Ultimate Guide to Winter Cycling Gear: What to Wear for Cold Weather Rides

Cold hands, wet feet, and gloomy conditions make cycling in winter less appealing for many. But as an athlete looking to get a competitive edge, training in the winter will help you perform better when warmer weather arrives. You just need the right cycling gear to keep you moving comfortably in the wind, rain, and cold. 

Stay warm, dry, and focused in any wintry weather conditions with our kit recommendations. 

The Importance of Layers: Base, Mid and Outer

You might think multiple layers will weigh you down and cause drag when moving at speed. But if you head out for a long-distance session in only a thermal top, you will soon start feeling cold and wet if the weather takes a turn. 

Having multiple layers to hand will help you stay warm and comfortable in any weather. With cycling-specific, lightweight layers, you won’t be weighed down, you can just add or remove as you need. Well-designed layers ensure the core temperature of your body is maintained, reducing the need to adjust your pace to find a happy medium.

For better winter riding, we recommend wearing three main layers: a base layer, a mid-layer (such as a cycling jersey), and an outer layer (like a cycling jacket). 

Base Layer

A good base layer is designed to keep your core temperature stable, which is important for performance and recovery. Also a base layer helps to transport moisture away from the skin which helps to keep body temperature stable and not get cold. For maximum warmth, a long-sleeved base layer is best.

Worn close to the skin, these layers are your first barrier against the elements. Choosing an item made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials will help you stay warm without overheating or becoming uncomfortable. Thermo-stretch fabrics, windproof protection, and minimized or flatlock seams will also help you perform in wintry conditions. 

Mid Layer

Short-sleeved jerseys will already be a staple of your summer riding wardrobe. At all times of year, cycling jerseys should be close-fitting and lightweight, with multiple pockets to help you carry your essentials comfortably. 

Though any cycling jersey will help you stay warm and dry when worn over a base layer, for athletes dedicated to all-weather performance, a long-sleeved jersey is a worthwhile investment. With extra arm protection, they can be worn alone for cool sessions. Plus, fleece-lined options will keep you warm in the worst weather. 

Outer Layer

Cycling jackets will help protect you from rain, sleet, or snow showers. Your first defense against the worst weather, the ideal soft shell options are lightweight with some water resistance and wind proofing. If you are facing a cold windy but dry ride you should go for a windproof soft shell option that's lightweight with some water resistance. If the weather might turn you should bring your waterproof packable shell jacket so that you're protected once it starts raining. Without restricting your movement, design features like a high collar, dropped tail, and long sleeves will keep your whole body protected from rain and cold. 

They also have extra pockets, which is useful for long-distance or all-day riders plus having pockets on your outer layer means that you won't have to unzip to get access to your jersey pockets. Thermal fleece linings are an added layer of warmth and over-the-helmet hoods will stop any moisture or cold from getting on your head and neck. If you’re touring, going on a training trip, or commuting, then choose a packable jacket with water proof and soundproof for easy-to-carry protection. 

Plus, look for elements like reflective detailing or neon colors. These will help you be seen in the low-light conditions of winter. 

Breathable Fabrics for Warmth

Choosing cycling layers made from breathable fabrics is just as important in winter as in summer. By releasing warmth from the inside while keeping the wet and cold out, breathable materials keep your core temperature comfortable. 

This fabric is also breathable, meaning any sweat or internal dampness is managed away. This helps reduce the risk of chaffing or rubbing as you move and reduces the chance of cooling out due to sweated through layers. A factor that’s particularly important if an item is being worn next to the skin. 

GOREWEAR thermo layers combine this breathability with the extra warmth of a fleece lining, helping your skin stay comfortable at all times. Similarly, items with WINDSTOPPPER technologies protect from the wind without causing drag, helping you stay warm when moving at speed. 

Cycling Legwear: Finding the Right Coverage

If you’re a fan of wearing bib shorts in warm weather, then you may worry about tights restricting your movement. However, once you try a high-quality pair of bib tights, they’ll likely become a staple in your winter riding kit bag. 

Bib Shorts

On milder days, bib shorts will be enough to keep you moving at your best. Choose shorts with lightweight, breathable fabrics, a strong anchoring system, and gender-specific foam padding to stay comfortable even on long rides. Features like grips and bib straps will keep your shorts in place and avoid discomfort or rucking as you move. 

Bib Tights

For the coldest and wettest weather, having a pair of bib tights to hand is a good option. Items with stretchy materials that have thermal, windproof, and water-resistant qualities will keep your legs protected and moving freely. With full leg coverage, extra features that benefit endurance riders include reflective details and inserts with thermal or water-resistant properties. 

If you want slightly more protection than shorts without overheating, then three-quarter-length tights are an ideal in-between. For commuters heading out in the early morning or in uncertain weather, items with high-quality, comfortable chamois, breathable fabrics, and shin-length coverage are handy to have in your kit bag. 

Essential Winter Accessories 

Even if your torso, arms, and legs are covered, your extremities can be the first to feel the cold weather. Your hands and feet are key contact points with the bike, and you’ll naturally lose a lot of heat from your head. 

To keep everything covered, warm, and dry, athletes might consider investing in the following items for riding in the winter season: 

• Headwear: protect from rain and cold without changing the fit of your helmet

• Warmers: these give your limbs and joints extra warmth and protection

• Gloves: this helps your fingers and palms keep grip on long winter rides

• Thermo Socks: keep your feet comfortable in any weather, on any route

• Overshoes: an extra layer of protection against sleet and rain

• Sunglasses: keep glare, mud, and rain out of your eyes 

Designed with all-weather cyclists, GOREWEAR winter riding accessories have thermal and water-repellent properties. So you can be sure they’ll help you ride through wind, cold, and rain comfortably. 

Headwear 

If left uncovered, you can lose a large amount of heat from your head. So finding headwear that will keep you warm and dry without causing discomfort under your helmet is essential for winter riding. 

Caps, beanies, and balaclavas are all potential options. The cycling caps are useful for keeping any glare or rain out of your eyes. Similarly, balaclavas will give extra coverage and warmth to your face and neck, which is particularly helpful when cycling into a headwind. 

Cycling beanies also protect your head under your helmet and look great when you’re relaxing post-ride (they’re ideal for covering helmet hair). Choose options made from lightweight, breathable, and thermal materials for maximum comfort.

Warmers

For cycling in transitional seasons or unpredictable weather, having warmers in your jersey or jacket pockets means you’ve got extra warmth on hand whenever you need it. 

When it’s windy, sleeting, or raining, cold and wetness can quickly catch your neck under your helmet. In particularly bad conditions, this can seep into your jersey or base layers and cause further discomfort. Neck warmers made from breathable thermal fleece offer an extra layer of warmth and protection. 

Your arms and knees can quickly start feeling the effects of exposure to wintry conditions. Warmers can help you keep moving comfortably for long periods in any weather. 

Arm warmers are handy items to have from fall through to spring. Slip them on with your short-sleeved jersey in sudden showers or cool mornings.

Similarly, knee warmers can be easily worn alone or over other layers whenever the weather conditions change. These joints are key to keeping your pedals moving, so choosing items with pre-shaped knees and grippers will ensure a secure, comfortable fit. 

Gloves

Your fingers and palms are essential contact points with your bike. In control of your brakes and handlebars, they mustn’t lose grip or freedom of movement. Sitting at the front of your bike, they’re also a part of your body that’s highly exposed to the elements. 

For the best combination of protection and flexibility, choose lightweight fleece-lined gloves. Full-fingered options give you maximum coverage while allowing you to grip and feel your bike’s controls. Items made from wind and waterproof materials with elastic cuffs will stop any moisture or cold from getting to your hands. 

Socks

Close to the ground and in contact with your pedals, your shoes and feet are the first to be exposed to any mud, moisture, or grit. As one of the hardest working parts of your body, they’re also likely to get sweaty in your shoes. 

To prevent chaffing on endurance rides, GOREWEAR socks are made from fabrics with highly moisture-wicking technology. Durable items made from breathable, thermal materials that cover up to the ankle will help keep your feet warm and comfortable during long winter rides.

Overshoes

Rain or melted snow can soon get into your shoes and cause discomfort, particularly if conditions are stormy or you’re out for an endurance session. Overshoes are an extra level of protection against the worst weather. Available for both clip and clipless shoes and pedals, choose the right option for your system to get the best coverage.

Made from a single piece of material, the Shield Thermo Overshoes fit closely and smoothly on your foot. With just one zipper placed away from the Achilles tendon, these items will keep your feet completely protected while being easy to get on and off. 

For deep winter riding, Sleet Insulated Overshoes offer the ultimate warmth and protection against wind and wet. Durable, waterproof, and windproof while still being breathable, you can keep pedaling in any weather for hours at a time without feeling any discomfort. 

Glasses 

Clear glasses protect your eyes from any spray that could take your eyes away from the road or trail ahead of you. As you’re more likely to encounter mud and grit off-road, they’re particularly important for cross-country or mountain bikers. 

Though low-light conditions are common in winter, investing in a tinted pair will stop your eyes from feeling the effects of any glare from snow or reflections on wet roads. This is particularly important if you’re heading out on long rides or challenging trails, where your eyes are more likely to tire. 

Ride Well in All Weathers

With the right items in your cycling kit bag, you’ll be ready to hit the road or trails in rain, wind and cold. Heading out in winter will make you a better athlete. It’ll give you the edge over your competitors and build your resilience so you can take on whatever your next cycling challenge throws at you.