MTB in the Biella area: three routes for different difficulty levels

If you must choose among three MTB routes in the Biella area, the right question is: how much of the ride do you really want to spend off‑road. The Provincial cycle route Biella 5: Camburzano is rated easy and is the one with the most asphalt. The Provincial cycle route Biella 4: Mongrando steps up to medium difficulty and splits almost evenly between asphalt and gravel. Provincial cycle route Biella 9: Donato remains medium, but here the unpaved sections weigh considerably more. That's the difference that matters: not just effort, but posture, cadence, sweat and freedom of movement.

Route map

The line follows the GPX track published by the cited source. Use it for orientation, but always check signs, conditions and notices before setting off.

If you want to compare garments and accessories cut more for pedaling off‑road, you can start from the cycling collectionIt's mainly to avoid a common mistake: heading out in clothing that's comfortable standing still but unconvincing as soon as the surface moves or the pace changes.

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Biella MTB routes: Three different rides, not three versions of the same route

Read the three itineraries separately. They have different starts and a different character even in their basic data.

Camburzano starts from the square in front of the church of Camburzano. It's rated easy and the surface is asphalt 9.60 km (81%) and unpaved 2.23 km (19%). If you want a more straightforward ride, it's the most linear starting point of the three. Season: all year.

Mongrando starts at Mongrando, at the SP405/Via San Lorenzo junction with SS338/Via Martiri della Libertà. Difficulty is medium and the surface splits asphalt 8.75 km (50%) and unpaved 8.60 km (50%). Here the change between surfaces really matters: the body changes position often and a garment that slips, pulls or dries poorly is noticed immediately. Season: all year.

Donato starts from the small square near the post office, on Via Martiri della Libertà 12 in Donato. Here too difficulty is medium, but the surface changes the whole feel of the ride: asphalt 3.95 km (28%) and unpaved 10.06 km (72%). It's the route that shifts the experience most toward a real MTB outing. For Donato the season is year‑round except winter.

Which makes most sense for you

If you're on your first outings, want to regain confidence, or prefer a less interpretive ride, Camburzano is the simplest choice. The easy grade and high asphalt share keep variability lower.

If you want a medium route that truly tests both flow and unpaved sections, Mongrando is the most balanced. For that reason it's also the most honest way to show if you're using kit that's too road‑oriented or too heavy.

If instead you seek a medium ride where mountain biking is more apparent, Donato is the most coherent. Here the unpaved share isn't a detail: it shapes the whole outing.

The practical consequence is clear. The more unpaved the route, the less you tolerate fabrics that stick, shorts that shift, irritating seams and glasses that fog the moment intensity changes.

What to check before you set off

Before you head out, pause for three simple but decisive checks.

• Check the updated weather for the time window you'll be riding.
• Verify the route and surface conditions using the official channels available that day.
• Look for any local alerts or updated official guidance.

This step always applies, even when the stated season is broad. Camburzano and Mongrando are listed as year‑round routes, while Donato is listed as year‑round except winter. In addition, the Oropa context is presented as spring/summer. These are useful orientation cues but say nothing about conditions on the day. Recent rain, wind and temperature swings heavily change how the ride feels.

On Camburzano you can keep it simple

On an easy route that's mostly paved, riders often make the mistake of dressing too technically: they wear very technical garments when a light, stable base that manages sweat well would suffice.

For a man, the Short‑Sleeve Ocean Men's Blue T‑shirt uses 100% Merino wool and is described as thermoregulating and anti-odor. On Camburzano that's a sensible choice: simple but not bland. If you prefer a garment more tied to MTB, the Reform Enduro Men's T‑shirt Turmaline Navy is described as light, comfortable, breathable and designed for freedom of movement.

For a woman, the Ali Women's T‑shirt Black is 100% merino jersey at 190 g/m2, with a lightweight, breathable build. It works well when you want a clean, easy‑to‑manage garment that's soft against the skin. If you start early or want more arm coverage, the Long‑sleeve Half‑Zip Women's T‑shirt White adds long sleeves, natural thermoregulation, odor resistance and a half zip useful for opening ventilation without changing layers.

The rule here is concrete: dress for when you're pedaling, not for when you're standing at the start. If you begin overly covered, the smoother stretches will make you sweat early and you'll stay damp as soon as you slow.

On Mongrando fit becomes more important

Mongrando is the route where the mixed surface—half asphalt, half dirt—reveals the limits of the wrong garments. You need clothing that follows your body without squeezing and that stays stable when you shift position on the bike.

For a men's setup, the combination between Reform Enduro Men's T‑shirt Turmaline Navy and Essential Enduro Men's Shorts Sylvanite Grey makes precise sense. The jersey emphasizes breathability and freedom of movement; the shorts are described as light, durable, with elastic stretch and compatible with knee protection. That last point isn't an instruction to wear pads: it's meant to indicate the cut leaves room for the pedaling motion.

If you want more comfort on the saddle, the Re-cycle Boxer Men's Shorts Uranium Black they add a roomy pad and are described as light, breathable and quick-drying. The advantage is clear. The drawback too: add a layer, so you really have to want it.

For a female rider, the MTB Pure 3/4 Jersey Women Epidote Green uses lightweight mesh fabric, suits warmer conditions and dries quickly. The 3/4 sleeves give a bit more coverage without turning into a heavy jersey. Paired with the Up Cyclist Women's Shorts Black work with stretch jersey, UV protection, an elasticated waist and silicone gripper at the hem. Those details are felt immediately on the bike: the waist mustn't twist, the hem mustn't ride up, the pedal stroke must stay clean.

If you prefer a piece less tied to dedicated cycling shorts, the Land Women's Shorts Ardesia offer 4-way stretch polyamide and a DWR treatment. They make more sense when you want freedom of movement and durability, not when you want the more direct feel of a specific cycling short.

For Donato, stability matters more than aesthetics

With 72% gravel, Donato shifts focus to the details that make a difference on an outing. You don't need more garments. You need the right garments.

The Sutro Lite Sweep (Vented) Matte White/Prizm Road Jade sunglasses have vented lenses designed to improve airflow and reduce fogging. When pace frequently rises and falls, this detail stops being secondary. Alternatively, the Fury Dark Grey/Orange Reactiv 0-3 sunglasses are described with a cylindrical lens, wide field of view, perfect ventilation, a lightweight frame and compatibility with all helmets. If you see well on gravel and the glasses stay stable, you pedal more smoothly. If they fog or move, you lose fluidity before you even lose time.

For clothing, on Donato it's better to stick to jerseys and shorts made for MTB or to garments that manage temperature and odors well without becoming heavy. Here the superfluous costs you. A jersey that dries badly or shorts that shift become annoying much sooner than on a more asphalt-heavy ride.

Checks to do before you head out

On the bike you can't judge fit well standing still. Test it in riding position.

On a jersey, stretch your arms as if you were on the handlebars. If you feel pulling across the shoulders, the problem will worsen on the ride. If the neck irritates right away, it won't improve after half an hour. If the torso rises or rolls up, the piece isn't working well for you.

For shorts, bend your knees and lower yourself as if on the saddle. Check whether the waist stays in place and whether the crotch lets you move. In models aimed at MTB, a bit more volume can be a real advantage, not a flaw.

As for layers, it's best to keep them modest. A base that manages sweat and temperature well, then a lightweight outer layer only if you really need it. The merino jerseys mentioned earlier make sense here: they help regulate temperature without requiring complicated construction.

If you expect to return late or want to keep an extra margin, the Sprint Plus Headlamp It can stay in your backpack as a personal emergency light. It’s described as lightweight, ergonomic and suitable for cycling in low‑light conditions. It doesn’t replace a dedicated bike light, but it’s a sensible extra if your ride might run late.

Useful summary, without overcomplicating it

Camburzano is the easiest to read if you want a simple, more paved itinerary. Mongrando is the most balanced between pavement and gravel. Donato is the most coherent choice if you want a stronger MTB feel.

Clothing follows the same logic: less rough surface means less need for specialization; with more gravel, breathability, stability and freedom of movement become more important. To compare garments built for these differences, you can start from the cycling selection.

FAQ

Which MTB route among Camburzano, Mongrando and Donato is the easiest?

Of the three, Camburzano is indicated as easy. Mongrando and Donato are both rated medium.

Which MTB route in the Biella area has the most gravel?

Donato is the one with the highest proportion of gravel among the three: 10.06 km, equal to 72% of the surface reported.

Where do the three described MTB routes start?

Camburzano starts from the square in front of Camburzano church. Mongrando starts at the SP405/Via San Lorenzo intersection with SS338/Via Martiri della Libertà. Donato starts from the small square near the post office at Via Martiri della Libertà 12, Donato.

How does clothing change between a more paved route and one with lots of gravel?

On a more paved route you can stick to lightweight, simple pieces provided they’re breathable and stable. As the share of gravel increases, freedom of movement, shorts that don’t shift, sweat management and anti‑fog eyewear become more important.

Can you ride these Biella MTB routes all year round?

In the available data, Camburzano and Mongrando are listed as year‑round, while Donato is listed as year‑round except winter. In any case, always check the weather, surface conditions and up‑to‑date official notices for the day.

Products mentioned in this article

T-shirt S/S Ocean Uomo BluViewT-shirt Reform Enduro Uomo Turmaline NavyViewT-shirt Ali Donna NeraViewT-shirt LS Half Zip Donna BiancaViewPantaloncini Essential Enduro Uomo Sylvanite GreyViewPantaloncini Re-cycle Boxer Uomo Uranium BlackViewT-shirt MTB Pure 3/4 Jersey Donna Epidote GreenViewPantaloncini Up Ciclista Donna NeriView