Outdoor Research Freewheel Hoodie

I don’t wear this piece on every ride, but I always stuff it in my pack. The Freewheel is a light (less than 16 ounces) and breathable soft-shell outer layer made from a mix of spandex and recycled nylon to give the jacket unbelievable stretch. A DWR coating that protects you against chilly wind and precipitation when the weather turns south mid-ride. I also love the bike-specific design details, like the elongated back hem, a hood that fits beneath your helmet, and a quick access chest pocket that’s perfectly sized for a phone.. My favorite thing about this hoodie, though, is the feel—it has a soft interior that you don’t find in most outer layers that offer this much protection from the elements. The result is an extremely versatile layer that has become my security blanket as the temperature drops.

Cognative MTB Technical Flannel

I’m fortunate enough to live in a city where I can ride dirt and then head straight to town for coffee, tacos, or a beer without getting in my truck. Doing that in the fall means swapping my typical jersey for a flannel. Cognative MTB’s Technical Flannel is a cut above the rest, with a snap-button front for one-handed fastening and a zipper pocket in the back hem to store snacks, wallet, phone, and all the other extras you need for the ride. The fabric is a weave made of polyester with cotton added for comfort and spandex for stretch, giving you freedom of movement during the ride without being too baggy.. And if you get warm on the climb, you can roll the sleeves up and snap them high on your biceps.

Patagonia Dirt Craft Pants

I don’t like thick, heavy pants. It doesn’t matter if I’m skiing or biking or hiking, I want my legs to stay warm without being restricted and weighed down by bulky fabric and insulation. Patagonia seems to have understood the assignment when they created the Dirt Craft Pants, a stretchy, lightweight bottom that provides the right amount of coverage and warmth on chilly rides without causing me to overheat. Two streamlined, zippered pockets on the thighs allow you to store just essentials, and tapered cuffs keep the pants out of the chain. The smartest feature, though, is the perforated panels on the back of the knees and interior of the thighs, which allow you to offload heat without taking in frigid wind. These have become my favorite mountain bike pants. I’ll wear them in the fall until winter sets in for real, and put them back on again once spring comes around.

Fox Union Canvas Shoes

I honestly don’t switch my shoes out from summer to fall, but I’ve started wearing these flats from Fox because I like the extra protection they offer. I do most of my riding in Pisgah National Forest, where rocks and roots abound, and the mid-top design of these shoes covers my ankles from errant rocks kicked up by my tires and the reinforced toe keeps my digits safe from misplaced pedal strikes. The canvas isn’t insulated, but it’s plenty warm, and  the sole has the perfect combination of grip and power transfer I need. There’s no need to clip in while riding technical terrain with a flat shoe that performs this well. And I have to say, I love the skate-shoe inspired style.

Pearl Izumi Pro Powershield Gloves

If my hands get cold, it’s over. I can’t enjoy myself, no matter how great the trail is under my tires. For shoulder season, I’ve started wearing Pearl Izumi’s new Pro Powershield Gloves, which feature the brand’s protective PowerShield fabric on the back of the hand that blocks out cold wind and rain, while the the palm is made from a thin layer of suede that’s warm, but still offers a responsive feel on the bars. The inner lining is soft, and an extended cuff helps keep out the draft. These gloves aren’t insulated enough for true winter riding, but during these transitional months, they offer the perfect balance of warmth and dexterity.

Knog 1300 Blinder

There’s no night riding without a good light, and Knog’s Blinder offers a shadow-shattering 1,300 lumens, which I’ve found to be plenty bright for trail riding. The whole package is light enough to fit on my helmet (it has a GoPro style attachment), but also attaches to my front bars, and there’s no awkward battery pack or cord to stash or duct tape to my frame. The battery life is limited (just 1.5 hours on the brightest mode) but there are six different beam options if you’re looking to make it last for a longer ride (you can get three hours out of the 600-lumen setting). I find myself toggling between the light modes depending on the terrain I’m riding. And the Blinder comes with a 150-lumen taillight so you can stay safe if you’re riding from the trail into town.