With any luck over Christmas, you were treated with a bike-related gift and have been out having some quality festive riding with your new bike or kit. Now that the festive chaos is winding down and a new year starts, this is the ideal opportunity to freshen up your riding vibe. Maybe you’re in the process of booking some events for the year ahead or want to adventure out to ride in some different places. There is always a need for inspiration, and that’s where we make sure you don’t miss out on what’s out there for you.
- Freeride mountain biking – everything you need to know
- Winter mountain biking – your guide to riding in the cold
- Five tips to make winter cycling easier
This cold, frosty season is all about keeping warm and dry during winter riding, and Altura’s Insulated Jacket, Endura’s Waterproof Bib Pants, and the fleecy jersey by Cafe Du Cycliste will be a welcome addition to your winter wardrobe.
Cafe Du Cycliste Solange Women’s Cycling Jersey
Cafe Du Cycliste’s Solange Jersey will turn heads on the trails with a lumberjack-style jacquard check merged into the cycling-specific jersey with the traditional three pockets on the rear. You may look like you’re about to head into the forest and chop some wood instead of carving burms and flying down a rocky techy descent before heading for the local cafe to replenish your salts (cake!). Made using recycled materials, the fleece zip-up jersey features a chest pocket, reflective elements and a close body fit to offer additional insulation.
Available from cafeducycliste.com, it costs a hefty £200 and will be a staple for the colder months for many years. Sizes range from XS to XL.
Endura Women’s MT500 Waterproof Bib Pant
When the trails are lined with sloppy mud and puddles the size of a small tarn, your clothing is guaranteed to get messy. Many winter trousers are available now, so you can get swamped with choices. The other avenue is to try something a little quirky, such as Ednura’s new Women’s MT500 Waterproof Bib Pants.
A dungaree-style riding trouser that also gives your upper body some wet-weather protection thanks to its high back and chest coverage. These are perfect to wear during rainy conditions paired with a jacket or alone over a jersey if the trails run wet post-downpour. Allowing you to focus on your riding without being wet and uncomfortable all day.
Available in sizes XS to 2XL and costs £200. The colour choice is limited to Black, but that’s understandable given its purpose.
Selle Italia’s Women’s Specific Saddle – Diva Gel Superflow
A saddle specially designed to fit comfortably for the female body, the Diva Gel Superflow will make your rear end happy throughout the ride. Superior comfort with a light gel that absorbs vibrations, and the cut-out in the middle will ease the pressure off contact points. A TI 316 rail with a Fibra-Tek microfibre material that is lightweight, durable, and strong makes up the Diva Gel saddle. It’s essential to ensure you have the correct type of saddle for both the type of riding you’re doing and the width of your sit bones.
Suitable for both gravel and mountain biking, the Diva Gel comes in two widths. The small (S3) is 135mm, and the Large (L3) is 152mm wide. It has a low weight of only 275g for the small and a price of £115, so it’s worth trying if you’re on the saddle plenty.
Fox Racing’s Women’s Chest Body Armour
This is a big leap into the progression of women-specific mountain bike products. Years ago, female extreme off-road bikers only had poorly fitting male-orientated body protection that was either too tight across the chest, hips, legs, and arms or too baggy and heavy. Finally, brands are willing to provide gender-safe products and make something tailored for the female form.
Fox Racing has a world-leading EN1621-1 Women’s Baseframe Pro Chest Guard with a contoured design that does not restrict movement or cause uncomfortable riding limitations. Moisture is managed, the chest and back are protected, and flexibility is achieved. It’s worth every penny of the £180 and comes in sizes small to large.
Altura Esker Dune Women’s Insulated Jacket
There’s always been a blurred line between wearing a waterproof jacket and a warm insulated jacket when the weather is cold but not always raining. Sometimes wearing a waterproof is too bulky when all you need is some warmth control. And there are not many options for a ‘down; style jacket specifically for mountain biking. Altura has introduced its Esker Dune Insulated Jacket for those chilly riding days, with a tailored cycling fit and features convenient for cycling.
The Esker is a hybrid design with a blend of recycled materials and Pertex Quantum Eco technology to deliver warmth in zoned areas such as the chest, arms and around the core where your body feels the cold more intensely. The brushed-back softshell fabric is breathable to maintain body moisture, and the hood is snuggly warm. It is an excellent jacket for the cooler months when the weather is nippy with a chance of rain.
Available in sizes UK 8 to UK 18 and is in the colour Dark Green.
Patagonia Women’s Dirt Craft Bike Pants
Stretchy and pedal friendly, the Dirt Craft Bike Pants by Patagonia are part of the mountain bike collection. The brand has started to expand to its usual outdoor lifestyle clothing. Designed to keep you cool on the way up with its ultra-breathable fabric with perforated venting and durable and protective for whatever is thrown at you on your way during your descent. A contoured waistband shape helps with comfort and keeps the pants in position, while the pass-through pocket access allows for greater access to the inner shorts if needed.
Available in the colour Golden Caramel and Black, you can get them in sizes XS to XL.
