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When the temperature starts to drop and the days get shorter, a lot of cyclists hang up their bikes for the winter. But if you’re a diehard cyclist, you know that just because the weather gets colder doesn’t mean you have to stop riding. In fact, cycling in winter can be really enjoyable—if you have the right gear. So whether you’re looking for the best winter cycling gear or simply want to know what are the must-have items, read on. This article covers all possible winter cycling clothing from head to toe, recommends what to wear for different weather conditions, and is loaded with winter cycling tips.
When cycling in winter, it’s essential to dress appropriately to stay warm and safe. If you don’t have the right clothing, you could be putting yourself at risk for frostbite, hypothermia, and other dangerous conditions. This is why we recommend researching and investing in quality winter gear before heading out on your first frosty ride.
What to wear when cycling in winter
Dressing up for winter cycling can be pretty complex because there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation. People have different tolerances for cold weather. Some people are naturally warm and don’t feel the cold as much, while others tend to get cold easily. In addition, there are so many types of winter cycling clothing that you can easily get overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We listed below all possible clothing items you could need this winter, from head to toe.
Head & Neck
Your head and neck are vital parts of your body to keep warm when cycling in winter. A good hat or headband will be sufficient for most riders. However, in some cases, you might want to consider investing in a balaclava.
Neck Warmer
A neck warmer is a great way to add extra warmth to your neck and face.
Headband
A headband is a good alternative if you don’t like hats. It’ll keep your head and ears warm without being too bulky.
Hat
A hat is a great way to keep your head and ears warm and dry. Make sure to choose one that’s made from a windproof and waterproof materials to keep the cold air and water out.
Balaclava
A balaclava is an excellent choice for freezing weather. It covers your entire head and neck, leaving only a small opening for your eyes. This makes it great for keeping you warm, but it also has the added benefit of protecting your face from wind and snow. Most balaclavas are made from wool or synthetic materials, which make them both breathable and effective at wicking away sweat.
Hands
Your hands are one of the most important parts of your body to keep warm when cycling in winter. A good pair of winter cycling gloves will do the trick. However, in some cases, you might want to consider investing in mittens or even a combination of gloves and bar mitts. Mittens are generally warmer than regular gloves but are bulkier and make it harder to handle a bike.
Gloves
When choosing cycling gloves for winter, you must consider the conditions you’ll be riding in and how much dexterity you need. For example, if you’ll be cycling in very cold weather, you might want a thicker glove with more insulation. However, if you need to be able to use your phone or be very agile in bike handling, you’ll want thinner glovea that give you more dexterity.
Mittens or Lobster Gloves
Mittens or lobster gloves are a fantastic choice for extremely cold weather. They’re warmer than standard gloves, but you lose some dexterity because they can be quite bulky due to extra fabric.
Bar Mitts
If you really want to keep your hands warm, consider using bar mitts. They attach to your handlebars and provide a barrier between your hands and the cold air. You can combine them with regular gloves for ultimate warmth and protection.
Upper Body
The upper body or torso is another extremely important part of the body to keep warm when cycling in winter. There are a few different options for upper body clothing. A long-sleeved jersey and base layer is a good choice for moderate weather, while a jacket is ideal for colder conditions.
Base Layer
A good base layer is essential for regulating your body temperature and can make all the difference on a cold winter ride. Look for a cycling-specific base layer that is made from moisture-wicking material. This will help to keep you dry and comfortable, even when sweating.
Arm warmers
Arm warmers are a great way to add some extra warmth to your upper body. They’re easy to take off if you start to overheat.
Long-Sleeve Jersey
A long-sleeve jersey is a great way to keep your upper body warm. You’ll want to choose a jersey made from a thicker fabric to keep you warmer by providing better insulation. Also, look for ones with a high collar to protect your neck from the cold.
Vest
A gilet is a vest you can wear over your jersey. It’s great for adding an extra layer of warmth when winter jacket is still not needed.
Jacket
A warm cycling jacket is a must for cold winter days. Make sure to choose one that’s waterproof and windproof to keep you dry and protected from the elements.
Legs
Your legs are another important part of your body to keep warm when cycling in winter. A good pair of tights or cycling bib tights will be your best friend when temperatures start to drop.
Knee Warmers
These are great for days when it’s not too cold, but you still want some extra warmth on your legs.
Leg Warmers
Leg warmers are a great way to add some extra warmth to your legs. They’re also easy to take off if you start to overheat.
Tights
Tights are a must for winter cycling. They’ll keep your legs warm and protected from the elements.
Bib Tights
Bib tights are the best choice for winter riding (in my opinion). They provide a similar warmth to tights but with the added bonus of a bib that helps to keep your core warmer. Also, bib tights just fit and sit much better.
Feet
You’ll want to ensure your feet are well-insulated against the cold. A good pair of wool socks will do the trick. However, in most cases, you should consider investing in shoe covers.
Socks
There are a few things to consider when choosing cycling socks for winter, but the most important are material and thickness. Merino wool is a popular choice for cycling socks, as it’s breathable and temperature-regulating. When it comes to thickness, it’s generally best to err on the side of caution and choose thicker socks over thinner ones.
Toe Covers
Toes often suffer the most from the cold, so toe covers is a great minimalistic and easy-to-use choice. They help to keep your feet a bit warmer and drier by protecting them from the elements. However, in deep winter, they most likely will not be enough.
Shoe Covers
Shoe covers help to keep your feet warm and dry by repelling water and trapping heat. They also provide an extra layer of protection against road debris and salt, helping extend your cycling shoes’ life.
Our recommendations for the best winter cycling gear
What to wear for different weather conditions
As mentioned above, choosing what to wear for winter cycling can be overwhelming and daunting. Furthermore, everyone is different in tolerating cold weather. So, trial and error is the best way to figure out what works for you. However, we’ve put together some general guidelines on what to wear for various temperatures in dry and wet weather conditions to help you get started.
Dress in layers
Anyone who has tried cycling in the winter knows it can be challenging to dress just right for the weather. The key is to dress in layers to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. By dressing in layers, you’ll be able to control your body temperature and stay comfortable regardless of what the weather throws at you!
The first layer
The first layer should consist of a base layer. It will help you to stay warm and comfortable even if you start to sweat.
The second layer
The second layer should consist of a long-sleeve cycling jersey made with insulating materials. A good winter cycling jersey will trap heat and keep you warm.
The third layer
The third layer should be a waterproof and windproof shell, which will protect you from the elements and help you to retain heat. Usually, it is a cycling jacket.
Examples of what to wear
Anyone who has tried cycling in the winter knows it can be challenging to dress just right for the weather. The key is to dress in layers to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. By dressing in layers, you’ll be able to control your body temperature and stay comfortable regardless of what the weather throws at you!
Dry Weather Conditions:
If the weather is dry, you can get away without waterproof or water-resistant clothing. This is what we recommend wearing in various temperatures:
55° Fahrenheit | +12.5° Celsius
Regular cycling socks, knee or leg warmers, regular bib shorts, short-sleeve base layer, arm warmers, short-sleeve jersey, light gloves, headband
45° Fahrenheit | +7° Celsius
Thicker cycling socks, toe or shoe covers, bib tights, winter base layer, long-sleeve jersey, vest, insulated gloves, hat
40° Fahrenheit | +4.5° Celsius
Wool cycling socks, shoe covers, warm bib tights, long-sleeve winter base layer, long-sleeve jersey, jacket, insulated gloves, hat
35° Fahrenheit | +1.5° Celsius
Wool cycling socks, shoe covers, warm bib tights, long-sleeve winter base layer, long-sleeve jersey, jacket, insulated gloves, hat
25° Fahrenheit | -4° Celsius
Thick wool cycling socks, shoe covers, warm bib tights, long-sleeve winter base layer, long-sleeve jersey, thicker jacket, mittens, hat, or even balaclava
Wet Weather Conditions:
If you’re riding in wet weather conditions, it’s important to wear clothing that will keep you dry. So make sure you are wearing waterproof clothing when possible. This is what we recommend wearing in various temperatures:
55° Fahrenheit | +12.5° Celsius
Regular cycling socks, toe covers, knee or leg warmers, regular shorts, short-sleeve base layer, arm warmers, light short-sleeve jersey, lightweight waterproof jacket (GoreTex for, example), light neoprene gloves, headband
45° Fahrenheit | +7° Celsius
Thicker cycling socks, shoe covers, water-resistant bib tights, short-sleeve base layer, long-sleeve jersey, lightweight waterproof jacket (GoreTex, for example), neoprene gloves, waterproof hat
40° Fahrenheit | +4.5° Celsius
Wool cycling socks, shoe covers, water-resistant bib tights, long-sleeve base layer, long-sleeve jersey, waterproof jacket (GoreTex, for example), insulated waterproof or water-resistant gloves, waterproof hat
35° Fahrenheit | +1.5° Celsius
Wool cycling socks, shoe covers, thick water-resistant bib tights, long-sleeve base layer, long-sleeve jersey, waterproof jacket (GoreTex, for example), insulated waterproof gloves, waterproof hat
25° Fahrenheit | -4° Celsius
Thick wool winter cycling socks, shoe covers, thick water-resistant bib tights, long-sleeve base layer, long-sleeve jersey, thick waterproof jacket (GoreTex, for example), waterproof mittens, waterproof hat, or even balaclava
General Tips for Cycling in Winter
Cycling in winter presents its own challenges, from icy roads to shorter days. To help you make the most of your winter cycling, we have compiled a list of 25 Tips for Cycling in Winter. These tips cover pretty much everything you need to know and should consider this winter. So do make sure to check them out!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, we hope you found this article helpful in choosing the right cycling for winter riding. Remember to dress in layers, so you can add or remove clothing as needed. And most importantly, have fun and stay safe out there!
Leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions. Happy winter riding!
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