How to Dress for Cold Weather Cycling

It’s that time of year to bust out the winter cycling gear.  Note:  I live in Southern California so all these recommendations are good for 40 degrees and up.  I’m way too wimpy to ride outdoors when it’s below 40.  Here are some tips on How to Dress for Cold Weather Cycling.

My Basic Philosophy

The most common mistake for beginner cyclists is to overdress.  Remember, your body creates a lot of heat and will warm up fast as soon as you start riding.  So don’t dress for the first 5 minutes and roast the rest of your ride. This is a trial-and-error so just play around until you find the right mix for the weather.  Here’s a trick, wear clothing you can peel off and store in your jersey pockets

How to Dress for Cold Weather Cycling: Here’s The 9 Items You’ll Need For Cold Weather Cycling

Embarking on chilly cycling adventures? Don’t let the cold weather deter you! Learn how to stay warm and comfortable with these essential tips on dressing for cold-weather cycling. Here’s a comprehensive guide outlining the 9 must-have items to keep you cozy and protected on your rides.

1. The Weather.com App and look at the weather forecast by the hour if things look dicey and dress accordingly.

2. Beanie. This is the most important item in my cold-weather arsenal.  You lose the most heat from your head. Castelli and Louis Garneau are the best manufacturers of garments for cold weather.

3. Full-fingered gloves with a touchscreen feature so you can use your phone without taking off your gloves. We’ve meticulously reviewed, rated, and ranked some of the top models for winter cycling gloves. Stay warm and keep your hands protected during chilly rides with our expert recommendations

4. Arm Warmers. The beauty of arm warmers for cycling is that they turn a short-sleeved jersey into a long-sleeve jersey and can be pulled off and stored in your jersey pocket if you get too warm. There are various thicknesses available so you can find the one that best matches your climate. While we haven’t reviewed any arm and leg warmers ourselves, road.cc provides the best articles on them.

5. Leg Warmers. Like arm warmers, you can peel them off if you get too warm and stash them in your jersey pockets for the remainder of your ride.  

6. Undershirt. I have 2 sleeveless undershirts. One that’s pretty thin and one that’s thicker for colder days. The best undershirt for winter cycling provides warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable throughout your ride. Stay tuned as we are still about to explore some top picks to enhance your cold-weather cycling experience!

7. Jacket. Make sure you buy a cycling-specific jacket so you don’t overheat (please don’t wear a puffy coat) and you can put it in your jersey pockets if you get too warm. Of course, you can stay ahead of the winter chill with the Castelli Perfetto ROS Jacket—a top-tier jacket designed specifically for winter cycling. Combining cutting-edge insulation, weatherproofing, and ventilation features, it’s engineered with 100% wind protection with GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in the toughest conditions.

8. Winter socks. You’ll thank yourself on cold days for buying cycling-specific winter socks. Ensure comfort and warmth on frosty rides with cycling-specific winter socks tailored to keep your feet cozy and protected from the biting cold. Trust me, when the temperatures drop, you’ll be glad you made this investment in your cycling gear arsenal.

9. Toe Covers. Don’t let chilly toes ruin your ride! These handy accessories easily slip over the front of your shoes, providing essential insulation and keeping your toes snug and comfortable during those frosty cycling sessions. Invest in toe covers like this Pearl Izumi AmFIB and ensure warmth and comfort every time you hit the road, even on the coldest of days.

Now, what am I missing? Please leave a comment and let me know your thoughts, suggestions, or any other products you’d like us to cover in the future. Your feedback is invaluable to us!

John