As we approach the San Martin summer, but the time change has just ended, we can say that we are in full autumn with temperatures decreasing, especially in the morning and late afternoon. This means that our cycling gear made of “gambals” and “manicotti” with a maximum of one sweaty lasagna will soon give way to winter cycling apparel.
In this post, I want to share some tips born from my personal experiences (not pleasant ones) so you can ride even in the winter and at different temperatures, and also try to dispel some myths.
Content
- Cycling Clothing: First Things First
- What’s Most Important to Consider
- Underrated Cycling Gear for Winter
- The Surprising Item That Can Save You: Manicotti, Gilet/Smanicato and Buff
- Winter Cycling Apparel: Staying Dry and Warm
- Too Cold for a Bike Ride? Try Indoor Trainer
Cycling Clothing: First Things First
Before dressing up for the bike ride, think about the winter temperatures.
How cold is it going to be? 10 degrees or 12? What’s the ideal temperature for riding a bike?
Typically, no one of us is an expert on pedaling, but you can always learn from them. Professional cyclists know that under certain temperatures (around 5°C), a bike ride becomes less intense.
This is because your body gets too cold and slows down to preserve its internal temperature.
Similar “pros” prefer to vary their training sessions by alternating other sports (running) or specialties (like cyclocross).
So, the first tip: if it’s too cold, don’t say no to riding, but know that you might not get the same performance results as when you’re well-prepared.
The second tip is for intermediate seasons: use the 10°C rule. Think about how you would dress up if the temperature were 5-10 degrees higher (take into account the shadow, wind and humidity).
This rule applies mainly to your legs, less so to your torso and feet, which are less affected by cold weather.
Using this guideline and gaining experience will help you avoid making mistakes with your clothing.
A good outfit will optimize your training sessions and reduce the risk of injuries, especially during the transition seasons and in particular historical periods like this one.
What’s Most Important to Consider
Before we dive into specific items of winter cycling apparel, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing your gear:
- Moisture-wicking fabrics: Look for clothing made from moisture-wicking fabrics such as merino wool, synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) or blends. These will help keep you dry and comfortable.
- Insulation: Consider the type of insulation you need based on the temperature. Down-filled jackets are great for cold weather, while synthetic insulators like Polarguard are better suited for milder temperatures.
- Breathability: Choose clothing that allows for good airflow to prevent overheating.
- Fit: Make sure your clothing fits well and isn’t too tight or too loose.
Underrated Cycling Gear for Winter
While many of us focus on high-end winter cycling gear, there are some underrated items that can make a big difference in your performance:
- Fingers mitts: Keeping your hands warm is crucial when riding in cold weather. Fingers mitts provide warmth without restricting finger movement.
- Leg warmers: Leg warmers can add extra insulation to your legs, keeping you warm and comfortable on long rides.
- Gaiters: Gaiters are fabric covers that go over your shoes and pant legs to keep snow and debris out.
These items may not be as well-known as some of the more popular winter cycling gear, but they can make a big difference in your comfort and performance.
The Surprising Item That Can Save You: Manicotti, Gilet/Smanicato and Buff
While it’s easy to focus on high-end items like insulated jackets or heated gloves, there are some surprising items that can save you from the cold:
- Manicotti: A manicotti is a lightweight, breathable fabric used to make insulating layers. It can add warmth without restricting movement.
- Gilet/Smanicato: A gilet is similar to an insulating layer, but it’s usually more compact and portable than a full jacket.
- Buff: A buff is a type of neck warmer that provides extra insulation while allowing for good airflow.
These items may not be as well-known as some of the other winter cycling gear, but they can make a big difference in your comfort and performance.
Winter Cycling Apparel: Staying Dry and Warm
When it comes to staying dry and warm in the cold weather, there are several key elements to consider:
- Water-repellent fabrics: Look for clothing with water-repellent fabrics like Gore-Tex or similar technology.
- Seam sealing: Make sure your clothing is seam-sealed to prevent wind and moisture from entering.
- Insulated jacket: Consider an insulated jacket with a breathable membrane like Polarguard.
Some popular winter cycling apparel brands include:
- Castelli
- Pearl Izumi
- Specialized
These brands offer high-quality, functional clothing that can keep you dry and warm in the cold weather.
Too Cold for a Bike Ride? Try Indoor Trainer
If it’s too cold to ride outside, an indoor trainer is a great alternative. An indoor trainer allows you to simulate a ride on your bike without having to deal with the elements.
Some popular indoor trainers include:
- Tacx Neo 3
- Wahoo Kickr Snap
- CycleOps Magneto
An indoor trainer can be a great way to stay active and train during the winter months when it’s too cold to ride outside.
In conclusion, dressing for bike riding in autumn means considering the temperature, choosing the right clothing, and incorporating underrated gear. By following these tips and using the right equipment, you can stay comfortable and perform at your best even in the cold weather.
