The temperature is plummeting, and so is the rain. The ground is muddy, the puddles are deep, and trails are covered in leaves. Yes, it’s winter again, and it’s time to crack out the winter jerseys for mountain biking.

When it comes to warmth and protection from the elements, it’s all about layering. You’ve heard it before, and it’s true – and more so for mountain biking than for, say, road cycling, because of the nature of the game.

When mountain biking, you’ll tend to be riding up hard technical climbs, which will raise your temperature and cause you to sweat. Then you’ve got the descents, where you generally won’t be pedalling, and will be travelling fast enough for the windchill to cool you right down again.

A good jersey will wick away that sweat so you keep dryer on the climbs, and don’t lose too much heat on the descents. If you tend to feel the cold, pop on a baselayer first. If it’s wet, and let’s face it when riding in the winter in the UK the chances are it will be, then a waterproof or water-resistant outer shell  and waterproof shorts are a must. Some multi-tasking jerseys can do all of the above!