A guide to Winter Cycling Kit
- Jamie Woodland
- Dec 11, 2022
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2023
The days are getting shorter and "winter IS coming"... so le us guide you through the perfect Winter Cycling Kit combinations.
With climate change & the heating costs on the rise - it's fair to say that the the forecast is extra icy. So here is our essential guide to winter cycling kit, and the key pieces that can keep you peddling through autumn & winter:
The Essentials:
Merino Base layer: A merino wool base layer works wonders at regulating your body temperature. Natural fibres wick sweat away from your skin, and work to keep you cool in summer & warm in winter. equally well. This makes the merino base layer a true all rounder, and whilst on the pricy side it is something you'll get a lot of use out of. My personal favourite is Rapha's Base Layer Merino T-Shirt. It's comfortable, super durable and picked one up in the sale (half price!) it's lasted for several years without a single hole or stitch out of place. Top Tips: Make sure you try them on first, always wash on a low temp and bear in mind that wool changes shape a little when you're wearing it. Personally I find it a little claustrophobic to wear long sleeves, so always opt for the short sleeve version.
Thermals: No we're not talking about pants, this is all about bibs & jerseys. Kit with 'Thermal' in the name will have a brushed finish on the inside lining. These little beauties are soft and fluffy against your skin, and super efficient at holding the warm air around your body. Rapha again have several great options in their thermal range (bibs, jerseys, arm and leg warmers), but Sportful's Pro Thermal Collection and Gorewears huge range (jerseys, bibs, arm warmers, you name it they've got it) are also long trusted options.
Arm & Leg Warmers: In terms of versatility these are your ace of spades. Mix and match them with a base layer and jerseys, & add a windproof gillet, winter jacket or even both! The possibilities are pretty much endless, they can be removed and stuck in a pocket or empty water bottle, and they look pretty awesome too. Get involved people. My absolute go-to for the last 10 years has been Sportful No-Rain Thermal arm & leg warmers. They're warm & comfortable, with mid-stretch, but the waterproofing and wind block properties are unbeatable. I bought 2 pairs of each and swear by them.
Wind jacket (aka stuff-jacket): A windproof layer will keep Jack Frost and his windy shenanigans well away from your core, ensuring you stay warm no matter how high and persistent the gales. Expect to see windproof materials on the front, and vents/holes the rear to let the hot air escape. This keeps you at just the right temperature. Sportful Hotpack, Rapha Brevet Flighwieght Wind Jacket and Endura's Pro Adrenaline Race Cape are all excellent choices. Top Tip: There's nothing worse than having jersey pockets full to bursting, and nothing better than having a stuff jacket on hand when the weather turns.... So get yourself a Restrap Fast Strap, so that once your jacket is stuffed into it's case / rolled up you can tie it onto the back of your seat post.
Mountable mini pump: just like with stuff jackets, you can avoid filling your jersey pockets up by getting yourself a Leyzene Pressure Drive Pump. They come with a very small clip, that fits onto your existing bottle cage mounts to keep it tucked up against your frame and not digging into your back!
Rain Jacket: Often referred to as 'hard-shells' these will be fully waterproof, but as a result can also be less breathable. Be careful not to over-layer with these as the reduced air circulation can get you too hot and allow moisture to build up inside (which is a killer when trying to get warm after a coffee stop). The solution is to find the right layering combinations for you, so be willing to experiment in different conditions. Also remember to use the zips and let a little air in for freshness!
If you're not sure where to start I have a few go-to options.... The DHB Flashlight is affordable, visible and looks pretty tasty with a good selection of colours. But my 'money-no-option' choice has to be the Metier Beacon. It's a smaller boutique brand with exceptional build quality and led lights integrated into the front & back (yes that's a thing, sewn into the material).
Hot tip for commuters and adventure riders: take a look at packable 1-layer hiking jackets. Bear with me on this because it's a bit of a curve ball - but I used a Berghaus Stormcloud for the North Coast 500. It's a no-nonsense, practical solution for the hardest of rides, and proved to be perfect for the job. You can roll up the sleeves, stuff it into a pocket, and without the leaner cycling fit you get extra air circulation - which you'll really appreciate after 12 hours in the saddle. It also has a hood that doesn't flap in the wind, and fit's easily under your helmet for really bad weather,
Gloves: Get them, if you like the use of your fingers in February its pretty mandatory. Look for something thats waterproof and breathable with a good thickness to let the air circulate. Size is also important, make sure it leaves plenty of room to reach your levers without rubbing or feeling tight, but not so big you can pinch a gap at the end of your fingers. I have so many gloves I switch between I'd struggle to recommend a specific pair - but suffice to say fingerless gloves will give your palms padding for long or bumpy ride, and SealSkinz are as good as they come when it comes to winter waterproof hand jackets.
Shoe covers: Depending on your shoe type there are two main options here: toe covers and shoe covers. Toe covers are 3-5mm neoprene and fit over the front of your shoe; perfect for chilly autumn rides and with just enough protection to stave off trench foot in an unexpected downpour. Full shoe covers however will cover your entire shoe and ankle with toasty warm (and often difficult to get on) neoprene. Save those for the coldest and wettest of conditions. Castelli Toe Thingy's are cheap & easy to find. They do a great job in autumn and spring, but you'll need something more for wet days ir anything under 10'. You'll also need to replace them each year as they'll tear on the bottom with wear.
Nice to haves:
Neck Warmer: If you're riding light on layers these can really make the difference, especially when you're getting back on the bike after a cake stop. Top Tip: keep it in a small plastic bag in your back pocket so it stays dry for when you want it. I grab several extra security bags when ever i catch i flight - they are the perfect size for phones and jersey pockets!
Winter hats: A bit of rummaging will turn up some real beauties, that can include merino wool and over ear covers.
Mid gloves: Most bike shops will hold these, a little less ski season and a little more autumn dog walking.
Clear Lenses: If you're setting off early and aren't expecting sunshine, these will still protect your eyes from the elements whilst allowing you to see those pesky buses. If you want to splash the cash brand such as Oakley have photo chromatic lenses which are clear but darken when the sun comes out.
Tips to stay warm:
It's all about layers: Wear breathable base and mid layers to wick the sweat away from your body, and keep a packable extra layer for cake stops or when the weather turns. You'll really appreciate it.
Be versatile: Choose jackets with with full zips and adjustable sleeves, and gillets/mid layers you can remove and stuff into a pocket. If you're peddling hard you'll want to be able to adjust/remove something to prevent overheating.
Make sure you get a good fit: Tight fitting layers trap the air in-between them and help to keep you warm. Loose flappy layers will circulate air around you and suck away all that lovely coziness.
Dry feet, warm trunk: Maintain both of these and you'll have a great ride no matter what the weather throws at you.
Don't over layer for wet rides: I find that a base layer, a jersey & rain jacket is the perfect combination for even the coldest of wet rides. But I also carry a stuff jacket which can be added (underneath the rain jacket) if the weather really turns for the worst.
After 20 years experimenting with winter cycling kit combinations, I certainly have my favourites! In this guide I have called out the big winners, and hope that it helps you on your way. But remember that kit selection is a very personal thing, so give everything a try, enjoy the process, experiment, and prepare for your wallet to take a spanking!
Cut to the chase - what shall I buy?
Sportful Hot Pack: Wiggle has them 60% off mens & womens. at time of writing.
Castelli Toe Thingys: available everyhwere for under £20.
SealSkinz All Weather Gloves: straight from SealSkinz
Sportful No Rain Leg Warmers: tricky to find but Saddleback have them in stock.
PAS Normal Neck Tube: made from merino & bamboo
Clear Glasses: Wiggle has a great range for all tastes & prices.
If you've found some great winter kit, or if you're freezing right now (!)
let us know your advice in the comments below:
Quick note on the review process
Everything we review and the tips we provide are done through experience (often learning the hard way)! We are not sponsored, and we aren't briefed. We write on the things that helped us and we hope that they help you too!
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