Nothing spoils a bike ride like being cold, wet and miserable. And when the weather turns it can be tempting to let your trusty steed gather dust, and go into hibernation instead. But with the right winter cycling gear, you can unlock the freedom to get out in all weathers – without losing a hoof or two to frostbite!
In our winter cycling gear guide, we’ll roll through the essential winter cycling gear and accessories you need to stay warm, dry and comfortable in all conditions. Plus we’ll talk you through what to wear, when so you can layer up like a winter cycling pro.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to stop putting your winter riding plans on ice!
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Essential winter cycling gear
Added extras for next level comfort
What to wear for cycling in different winter conditions
Essential winter cycling gear
As ever, you can go as wild as you like when it comes to expanding your cycling wardrobe. We’ll always be happy to be your new kit day enablers! But before we dive into the nice to haves, and how to layer up, first let’s go through the basics we reckon every would-be winter cyclist should have to stay cosy on the bike.
Winter cycling jacket
A good winter cycling jacket can really be a game changer when the weather takes a turn. On milder days, you can get away with a thermal jersey and a base layer (more on that later). But when the temperatures plummet, the rain pours and the wind howls. You’ll be grateful for something a little more heavy duty.
Look for a winter cycling jacket which has waterproof and windproof material. Ideally, you want a storm guard on the zip to stop any water ingress, plus a bit of ventilation so you can let off some steam if you start to overheat.
We’ve constructed our new Advanced Alpine Winter Jackets with next-level weatherproof fabrics, while maintaining the perfect amount of stretch and an aerodynamic fit. The result? A winter cycling jacket that will keep you warm and dry in all conditions, that fits like a super comfy cycling jersey.
Find out more about how to pick the best winter cycling jacket in our guide, or head over to our winter collection to check out our range!
Full length cycling tights
A pair of full length cycling tights will help to keep you warm and protect your legs from any road spray or muck that comes flying off your tyres. For winter, look for a pair of bib tights which are made from water-resistant and windproof fabric but still have a high quality chamois pad – no one likes chafing!
To bib or not to bib?
Bib tights are great for extra warmth. The bib section acts a bit like an extra base layer, and ensures there’s no chance of a chilly gap between your jacket and your tights. However, non-bib tights can make comfort breaks easier – no removing multiple layers to pull ‘em down.
Thermal base layer
A good thermal base layer can make a world of difference to your comfort levels on the bike in cold weather. By keeping your core at the optimal temperature, your body will be able to prioritise sending blood flow to your extremities to keep them toasty too.
Look for a sports-specific base layer with a thermal layer. You want something which is sweat-wicking and quick-drying, otherwise the second you work up a bit of a sweat on a climb you’ll have a cold, wet base layer sticking to your back. That’s never fun.
Winter cycling gloves
Frozen fingers make a winter bike ride downright miserable. Struggling to pull your brake levers or switch gears? No thank you! This is why a great pair of winter cycling gloves are an essential for every rider. Look for winter cycling gloves which are windproof and waterproof, without being overly bulky. There’s no good having warm hands if you feel like you’re riding in oven mitts.
We don’t want to brag, but we do think we’ve got it spot on with our Stolen Goat winter cycling gloves. Famously described by one of the Herd as ‘apocalypse proof’, we’ve worked our tails off to create a pair of winter gloves which balance warmth and weatherproofing, without compromising on dexterity. There’s a reason they sell out over and over again!
Over shoes
Last but not least on our list of winter cycling gear essential is the humble over shoe, here to transform your summer cycling shoes into a hardy pair of winter ‘boots’! If you’ve been struggling with chilly hooves, a good pair of over shoes can be a game changer. These small but mighty items look like a pair of oversized (often neoprene) socks. They slip over your shoes, with openings for your cleats. We’d recommend getting overshoes which have a zip or velco fastening, rather than pull on ones. We’ve had a few too many ‘accidentally punch ourselves in the chin’ incidents with the latter!
Winter cycling gear ‘nice to haves’: the added extras for even more comfort
So we’ve covered the essential winter cycling kit you’ll need if you want to be able to keep riding your bike all year round, without feeling like Frosty the snowman on two wheels. But if you’ve got the budget (and the wardrobe space!) here are the added extras we’d also recommend you add to your winter gear arsenal to fight back when mother nature gives you the cold shoulder.
Neck warmer
We call it a neck warmer… but really it should be a neck/chops/schnoz/ear/head warmer. Doesn’t have quite the same ring though, does it? A neck warmer is a versatile bit of kit that’s easy to chuck in your back pocket. Wear it around your neck as a buff, pull it up over your mouth and nose when the rain pours or when the temperatures plummet to stop cold air aggravating your airways. You can also use it as a headband to keep your ears warm and fend off the ice cream headache.
Thermal cycling gilet
A thermal gilet is useful for layering up (more on that later in this article). If you really feel the cold, size up and wear it over your cycling jacket for an extra layer of protection. If you run hot, wear it over a long sleeved thermal cycling jersey for added warmth without having to commit to a full winter jacket and risk overheating. A gilet isn’t an essential, but it is one of those things you’ll get a surprising amount of wear out of once you have one in your kit drawer!
Glove liners
For many cyclists, a good pair of winter cycling gloves is enough to keep their mitts warm. But if you struggle with cold hands, you might want to consider getting some glove liners to pop on underneath for extra protection. A silk or a merino wool glove liner will help to trap more heat and keep your hands warmer, without adding too much extra bulk so you’ve still got the dexterity you need to shift gears, brake and tap away on your bike computer to your heart’s content.
Thermal cycling jersey
Depending where you live, chances are winter isn’t always a picture postcard of crisp white snow and sparkling icicles. In the UK, for example, winter conditions can veer wildly from sub-zero temperatures to weirdly mild in a matter of days. This is where a thermal cycling jersey comes in handy to tackle the in between weather when you’ll be too hot in your winter gear but shivering in your summer jerseys.
Browse our winter cycling collection to see our full range of cold-weather ready cycling gear and accessories.
Winter cycling kit layering tips: what to wear in different winter riding conditions
Different winter weather conditions will require slightly different kit combos. And while what you wear on the bike will ultimately come down to factors including personal preference, how far and how fast you plan to ride. Here’s our top level recommendations for how to layer up in different conditions.
What to wear on the bike when it’s bitterly cold (< 5 degrees Celsius)
Arguably the nicest winter riding conditions are those cold, crisp days. Here, your main foe is the wind chill which can make it feel bitterly cold even if the sun is shining.
We’d recommend layering up with:
- Full length cycling tights
- Thermal base layer
- Winter jacket
- Winter gloves
- Neck warmer
- Overshoes
- Tinted cycling sunglasses
What to wear when it’s cold AND wet (< 8 degrees Celsius + pesky rain)
Ah yes, the real ‘pea soupers’. When the sun seems to have taken the day off, and if it’s not pouring with rain there’s a thick layer of soggy, misty, foggy stuff hanging in the air. In these conditions, you want to make sure your gear is not just warm, but waterproof.
Ready to battle the elements? Here’s what you need:
- Waterproof winter cycling jacket – our new Alpine advanced jackets feature waterproof material, a high neck and a storm guard on the zip, plus a dropped tail to make sure they’re extra weatherproof!
- Full length cycling tights made from water-resistant fabric
- Thermal base layer
- Water-resistant winter cycling gloves
- Overshoes
- Peaked cycling cap – helps to keep the rain out of your eyes!
- Clear cycling glasses protects you from road spray and debris without compromising visibility
- Flashing front and rear bike lights – light are a good idea in any conditions to keep yourself visible, but in grim conditions they’re even more important.
What to wear when there’s a spontaneous reappearance of autumnal weather in the winter (> 10 degrees Celsius)
Is it just us, or in recent years does there always seem to be a spell of weather sometime in December when all of a sudden autumn seems to have a mini-renaissance? You just about get to grips with it being Big Coat season and then suddenly you’re out there fighting for your life in double figure temperatures feeling like an overdressed boil in the bag grain of rice.
Anyway, before we launch into a full scale rant about weird weather… if it’s suddenly strangely mild again, here’s what you should wear for cycling!
- Thermal cycling jersey
- Mesh or long sleeved base layer (depending on how much you feel the cold)
- Full length cycling tights
- Full finger gloves
- Gilet in your back pocket to layer up if it gets a bit nippy
Check out our autumn gear guide for more tips on what to wear on the bike in changeable weather.
More winter cycling tips…
Ready to keep the good rides rolling this winter? You might find these articles handy!
- How to stay motivated to keep cycling through the winter months
- Winter cycling tips: how to ride in chilly conditions
Need to upgrade your kit game? Head over to our winter cycling gear collection to shop now!