Fall Riding Essentials
Cooler weather, changing leaves, and tacky dirt - need I say more? Fall is arguably the best time of year to ride bikes. However with changing seasons comes changing weather, and having the right gear can greatly improve your riding experience. Here’s our list of fall and winter riding essentials:
Giro Havoc MTB pants
When those shorter, cooler days are calling, the Havoc pant lets you stay out longer. These pants provide all the benefits of usually cycling-specific shorts - durability, comfort, protection - but extend the entire length of your leg. This is key for fall riding, as variable conditions generally translate to more debris on your legs after a ride. Moreover, Giro’s DWR-coated Durablend fabric is breathable and delivers a casual feel that’s perfect for riders who want the extra protection of knee pads. Make the switch to riding in pants, you won’t regret it.
Toe Covers
You know that having the proper footwear for riding your bike is important, but what about keeping those feet warm and comfortable? Sure thick socks and a warm shoe can get the job done, but having multiple pairs of these just isn't practical for most people. Enter toe covers. These babies are exactly what they sound - covers that go over the front part of your shoe. Even this small amount of insulation can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your dogs toasty. The roadies and commuters out there will love the extra warmth these provide for their ride. Most are even small enough to fit in your pocket.
Image retrieved from cyclingbeast.comWet Chain Lube
There are few things more important on your bike than the drivetrain, so why not optimize it to perform at its best. Most riders use some sort of chain lube (if you don’t you definitely should), but wet lube is ideal for the damp, muddy conditions of fall riding. It tends to be thicker and stickier than normal lubes, so it will stay on your chain better than a regular lube.
Gloves
Ever try to ride with cold hands? I wouldn't recommend it! You’ll likely start to lose control of your bike and will be hard pressed to use your brakes! Get yourself a pair of cycling gloves so this doesn’t happen to you. We recommend a thermal or cold-weather rated glove for your rides this time of year.
Mud Guard/Fender
Tacky trails may make for good riding conditions, but often leads to dirty bikes and muddy faces. Having a mud guard on your fork can greatly mitigate this by blocking debris as it gets picked up by your front tire. All you need is a few zip ties for installation and you’re good to go. At a price tag of around $20, it’s one of the best inexpensive upgrades you can make.
Jacket
Possibly the most underrated piece of gear on this list, having a good jacket can often make or break a ride. A key reason for this is warmth, because no one wants to be cold when they ride. More specifically, when you’re cold you tend to lose control of your bike as muscles tense and you have a harder time steering. It’s important to choose wisely when picking a riding jacket. Keep in mind that you’re likely going to be pedaling, so you’ll want something that’s somewhat breathable as to not overheat. However, you also want it to be waterproof to keep you dry in changing conditions. A light shell jacket with vents accomplishes both these needs nicely. Though it’s less necessary, having something that’s packable is ideal as you can easily take it off and stow in your riding pack if needed.
Bar Mitts
If you've read our Winter Gear Guide, then you know about this magical piece of equipment. If you haven't then read on, as they should definitely be on your list of accessories this fall. Bar Mitts are essentially hand covers that mount to your handlebars, virtually eliminating the need for gloves. Much like toe covers, bar mitts keep the hands toasty by insulating them from wind and weather, perfect for rides on those colder days. They come in various sizes for different handlebar styles so chances are you can find one that's right for your bike. This is the #1 way to keep your fingers warm. They might look dorky, but if you give them a try you won't regret it.
Lights
Shorter days means less daylight, and I’ll bet you’re gonna want to see while riding your bike. Unless you ride around in night vision goggles, you’ll need some lights to accomplish this. There are a lot of lights out there, and having something is better than nothing. However, we recommend a front light that has at least 500 lumens. This will ensure you can see a fair distance in front of you, but that’s the bare minimum. If you plan on mountain biking at night you really need 1000 lumens to get the job done. Though it’s important for you to see, it’s arguably more important to be seen, especially when riding on roads with cars. For this reason a rear light is absolutely essential. Again, something is better than nothing here, but if you really want to be seen by drivers get yourself a rear light that is daytime rated.
Guthrie Flannel - available in store only - Price
Need something new to wear out and about this fall? Look no further than the Guthrie flannel. This year we had a limited number of custom flannels made. They have a combination of fleece and insulated lining to keep you toasty on those chilly days and evenings. You may not want to wear this when you ride, but you will want it for everything else. It’s as comfy to wear as it is stylish. Come get one while they last!