How to dress for winter cycling?

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The three-layer rule: an adaptable base

The three-layer system is a good basis for winter clothing, but it needs to be adapted according to the temperature, the intensity of the effort and your own resistance to the cold. It’s not an immutable rule😉

We’ll have to test and adapt, as we don’t all have the same level of “chilliness” and some people prefer to ride with two layers rather than three!

First layer: the technical layer

The first layer, thermal underwear, is essential for wicking away perspiration and preventing moisture from stagnating on your skin.

This garment needs to fit snugly to ensure good moisture transfer to the outside. They come in different thicknesses, with short or long sleeves, and sometimes with a high collar for extra protection.

Among those we can recommend, those from Assos are particularly effective, with this one for the winter version and this one for an even warmer winter version.

Second layer: the middle layer

The second layer provides additional thermal insulation. It can be a long-sleeved jersey or a lightweight fleece, whose breathability is essential to continue wicking away perspiration.

We strongly advise you to opt for a model with a full zip, particularly practical for adjusting ventilation according to your effort and temperature variations.

Third layer: the jacket

Finally, the third layer acts as a shield against the elements. For this last layer, you can choose between:

• An unlined softshell jacket that protects against cold, wind and light rain. It has the advantage of being able to be used for several seasons of the year, making it very versatile. Here’s a sample model.
• A fleece-lined winter jacket for specific winter use, like this one for example.

The perfect combination for you really depends on the weather at home, the intensity of your outing, your personal feelings and your equipment! Don’t hesitate to test and adjust: you’ll soon learn what works for you 🙂

The shorts

The choice of cycling shorts is also important to ensure warmth and comfort during your winter outings.

Unlike summer versions, winter waders are long and often feature a brushed fleece-like interior for a pleasant feeling of warmth.

As with the short versions, some models are equipped with straps, which can be particularly useful in winter to prevent cold air from seeping down the back, as well as guaranteeing a better fit!

To cope with the most rigorous conditions, some cycling shorts feature a windproof membrane on the front, providing protection from the cold and damp, while remaining flexible and breathable on the back.

Protecting sensitive areas

Extremities are particularly sensitive to low temperatures, so it’s vital to protect them well.

Choosing winter cycling gloves

As far as hands are concerned, there are several types of glove to suit different winter conditions:

• windproof and water-repellent models offer good protection against moderate cold. For example.
• For more extreme conditions, waterproof Gore-Tex gloves keep your hands dry even in the rain. Take these, for example.
• An interesting alternative is to use lightweight but highly insulating gloves, such as those made from Polartec Alpha, which offer a good balance between warmth and flexibility. Here are some examples.

Adopt overshoes

Feet are also difficult to keep warm, as they don’t move much on the bike. An effective solution is to wear overshoes adapted to your type of footwear, in addition to warm, breathable socks.

For cyclists using road or mountain bike shoes, there are overshoes specially designed to follow the shape of the sole and offer optimum protection.

Windproof, fleece-lined models like this one provide effective thermal insulation, while waterproof versions like this one are ideal for riding in the rain.

Protect your head and ears

Finally, to protect the head and ears, several solutions are available. Here are some examples:

• A simple headband can be enough to cover the ears while letting the skull breathe.
• For even more protection, a thin, fleece-lined underhelmet slips easily under the helmet to keep out the heat.
• A multifunctional buff-type neckband covers the neck and lower face as required.
• Earmuffs are also available for direct attachment to helmets. These, for example.

Special case: journeys in the city

Urban cyclists have different needs to those of sport cyclists.

During the daily commute, the priority is to stay dry and protected from the elements, while keeping one’s clothes adapted to one’s professional or personal environment. Not everyone has a shower and changing room at work!

To avoid arriving at work soaking wet, it’s a good idea to use waterproof pants that can be slipped on over pants , like these. These models are often fitted with side zippers, making them easy to slip on even when wearing shoes.

In addition, a waterproof poncho with sleeves and a hood adapted to the helmet , such as this one, is an excellent option for effective protection from the rain while retaining good freedom of movement.

Finally, be sure to choose clothing withreflective elements to improve visibility, which is essential in urban environments.

Conclusion

With the right equipment, cold weather is no longer an excuse to put your bike away for the winter. By adjusting your clothing to suit your riding and the weather, you can continue to pedal comfortably and safely all year round. Enjoy! 🙂