As the bike enthusiasts over at DirtWorld.com point out, there’s no need for your mountain bike to go into hibernation this winter. To stay warm and dry while you’re pedaling in the chilly winter weather, the site suggests bringing along a lightweight, waterproof jacket (stored in a water-resistant pack) for when you need to change layers. And, DirtWorld.com adds, “if you think the temp may really drop on the way down, think about tossing in some ski gloves and maybe even some toe warmers in that pack. Remember, if you lose feeling in your hands, you’re going to lose the ability to maintain control of your bike.”

When it comes to finding your ideal mountain bike in the first place, take a spin around ThisNext to discover what our cycling shopcasters are recommending. Santa Cruz Bicycles appear to be a fave, with theninja007, Gordon, blondie, gearnoise, and Julie Kipfer all showing their love for the Santa Cruz Blur XC mountain bike. While blondie deems the Blur XC “perfect for the long climbs and fast rolling down hills” and gearnoise notes that it’s a “real evolution in bike design,” Julie proclaims that “I love my bike because it fits me - it’s light and fast. The suspension allows me to climb anything with ease. The descents are faster because I roll over every obstacle.” Another Santa Cruz devotee, John Johnston is all about the Santa Cruz Nomad Mountain Bike, a new find that’s “black and sleek with more travel than I know what to do with, but I’ll think of something.”

For chaimuffin, “the lightest and strongest bike I have ever gotten my behind on” is the Jersey Devil by Van Dessel. “It is so strong, yet the frame seems to be its own shock absorber,” says chaimuffin. And although the Jersey Devil’s “extremely responsive…I cannot stress how light it is. I managed to pick one up recently (thanks to a friend who had one and we worked out a swap) as I had been eyeing one up for a long time. I could not be happier in finally getting my hands on one. In fact I love it so much, come spring I am making plans for a big gift for someone I care dearly about who rides more then I do.”

Meanwhile, John Stamstad considers the 2006 Dakar XLT 3.0 from Jamis Bicycles the “best all around mountain bike made.” Brian Lopes, on the other hand, digs GT I Drive 5 Frame because it’s “a well balanced bike that can climb & go down hills well” and “a great all around bike for all types of riding.” And Kevin Dukes is reaping the heart-healthy benefits that come from making the most of his TREK Elite OCLV 9.8 Frame: “2 or 3 days a week on this guy mixed with 2 or 3 on the Schwinn keep my cholesterol scores lower than my doctor can believe,” he says.