Winter is coming! But that doesn't mean you have to pack away your bicycle and wait for the better weather to appear. Making the right cycling clothing and equipment choices will keep you riding through autumn, winter and spring in total comfort. Here is our checklist of what to include in your wet weather cycling gear.
A lot of us here at Edinburgh Bicycle Coop have honed our choices for winter riding through a lot of trial and error and we would like to try and help you save time and money by imparting what we have learned. This article will look to let you know the main benefits of each item of clothing so, as usual, you are armed with the information to make the best decision for your particular circumstances.
There are winter clothing options available from head to toe and everywhere in between so we will start at the feet and work our way upwards.
Contents and Quick Links
- Protecting your feet in winter
- Protecting your legs in winter
- Protecting your torso in winter
- Protecting your hands in winter
- Protecting your head in winter
- Looking after your winter cycling clothes
- Top takeaways
- Top brands
Protecting your Feet in winter
Cold toes are the worst! But thankfully there are lots of great options for protecting your feet depending on the conditions you will likely be riding in and the discipline you ride. Here are the some of the main options below.
Socks
The obvious one - a good pair of socks are a staple of winter cycling gear and will keep your feet warm, comfortable and, sometimes, dry. A good pair of winter socks will keep you both warm and will wick the moisture away from your skin to improve warmth and comfort and, depending on what sort of layering system you are opting for will depend how thermal or waterproof you need your socks to be. For example, you may not need super-thick socks if you are opting for a good pair of winter cycling shoes.
Endura BaaBaa Merino II Winter Socks
The Endura BaaBaa Merino socks are an excellent option for keeping your feet warm and comfortable with Merino wool for itch free comfort and high warmth to weight ratio, even when wet.
Assos Ultraz Winter Socks Evo
The key to maintaining warm feet while riding in winter is to combine insulation with the ability to stay dry from the inside and the outside. These socks combine the stretch and moisture-management of synthetics with the superior insulation properties of wool.
Endura Hummvee Waterproof Sock
Here are waterproof socks for when you are cycling in very wet weather conditions or the cold. Dry feet are happy feet with protection from the outside and inside by preventing water from coming in and facilitates moisture getting out with good breathability.
Shoes
Another big choice of what to wear while winter cycling are the shoes. This is not just a question of keeping your feet dry and warm (although these are very important factors) but of the condition of the surfaces you are riding on. A lot of people who use clip-in pedals in summer opt for a flat pedal in winter due to the possibility of ice on paths and roads - with a flat pedal, you can get your foot to the ground quicker and this gives many people peace of mind when there is a possibility of ice. Of course, when it is icy, it's also cold so keeping your feet dry and warm is very important and with shoes you can go one of two ways - opt for winter cycling shoes that are specifically made to be waterproof and warm such as the Shimano MW5 Dryshield shoe that offers supreme waterproofing and warmth or, if you opt for a regular cycling shoe, you can combine these with good thermal socks and a waterproof overshoe to protect your feet.
Overshoes
Overshoes are the perfect option for those that want to wear the same shoes all year round - simply wear the shoes with a light sock in summer to keep your feet cool and comfortable and for winter cycling, wear the same shoes with a good winter overshoe. These will keep your feet dry and warm and there are various thicknesses and styles available depending on how cold and wet the weather you are planning to go out in is.
Protecting your legs
There are a number of different options for leg protection from full length winter bib tights or thermal bib shorts to waterproof trousers to wear over work clothes or leggings. If you are training through winter, a choice for a lot of endurance cyclists is to pair thermal shorts with leg warmers as leg warmers can easily be removed when you have warmed up while cycling longer distances.
Winter bibs
A good set of thermal bib tights will keep your legs warm and comfortable as they are lined with material to minimise wind chill, provide warmth and repel rain while still allowing sweat to leave and keeping you comfortable. Available in various lengths depending on personal preference. Longs for the maximum coverage and warmth for the coldest weather, bib knickers for three quarter length for cold and cool winter cycling and thermal shorts for keeping the thighs and midriff warm and comfortable and can be combined with leg warmers if required.
Giant Podium Thermal Bib Tights - For everyday training or exercising, Podium offers great features in muscle support and heat management. For cold days in the saddle, the Podium Thermal Bib Tights are constructed using ThermTexturaT fleece fabric for heat retention and insulation.
Endura FS260-Pro Thermo Bibknicker - This bib 3/4 is especially recommended for cold and cooler weather rides, thanks to its DWR M™ (Durable Water Repellent) treated Thermoroubaix fabric.
Endura Women's FS260 Pro Thermo Tight DWR - Endura's Thermoroubaix warmth transforms those cold winter rides.
Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tights C2 - The next evolution in total comfort for winter bib tights, refined with increased insulation and a deeper, plusher insert.
Waterproof trousers
Waterproof trousers are more of an option for commuters and electric bike riders as they offer excellent waterproofing but can cause a bit of overheating on more strenuous rides. If you are an all weather commuter or electric bike rider, you can wear the trousers over your regular cycling gear or casual clothes and not worry about having to change when you get to your destination.
Endura Hummvee Transit Waterproof Trouser - Simple but effective wet weather protection. Lightweight, breathable 2-Layer waterproof fabric in a fully seam sealed construction.
Endura Women's MT500 Spray Baggy Trouser II - One for the mountain bikers - rugged, performance riding trouser for women with critical seat panel waterproofing. Also available in a men's fit.
Protecting your torso
Versatility is the name of the game when on cold weather rides as the only predictability about a UK winter is it's unpredictability (OK that's the only cliché we will use in this article). It is because of this that no two days are the same so you ideally need to be able to adapt to sub-zero temperatures, for when the heavens open, snow and any other weather that is thrown at you. We would recommend having a winter cycling jacket, a mid layer and a base layer (or numerous of each) so for really cold days you can wear all three, for milder days maybe only two out of three and for warmer days, just the mid layer or the outer layer.
Here's a rundown of these items of clothing.
Winter cycling jacket
Possibly one of the most important areas to keep warm and comfortable is your torso. That is why investing in a good winter jacket is essential. Again, depending on the riding you are doing will determine how thermal, waterproof and breathable you require your wind or waterproof jacket to be. If you are commuting or leisure cycling at lower pace, you will require something a little more thermal as your body will not produce the same heat as more demanding training rides. On the flip side, if you are training hard and winter training, you will need a jacket that is lower on the thermal scale but higher on breathability.
Endura Hummvee Waterproof Jacket - The Endura Hummvee cycling jacket brings trail and city versatility - a true workhorse for any rider looking for an all round waterproof at a great price.
Endura Urban Luminite EN1150 Waterproof Jacket - Lightweight, breathable 2.5-Layer waterproof fabric in a fully seam sealed construction.
Cycling Mid Layers
Having cycling clothing that you can add, remove, mix-up and change is vital for cold weather riding so you can deal with different temperatures day-to-day. A cycling mid layer will usually be a thermal long-sleeve jersey or a 'soft shell' jacket that can be wither worn on its own or with a base layer and/or a cycling jacket.
We actually find that soft shells do not just work well in the winter months, they also perform really well in spring, summer and autumn too on colder days or when it is raining and you need a bit more warmth than a regular cycling jersey.
The thought behind a soft shell jersey is that it offers some extra warmth but also gives some water resistant qualities for showers and rain.
BASE LAYERS
Base layers are the unsung heroes on a cold weather ride. They can be combined with your outer layer to take you into sub zero temperatures with ease and provide a wicking, breathable barrier to take the sweat away from your skin and prevent damp chill. We have found that the more you spend on a base layer, the wider the range of temperatures they will keep you comfortable in.
A good base layer will allow you to combine this with other cycling clothing to cater for a very wide variety of weather because as we know, Britain does not keep consistent temperatures.
A good base layer will either be made of merino wool or a synthetic material and both are designed to trap the body heat while being breathable enough to let any moisture escape to keep you dry and comfortable.
One of the main factors we have found in Britain is that it is not uncommon, in winter cycling, to be single, or minus figure temperatures in the mornings and then approaching double figures later on. For this reason, it is extra important to build in flexibility so you can dress up in the morning and then leave some layers off for the cycle back. This is particularly pertinent for commuters.
Protecting your hands
Another one that makes a massive difference to your winter cycling wardrobe are gloves. There are a number of different options available with neoprene (wet suit) material keep your hands warm but do not keep them dry. In our experience, these gloves are excellent for short, cold rides and if you want maximum finger dexterity but, we find, for longer rides, you end up with fingers that look like you've been in the bath. The other option is for a thermal, insulated glove that is highly warm and breathable but these are generally more bulky. The choice you make will likely depend on the riding you do - for road and mountain, dexterity is a high importance while commuting, e biking or leisure riding, the focus will be on warmth.
Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Cycling Gloves - The Pro SL Primaloft is Endura's warmest waterproof glove. These premium hand warmers keep roadies comfortable all winter long.
Endura FS260-Pro Nemo II Lightweight Touchscreen Gloves - Thanks to its stretch neoprene outer and wicking terry liner, the Endura Pro Nemo cycling glove is as slim and low profile as it is comfortable and wind resistant.
Endura Women's Strike Waterproof Glove - This Women's Strike glove is a low bulk, waterproof all-rounder with gel palm padding which doesn't compromise dexterity on or off the bike.
Protection for your head
Last but certainly not least in your winter riding protection is headwear. There are a number of options to wear under your cycling helmet to protect your head, ears and full face if you require it. There are thermal skull caps made of merino wool for maximum warmth, synthetic caps or just a waterproof cap for rain resistance.
There are also options for those that find their nose and face cold in the form of buffs or multitubes which, come to think of it, can double as a head covering also if you do not want to buy too many accessories.
Face and head are very important especially when cycling into that cold, driving wind and rain/sleet/snow. We would recommend a good thermal hat and a buff to cover your nose and mouth. The buff is often the forgotten item in winter, but it protects your face from the elements and when it is really cold, sleeting, snowing or raining, it also takes the edge off breathing in the really cold air.
Endura FS260-Pro Thermal Skull Cap - No fuss, just function - add extra warmth to those cool, crisp rides with the FS260-Pro thermal winter skull cap.
Endura Baabaa Merino Skullcap II - A natural fibre winter essential. Merino blend for soft, itch-free comfort, helmet compatible fit, naturally odour resistant and high warmth to weight ratio even when in wet conditions.
Assos Assosoires Rain Cap - Assos wanted the endlessly versatile cycling cap silhouette, but in a fully waterproof version. This cap offers maximum coverage, breathability, and protection in a packable design. Wear it under your helmet in cool, cold, and wet year-round conditions.
Endura Singletrack Multitube - Wear as neck tube, mask, bandana or skullcap. One of the most versatile headwear options due to all the different possibilities.
The Joy Of Neck Tubes
As we have mentioned a few times in this article already, the best winter cycling gear is versatile, and no piece of clothing is as versatile as a neck tube or 'buff', as they are commonly known.
A Buff can be used for many different purposes such as keeping your neck warm and preventing cold air penetrating through the top of your cycling jersey or jacket, it can be used on your head as a layer underneath your helmet to keep your head warm and dry and can be used off the bike as well as a fashionable snood, neck warmer or headband.
The best buffs are thin but still really warm with good wicking characteristics so moisture can escape te skin leaving you warm but also comfortable.
Endura Baabaa Merino Tech Multitube - This versatile Endura Baabaa Merino wool multitube provides natural insulation when cycling in colder months. A must have cycling accessory that's easily packable- ready to provide extra head / neck warmth when you need it.
LOOK AFTER YOUR CLOTHES
Something that is often forgotten about when washing your cycling clothes is where DWR or Durable Water Repellancy or the equivalent is concerned where the fabrics are coated with an agent that will help bead water and flow off your garment keeping you drier for longer. If you clean these garments in your regular wash then the DWR will just wash off. It is important, therefore, to wash the DWR garments (usually your bib-tights, bib-knickers, jackets and jerseys) with a specific cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash to extend the life of your garments.
We have always maintained that winter cycling can be some of the most enjoyable cycling you can do provided you are wearing the correct clothing so that you are warm enough and comfortable. And from a training point of view, warm muscles are a lot more efficient than cold muscles.
Anyway, we hope this article has inspired you to keep riding through winter by getting you kitted out in the right winter cycling clothing.
Our top points to take from this article
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHORTS/TIGHTS
Dependent on style of riding, how cold/warm a rider you are, how flexible you need your outfit to be (leg warmers etc)
KEEP YOUR CORE WARM
With a base layer, winter cycling jacket or a layering system involving multiple garments
COLD HANDS ARE ALMOST AS BAD AS COLD FEET
Protect those extremities while keeping them comfortable, warm and dry.
BUILD IN FLEXIBILITY
If you find you only need warmth for the start of rides, consider arm warmers, leg warmers or both.
DON'T FORGET YOUR HEAD
There are many options for head coverage - skullcaps, multitubes or rain caps.
Our top cycling winter brands
Endura - Top British cycling brand that produces excellent clothing for Britain and UK weather. They produce any clothing you can think of - socks, Endura cycling trousers, jackets and jerseys, and headwear A strong focus on sustainability and green credentials.
Assos - Premium Swiss cycling clothing company for those that want the best of the best with no expense spared. Incredible quality cycling clothing.
Hump - Providing excellent cycling clothing at a very low price. Waterproof, windproof and highly visible cycling jackets and trousers.
Giant - A powerhouse of the cycling world that now makes their own high-quality range of cycling clothing. One of the main qualities of Giant/Liv is the value - you generally get a lot for your money
Liv - The sister company of Giant that offers products for women, designed by women. Offering all the quality and value of Giant.
Safety Tips For Riding In Cold Weather
Be Visible
Cycling in winter can be incredibly enjoyable and there are a few ways you can make yourself even safer with your choice of clothing. Among most of the options above you will find many high visibility options to make you stand out on the road and cycle paths. With the best jerseys, outer layers and bib tights, you will find strategically placed reflective details that only add to your visibility.
We hope it goes without saying that lights need to be used at night (in fact, it's a legal requirement) but we would also advise running lights at all times of day in winter because even in the day, it is often not very bright.
Bike Maintenance for Winter
Aside from being more visible, there are tweaks you can make to your bike to make it safer for winter riding. The first is to lower the pressure in your tyres to provide more grip in the wet while also providing more comfort. It is also advisable to fit mudguards to protect you and your bike from the road spray and the detritus that is on winter roads.