Cycling during the cold winter months usually involves exposure to wind, rain, and freezing temperatures, so it is a good idea to give some serious thought to what winter bike clothing you should wear before you decide to head outdoors for a spin around the local roads or forest trails. Winter bicycle clothing in many cases means throwing on a few more layers than normal, but there are a few specific items of bike clothing for winter cycling that are well worth investing in.
What winter bicycle clothing do I need?
Thermal tights - cycling tights are a brilliant invention and once you have tried them you will never look back. Cycling tights are suitable for any chilly day out on the bike, but when the weather is really cold, try thermal cycling tights.
Bibbed tights - these are cycling tights with an extra bib section to cover your lower back and stomach by way of shoulder straps. They do not look very elegant, and are a nightmare to navigate if you need an urgent toilet stop while out on your bike, but they go a long way towards keeping you warm on winter rides.
Waterproof high visibility cycling jacket - as well as plenty of wet and windy weather, winter cycling is also notable for poor light conditions during the day. If you are cycling on roads, make yourself as visible as possible by wearing reflective clothing. Choose water and windproof breathable fabrics to keep you snug and dry.
Waterproof cycling trousers - if the weather is wet, windy, or both, the last thing you need is cold, wet legs. Keep your legs warm and dry beneath waterproof cycling trousers, but try to buy good quality trousers with a breathable fabric or you will end up bathed in sweat-not nice and likely to leave you with a nasty chill.
Waterproof overshoes - cycling overshoes, or skins, are a godsend on cold, wet and windy days. Better quality versions are manufactured from a rubbery fabric and they are designed to slip over your cycling shoes, leaving the cleat area free. They help to insulate your feet from water and the cold, but beware of putting your foot down in a puddle and getting water inside the overshoe-it does not dry out!
Winter cycling gloves - full-fingered gloves are an absolute necessity for winter cycling. Ideally, choose a pair of cycling gloves that are waterproof AND windproof. Not all long fingered winter gloves are waterproof, so read the product details before buying.
Thermal hat - a thermal hat worn beneath your cycling helmet will stop you losing heat from the top of your head. It should also cover your ears and keep the wind out.
Buff - these handy items are available from motorcycle clothing shops and are a tubular piece of fabric designed to keep the wind from your neck area.
What other winter bicycling clothing do I need?
When cycling in winter, think layers. Avoid very thick fleeces as you will sweat too much, and ideally wear lots of thin, breathable layers you can easily remove should the weather improve while you are out. Any clothing made from Merino wool is a great buy-this is a natural fabric that is very effective at controlling body heat.
Choose your winter bicycle clothing carefully and always spend as much as you can afford on a better quality brand. Cycling is no fun at all if you are cold and wet, so make sure you dress appropriately before you go out for a winter bike ride!
What winter bicycle clothing do I need?
Thermal tights - cycling tights are a brilliant invention and once you have tried them you will never look back. Cycling tights are suitable for any chilly day out on the bike, but when the weather is really cold, try thermal cycling tights.
Bibbed tights - these are cycling tights with an extra bib section to cover your lower back and stomach by way of shoulder straps. They do not look very elegant, and are a nightmare to navigate if you need an urgent toilet stop while out on your bike, but they go a long way towards keeping you warm on winter rides.
Waterproof high visibility cycling jacket - as well as plenty of wet and windy weather, winter cycling is also notable for poor light conditions during the day. If you are cycling on roads, make yourself as visible as possible by wearing reflective clothing. Choose water and windproof breathable fabrics to keep you snug and dry.
Waterproof cycling trousers - if the weather is wet, windy, or both, the last thing you need is cold, wet legs. Keep your legs warm and dry beneath waterproof cycling trousers, but try to buy good quality trousers with a breathable fabric or you will end up bathed in sweat-not nice and likely to leave you with a nasty chill.
Waterproof overshoes - cycling overshoes, or skins, are a godsend on cold, wet and windy days. Better quality versions are manufactured from a rubbery fabric and they are designed to slip over your cycling shoes, leaving the cleat area free. They help to insulate your feet from water and the cold, but beware of putting your foot down in a puddle and getting water inside the overshoe-it does not dry out!
Winter cycling gloves - full-fingered gloves are an absolute necessity for winter cycling. Ideally, choose a pair of cycling gloves that are waterproof AND windproof. Not all long fingered winter gloves are waterproof, so read the product details before buying.
Thermal hat - a thermal hat worn beneath your cycling helmet will stop you losing heat from the top of your head. It should also cover your ears and keep the wind out.
Buff - these handy items are available from motorcycle clothing shops and are a tubular piece of fabric designed to keep the wind from your neck area.
What other winter bicycling clothing do I need?
When cycling in winter, think layers. Avoid very thick fleeces as you will sweat too much, and ideally wear lots of thin, breathable layers you can easily remove should the weather improve while you are out. Any clothing made from Merino wool is a great buy-this is a natural fabric that is very effective at controlling body heat.
Choose your winter bicycle clothing carefully and always spend as much as you can afford on a better quality brand. Cycling is no fun at all if you are cold and wet, so make sure you dress appropriately before you go out for a winter bike ride!
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