Cold Weather Mountain Biking, Part 2: Cold Hands, Cold Feet? Winter Gear That Actually Helps

The Veloraptors Guide to Winter Riding - Part 2 of 3

In Part 1, we talked about dressing in layers and avoiding cotton.

Now let's talk about the things that often make the biggest difference between an enjoyable winter ride and a miserable one: keeping your hands, feet, head, and face comfortable.

The good news? Most of these accessories don't need to be expensive.

Cold Hands Aren't Just Uncomfortable

Cold fingers can make it difficult to operate brake levers, shifters, and dropper posts.

That's a safety issue, especially on mountain bike trails.

A good pair of winter cycling gloves should provide warmth while allowing your child to maintain a secure grip and operate the controls normally.

ROCKBROS offers relatively inexpensive cold-weather cycling gloves.

Thin glove liners underneath full-finger gloves can also help in moderately cold conditions.

Before leaving the parking lot, have your athlete test both brake levers while wearing their gloves.

If they can't comfortably operate the controls, the gloves aren't appropriate for the ride.

Our Favorite Hand-Warmer Trick

On really cold days, disposable hand warmers can be fantastic.

But here's something we learned from experience:

Don't wait until you're at the trailhead to open them!

Many disposable hand warmers are air-activated. Once opened, oxygen starts a chemical reaction that generates heat.

They may take 15–30 minutes to get comfortably warm.

Our trick is to open the packages on the way to the trails, let the warmers activate in the air as directed, and have them ready by the time we arrive.

That way, they're already warm instead of just starting to heat up inside a glove, where limited airflow may slow the reaction.

Only use warmers as directed, and make sure they don't interfere with brake control. They shouldn't touch bare skin or be pressed tightly against it. Adults should supervise their use with younger athletes.

Cold Feet: Start With Good Socks

Cold toes can ruin a ride surprisingly quickly.

We strongly recommend merino wool or synthetic performance socks instead of cotton.

Merino wool is especially useful because it handles moisture well while providing insulation.

But here's something parents might not expect:

Thicker socks aren't always warmer.

If those big winter socks make your child's cycling shoes too tight, they may restrict circulation and make their feet colder.

A medium-weight wool sock with some room in the shoe is often a better choice.

Toe Covers and Shoe Covers

Most mountain bike shoes have ventilation designed for warmer weather.

That's great in July. Not so great in January.

Toe covers block wind across the front of the shoe, while full shoe covers provide more complete protection.

Both can dramatically improve comfort without requiring dedicated winter cycling shoes.

ROCKBROS makes affordable versions of these accessories.

Just be sure whatever you choose works with your child's shoes and doesn't interfere with pedal engagement or walking safely.

Toe Warmers: Prepare Before You Arrive

We use the same advance-preparation strategy with disposable toe warmers.

Open them on the way to the trails so they have time to begin activating.

However, make sure you buy actual toe warmers, not ordinary hand warmers.

Toe warmers are specifically formulated to work in the lower-oxygen environment inside shoes.

Follow the placement instructions on the package. Some attach to the outside of socks above the toes, while others are designed for different positions.

Never put them directly against skin, and don't use them if they make the shoe too tight.

They are optional comfort accessories, not a substitute for warm socks and appropriately fitting shoes.

Protect Your Ears, Head, and Neck

We always wear helmets, even in winter.

Fortunately, a few thin accessories can make a huge difference.

Cycling skull cap or helmet liner: A thin cap designed to fit underneath a bike helmet, often extending over the ears.

Balaclava: A thin covering for the head, ears, and much of the face and neck.

Neck gaiter: A flexible tube of fabric, sometimes called a Buff, that can protect the neck, lower face, or ears.

The key is choosing something thin enough that your helmet still fits properly.

A thick winter hat underneath a helmet is a bad idea if it changes how the helmet sits or compromises its fit.

Glasses and Goggles

Cold air rushing into your eyes can make them water constantly.

Cycling glasses help protect against wind, dirt, branches, and trail debris.

Clear or lightly tinted lenses are especially useful on wooded winter trails.

On particularly cold and windy days, mountain bike goggles can provide additional protection.

You Don't Need Premium Brands

Before spending a fortune, explore some budget-friendly options:

• 32 Degrees: Base layers and thermal athletic clothing.

• ROCKBROS: Winter cycling gloves, balaclavas, helmet liners, and shoe covers.

• Decathlon: Affordable athletic and cycling clothing.

• Buff: Versatile neck gaiters, with many inexpensive alternatives available.

• HotHands or Grabber: Air-activated hand and toe warmers.

Growing kids don't need a collection of premium $150 cycling accessories.

Start with the basics. Add items based on where your child actually gets cold.

Our Winter Accessories Checklist

• Warm cycling gloves that allow normal braking and shifting

• Merino wool or synthetic socks

• Toe covers or shoe covers when needed

• Thin helmet liner or balaclava

• Neck gaiter if needed

• Cycling glasses or goggles

• Optional hand warmers, activated ahead of time

• Optional toe warmers, used according to instructions

The takeaway: Don't underestimate hands and feet. Warm fingers and toes can make the difference between a kid who loves winter riding and one who's ready to head home after twenty minutes.

Coming up in Part 3: What parents and coaches should do before, during, and after a winter mountain bike ride.