A Guide to Mountain Biking in Springtime

Rapha Guide to Springtime Mountain Biking

The short and harsh days of winter have finally drawn to a close. This is the season we’ve all been waiting for. Spring is in full bloom, but don’t be fooled by the forecast – Mother Nature can still catch us off-guard this time of year. Here’s our helpful spring mountain biking guide to dressing properly so you can enjoy fresh tracks all day, every day.

19 April 2022

Spring is the season of rebirth, as new growth breaks ground and the snowline recedes at higher elevations to reveal rich, dark earth underneath. This is the time of year for many of us to emerge from hibernation, ready to enjoy the fertile landscape and reap its rewards. The sun may be shining when our tires first touch dirt, but don’t forget that April showers bring May flowers. With a bit of forethought, you can stay prepared for variable conditions to make the most of vernal singletrack.

Gear up for mercurial weather with a simple three-layer system using our range of Performance Trailwear. Since layering is a modular approach, you can always add or subtract layers to suit the conditions you’re riding in. In this guide, we’ll break down the three layering groups (base, mid, and outer) and suggest optimized options for each, so you can customize your own spring weather layering system according to your own ideal body temperature and local trail conditions.

One final spring riding tip: riding in wet conditions isn’t so bad, especially if you keep a bath towel in the car to dry off post-ride. The real bummer is having to slip on soggy shoes to ride the next day. Invest in an electric boot dryer to keep your riding footwear warm and cozy so you can start the next session with your best foot forward.

BASE LAYER

 

Every kit should be built from a solid foundation. Our trail liners are lightweight, breathable and are made with a supremely comfortable chamois pad using 15 years of innovation across our bib short range.

Men’s Trail Cargo Bib Liner
Women’s Liner Shorts
These fast-wicking liners feature a lightweight and quick-drying chamois for on-trail comfort in a range of conditions.

MIDLAYER

 

The second layer retains body heat and blocks wind. Rapha Performance Trailwear utilizes fast-drying and durable technical fabrics for real-world performance.

Men's Trail Long Sleeve Tee
Women’s Trail Long Sleeve
A durable, long sleeved technical t-shirt made for mountain biking in a variety of conditions, constructed from recycled materials.

Men's Trail Pants
Women’s Trail Pants
Trail spray and spring mud are no match for rugged fabrics finished with a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment that keeps your legs clean and dry on wet rides.

OUTER LAYER

 

The outermost shell layer is responsible to block water and wind, but still allows for breathability so you don’t overheat. A purpose-built outer layer should be packable so it can be removed and stowed easily.

Men's Trail Lightweight Jacket
Women’s Trail Lightweight Jacket
This lightweight, packable windproof jacket is designed for mountain biking in changeable weather and packs down small. It also comes with a no-fuss strap that neatly attaches the jacket to your bike frame.

SPRING RIDING ACCESSORIES

Trail Socks
Merino wool offers unbeatable breathability, wicking, and weight in a comfortable package that keeps your feet happy all season long.

Knee Pads
Knee pads offer security and the confidence to push our skills further, and our Trail Knee Pads offer an incredible mix of breathability and protection perfectly suited for long rides.

Rapha x Smith Forefront 2 Trail Helmet EU
Rapha x Smith Forefront 2 Trail Helmet US
A helmet designed with state of the art impact protection made for mountain biking, created in collaboration with Smith.

POST-RIDE ESSENTIALS

Trail Hoodie
After a long day out in changeable weather, there’s nothing better than a comfortably familiar cotton hoodie.

Trail T-Shirt
An organic cotton t-shirt that’s supremely soft and in a relaxed cut, perfectly suited for life after laps.

Trail Cap
A comfortable snapback cap for life off the bike, now made with 100% organic cotton.

OUR FULL RANGE

To browse all of our collections together and compare side-by-side, take a look at our full range of mountain biking apparel. From the building block of cargo bib liner shorts to the resilient Trail ¾ Jersey, we’ve got every layer of your outfit covered.

MEN'S ESSENTIALS

Shop Men's

WOMEN'S ESSENTIALS

Shop Women's

Accessories

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