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Dreaming of getting on your bike, but it's freezing cold outside? Don't let winter dampen your spirits! A mountain bike or road trip can be a blast, even when the thermometer reads zero degrees. The secret lies in the cyclist's equipment. By combining technical textiles that combine breathability and thermal insulation, you will be able to face the cold for several hours. So, how to choose your cycling clothes in the cold season? Find our tips on how to choose your winter cycling clothes right now.
What are the goals for winter cycling apparel?
Whether you're a mountain biker, road cyclist or fond of bike rides, cycling in winter requires the right gear. Otherwise, you're likely to freeze on your saddle and take no pleasure in pedaling... So let's see how you should dress to prevent your ride from turning into a nightmare.
Your winter cycling outfit must fulfill 3 main objectives:
protect from the cold: low temperatures cause heat loss that must be compensated by your cycling clothes;
protect from moisture: the sweat produced by the body during the effort must be evacuated by your cycling outfit;
protect from bad weather in case of wind or showers, or even light snowfall.
What bike clothes to dress your upper body in winter
The 3-layer concept
This is THE golden rule to follow for cycling in winter without ending up cold!"
The concept is simple as it involves superimposing three layers on the upper body:
a breathable under layer: the cycling underwear;
a thermal inner layer: the cycling jersey;
a protective outer layer: the cycling jacket.
Each garment fulfills a very specific function to ward off the harsh weather conditions.
1. The technical undergarment
First layer in direct contact with the skin, the bike underwear offers ultra-fast perspiration evacuation. Made from an especially breathable fabric, it transfers moisture away from the textile fibers and keeps you dry. Its high collar and long sleeves help regulate body heat.
A crucial role so that effort does not rhyme with discomfort!
2. The long sleeve cycling jersey
The second layer to put on the chest is the classic cycling jersey. If it exists in a short-sleeved version for the summer, it is worn with the long sleeves when the climate cools.
Its role? Retain the heat produced by the body. Lined with a fleece membrane, it has a thermal regulating function essential to stay warm throughout the bike ride.
The winter cycling jersey will provide you with real thermal comfort.
3. The thermal jacket
The thermal jacket is the cyclist's best friend in winter, right after his bike! This third and final layer is meant to protect you from the cold, but also from possible bad weather.
It consists of breathable fibers and a windproof and waterproof membrane to prevent air and rain from penetrating the fabric. A key cycling garment for riding in winter!
What cycling clothing for the lower body in winter
Long strappy tights
When the temperatures are chilly, or even freezing, you may be tempted to wear big, fleecy cycling pants to snuggle in. But that's a really bad idea: as you sweat, the fiber will absorb sweat without wicking it away. To keep your legs warm and dry, the solution is to wear winter tights, or long shorts. Most models will allow you to pedal in cold weather even when temperatures are negative.
Our Ekoï Pro Gel Memory Comfort Evo tights, for example, offer effective protection down to -10 degrees thanks to its fleece-lined thermal fiber.
Enough to make the most of December, January and February!"
The full-body cycling suit
Another option is to put your traditional "thermal jacket + tights" outfit on the back burner and adopt the ultimate cycling look: the full-body suit. Made up of a single piece, this garment has the same benefits: breathability, thermal insulation, flexibility.
Adopted by many road racers, the cycling suit will provide you with comfort, warmth and aesthetics. It is worn over technical underwear and, if needed, with a thermal jacket.
What cycling accessories to protect your extremities from the cold?
Winter gloves for hands
As you might expect, summer mittens just aren't enough for riding in cold weather. You need a full-face glove that covers the knuckles while providing a good grip on the handlebars. There are a variety of gloves that offer varying degrees of protection depending on the climate.
Versatile cycling gloves made of water-repellent, soft, breathable lycra allow you to ride in temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees. To train in colder conditions, down to 0 degrees, choose a pair of neoprene gloves that retain hand warmth.
Do your hands regularly suffer from the cold despite proper winter gear? Discover our heated gloves Ekoï Heat Concept 5. With its 3 heating intensities, this glove is ideal for fighting the cold down to -20 degrees. A must have for cold weather cyclists!
Foot socks, shoes and shoe covers
To bike in the winter and protect your feet from the cold, you'll need the following accessories:
a pair of high socks designed to withstand extreme temperatures;
winter cycling shoes for mountain biking, gravel, or cyclocross;
thermal, waterproof shoe covers or toe covers, to slip on over the shoe.
The thermal head cap or headband
When cycling in the cold, it is imperative to cover your ears well as they are sensitive organs. To do this, equip yourself with a thermal headband: it will provide excellent insulation while preventing you from overheating.
If the temperatures are really too low, the underhelmet cap is the solution. It wraps your head to protect it completely and slips easily under the helmet thanks to its thin fabric.
Last accessory favored by cyclists in mid-season as well as in winter: the neck strap. This tube helps protect the throat, neck and nape of the neck from unpleasant drafts. It will be your best ally in the descents of collars or facing the gusts.
No more excuses to continue training when it's chilly: dressed with these winter cycling clothes, you are ready to ride well warm.
