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Home / MTB Tips / Survey

What is the Hottest Temperature You’re Willing to Brave on the Bike?

Maybe this is a dumb question, but is it ever too hot to go mountain biking?

By Jeff Barber
June 5, 2022

9 comments

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Maybe this is a dumb question, but is it ever too hot to go mountain biking? Temperature is definitely a consideration, as are humidity levels and sun exposure which can be just as important. Hey, we’re not here to judge fair weather riders — to each his or her own.

Check out these tips for mountain biking in the heat and share yours in the comments below.

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Jeff Barber

Jeff Barber has been mountain biking since 1992 and has tested hundreds of mountain bikes and components. He is the co-founder of Singletracks and serves as Editor in Chief. Contact him at [email protected].

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9 Comments

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TK34 Minnesota // 2018
Jun 6, 2022

Here in upper Midwest, its a cliche but true that its more about the humidity. 90 degrees and dewpoint under 60 is not terrible. 80 degrees and 65+ degree dewpoint gets pretty ugly.

3 reply

vandall 2019
Jun 5, 2022

It's heat + humidity that are the factors.

2 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Jun 6, 2022

High humidity and you cannot cool, no bueno.

0 reply

GoForIt California // 2019
Jun 7, 2022

As I age, the heat gets to me more. So about 90/95. Depends how strenuous the ride or if there is ample shade.

1 reply

breathinghard Montana // 2018
Jun 6, 2022

I have a nephew who ran in the 2007 Chicago Marathon, and along with over 300 other runners he developed hyperthermia at about the 13 mile mark and was transported to the hospital. He was hospitalized with renal shutdown for about a week and unable to return to his job as a fireman for several weeks. He was luckier than some of the other runners.

Heat related injuries are no joke. There is a fine line between being tough and being stupid, and another line between being stupid and being hospitalized or in rare cases dead.

1 reply

Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Jun 5, 2022

Been there for too many years! As long as humidity is below 20%, I'm good.
Dirtin' has an admission fee of some sort.

0 reply

IdahoSJ Idaho // 2018
Jun 6, 2022

Kind of depends on where you are. If you don't want to ride in temps over 100 in Phoenix, then you hang the bike up from May to Sept. My ceiling while living there was 105. Tried it a couple times over 110, stupid efforts.

Now, older and wiser. 90 is about the top. Head to the mountains or do a dawn/dusk short ride.

0 reply

shenzhe Arizona // 2022
Jun 7, 2022

That's about my feelings on the matter. It's dry here in Phoenix, but I try to make sure I'm not out above 95 degrees. That means I'm starting rides so that they end by that temperature. In the summer we're talking 4:30/5:00am or so, because the day starts at 85.
I've been out above 95, but I'll be riding slow and making sure I"m getting home/to the car the fastest/least effortful way possible because that temperature is only going up.

1 reply

Muke Colorado // 2021
Jun 15, 2022

When I was young I used to look forward to long rides on the hottest days. I don't know why, but I suspect on some level you have to like suffering to enjoy any kind of endurance sport. 115° and not a cloud in the sky? Time for a 50-miler! I'm probably lucky I lived. I wouldn't try that crap now, in my 40s. I still ride in all weather, but over 95° I'm taking it easy and taking lots of water breaks in the shade. Hyperthermia is no joke.

0 reply

Tagged: heat, summer, survey, tips

First published June 5, 2022 @ 5:03:00