If you have the right MTB gear and wheels suited to wet terrain , you don't have to give up your excursions even in winter. In fact, mountain bikers should never be limited by weather conditions: that's one of the most exciting parts of the discipline!
After all, the founder of the Scouts, Baden Powell , said: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing .” With the right MTB equipment you can continue to enjoy your adventures in any weather condition.
Read the article and discover our tips for mountain biking clothing and the right wheels for muddy and slippery terrain.
What should never be missing from your winter MTB clothing?
In winter MTB clothing , some items are essential to ensure a pleasant and safe ride.
In cold weather, we recommend wearing thermal clothing made with specific technical fabrics. Thermal clothing will keep you warm, maintaining an optimal body temperature on cold days, but will also allow sweat to wick away.
A must-have winter MTB clothing item is a waterproof jacket . Always wear one to protect yourself from rain and snow, as well as gusts of wind. Again, try to buy a jacket made of high-quality materials and well waterproofed.
Never forget thermal gloves and waterproof shoe covers . For safe riding, always wear a helmet: wet terrain is more slippery and impervious and requires extra attention to safety while riding your MTB.
Pay attention to the colors
A little extra tip, especially useful if you plan to go out in the snow or in wooded areas: Prefer bright colors , at least in accessories: they'll help you be more visible in case of emergencies.
Is there specific enduro clothing?
There are no particular differences between enduro and MTB clothing in winter, but during enduro races some athletes prefer to wear a full waterproof suit , which protects them from head to toe.
You can also wear knee and elbow pads for extra protection on downhill special stages.
MTB wheels to tackle the rain
We've talked about clothing: now let's move on to a component of your mountain bike that's truly important for both performance and safety. We're talking, of course, about wheels.
Choosing MTB wheels in bad weather must be careful and thoughtful . We give you some advice for a comfortable and safe ride, without sacrificing performance: regardless of your riding style, always choose tubeless tires and disc brakes, in winter or on muddy terrain.
Tubeless wheels
Tubeless is a tire system without an inner tube that is primarily used for mountain biking, but is becoming increasingly popular in other cycling disciplines, including road cycling.
We recommend this solution when you go mountain biking in bad weather because it offers a series of advantages:
- Less risk of punctures and cuts , precisely because there are no inner tubes;
- More traction and comfort on slippery or rough terrain, since you can run tubeless with lower pressures;
- Better wet grip and better seal on the rim, reducing the risk of pressure loss due to water ingress;
- Lower bike weight , to improve agility and handling, especially on technical terrain;
- Lower rolling resistance , with an advantage in pedaling efficiency;
- Adaptability to terrain and riding styles, as you can easily adjust the tubeless pressure.
Disc brakes
Disc brakes are now the preferred choice for mountain bikes, especially compared to rim brakes (cantilever brakes or V-brakes), which are still the most common on road bikes. In mud or snow, the advantages of hydraulic disc brakes are even more significant:
- More effective and predictable braking on wet surfaces. The braking action occurs directly on the disc, reducing the negative effect of water and mud on the braking surfaces;
- Less wear and mud build-up on braking surfaces , because the disc and pads of rim brakes are located in a less exposed position than rim brakes;
- You have sensitivity and control when braking , similar to car brakes, for example. This is especially useful in wet conditions, where finer control is needed to prevent the wheels from locking up. Even in terms of performance, with disc brakes you can adapt the braking to specific conditions and your MTB riding style;
- Consistent braking even on long and steep descents , thanks to efficient heat dissipation compared to rim brakes;
- They are compatible with wider tires , which are preferable on wet and rough terrain.
Wheel maintenance after riding a mountain bike in the mud
Cleaning your wheels after a mountain bike ride is essential to extend their lifespan: mud buildup can damage wheel components and lead to premature wear. After a mountain bike ride in the rain, your wheels need some maintenance.
Then start by rinsing the wheels with clean water to remove mud and dirt. Use a soft brush to thoroughly clean the surface of the wheels. After washing and drying, check the spoke tension and lubricate the hub to prevent rust. Also clean the disc brakes with brake pad cleaner if there's any mud residue.
