There’s something really quite special about getting out on your bike during the autumn and winter months. The low, golden sun shining through the changing leaves. That fresh, crispness in the air as the last of the morning’s frost starts to thaw. The little winter hare that doffs his cap as he hops across the perfect, pothole-free country lane in front of you. Okay, okay. We’ll stop. That’s the “Instagram” version of autumn/winter riding. Those perfect clear sky, bright sunshine, cold crisp days do happen… But often the “reality” version features grey clouds, driving rain and headwinds that have more determination than a goat who’s sussed out where the snacks are kept.

The prospect of continuing to go out on your bike through the autumn and winter months might sound a tad unappealing. But with the right gear, even the real pea-souper days that veer more towards the “reality” side of the Insta vs Reality scale can actually be downright enjoyable.

With so much cold weather cycling kit out there, it can be overwhelming to know what you really need. Especially if you’re building your kit collection from the bottom drawer up. Now, obviously, we’re big kit aficionados here at SG and we’re always up for an excuse to fill our wardrobes with new cycling gear. But we also understand that sometimes you just want to know that you’ve got the basics covered.

So without further ado, here’s our go-to guide for the essential autumn cycling kit you’ll need to keep the good rides rolling as the seasons change.

Essential cycling kit for autumn

Kiko jerseys: the Goldilocks of the cycling world

How does Goldilocks like her porridge? Not too cold, not too warm and definitely not lumpy. It’s got to be just right. And our Kiko jerseys are the cycling kit equivalent of the perfect bowl of porridge.

Water-resistant and windproof with a super cosy Roubaix lining, the Kiko jerseys will keep you riding happy across a wide range of cooler temperatures. Designed to keep you warm, but not too warm, they’ll keep the rain at bay without that ‘boil in the bag’ feeling.  Wear them on their own, or layer up with a base layer and one of our new Kiko gilets when the temperatures drop. Did someone say “all-rounder”?

Women’s Kiko jerseys

Men’s Kiko jerseys

No more soggy bottoms: Kiko bib tights

The ride all day comfort of our Ibex bodyline bib shorts, in the water- and wind-resistant Tempest fabric of our Kiko jerseys… upgraded to our premium Vapour pad for AW22. Next level comfort, just got comfier! There’s nothing like nippy knees or a soggy undercarriage to spoil a ride. Treat yourself to a pair of our Kiko bib tights and you’ll be dancing on those pedals, whatever the weather.

Tend to feel the cold? You might want to check out our Alpine bib tights, the perfect option for chilly goats looking for extra warmth.

Gilets to beat the wind chill

The key to all-weather comfort? Layering and the flexibility to dress up or dress down on the go as conditions change. Equipped with a thermal layer of Polartec Alpha Direct fabric to the front, our new Kiko thermal gilets offer a versatile layer of extra warmth across your torso to keep the wind chill at bay. The thermal front is balanced with a breathable back and a 2-way zip so you’ll be cosy and comfortable, but never overcooked.  Lightweight and packable, you can easily stash your gilet in your back pocket so it’s there when you need it and barely noticeable when you don’t.

Weird, every season in a day autumnal weather? Bring it on, we’re ready for it!

Women’s Kiko gilets

Men’s Kiko gilets

All about the base… layers

A base layer is a great choice for layering up underneath your cycling kit in cooler weather conditions. Lightweight and coming in the all-day comfort of our Bodyline fit, our new Kiko thermal cycling base layers sit close enough to your body to sit neatly under your kit without bunching up – without feeling overly tight or restrictive. Add in a super cosy soft-touch brushed lining, and you’ve got everything you need to keep you toasty when the weather turns.

The optional extras

Okay, you’ve got the basics covered.  Your Kiko jersey and bib tights are a great adventure-ready starting point, and with a gilet and a base layer in your kit drawer you’ve got the versatility you need to layer up and take on the vast majority of autumn/winter riding conditions. You’re almost ready to ride and roll, but before you hit the saddle – we’d recommend two key accessories to really help you make the most of your rides this autumn…

Lightweight full finger gloves: the ultimate in-betweener

When you don’t quite need the full-on warmth of our Climb & Conquer gloves, but you still want a bit of extra protection from the elements, our lightweight full finger gloves are the ultimate “in between” option for cooler days on the bike. Featuring anti-slip material and padded palms for all day comfort, they also have touchscreen fingertips for route checks and mid-ride photo stops.

Bandidos: for when the breeze bites

Our bandidos/neck warmers are a great addition to your cycling armour on windy days and rainy rides. Not only will they help to keep you warm, they’re also great as a bit of extra protection from road spray or flying mud on soggy trails. With a Stolen Goat bandido, the only thing you’ll have stuck on your face is a great big smile as you soak up your time on two wheels.

 

So there we have it: the key bits of kit and accessories to get your cycling wardrobe ready for all of your autumnal adventures. All that’s left is to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Don’t forget to check out our full AW22 collection for all the kit you need to get you through the winter months.