be a great escape to get some riding in when normally you are losing your stamina from the summertime. It may be common sense to some, but here are 5 areas you should reference when riding with the changing of the seasons.

The very first thing you may notice in colder weather is that your tires seem flat, or at least lower in pressure than they usually are. Just like with your car tires, during the winter months, you should consider increasing air pressure because air becomes more dense when cold. If last you rode on a 70 degree day, you can be sure the psi will drop a few marks if you go for a ride when it’s 40 degrees outside. You may already have the habit, but check pressures at the trail head for the given conditions, especially when temps drop. You know what else holds air that needs to be checked before a ride, that’s right, your suspension!

Speaking of tires, dirt conditions will certainly be different and something to consider. Where I live in Colorado, my tire selection is always leaning more towards dry, loose conditions. We definitely don’t have loam and rock gardens are very common. In the winter, our sandy dry dirt does turn into a sludge or gritty slurp mixed with mud in areas. Dry and loose tires are not designed to shed this kind of buildup should it occur. Picking up some more mud-focused tires with deeper tread blocks can keep you pedaling versus walking your bike down a trail because your wheels weigh 10 pounds heavier from the buildup.

The last bike related tip is focused on your chain lube. For one, if you haven’t lubed your chain in a while, DO IT NOW! A lubricated chain helps prolong the life of your drivetrain components. Wear resulting from harsh conditions is exponentially made worse in wet/muddy and wintery conditions. Many brands even offer a winter or wet focused chain lube for this very purpose. The idea is you keep containments OUT of your chain which may even increase the frequency you apply chain lube during the winter season.

It personally took me a long time to pick up some quality pants and winter riding jerseys/jackets. But when I did, it really opened up my willingness to get after it when it was colder. The bonus was, hardly anyone likes riding when the temperature drops, clearing the way for you to enjoy your local trails without much traffic.

Insulated gloves and water repellent layers are really a must. You may even consider specific winter riding shoes that are less breathable but do a better job of keeping moisture out. Weather conditions could also be more overcast with clouds a plenty. This is the reason clear sunglass lenses exist. Still being able to protect your eyes from debris while maximizing visibility. Your ability to see will also be challenged if you choose to ride in the late afternoon, given that the sun will be setting just after 4:00 PM in some cases. If you plan for an after work ride, also plan to bring bike lights. If you only have a single light, I recommend using at least one mounted on your handlebars to light the way in front of you.

Your favorite rock slab, covered in ice, is a guaranteed trip to the hospital. Your favorite jump line, slowed down by tacky dirt, is a quick way to case a jump and hurt your ego. The point here is, a good time on a trail in the summer doesn’t always equate to the same experience in the winter time. Approach your colder season rides with a bit more caution, pre-riding sections even in case there are wet conditions that can catch you out when at speed. Conditions will also vary throughout the day. For example, I will try to ride earlier in the morning so that if any moisture is present, it’s more likely to be frozen than mud. I can navigate hard pack conditions much better than sloppy. If you know a section of trail will hold water - keep this in mind as well.

Also, pay attention to your fitness level, which will most likely be reduced. Plan for shorter rides or bring enough supplies to last in case it takes you a bit longer to complete your favorite loop. I swear no matter how much time I spend on a trainer inside my house it never translates to trail endurance. Winter always drops my overall stamina.

Your favorite rock slab, covered in ice, is a guaranteed trip to the hospital. Your favorite jump line, slowed down by tacky dirt, is a quick way to case a jump and hurt your ego. The point here is, a good time on a trail in the summer doesn’t always equate to the same experience in the winter time. Approach your colder season rides with a bit more caution, pre-riding sections even in case there are wet conditions that can catch you out when at speed. Conditions will also vary throughout the day. For example, I will try to ride earlier in the morning so that if any moisture is present, it’s more likely to be frozen than mud. I can navigate hard pack conditions much better than sloppy. If you know a section of trail will hold water - keep this in mind as well.

Also, pay attention to your fitness level, which will most likely be reduced. Plan for shorter rides or bring enough supplies to last in case it takes you a bit longer to complete your favorite loop. I swear no matter how much time I spend on a trainer inside my house it never translates to trail endurance. Winter always drops my overall stamina.

Your favorite rock slab, when covered in ice, is a guaranteed trip to the hospital. Your favorite jump line, slowed down by tacky dirt, is a quick way to case a jump and hurt your ego. The point here is that a good time on a trail in the summer doesn’t always equate to the same experience in the winter time. Approach your colder season rides with a bit more caution, pre-riding sections even in case there are wet conditions that can catch you out when at speed. Conditions will also vary throughout the day. For example, I will try to ride earlier in the morning so that if any moisture is present, it’s more likely to be frozen than mud. I can navigate hard pack conditions much better than sloppy conditions. If you know a section of trail will hold water, then keep this in mind as well.

Also, pay attention to your fitness level, which will most likely be reduced. Plan for shorter rides or bring enough supplies to last in case it takes you a bit longer to complete your favorite loop. I swear no matter how much time I spend on a trainer inside my house it never translates to trail endurance. Winter always drops my overall stamina.

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