Summer MTB Clothing: A Guide to Choosing

Are you a lover of off-road cycling? In summer, do you always struggle to find the right balance between comfort, protection, and breathable and fresh products?!
This guide aims to help you in the choice of the right summer clothing for MTB, designed specifically for those scorching days when you don't want to give up a workout on your favorite trails!

Cycling in summer on an MTB trail requires not only skill and passion, but also careful selection of clothing. Why is it so important to choose the right one? 
With high temperatures and the intensity of physical activity, it's essential to wear items that ensure breathability, lightness, and protection, to face every ride safely and with maximum comfort. Summer clothing for mountain biking must therefore represent the perfect balance between thermal comfort and protection from impacts and external elements.

The basic equipment for MTB in summer includes:

• Technical jersey: made of lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying fabric. Some models include mesh inserts to enhance airflow.
• MTB shorts: with ergonomic padding (or to be added separately) for the right comfort in the saddle and fabrics resistant to tears.
• Underwear: a good quality tank top keeps your skin dry and fresh, even during the toughest rides!
• Gloves: protect your hands from vibrations, falls, or branches and ensure the right grip on the handlebars.
• MTB shoes: stiff and with a lugged sole, compatible with flat or clipless pedals.
• Helmet: always mandatory, even for shorter rides. Better if equipped with good ventilation and a visor to protect from the sun. If you practice gravity disciplines like downhill, it's preferable to choose a full-face helmet with a chin guard.
• Sport sunglasses: to protect your eyes from sun, dust, insects, and branches.
• Hydration backpack or waist pack: to carry water, tools, a spare inner tube, energy bars, and a lightweight jacket in case of a summer storm.

During the summer season, it is crucial to choose technical, breathable, and lightweight materials. The humidity produced by sweat must be quickly moved away to avoid discomfort and maintain a stable body temperature.

Here are some tips:
- clothing made from synthetic technical fabrics, such as technical polyester, or natural fabrics for those who prefer fibers like wool blends, which are highly temperature-regulating;
- summer accessories like a cap or sweatband to prevent eye discomfort;
- lightweight, breathable technical socks to avoid overheating of the feet.

How to dress for cycling at 25 degrees?

We could consider 25°C as the ideal temperature for cycling, however, often the intensity of MTB training can quickly increase body heat and therefore sweating. To prevent this, it is important to prefer brands that use high-quality fabrics and design garments specifically for high temperatures, such as Assos and Gobik, without resorting to second-rate solutions. The right summer MTB clothing can really make a difference in terms of comfort and performance!

Even in summer, it's important to protect yourself adequately. In addition to the helmet, there are other useful safety measures that shouldn't be left at home or in your backpack, even when temperatures are high. In particular, mtb protections, such as knee pads, elbow pads, and back protector, are important for the cyclist's protection and should never be forgotten, especially on more challenging trails! 
We also recommend applying a good sunscreen, especially in areas more exposed to the sun's rays. 

Discover our selection of summer MTB clothing at ciclimattio.com and get ready for your adventures!