Winter clothing for mountain biking

surgtech1956 said:

This is my first winter riding and in need of inexpensive clothes to ride most of the winter in Michigan on trails. What about a soft shell jacket?

I ride year round in Ontario and recommend the layer method...usually 3-4 layers, the top one should be windproof

Usually a thermal undershirt, under a tutleneck ski jersey, then a fleece layer, then a fleece lined jacket when temperatures a below -20C

Pay attention to the feet and hands...I use heavy duty ski gloves (stay away from the cheap stuff)...make sure they have a wind/water proof lining.

Footwear, usually two pairs of thermal socks inside waterproof hiking boots works OK, but on those cold days I have inulated Baffin Technology boots, with removable liners...waterproof and warm

Lined wind pants for around -10C...Flannel lined jeans when colder under wind pants

Trick is to stay dry if riding in snow/sleet...sometimes plastic grocery bags in the gloves and shoes are needed.

I've found it helps in temp below -20C to wear a balaclava...a thinsulate toque that covers the ears when warmer...a neck tube is good too

Happy trails and stay warm