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The choice of clothing is a real challenge in autumn: while temperatures often drop dangerously towards freezing point in the morning, the sun allows the mercury to climb to 20 degrees and higher over the midday hours. However, if it doesn't make it through the fog cover, it remains very cold during the day. And with a bit of bad luck, heavy November rain will turn the leaf-covered trails into muddy slides. So how should bikers dress properly? We'll tell you here and show you three outfits that will really defy any weather.
The most important item of clothing works behind the scenes: Vests are essential for the right body climate in autumn and form the first layer of every outfit. Eight high-tech functional shirts had to prove in the lab and on the trail whether they still provide sufficient warmth even when damp. You can find the test in BIKE 12/2018.
AGAINST THE COLD
The first frost greets us in autumn. Thanks to softshell materials, bikers greet us warm and cosy.
Photo above: When the ground is already freezing in the morning and the mist hangs over the trails, you are ideally equipped with softshell materials. Modern jackets like the Löffler Ventsiro WS Softshell Light (170 euros) provide so much warmth that a long-sleeved vest is usually sufficient underneath. Merino sheep's wool is ideal for relaxed riding. The Icebreaker 150 Zone LS Crewe (86 euros) keeps you warm even when damp. However, if you sweat a lot, you should opt for synthetic fibre shirts (see test from page 84) because they wick sweat away from the body more quickly. Loose-fitting softshell trousers, such as the Ion Softshell Pants Shelter (160 euros) utilises the air between the skin and the material for insulation. If you combine short or long bib shorts underneath, depending on the temperature, you will hardly get too cold even in winter. To combat cold toes, slightly thicker merino socks such as the Woolie Boolie from Defeet (24 euros) and above shoes that do without ventilation holes in the toe area - the Scott MTB AR Boa Clip (180 euros), for example. The Brisker glove from 100% (30 euros) keeps the wind away from your hands thanks to its light softshell surface and still grips the handlebars very directly with its thin Clarino inside. Now the Buff scarf made of soft merino (approx. 20 euros) around your neck or on your head, and you can really stir up the leaves in the brightly coloured autumn forest.
3 x WARM FEET
For frequent riders, it is worth investing in special footwear. We can recommend these models.
1st Northwave Raptor GTX
The ideal cross-country shoe for moderately cold rainy days. The Northwave is waterproof up to the top of the neoprene shaft. To put it on, you need a slim foot, otherwise it will be tight at the entrance and later at the toes. But it does put a lot of pressure on the pedals. It only insulates moderately against the cold. Price: 220 euros.
2nd Shimano SH-MW5
The MW5 has the cut and the good rubber sole of the top model MW7. Both also have covered speed lacing and are rainproof. However, without the Velcro strap above the laces, the shoe doesn't put much force on the pedals, even with the laces fastened. A shoe without major flaws, but only moderately shiny. Price: 180 euros (e.g. available from Rose for 119 euros).
3rd Vaude Minaki CPX
The Minaki's covered Boa fastener ensures a good fit of the upper and can be adjusted while riding. The toe box is stable, the footing on the (flat pedal-compatible) sole is good, even if it could be a little stiffer for full-throttle riding. The Minaki is also rainproof. Winners look this discreet. Price: approx. 200 euros.
THE ONION PRINCIPLE
From just above zero to up to 20 degrees: the shift system gives bikers maximum flexibility in autumn.
Photo below: As soon as the sun peeks through the morning fog, temperatures quickly rise into the double digits, even in autumn. It's good if you can peel your outfit off like an onion. Let's start with the top layer. The sleeves of the Elite Escape Convertible Jacket from Pearl Izumi (130 euros) can be zipped off and in no time at all you are wearing just a wind waistcoat. Underneath, the Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Arm Warmer (35 euros) provides sufficient residual heat until the last wafts of mist have cleared. As with the Elite Thermal Leg Warmer (60 euros), the Pi-Dry coating keeps splash water away from the body. But it's slowly getting too warm for that too, so it's off to the jersey pocket of the slightly wind-repellent Mavic XA Pro jerseys (90 euros), which, in combination with a lightweight polyester vest such as the Craft Active Intensity SS (40 euros) is the ideal bottom layer for mild autumn days or fast rides on a race bike. Also good for racers: the Nanoflex Pro2 Omloop from Castelli (150 euros, choose one size larger). They are cut slightly longer at the legs and therefore also keep the thighs warm. Their Nanoflex coating repels water splashes. The fingers and feet are still missing: with a light Windstopper glove (Gore C5 Gore Windstopper56 euros), the grip on the handlebars remains supple even in the wind and with the Softshell overshoes Toe Thingy 2 from Castelli toes pleasantly warm for 17 euros.
3 x WARM HANDS
Everything under control: the best gloves for rides above freezing point
1st Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Light
No padding, no Velcro and hardly any grip-enhancing silicone prints. The Pearl Izumi is simple. The combination of a direct grip feel and impregnated, warm, Primaloft-lined top as well as the successful cut nevertheless make it a good choice in moderately cold conditions. Price: 50 euros.
2. Roeckl Riga
The perfect fit of the Riga shows that Roeckl specialises in gloves. The ergonomics are undoubtedly right. The touchscreen contact area on the little finger is enough to unlock the phone. The glove does not like rain: the surface is then immediately damp and cools. A top model for dry and cool days. Price: 50 euros.
3rd BBB Controlzone
The Controlzone is only half the price of the competition, but scores points with a good cut, solid features and a pleasantly grippy palm. It only shows weaknesses in very wet and cold conditions, as both waterproofing and insulation are moderate. In every other discipline, it performs at the top. Price: 25 euros.
SCHOTTEN DICHT
Little sun, lots of rain: with this equipment you can defy the cold and wet November weather.
Photo below: Today I'm going to get really wet. Once you have accepted this, even a tour in the pouring rain can be fun - provided you have the right equipment. No matter how much breathability the manufacturers promise: A rain jacket remains a sweatbox. However, robust 2.5-layer jackets such as the Showers Pass Imba Jacket (165 euros) but also really waterproof. So that you don't drown in your own juices, the layers underneath have to reliably wick sweat away from the body. This is exactly what the close-fitting Freedom-Seamless-Thermal-LS vest from Gripgrab (99 euros) with its high-tech knit. The slightly brushed, sporty cut Fahrenheit long sleeve shirt from Northwave (80 euros) then absorbs the sweat like a baton and passes it on to the outside. One of the best rain trousers on the market is the C5 Gore-Tex Active Trail Pants (200 euros) from Gore. The seat area is reinforced and the leg width can be adjusted to make it easier to put on shoes. With waterproof socks, such as the Lightweight WP Crew from Showers Pass (40 euros), you can save yourself the investment in expensive rain boots and still keep your feet dry and warm. The waterproof Dragon Eye MTB gloves from Sealskinz reliably close even the last gap on the body. This allows you to steer the bike through even the muddiest puddle.
3 x WET PROTECTION
Children are dressed in muddy clothes in bad weather, and there are rain suits for bikers.
1st Endura MT500 Onesie
Endura's brand new one-piece suit looks like trousers and jacket from the front, but is connected at the back for better protection. Despite the 18000 water column, the 3-layer fabric should not be too sweaty. The legs can be zipped off and the upper part can be ventilated via particularly long zips. To make the 460-euro piece worthwhile, however, you need a very pronounced mud play instinct
2nd Dirtlej Classic Edition
Short at the bottom, long at the top. Dirtlej has revised its lightweight Classic Suit. It should now be even more robust. The hood can be rolled up and the waistband can be adjusted to the wearer using Velcro. Numerous waterproof pockets and ventilation openings should make it the ideal companion for riders in bad weather. Price: 259 euros (e.g. at Liquid Life available).
3rd Vaude Moab Rain Suit
The short-sleeved 2.5-layer overall is perfect for downpours. At just over 310 grams, it is extremely light, packs down small and can therefore always be carried in your rucksack in case it gets really dirty. Its manufacture, on the other hand, is particularly clean. The material is Bluesign-certified and fluorocarbon-free. Price: 200 euros.
You can find this article in BIKE 12/2018. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
Stefan Frey
Editor
