Mountain biking during the summer can be dangerous, especially when you don’t have the right outfit to keep you warm and safe. You need to control the balance between staying cool and staying protected. You need to take note of different factors when choosing the gear or outfit that you will be wearing during the hot summer seasons.
What should you wear when mountain biking in the summer? Well ventilated helmets, polarized sunglasses, cooler sweat-wicking jerseys, and better-ventilated shorts are the best summer outfit for mountain biking in the summer. Finding the balance between staying cool and staying protected is the key.
With COVID-19 around, aside from staying cool, you need to make sure that you ride safely. This article will talk about some tips and tricks on choosing suitable clothing for your mountain bike ride during the summer, from face masks to your socks. Lastly, I will also talk about some tips on staying safe and cold during your ride.
Be Safe This COVID-19 With The Right Face Mask
Since the Coronavirus has been around for a while, wearing face masks has become an essential item. There are tons of options that you can choose from so that you know you are safe and comfortable during your rides. It would help if you had both breathability and protection while maintaining comfort.
Make sure not to use face masks with valves, and it just defeats the purpose of wearing the mask! It is best to wear surgical masks or a lighter cloth mask during the summer since it is light and easy. Cloth masks come in different sizes, styles, and materials, where breathability depends on the mask’s materials.
There are different masks that you can buy online as well as in various stores. If you prefer not to purchase cloth masks, surgical masks are the way to go.
Perfect Helmet for the Perfect Summer Ride
A helmet may not count as a piece of clothing, but it is still a crucial part of your riding gear. About ten percent of our internal body heat is usually released through our heads. So, during the colder months, helmets are an excellent barrier for preventing heat loss. You would have the same effect as riding during hot conditions, and you don’t want to trap the heat close to your head.
A simple solution to this is to find a well-ventilated helmet, and when choosing the color, it should be light. Only a small amount of light is absorbed when you choose light colors, while the rest are reflected. The light that your helmet absorbs will translate into heat when you select helmets that are dark in color.
Darker colors reflect less light, and they absorb more energy which makes them hotter than lighter colors. Though darker colors may look cool, it’s not worth sacrificing your comfortability when you take your ride.
Giro Aether is Your Best Choice
When it comes to your helmet, Giro Aether is your best choice. It features a shell within a shell construction as well as a ball and socket design. It has a lightweight feel and fit. Giro Aether is branded as the top-tier performance model because it improves comfort while still supplying concussion-reducing impact protection.
The Giro Aether weighs 265 grams and has an air retention system that works impressively well. You can rest assured that it will provide comfort and a secure fit during your bike ride. It feels more encompassing, which allows the head to sit deeper within the helmet shell rather than high on top of a person’s head.
It offers 11 vents which are ideal for any hot weather, and it does well to regulate a constant temperature while you are riding your bike. It is also a proprietary version of MIPS, which is first introduced on the company’s Avance ski helmet. The MIPS creates a safe helmet with radically improved comfort. It also comprises two layers of EPS foam that rotate independently of each other.
The Giro Aether can handle 0 to 22 degrees and is great for gravel, mountain bike trails, as well as road trails. It is available in three sizes which are small, medium, and large. You can choose from their wide range of colors, 11 to be exact. This helmet cost $325.
Protect Your Eyes with the Perfect Sunglasses for the Summer
Sunglasses may be a no-brainer during the summer because it reduces the sun’s intensity. There are two types of sunglasses that you can choose from when completing your mountain biking outfit during the hot weather. The type is polarized glasses where it is excellent for cutting glare, and it increases the ability to read terrain. However, there are only certain manufacturers that make this type of glasses.
Another type of sunglasses that you can buy is photochromic lenses. These are sunglasses that automatically adjust the amount of tint, which is great at blocking light. Now, another feature that you need to consider and often overlooked is the grips. You should choose grippy rubber on the contact points to be placed perfectly around your nose and ears.
Ordinary sunglasses wouldn’t work because they are usually made from metal or plastic surfaces, making them easy to fall off. Sunglasses are beneficial and are great for protecting the eyes from dirt and dust in the air. Choosing shatterproof sunglasses is another feature that you should consider, so your eyes would be protected in case of a crash.
POC Will Polarized Sunglasses for Men
The POC Will Polarized Sunglasses for men has complete UV protection (UV400). It has a grilamid frame which is lightweight, flexible, and durable. It has a rubber nosepiece and temples, so you can rest assured that it won’t slip during your ride. These sunglasses also stay grippy even when it is wet. Regardless of the rain or transpiration, the POC Will Polarized Sunglasses will stick to your nose when you move around.
These sunglasses have nylon lenses and are treated with Ripel for clear vision as well as easy cleaning. It’s available in one color, which is Uranium Black. The POC Will Polarized Sunglasses cost $220. It may be expensive, but it is definitely worth the price.
Liv Vista NXT Varia for Women
The Liv Vista NXT Varia for women is the perfect sunglasses when mountain biking. The lenses are impact-resistant, interchangeable, and adjust when the light changes. It is also anti-fogging and has a no-slip feature which is perfect when you are mountain biking. These sunglasses are designed with the size that fits most approaches and works well for most women.
It is a half-frame wraparound sunnies that offer a panoramic field of vision. The Liv Vista NXT Varia has a photochromic technology where the sunglasses automatically adjust to the light conditions. It also has vents at the side which prevents them from fogging while you are on your ride. Aside from that, it has a solid and flexible thermoplastic that bends on impact. Lastly, it also has adjustable temple tips and an ergonomic nose pad so you can achieve the perfect fit.
With all the wonderful features that I’ve mentioned above, the Liv Vista NXT Varia costs $124.11.
Comfortable Mountain Biking Shorts for the Hot Weather
Now, wearing fitted or baggy shorts would come down to one’s personal preferences. Whatever route you decide, you need to make sure that your shorts are made from breathable material. This means no to cotton!
Most of the time, mountain biking shorts come with a padded mesh liner where it prevents chafing. When choosing the shorts to use, you need to make sure you have as much airflow as possible because it reduces moisture buildup. It also needs to come with anti-slip strips around the end to help prevent them from sliding up your legs.
If you plan to wear cotton underneath your shorts, it is not a good idea because it can add heat. Make sure that you wash your shorts after every ride because hot and humid conditions are breeding grounds for bacteria. With this said, it can lead to saddle sores which you don’t want.
Fox Flexair Lite Bike Shorts for Men
The Fox Flexair Lite is the perfect bike shorts for men. It is made with lightweight stretch fabric with laser perforations. You can expect maximum breathability and all-day comfort without restricting mobility. The body-mapped, laser-perforated areas on the front and back increase the airflow to keep your body cool during your ride.
With the Fox Flexair Lite Bike Shorts, the fabric moves the sweat away from the body, which will help you keep dry. The fabric is stretchable, which offers a full range of motion and increases your mobility. It is also made with durable water repellent (DWR) material that sheds moisture, dirt, and debris. It has a Race Ratchet closure that provides a secure fit and quick adjustments.
These bike shorts also have zippered pockets at the left hip and a detachable liner with Comp chamois for the perfect fit. The cost of the Fox Flexair Lite Bike Shorts for men is $99.95.
Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Shorts for Women
The Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Bike Shorts for women can add a pop of color to any look during your ride, which is where fashion and comfortability meet. It is a mid-length short and comes in different colors to match your preferences. The colors that it comes in are Saguaro Green, Super Bloom Pink, and Wildflower Purple.
It is environmentally friendly, made from 17 recycled water bottles, preventing 12 pounds of CO2 emission. Buying these shorts will also save you two gallons of water in the process. The size of these shorts is 11 inches rise and 8.5 inches inseam, which costs $48.
Best Upper Body Wear for Mountain Biking in the Summer
Just like your shorts, the upper body wear comes in two types which are loose and fitted. The key in choosing the right upper body wear is breathability and moisture-wicking material. It should create a net cooling process that pulls away sweat from the skin. When choosing your shirt, you need to make sure to choose short-sleeved varieties made from lightweight materials.
There are tons of shirt varieties that you can choose from in the market. Now, shirts that are found in sporting goods stores may not be the most durable option. Make sure to choose mountain bike-specific jerseys that are made from durable materials because they will hold up better to inevitable crashes or snags during your rides.
Fox Racing Ranger Short Sleeve for Men
The Fox Racing Ranger short sleeve shirt for men is made from 100% polyester and has a relaxed fit. This shirt is great for enduro trail and available in three sizes which are Small, Medium, and X-Large. It keeps you comfortable and relaxed while you are on the path. This shirt is a loose fit, so it drapes on your body comfortably. Aside from comfortability, it also offers a great style.
With this shirt, you can move sweat away from the body, which will keep you dry during your ride. It has a seamless vent for added breathability and engineered knit jacquard. The Fox Racing Ranger short sleeve shirt cost $54.95.
Sandia Short Sleeve Jersey for Women
The Sandia Short Sleeve Jersey for women is breathable, provides great sun protection and silhouette. It has a simple but flattering design so that you will feel comfortable during your ride and fashionable. It has a mesh and wicking panel design to keep you cool, protected, and feeling fresh while you are on the trail.
Now, remember that women have curves, so that fitting can be challenging. The manufacturer of this short sleeve jersey ensures to keep their products true to their size. So, before purchasing your own Sandia Short Sleeve Jersey, you need to make sure to refer to their size charts to get the best fit for you.
The Sandia Short Sleeve Jersey is available in two colors which are Pacific Blue and Black that cost $75.
Gloves for the Hot Summer Weather
Gloves provide an added grip when you ride, which is always helpful for those who have sweaty hands and find themselves slipping around the handlebars. Most handle grips are made from dark-colored material, as I’ve mentioned above, can quickly heat up in direct sunlight. When you wear gloves, it helps your hands from getting scalded by the hot surface.
Try finding fingerless gloves and invest in a pair when better ventilation. Full-fingered gloves may be too hot when you ride during the summer. Now, fingerless gloves don’t provide as much hand protection or grip as full-fingered ones. If you are okay with this, then it is best to get the fingerless route.
Pearl Izumi Pro Gel Fingerless Bike Gloves for Men
The Pearl Izumi Pro Gel Fingerless Bike Gloves for men will give you the feel of natural leather and durability. The manufacturers use premium Ax Suede Laredo in the palm, which maintains the washability and durability of synthetic leather. It provides an exceptional fit and easier to hold the bar grip.
It provides a closure-less and perforated palm design that makes it cool to wear during a hot day. It has a slip-on fit and reflective elements for low light visibility. This glove is available in six sizes; XS, Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL. The cost of the Pearl Izumi Pro Gel Fingerless Bike Gloves is $41.99.
Pearl Izumi Women’s Select Fingerless Bike Gloves
The Pearl Izumi Women’s Select Fingerless Bike Gloves has a durable synthetic leather palm. It incorporates the pad within the palm to reduce bulk and improve comfort during your ride. Since it is made with synthetic leather palm, it has a four-way stretch which provides a great fit.
Another added benefit to this glove is it is easy to clean. It also has gel-foam-based padding that offers superior riding comfort. The hook and loop closure is great for adjusting to ensure that it is the perfect fit. It is available in three sizes; Small, Medium, and Large. The cost of the Pearl Izumi Women’s Select Fingerless Bike Gloves is $27.99.
Mountain Biking Socks for the Summer
Never ignore your socks, even if you are riding on a hot summer day. Just like your shirts and shorts, you should avoid cotton since it can cause more heat. Socks that are made from Merino wool are the best choice because it doesn’t only have moisture-wicking properties, it is also antibacterial.
Make sure to look into mountain bike-specific pairs which are often seamless. It helps avoid blisters from forming during your rides.
Darn Tough Hiker No Show Light Cushion
The Darn Tough Hiker No Show Light Cushion is made with 55% Nylon, 42% Merino Wool, and 3% Spandex. Manufacturers provide a lifetime guarantee when buying these socks. These are the most comfortable socks that you can wear while biking. It has enough wool to wick moisture and maintain a comfortably cool temperature during the summer.
These socks provide a wide range of light cushion socks that focuses on the base of the foot. It has an extra bulk that prevents slipping or bunching while you ride your bike. The Darn Tough Hiker No Show Light Cushion socks are perfect for men and women, which costs $11.09.
Tips for Mountain Biking During the Summer Heat
You need to take note of a couple of tips when mountain biking during the summer heat. First, you need to plan and prepare your route ahead of time. Ensure to at least let one person know where you are going in case of emergency. Pick routes that have lots of shade and find convenient places where you can stop for water if needed. Always bring plenty of extra fluids, as well as money for a bus ride home in case of emergencies.
Second, make sure to be smart! Avoid riding in the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM. Always follow the different tips I’ve provided above on dressing properly above. In case of a flat or mechanical failure, try to find a shady spot to work on your bike.
Third, you have to learn to acclimate and start out with short rides. Always start at a slow pace and increase mileage as your body becomes used to riding in the heat. Take a few weeks to get over the initial shock of hotter temperatures for your safety.
Fourth, always hydrate! Drink water before, during, and after rides. As mentioned above, carry plenty of fluids during your ride, even if it’s a short one. Don’t drink too much cold water at a time because it can cause cramping. Always aim to take small amounts of fluids frequently, about five to ten minutes apart. Make sure to stay on top of your hydration needs, and don’t wait for the feeling of extreme thirst.
Fifth, when it comes to rides that are longer than an hour, make sure to drink fluids with electrolytes. Electrolytes are what help maintain your sodium levels during your rides. Eating salty food such as pretzels and peanuts can also replace electrolytes.
Lastly, recovery is the key! This is very critical when riding long miles during the hot summer weather. You have to be prepared to replenish your energy stores. It is ideal to have a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein and continue to hydrate in the following hours. With this, it will replace fluids that you have lost during your ride.
It will also provide a speedy recovery process and allow you to face the heat once again the next day. With proper preparation and attention to your body’s nutritional needs, you can most definitely enjoy your ride during the summer.
Conclusion
Mountain biking during the hot weather can be a pain, but you can enjoy your time riding under the sun with the right outfit and gear. The critical factor that you need to take note of is breathability and comfortability. Finding something in between will provide you the comfort you will need while riding on a hot summer day. Follow all of the tips and tricks I’ve provided above so that you can ride with no worries!
