Textile accessories for mountain bikers

The neck warmer, a versatile accessory for mountain bikers

The neck warmer, or neck gaiter, is a tube of fabric that you pull over your head. Worn around the neck, it blocks the cold air that sneaks in when you're descending for a long time. Pulled up over the nose and mouth, it filters the dust from dry trails and splashes of mud. When folded in half, it turns into a headband under the helmet. The Cairn Justin model follows this principle on a kid's scale: a smaller neck gaiter that stays in place without slipping on the chin or floating around the neck, and can be packed away in a pocket once the body warms up from the effort.

The rest of the outfit

Mountain biking gear also includes:

• Mountain bike helmets.
• Gloves.
• Jackets.
• Jerseys.
• Socks.
• Protective gear.

All the gear is gathered on the Mountain Biking page.

Under-helmet, balaclava and thin beanie for winter

In cold weather, the head loses a lot of heat under a highly ventilated helmet. The under-helmet, a thin and snug beanie, covers the head and ears without thickening the layer between the head and the shell: the helmet stays stable and its adjustment dial remains effective. When frost sets in, the balaclava adds protection for the neck and lower face in one piece. A thick town beanie should be avoided: it pushes the helmet back and exposes the forehead in case of a fall. Technical, breathable fabrics are preferred, which wick away sweat during climbs.

Headband and cap for summer rides

In summer, the concern is no longer the cold but sweat. The headband made from absorbent fabric, worn under the helmet, catches the sweat that would otherwise run into the eyes during a tricky section. The cyclist's cap, with a short and flexible brim, also fits under the helmet: it protects the forehead and neck from the sun, and its visor cuts glare when coming out of the woods. These textiles can be machine washed on a low temperature, without fabric softener, which would clog the fibers and reduce their ability to wick away moisture.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The key events of the year follow a consistent order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a child wear a neck gaiter under their mountain bike helmet?

Yes, as long as the neck gaiter stays around the neck and doesn't ride up under the chin strap. A model designed for children, like the Cairn Justin, prevents excess fabric that could interfere with the helmet's fit.

Does the neck warmer fog up glasses?

Pulled up over the nose, it directs exhaled air upwards and can easily fog up lenses during climbs. It's better to pull it down under the chin while exerting and only pull it back up when descending or in dust.

Do you need a larger helmet to wear an under-helmet?

Generally no: a thin under-helmet only adds a few millimetres, compensated by the adjustment dial. Try the helmet with the under-helmet before a winter ride to ensure it doesn’t tilt.

Merino or synthetic for a mountain biking neck gaiter?

Merino wool stays warm even when wet and limits odours over several rides. Synthetic materials dry faster and are more resistant to abrasion; they are suitable for intense rides where you sweat a lot.

At what temperature should you wear an under-helmet?

Many mountain bikers put it on as soon as the temperature drops below ten degrees, especially for descents where the wind cools the ears. Below zero, the balaclava takes over.