Autumn is upon us, along with, arguably, the best time of the year for mountain biking. So plan your route—maybe Dowdy Draw and its stunning Flatiron views if you’re staying on the Front Range or the aspen-lined Peaks Trail if you’re heading to Summit County—hop in the saddle, and get after it. And do so with these great gear picks.
Smith Forefront 3 Mips
Any time you ride, safety should be a top priority. Don Smith’s Forefront 3 Mips, and it no doubt will be. Featuring the game-changing (and lifesaving) Mips technology, which “reduce[s] rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head,” along with an internal injected roll cage, extended back coverage, and the brand’s proprietary KOROYD impact protection, the Forefront 3 is ready when the worst happens. On days when all goes according to plan, you’ll appreciate the nice-to-have features like its increased airflow (courtesy of the helmet’s 20 different vents) and sleek sunglasses storage. $180-300
Pearl Izumi Summit 3L WxB Jacket
Colorado weather is notoriously unpredictable–espeically in the autumn. Ride prepared with the Summit 3L WxB Jacket for men and women from Pearl Izumi, which is made from a lightweight, waterproof (courtesy of PFAS-free PI Dry® C0 technology), and breathable ripstop fabric. Its cycling-specific design–think a drop hem in the back and an adjustable hood designed to go over your (Smith Forefront 3) helmet–makes this a layer you’ll keep in your pack all season long. $205
Patagonia Landfarer Bike Shorts
You might describe the Landfarer Bike Shorts from Patagonia, which come in a 7-inch inseam women’s version as well as a 13-inch inseam men’s version, as elegantly simple. They stretch where they need to; have an easy-wearing, low-profile waistband; and feature a trio of pockets (two on the front thighs, one zippable or snappable (depending on the women’s vs. men’s version) drop-in pocket on the side that perfectly fits a standard-sized smartphone) for just-enough storage. Bonus: The fabric’s move-with-you nature comes courtesy of nylon made with 96% NetPlus® postconsumer recycled nylon. $99
Curious Creatures Sun Dog Pant
Don’t let cold weather cramp your style. Saddle up with lightweight, breathable, mountain-bike-specific bottoms like the Sun Dog Pant from Curious Creatures. This ready-to-ride lower layer is made from four-way-stretch, bluesign®-approved polyester and finished with water-resistant PFC-free DWR. A tapered fit creates a streamlined aesthetic that’s also functional (no tangled chain rings here), while handy snap cuffs make it easy to slide on your kneepads from the bottom up. Also available in a women’s fit. $180
Hestra Ergo Grip Race Cut
When grip is essential–say, if you’re riding the rowdy Rainmaker Trail at Winter Park’s Trestle Bike Park–then you’ll want to be as close to your handles as possible while still having a layer of protection in place. Hestra’s Ergo Grip Race Cut bike gloves, which use a patented seam design to optimize flexibility in the fingers while reducing excess fabric in the palm, are just the thing. A fleece panel on the back of the thumb provides the perfect place to wipe your nose–or your eyes when looking down the dizzying gap jumps off Trestle’s must-sign-waiver-to-ride pro lines. Prefer a glove with a little more give? Go for the Bike Long Sr. 5-Finger, which offers shock-absorbent gel padding on the palm. $90
Vallon Watchtowers
Oversized lenses aren’t just the hottest silhouette in sunglasses today; they’re functional too given their ability to block out more harmful UV rays and boost protection in a crash. Our pick for shield-style shades: the Watchtowers from Holland-based eyewear brand Vallon. Their shatterproof lens has 100% UV protection and boasts RiPel hydro-oleophobic coating, which deters oil and residue. Meanwhile the sustainable nylon frame is made largely from recycled fishing nets. $127 (on sale!)
Smartwool Bike Crew Socks
Check customer feedback of the Bike Crew Socks from Denver-based Smartwool, and you’ll see that 100 percent of the 83 reviewers (as of this writing) would recommend these socks. What’s it take to get such a glowing rating? Well, the “moisture wicking was very good with no wool itch,” says one person. “Good height for mountain biking,” adds another. “Comfortable,” “resists odors,” and “nice and light but still with that wooly fuzz,” confirm a few more. Bottom line: These socks just work. $23
NEMO Stargaze™ EVO-X
Ready to level up your parking lot après game? Then it’s time to auto-recline into the luxurious, padded back and head rests of the much-acclaimed NEMO Stargaze EVO-X. While your buddies wrestle with collapsible poles, you simply tug up on Stargaze’s two armrests to allow the steel frame capable of holding up to 300 pounds to automatically lock into position. Then, tuck your bevy of choice in an integrated cupholder (there are two to choose from) and gently swing in this free-standing hammock-esque chair. The only thing to watch out for? Spilling your drink. $179.95
Wyoming Whiskey National Parks No. 4 Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Toast a trail well-ridden with taste of Wyoming Whiskey’s fourth limited-edition release in its annual National Park series of straight bourbon whiskeys. Dedicated to Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, the five-year-aged bourbon whiskey promises layers of crème caramel, Mexican vanilla, and candied ginger that end in a slight honeysuckle finish with lingering notes of dark chocolate and espresso. Ummm … yum. $79.99
