Trails

Reviews

Community

Tips

Latest Articles Podcast Deals

Support Singletracks Sign in Create an account About us Newsletter signup

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

Singletracks may earn commissions from affiliate links and/or receive products from manufacturers for review. Read our editorial guidelines here.

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.

The news stinks. Why not follow Singletracks on Google News to bring more joy to your day?

A mountain biker navigating a rocky landscape with a river visible in the background under a clear blue sky. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and riding uphill on rugged terrain, surrounded by layers of red rock formations.

MTB Tips

How (and Why) To Mountain Bike in the Heat

A cyclist sitting on a dirt path in a grassy area, looking distressed while holding his injured knee. His mountain bike is leaning nearby. He is wearing a black sleeveless shirt, shorts, and cycling shoes.

MTB Tips

How to Prevent Leg Cramps When Mountain Biking // Tips to Avoid Cramping

A man wearing a black helmet and sleeveless shirt is sitting on the ground in a grassy outdoor area, holding a green water bottle. He appears to be taking a break from biking, with tall grass and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

MTB Tips

What do you Drink on MTB Rides?

A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail through a wooded area, surrounded by greenery, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Culture

4 Reasons Why Summer Is A Great Time To Ride, Despite the Heat

Featured Articles

Bicycle component kit including a cassette, derailleur, crankset, brake levers, cables, and various hardware, arranged on a white background.

Brakes

Complete SRAM Eagle 90 groupset with Maven brakes now only $799

A split-screen video call featuring two smiling men. The man on the left, wearing glasses and a green shirt, speaks into a microphone. The man on the right, dressed in a light gray shirt, is seated in front of a window with sheer curtains, also smiling. The background includes blurred home office decor and a bicycle.

Community

Trials legend Martyn Ashton is on a mission to make mountain biking accessible for all

Mountain Bike Trails

What is waxed granite and why are MTB trail builders using it?

A close-up view of a mountain bike frame featuring a grey metallic finish with green and orange accents. The bike is equipped with a suspension system and has thick, textured tires. In the background, there are hints of foliage and some blurred objects, suggesting an outdoor setting.

Oregon

Small-batch frame builders aren't just making hardtails. Check out these full-suspension bikes at MADE 2026

9 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

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

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.

2 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

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