Most people wear regular skate or running shoes to mountain bike ride. However you should consider the type and shape of your pedals and the type of riding you are doing as this can have a serious impact on your feet.
Pedals that are clip-less may require special shoes that accept the particular cleat for your bike pedals. You will also want a stiff sole shoe to protect your feet against rough terrain.
Winter Mountain Bike Shoes
The feet are one of the extremities of your body which are most vulnerable to the cold. When you're not riding a bike your feet become cold quickly, but when you are riding the pedaling pressure can actually cut off toe blood circulation to a degree, bringing about the risk of frostbite if conditions are particularly chilly.
Special mountain bike shoes and booties are a must have for winter riding. The shoes should be well insulated and waterproof. The booties can zip over your shoes and many have a sole pattern specifically made for cleats.
Investing a suitable pair of mountain bike shoes is a wise choice.
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These may not be the first thing you think of to purchase with your bike, but consider the beating your hands can take when riding.
All that wind, sun, cold or wet eventually dries your skin out and can cause nasty results such as blisters.
It goes without saying that you must wear gloves in very cold weather to protect fingers from frostbite and wind chill.
Don't just buy regular gloves; track down a pair of high quality mountain biking gloves.
They need to be thick enough to keep your warm but not so thick that you can't grasp the handle bars.
You will also find that wearing mountain bike gloves relieves the pressure you feel as you hold tightly on the handle bars for a long time.
Technology is advancing and you can buy quite thin gloves which provide a lot of insulation. Glove liners are also an option for extra cold conditions; these offer extra warmth and protection.
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It is always challenging to ride your bike in cold weather.
This is mainly due to starting out cold, then sweating which makes you wet. This in turn makes you susceptible to all kinds of nasty illnesses and injuries. Wind chill and wet skin are a horrible combination that can take their toll not only on your riding, but also your health. Thankfully you can overcome cold weather riding through the use of special mountain bike clothes.
Socks
You don't want overly heavy or thick socks whilst riding as it will tighten your shoes on your feet and lead to circulation problems.
Lightweight socks made specifically for riding are the ideal choice. You can also try ski or snowboarding socks to see how they feel whilst you're riding; these are sure to be warm.
Underwear
Many people overlook underwear for riding in cold conditions however it is vitally important that you consider it.
Consider polypropylene underwear which is great for cold weather and also lightweight.
When riding you are creating more wind against your body than if you were standing still or walking. This is where extra heat can be lost within your body, particularly when the wind is extra chilly.
Your outer clothing should be waterproof and windproof without being excessively heavy and bulky.
Your helmet should also be cold weather proof or at least made with the cold in mind. You can buy bike helmets with extra insulation. Humans lose heat through their head so a good quality helmet is absolutely vital if you are to retain heat and minimize heat loss.
Winter mountain bike clothes are a necessity if you live in or regularly ride in cold climates.
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