STUDIO 3 × VARRACO
RIDE GUIDE | RIDE PREPARED
Made for however you move.
Whether you’re climbing Highway 74, riding gravel, exploring trails, or heading out for a group ride, preparation makes every ride better.
This guide covers cycling apparel, layering, hydration, nutrition, lighting, tire pressure, and desert riding conditions.
Built for riders of all levels.
01 — DRESS FOR THE TEMPERATURE
Cycling apparel for ROAD · GRAVEL · MTB.
85°F AND ABOVE
Lightweight, breathable jersey + bib shorts. Prioritize sun protection.
75–84°F
Jersey + bib shorts.
65–74°F
Jersey + bib shorts. Arm warmers optional. Carry a vest for descents.
55–64°F
Base layer + jersey + arm warmers + vest.
45–54°F
Base layer + thermal jersey + wind layer + gloves.
35–44°F
Thermal jersey or jacket + tights + gloves + toe covers.
BELOW 35°F
Full winter kit + shoe covers + head and ear protection.
STUDIO 3 TIP
Dress for the conditions, not just the temperature. Wind, elevation, sun exposure, and descending can change how hot or cold you feel.
Bring a packable vest or wind jacket for Highway 74 descents.
02 — DESERT RIDING TIPS
RIDE PREPARED. RIDE SMART.
Desert conditions can change quickly. Plan for heat, wind, elevation, and temperature changes.
EXTREME HEAT
• Start early and avoid peak afternoon heat.
• Carry extra water and electrolytes.
• Plan your route around available refill points.
• Know when to shorten or cancel a ride.
EARLY MORNING RIDES
• Dress in layers you can easily remove.
• Use front and rear lights.
• Prepare for cooler temperatures before sunrise.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBS & DESCENTS
• Expect cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
• Carry a lightweight vest or wind jacket.
• Check wind conditions before climbing Highway 74.
• Bring an extra layer for long descents.
STUDIO 3 RULE
Check the weather. Prepare your equipment. Ride within your limits.
03 — KIT + CARRY SYSTEM
Choose your cycling kit based on the type of ride, distance, terrain, and equipment you need.
ROAD CYCLING
Wear: Cycling jersey + bib shorts.
Carry: Jersey pockets for phone, nutrition, tools, and essentials.
GRAVEL CYCLING
Wear: Gravel jersey or lightweight cycling shirt + bib shorts or cargo bibs.
Carry: Jersey pockets or cargo bib pockets. Add a hip pack when extra storage is needed.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Wear: MTB jersey or technical shirt + bib shorts, liner, or MTB shorts.
Carry: Hip pack for shorter trail rides. Hydration pack for longer or remote rides.
LONG-DISTANCE RIDES
Wear: Comfortable cycling clothing with additional layers as needed.
Carry: Nutrition, hydration, repair tools, and extra clothing based on distance, weather, and refill availability.
STUDIO 3 CARRY RULE
Pockets first. Hip pack for extra gear. Hydration pack when additional water capacity is the priority.
Always carry a basic repair kit appropriate for your bicycle and route.
04 — HYDRATION + NUTRITION
FUEL YOUR RIDE. STAY HYDRATED.
Hydration and nutrition needs depend on ride duration, intensity, weather, and individual sweat rate.
UP TO 60 MINUTES
Water: 16–24 oz (0.5–0.7 L)
Carry: 1 bottle
Nutrition: Usually optional for easy rides.
60–90 MINUTES
Water: 24–40 oz (0.7–1.2 L)
Carry: 1 large bottle or 2 bottles
Nutrition: Small snack if needed.
1.5–2.5 HOURS
Water: 40–60 oz (1.2–1.8 L)
Carry: 2 bottles or planned refill
Nutrition: Approximately 30–60 g carbohydrates per hour.
2.5–4 HOURS
Water: Approximately 16–28 oz (0.5–0.8 L) per hour, adjusted for conditions.
Carry: 2 bottles with planned refills or hydration pack.
Nutrition: Approximately 30–60 g carbohydrates per hour.
4+ HOURS / REMOTE RIDES
• Plan water capacity and refill locations.
• Carry additional nutrition and electrolytes.
• Bring emergency supplies.
• Adjust hydration and fueling to conditions.
DESERT HYDRATION
• Start your ride hydrated.
• Drink regularly according to thirst and conditions.
• Consider electrolytes during prolonged or sweaty rides.
• Carry extra water on remote trails.
• Avoid riding during extreme heat.
• Never assume water will be available along your route.
STUDIO 3 RULE
Bring enough water and nutrition for your planned ride, plus a reserve for unexpected delays.
Avoid forcing excessive water. Hydration requirements vary between riders.
05 — FRONT + REAR LIGHTS
BE SEEN. RIDE SAFE.
DAYTIME
Front: White daytime pulse or flash.
Rear: Red daytime pulse or flash.
DAWN / DUSK
: White steady beam.
Rear: Red steady light or pulse.
NIGHT RIDING
Front: White steady beam bright enough to illuminate the road or trail.
Rear: Red steady light.
LOW VISIBILITY
Front: White light on.
Rear: Red light on.
GROUP RIDING
• Keep lights visible without blinding other riders.
• Avoid high-intensity flashing in pacelines.
• Angle front lights toward the road.
• Check batteries before every ride.
STUDIO 3 RULE
Bring a white front light and red rear light on every ride.
Follow applicable lighting laws.
06 — TIRE PRESSURE GUIDE
ROAD · GRAVEL · MTB · FAT BIKE
The correct tire pressure improves comfort, traction, handling, and efficiency.
Pressure depends on total riding weight, tire width, rim specifications, tire construction, and terrain.
ROAD CYCLING
700×25 · 700×28 · 700×30 · 700×32
Tires with tubes generally require sufficient pressure to reduce pinch-flat risk.
Compatible tubeless setups may allow lower pressures.
GRAVEL CYCLING
700×40 · 650B×47
Hardpack: Adjust for stable handling and efficient rolling.
Loose gravel: Lower pressure may improve traction.
Rocky terrain: Maintain enough pressure to protect the rim.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
29×2.4 · 29×2.6 · 29×3.0
XC: Balance rolling efficiency, traction, and comfort.
Trail: Adjust for terrain, grip, and riding style.
Tubeless: Avoid pressures low enough to cause rim strikes, air loss, or instability.
FAT BIKE
26×4.0 · 26×4.3
Hardpack: Slightly higher pressure for support.
Soft sand: Lower pressure may improve flotation.
Rocky terrain: Maintain sufficient pressure to protect the rim.
Use an accurate low-pressure gauge.
FRONT + REAR
The rear tire generally requires slightly higher pressure because it often supports more weight.
Actual pressure depends on weight distribution and bicycle setup.
FIND YOUR TIRE PRESSURE
ROAD · GRAVEL · MTB
Every rider and bicycle setup is different.
Use the SILCA Professional Tire Pressure Calculator to find recommended starting pressures based on your total riding weight, tire width, riding surface, and equipment.
CHECK YOUR PRESSURE. RIDE PREPARED.
STUDIO 3 TIP
Use the calculator as a starting point. Always follow tire and rim manufacturer limits.
For fat bikes, use tire-specific recommendations and an accurate low-pressure gauge.
07 — PRE-RIDE CHECKLIST
CHECK YOUR BIKE. CHECK YOUR GEAR.
BIKE CHECK
• Check front and rear tire pressure.
• Inspect tires for cuts, damage, and wear.
• Check brakes and brake pads.
• Make sure wheels and axles are secure.
• Check drivetrain and shifting.
• Confirm handlebars, stem, and saddle are secure.
RIDER ESSENTIALS
• Helmet
• Appropriate footwear
• Front and rear lights
• Water and electrolytes as needed
• Nutrition for longer rides
• Phone and identification
• Spare tube or tubeless repair kit
• Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
• Multitool
• Appropriate clothing and layers
BEFORE YOU ROLL
• Check weather and wind conditions.
• Know your route and estimated ride time.
• Plan water and food stops.
• Check light batteries.
• Share your route when riding alone or remotely.
STUDIO 3 RULE
Ride prepared. Respect the road and trails. Look out for one another.
STUDIO 3
MADE FOR HOWEVER YOU MOVE.
RIDE · BUILD · CONNECT.
@studio3.mvt
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