Bike in cooler temperatures as comfortably as possible by adding a few key pieces of cold weather cycling gear to your arsenal. This guide will walk you through what those critical pieces of bike clothing are and how to layer them appropriately so you can enjoy riding outdoors no matter the temperature!
Why Wear Cold-Weather Cycling Apparel?
First off, we should answer the question of why cyclists should wear cold-weather biking apparel in the first place. You may think that a typical jacket or cotton activewear would suffice in cold weather, but opting for cold-weather cycling gear instead makes an immediate difference! Here are some of the reasons why:
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Sweat-wicking, breathable fabrics. You want cold-weather cycling gear to be warm and insulated in order to protect you from the chill and the wind, but also breathable enough to keep you comfortable when you work up a sweat. Like most cycling apparel, cold-weather jackets, pants, and the like are made of synthetic fabrics that wick sweat away, keeping you dry and comfortable even if you're battling frigid temperatures.Â
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Support at the rider's touch points. Cyclists come in contact with their bike at three main touch points: the hands/wrists, rear end, and feet. Cold-weather cycling gloves, socks, and pants provide padding and support at these touch points, allowing you to efficiently transfer energy to the pedals and reduce fatigue during those long wintry rides.Â
- UV protection. Don't let the cold temperatures fool you: the sun still beats down in the winter, and it's important to protect yourself from it! Cold-weather accessories like arm, leg, and knee warmers, not to mention cycling jackets and pants, protect you from the sun's rays no matter the temperature.Â
- Bright, reflective visibility. It's always important to be easily visible to drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists. But that's especially true during colder seasons, when the sun sets earlier and there's a greater chance you'll be riding in the dark. Cold-weather cycling apparel is often designed with bright colors and reflective patterns to make you even more visible after sunset.
What Should I Wear Biking in Cold Weather?
Gearing up to ride when the temps are in the 40s and 50s (or below!) can be tricky. You need to be strategic and not overdress but have enough insulation and wind-blocking layers so you stay comfortable as temps drop or winds shift.Â
For example, riding on a 45-degree day can feel like it’s 37 degrees at a modest speed of 15 mph. This is because the air temperature is only one part of the equation when riding. On a bike, you’re also creating additional windchill, which is a more significant factor as temperatures dip. But with a few essential pieces of cold-weather apparel, you can extend your riding season comfortably into the fall or get out riding earlier in the spring without a problem.Â
Most cyclists have riding shorts and a jersey, which is an excellent foundation for building your cool-season wardrobe. Below are the additional layers we recommend for riding in the transitional or colder seasons. Remember that, for cold-weather riding, layering is key: having base, mid, and outer layers that keep you warm, dry, and comfortable will have you biking to your heart's content any time of year.Â
Cycling Base Layer
Pairing your bike jersey with a cycling base layer increases your comfort range by keeping your core temperature regulated. Base layers do a great job of pulling moisture off your skin and creating a micro-climate to keep you dry and comfortable. Base layers come in a vast range from lightweight, airy mesh designed for the hottest summer days to thermal long-sleeve options for riding in the coldest temps. Adding a second layer over the torso, especially when paired with arm warmers (see below), is a great way to keep you comfortable when it’s colder and allows you to remove layers as temperatures rise.
Cycling Leg Warmers & Pants/Tights/Bibs
When the temps drop below 60 degrees, it’s a good idea to protect your knees and keep them warm. A great way to do this is with a pair of knee or leg warmers, which keep you warm but can easily be removed if temperatures rise. The difference between knee and leg warmers isn’t huge: if you run on the warmer side, go with knee warmers; if you tend to run colder, then get leg warmers.
As the temperature drops further, pants or tights are the way to go for the coldest rides. They provide enough insulation and protection to keep you warm but also wick sweat away and have high breathability. Note that some pants and tights do not come with a chamois—the supportive padding between the bike saddle and your rear end—so you may need to wear liner shorts or other bottoms beneath your pants/tights.
SHOP PANTS/TIGHTS & BIBS
Cycling Windbreaker, Vest, & Jacket
When biking, pair up your base layer and/or jersey with a lightweight cycling windbreaker. This can extend your comfort range. There are some excellent windbreakers that have removable sleeves to serve an even greater range of temps and conditions. The key thing to look for in a cycling windbreaker is breathability. The last thing you want is to get clammy and cold from your perspiration. If you run on the warmer side, we’d recommend going with a cycling vest or jacket with removable sleeves.
SHOP WINDBREAKERS, JACKETS, & VESTS
Cold Weather Cycling Headband & Hat
A thin cycling headband or hat that fits under your bike helmet and covers your ears is a must on colder bike rides. They weigh next to nothing and take up virtually no space in a back pocket if you warm up.
Cycling Arm Warmers
Cycling arm warmers effectively turn your short-sleeved jersey into a long-sleeved option. You’ll be surprised how much warmth this simple addition creates, with the bonus that they can easily be stuffed into a back pocket if you heat up. Arm warmers come in a range of technical fabrics, from wind- and water-resistant to summer-weight designs to reflect the hot sun and harmful UV rays. We use a good pair of medium-weight thermal arm warmers anytime the temperatures dip below 60.
Cold Weather Cycling Gloves
Your hands get a lot of abuse from the elements on a bike. Excellent wind protection is essential, and it’s better to use insulated cycling gloves since you can always take them off if you get too warm. Nothing ends a good ride faster than cold hands. As an added bonus, cycling gloves reduce numbness and discomfort, prevent your hands from slipping off the handlebars, and also protect your limbs from branches and debris (especially for mountain bikers).Â
Cold Weather Cycling Socks & Toe/Shoe Covers
Wool cycling socks are great for cooler rides. But below 50 degrees, you’ll want even more protection. Toe covers will protect your toes from the wind, while shoe covers or booties help keep your feet toasty on those extra-frigid days.
Want to find out more about cycling shoes for any kind of weather? Check out our Cycling Shoes Buying Guide!
SHOP TOE & SHOE COVERS
Dress for the Length and Level of Your Ride
Remember to dress not only for the weather, but also for the duration of your ride and the level of exertion. On casual rides, you might want more layers. If you’re riding hard, you’re going to warm up. It’s always best to start out on the chilly side. If you walk outside and feel comfortable or warm, you’ll be stripping off layers as soon as you get your heart rate up.
On a longer ride, you may get cold from prolonged exposure to the elements or if your clothing gets damp from sweat. It’s a good idea to bring an extra layer, especially if you’re going to be starting and stopping or standing around for any length of time.
In the end, everybody’s internal thermostat runs a bit differently, so it’s always best to experiment and find what combinations work for you.Â
Now Go Ride...Comfortably!
Swing by your local ERIK’S or shop online now for the latest cold-weather cycling apparel! Let us help you find the perfect bike clothes so you can ride comfortably at any temperature.