If you start cycling and keep with it long enough, it’s likely you will experience at least one summer and winter seasonal change. If the cooler mornings are usually enough to have you hit your snooze button and roll over instead of getting out and on the pedals, then read through for some handy cycling clothing hints to get you through cooler weather, because being comfortable is much more conducive to success in a training plan than being freezing cold!

Where do I start? Layers vs All in one

For those of you living in more temperate climates (Queenslanders we are looking at you!) a layering option may be better than full-leg fleece bibs or kicks and long sleeve fleeces. If your ride times are wholly in very cool temperatures (<10degrees C) then you may find this a good whole-ride option, but for many of us the cooler weather often only lasts part of the ride and when the sun breaks through it can heat up into the teens and beyond.

If you live in this kind of area, your wardrobe can be made such more flexible with the use of layers: namely arm and leg or knee warmers, as well as a wind vest and base layer. This way, as the temperature increases and you find yourself feeling warmer, you can remove the warmers and remain comfortable throughout your ride.

Layer up with some warmers and a vest for cool-weather comfort that can be swapped out when the weather becomes warmer! I’d definitely be wearing gloves to protect my hands though!

2. Arms and Legs

As mentioned, arm and leg warmers are an efficient way to weather-proof your fair-weather wardrobe. Often, clothing manufacturers will offer a light or mid-weight offering, as well as a thermal offering. Think about your coldest conditions and select based on them, after all as we know the mainstay of effective cycling training is easy endurance riding which doesn’t generate as much heat as your higher intensity sessions. Plus, you can always peel off if you warm up too much!

Good purchasing options:

Warmers with zips on the heel of full-leg warmers for easy removal, and all warmers should be firm enough to hold themselves in place. If your area rarely gets cold, perhaps knee warmers are the way to go. Extra bonus points to reflective tape for extra safety!

3. Windproof vest

A windproof vest is an essential item for any cyclist, even more versatile with some wet-weather protection. Keeping your chest warm and dry does wonders for whole-body warmth and it’s an easy way to add a level of warmth to your existing cycling wardrobe.

Good purchasing options:

Well-fitted is best here, flapping around in a wind vest can be noisy and inefficient. Look for one with a quality zip as you will be removing in better weather, then often redressing in the vest at cafe stops or for longer descents where the wind can really cut through you!

4. Fleece Long Sleeve Jerseys and Bibs

If you’re in less temperate areas (we are looking at YOU Tasmania!) then Fleecy bibs that are full length, and long sleeve jerseys are great options. Light fleece is another ‘nice to have’ for cool but not excessively cold rides (think Brisbane winter!). It’s likely that if you’re in these areas, a little more expense is required in order to keep warm on the bike.

Good purchasing options:

I keep a few light and mid-weight long sleeves on hand for cooler weather mornings. If you’re out for an easier ride, then this is perfect for Brisbane. The mid-weights don’t often get used, mainly for coaching or for travelling to cooler climates, but if you’re a very ‘cold’ person or live in a cooler climate and looking to invest in some quality riding gear to help get you out in the cold, they’re a great option!

Full-length tights and a soft shell can ensure you stay warm in the coolest of conditions

5. Gloves

Is it cold? If the answer is yes please put down the fingerless gloves! It doesn’t matter what bike you’re riding, hands are keys to the brakes, and the brakes are key safety features: ergo frozen hands are bad! There are a variety of five fingered, warm gloves that are available with varying levels of fleece, try a few and decide what fits for you. For really cold areas, they have lobster-pincer style fingered thermal gloves that I haven’t personally used, but could be a good option for very cold climates as long as you can effectively brake!

6. Shoe covers and socks

Like hands, feet are extremities that often get overlooked when looking at optimal wardrobe choices for cooler weather. For cycling style, longer socks are the way to go, but I won’t unfriend you if you wear ankle socks (though you may get cold ankles!). For winter, I like a stink-free merino option.

There are neoprene or soft-fabric shoe covers that work well for wet weather and cooler weather respectively, they zip over the shoes and reduce the wind cutting through, and cover over the sock for extra lower limb protection. Not keen on that? You can get ‘toe covers’ that just slip over the toe and avoid the burst of wind though the front vents on your shoe.

7. Soft Shell Jackets and Rain Jackets

Soft shell jackets and rain jackets offer an extra level of protection that a regular fleece jersey won’t; namely combining windproof and waterproof capacities in an outer shell that can be worn atop either a jersey alone or with warmers, or a long sleeve jersey. For extra chilly conditions (think mid winter Canberra!) These can be great options, but can be more challenging to carry if you’ve overheated (some rain jackets will have a lightweight ‘spray jacket’ option for wind and small amounts of rain that can be packed into a pocket, however isn’t as robust against the elements as a full rain jacket!).

Good purchasing options:

Seam sealed and quality purchases are the best options for a rain jacket that can last through many seasons and many adventures. Making a good choice with these options and they can last a lifetime of cycling, especially rain jackets that can be seam-sealed periodically. I like to purchase rain jackets a little less fitted, to allow layering underneath (most jackets are sized with this in mind!). While a hiking jacket will be great for hiking, often it doesn’t quite fit the bill for cycling, luckily there are many cycling jackets that will do both two-wheeled adventures and other outdoor pursuits very well!

8. Baselayers

Though I am not a huge base layer wearer, there are some times when I really reach for that option, especially if layering up for cooler weather that’s due to become more temperate. A base layer is worn under the jersey and optimally has wicking properties to keep your chest both warm and dry. Yeah, you could use a Bonds singlet, but it will likely keep you feeling a little wet under your jersey. You can purchase long, short and sleeveless base layers, I tend to rock sleeveless options when layering.