Mountain biking in autumn: How to keep your bike and yourself ready for the trail

​Before setting off: check the tyres, brakes and lights

Before every autumn ride, take a moment to check the parts you’ll be relying on whilst out and about. It’s particularly worth having a look at your bike after a muddy ride.

• Tyres: Check the tread and sidewalls for damage and check the tyre pressure. The correct pressure depends, amongst other things, on the tyres, the driver’s weight and the road surface. Our guide to MTB tyre pressure helps with handling. However, on wet leaves, roots and stones, you should still ride with plenty of room to manoeuvre.
• Brakes: Pull both levers whilst stationary and test the braking performance at low speed. Also check the brake pads. If the levers feel unusually soft or the brakes feel noticeably weak, you’ll need to sort this out before your next ride. You can find out more in our tips on Maintenance of disc brakes.
• Lights: Switch on the front and rear lights to check they work. Are they securely fitted, are the batteries charged and are the light surfaces clean? Also remove any dirt from the reflectors.

After the ride: Wash off the mud and service the drivetrain

Don’t wait until the mud has dried solid before cleaning. You can usually remove coarse dirt from your bike using water, a soft brush and a cloth. Keep the water jet gentle and do not direct it specifically at bearings, seals or suspension components. For a thorough wash, we have instructions on Cleaning a mountain bike.

Then wipe the chain clean and dry. If it needs lubricating, apply the lubricant directly to the chain links and remove any excess oil with a cloth. This helps to prevent new dirt from accumulating on the outside. But be careful: brake discs and pads must remain free of lubricant. We explain how to do this in our guide to Chain and drive.

Chain wax – a genuine alternative

An alternative to chain oil is chain wax. A waxed chain attracts less dirt, which makes it easier to clean the chain, sprockets and derailleur pulleys. However, making the switch requires some preparation: before applying wax for the first time, the chain must be thoroughly cleaned of old oil and grease. After a wet autumn ride, you should dry it as soon as possible and check whether it needs waxing again. How often this is necessary depends on the product and the riding conditions. You shouldn’t simply leave a wet waxed chain to stand overnight, as this can cause rust. Our Comparison of chain waxes explains the advantages and limitations; in our tip We describe how to use chain wax.

Don’t forget the derailleur: in autumn, a mixture of mud, leaves and chain oil builds up between the sprockets and on the derailleur pulleys. Carefully remove coarse dirt with a brush and clean the accessible areas with a cloth. Then, whilst stationary or during a short test ride, go through all the gears. If the chain jumps, the bike shifts imprecisely or a noise persists despite the drivetrain being clean, the gear system should be checked. Adding more oil to dirty sprockets will not solve the problem.

For e-MTBs, you should also follow the maintenance instructions provided by the drive manufacturer. Bosch’s advice on its e-bikes, remove any removable battery before cleaning and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than using a direct jet of water. After cleaning, check that the battery and display are correctly fitted and that the system is working normally.

Clothing: Stay warm without overheating

You’ll work up a sweat on the climb, whilst the wind will cool you down on the descent. You should choose your clothing accordingly. A technical shirt, an extra warm layer and a wind or rain jacket can be combined depending on the weather and the intensity of your ride. You’ll find specific examples in our article on MTB clothing in autumn.

Pay particular attention to your hands and feet. Gloves should keep you warm without restricting your feel for the brake lever. In wet weather, weatherproof shoes or overshoes can be useful. Having a dry change of clothes in your rucksack makes breaks and longer descents more comfortable. To ensure your jacket and trousers retain their weather protection, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when machine washing them. Further advice can be found in our Care tips for cycling and technical clothing.

Lighting: Properly equipped for the trail and the journey home

An additional helmet light can be useful on a dark trail. However, as soon as you use public roads or cycle paths, you must have the required lights fitted to your bike. According to Section 67 of the StVZO, lighting equipment must be type-approved. This means that detachable lights must be fitted at dusk, in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility. The requirements include, amongst other things, a white front light, a red rear light and a reflective rear reflector. Flashing front and rear lights are not permitted on a bicycle; the headlight must not dazzle other road users.

So make sure you pack your front and rear lights even if you’re setting off in daylight. Check the battery level before your ride and ensure the lights are correctly aligned once fitted. Reflective clothing is a sensible addition, but it is no substitute for the lights on your bike. To help you choose a light that suits your rides, check out our guide to Bicycle lights compliant with the StVZO.

Conclusion

The routine is straightforward: before setting off, check your brakes, tyres and lights, and pack an extra layer of clothing. After a wet ride, you remove any dirt and service the chain if necessary. If the brakes or lights aren’t working properly, you sort out the problem before your next ride.

What’s your autumn routine for yourself and your bike? Just let us know in the comments.