Contender's Fall MTB Cycling Apparel Buyer's Guide
Between the cooler temperatures and colorful foliage of fall, there isn't a better riding season in our eyes. Having the right apparel to stay both warm and cool while riding is critical to enjoying the season, however, and we're here to help.
Below is our Fall MTB Apparel Buyer's Guide for men and women alike, ready to help you figure out how to ensure you stay comfortable on your favorite trails. See our Fall Road Apparel Guide HERE.
Pearl Summit Insulated Shirt
One of our most oft-asked questions usually revolves around cycling apparel that works well both on and off the bike. The Pearl Izumi Summit Insulated Shirt does just that. The snap buttons the Summit Insulated Shirt uses give it a casual snap shirt look and feel, but there's a whole lot more here.
Pearl Izumi adds 60g Polartec Alpha Direct in the chest area to keep you warm as you roll down the mountain, as well as stretchy Cordura elbow patches for increased durability. Pair that with stretchy thermal fabric and hood and you have something that is as functional as it is good looking. Use it for the coldest fall mornings.
Not one for snaps or a hood? No problem. The Pearl Izumi Rove Thermal Shirt is akin to your favorite flannel in feel and look, but it has a few key differences for being on the bike. Part of it comes down to fit, with pleated shoulders that offer excellent mobility and an easier time reaching the handlebar.
A combination of two front pockets, a side zipper pocket, and a hideable rear reflective flag make this an excellent choice both day and night. There's just a bit of insulation as well courtesy of the thick recycled polyester fabric.
You need more twill in your life. Not only is it highly durable, but when used with the right fabric, breathes surprisingly well. Pearl Izumi has come to the rescue with the Rove Long Sleeve Shirt, which uses a comfortable twill fabric that wicks sweat like a cycling jersey without getting wrinkly. That's versatility.
Other neat features with the Pearl Izumi Rove LS jersey include a front chest pocket, a bit of a dropped tail for on bike coverage, and UPF 50 coverage. This is the lightest option here, best for days that
Pearl Summit Amfib Lite Pant
Riding in the winter can be equally fun as it can be miserable. Pearl Izumi knows this as well as anyone. Their Summit AmFIB Lite Pants are fit for 30-50 degree Fahrenheit temperatures thanks to a fleece material liner, and the DWR finish keeps water at bay. And while these pants feel light they're plenty durable, with enough stretch to be comfortable over kneepads.
Dropping temperatures don't mean you stop riding your bike. They just mean you grab the Summit Amfib Lite Pant all the way to freezing temps.
Some cycling-adjacent apparel goes to great lengths overdesigning a piece but the Pearl Izumi Women's Rove Long Sleeve Shirt strikes a just-right balance. This long sleeve button up manages to offer plenty of on-bike comfort and performance without trying to hard to be fashionable.
This button-up is made from a brushed twill material that wicks moisture and sweat to keep you fresh post-ride. It features a relaxed fit, a slight drop tail for on-bike coverage, and two open chest pockets.
There are plenty of shorts out there, but the Women's Rove Short is a go-to for mild temperatures. This short blends a straight leg cut with stretchy weather-resistant fabric to offer just about everything you'll need from singletrack to your favorite post-ride spot.
The cotton-nylon fabric offers a medium-weight feel. Compared to other shorts, the Women's Rove offers a higher-in-the-rear waistband to keep it as comfortable on the bike as off.
We love the Pearl Izumi Women's Merino Long Sleeve Baselayer for its soft Merino wool that feels great next to the skin, but you'll love it for its versatility. Use it to keep yourself warm and dry on cold days; the Merino LS Baselayer does it both with ease.
This baselayer features a combination of merino wool and recycled polyester fiber for excellent thermoregulation. It features a form-fitting fit that allows you to layer this with ease.
