Best cold weather cycling gear for autumn and winter
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We might well be kissing goodbye to the warm, long days of summer, but cycling over autumn and winter can offer its own joys...if you have the right kit that is. Let’s be honest no-one enjoys riding with wet shoes, shivering down descents or facing a chilly commute clad in their summer gear.
From toe covers and waterproof gloves to base layers and rain jackets, there are a number of cycling products that vary from the cold weather essentials to those that will just make life a bit more comfortable when the weather isn’t playing ball.
Remember the saying “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”? Well, we tend to agree, and with cycling brands and cold weather specialists having thrown all their technical know-how into a mix of products, there’s now more options than ever to keep you toasty and dry.
So don’t hang up your wheels when the temperature starts to drop and the nights get longer, instead treat yourself to some smart cycling kit designed for inclement weather. We’ve tested a variety to bring you a selection of our favourites for the months ahead.
Thermal Arm and Leg Warmers
Investing in a pair of arm and leg warmers is a sound idea, especially when it comes to cycling in unpredictable British weather. If you’re starting out early, chances are it’ll be chilly even if sunshine and warmth are forecast for later in the day.
That’s where a good pair of arm and leg warmers like these thermal options from Rapha come into play. Simply slip them on over your arms or legs and let the elasticated gripper hold them in place until you’re ready to pull them off again. We were impressed with the warmth of these - a brush backed fabric makes them really cosy. The fabric was stretchy enough for pulling on, but didn’t bunch up when we rode.
Castelli Emergency Rain Jacket
A decent rain jacket is a bad weather staple. One that folds down into a jersey pocket, like this Castelli version, is a dream. Easy to pop on over other layers, the waterproof and windproof jacket is a great autumn and winter cycling essential to have on hand for any surprise showers.
It’s light, close fitting enough not to flap in the wind and folds down easily to be stashed away. Go for the fluro yellow option for added visibility on your winter commute.
Unisex Pro Mesh Long Sleeve Base Layer
A decent base layer will see you through numerous autumn and winter cycling sessions. Le Col’s breathable long sleeve base layer cleverly combines a tighter mesh knit on areas that need extra coverage, such as the arms, with wider mesh loop sections on the back, where sweat tends to gather. Woven in one piece from a hydrophobic material composition, it’s comfortable against the skin and retains anti-odour properties.
Specialized Torch 3.0 Road Shoes
Whether it’s time to replace your worn out cycling shoes or you fancy a change for the new season, the Torch 3.0 from Specialized are sure to see you through plenty of cold weather miles and beyond. Both light (248g per shoe) and stiff, they offer great power transfer, while the Boa fastening system allows you to really fine tune the fit. For better visibility, go for the Hyper shade option.
SunGod Vulcans
Thought sunglasses were just for the summer? Think again. When it comes to cycling, sunglasses do more than just protect your eyes from bright rays. There’s all that dirt, grit and even bugs to contend with on roads and trails, and the low sun can be blinding come autumn and winter.
Not only can you personalise all components of these SunGod sunglasses, they also come with a lifetime guarantee. We loved the British brand’s photochromatic lenses and how they seamlessly adjusted from bright sunshine to shadow. We were also impressed by their fit and lightness - so good as to forget we were even wearing them at times.
Infrared Crew Socks
As soon as the temperature starts to drop, the first thing to reach for are a good, warm pair of cycling socks. While this pair from KYMIRA Sport aren’t cheap they do come with some impressive claims. According to the brand, the Kynergy Infrared technology within the socks’ fabric - which takes wasted energy and converts it into infrared light - boosts circulation. This in turn is said to aid with temperature regulation and speed up recovery.
Ribbed cuffs and a cushioned heel and toe section provide support and comfort, while we really appreciated how slimline these are given the warmth they provide.
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Cycle Glove
A brand that’s synonymous with cold weather products is Sealskinz, and these unisex waterproof cycling gloves tick a lot of boxes. They’re cosy, breathable, windproof and durable. A velcro strap on the inner wrist can easily be adjusted to make them tighter, even when using another gloved hand.
Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the design, with both the thumb and index finger featuring a touch screen friendly pad, while a suede-like panel can be used as a wiper and a reflective strip across the top of the glove adds to visibility. Importantly, although these are a substantial cycling glove for when temperatures really drop, they’re not stiff so you can stay in control of shifting gears and braking.
Rapha Pro Team Insulated Gilet
This gilet from Rapha may come with a steep price tag but it’s certainly a piece of cycling kit that you’ll get endless use out of every autumn and winter. Polartec Alpha insulation offers a super soft inner layer on the front (like down but not as bulky), which combined with a windproof section keeps the chest warm.
We loved how light and fast drying the material was, as well as how easily it packs down. It is close-fitting so if you’re not a fan of a race fit, maybe try the others in the Rapha range. It’s hugely versatile and we’d reach for it on cafe stops, cool autumnal mornings and over a some layers come winter.
Giesswein Eisenstein Neck Warmer
A simple but crucial piece of cycling gear when the winds pick up and the cold sets in is a dependable buff or neckwarmer. We loved the softness and warmth of this one made from high quality merino wool, that can also be machine washed. It’s responsibly sourced too, with Giesswein supporting a no mulesing process, local production in Austria, use of 100% renewable resources and recyclable packaging.
Cycle Toe Covers II
Triathlon brand HUUB might be better known for their wetsuits, but they also have a cycling offering that’s worth checking out. We were big fans of these waterproof neoprene toe covers, designed to protect the end of your shoes and the part of your feet most exposed to the elements.
These slipped on nicely, stayed put and had a sleek look to them. For those who find a full overshoe a bit of a fuss or simply for those days when it would be overkill, a pair of toe covers is a great addition to your autumn/winter cycling wardrobe.
Grand Tour IW Jacket
Presca and its CEO, Robert Webbon, an environmental scientist, have been ahead of the curve when it comes to fusing cycling apparel with a more sustainable approach. We’re very impressed with their IW - or Inclement Weather - jackets, crafted mainly from recycled polyester and recycled nylon.
Featuring a waterproof membrane and windproof fabrics, the jacket also has deep rear pockets, a reflective strip and a padded zip guard at the neck for comfort. Not only does the brand make use of recycled fabrics but they also use renewable energy and an ethical supply chain to manufacture the jackets in Europe.
Dhb Aeron Rain Defence Polartec Jacket
Both wind and water resistant, dhb’s rain defence jacket, which uses advanced fabric technology from Polartec, is a great cycling jacket to crack out when the forecast isn’t so great. Although, it feels pretty light, there is a layer of insulation that keeps you warm and comfortable, while the rear pockets benefit from a storm cover to keep any water from running into them.
ASSOS Mille GT Winter Bib Tights
If you’re looking for a quality pair of bib tights to get you through the chilly days of autumn and the downright uncomfortable winter temperatures, then this pair from ASSOS is a great choice.
Incorporating the Swiss technical engineering the cycling brand is known for, the bib tights are compressive in all the right areas without being too tight. Well crafted with a super chamois, the brand’s offerings are known to last so these should see you through a good number of winters.
Gore Wear Phantom Gore-Tex Infinium Jacket
A top choice amongst cyclists, Gore Wear is a popular choice for gear when it comes to facing cooler, and unpredictable, weather conditions. This jacket is both windproof and water repellent, with a nice thickness to the material which sits snugly but has a relaxed fit. Not only will the jacket offer protection on chilly, wet days, it’s also a versatile piece, with detachable sleeves that can be zipped off to transform it into a short sleeve jersey.
Rainproof Essentials Case
Forget stuffing your phone into a plastic sandwich bag before shoving it into a jersey pocket. Try something a bit more sophisticated with Rapha’s Essentials Case, which comes in five stylish shades including dark green, navy and mauve. Inside the waterproof coated case, there’s a divider and a zipped pocket, making it easy to store and organise your essentials such as phone, keys and cards.
Verdict:
Given their versatility, price point and ability to work with other items already in your cycling wardrobe, our top pick has to be the Rapha Arm and Leg Warmers. We also loved how light and easy it was to pack the Castelli Emergency Rain Jacket, covering you for any unexpected showers or chills.