Winter road cycling clothing: These 10 pieces you need in your wardrobe

Dec 12, 2024 10 min

Winter road cycling clothing: These 10 pieces you need in your wardrobe

It's almost that time again – the cold season is approaching. Many of you are likely already thinking about how to bundle up as warmly as possible to withstand the icy cold.

That makes it even more important to invest in breathable cycling clothing for winter. Here, quality really pays off! We've listed the 10 essential pieces of clothing for winter and tested suitable products for you.

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Which cycling winter clothing is best?

Warm cycling clothing is essential in winter. There are many different ways to dress optimally for rides in freezing temperatures. Ideally, you should purchase a complete set with high-quality products that will last you a long time.

Of course, you can also opt for the layered look and wear different clothing items on top of each other. However, that might mean that you aren’t fully protected from wind, water, and cold.

Here are our favorites:

1. Baselayer (functional underwear)

Baselayers are, as the name suggests, the foundation for winter. The breathable functional underwear sits directly on your skin and transports moisture outward while keeping you warm.

Our favorite model right now is the AGU Winterday Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve for around $65.00. It is made from merino wool, dries quickly, regulates temperature, and is very breathable.

Baselayers come in many varieties, for example, short-sleeved ones for other seasons. Popular brands include GOREWEAR or Decathlon’s own label, Van Rysel (starting from $30.00!).

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2. Thermo long-sleeve jerseys

Now let’s talk about long jerseys. They are an essential part of thermo clothing for cycling and serve as a kind of "midlayer" between the baselayer and thermo jacket.

A clear favorite here is the Isadore Signature Deep Winter Long Sleeve Jersey for $195.00 in Sea Moss or Ecru Olive colors. It is Isadore's warmest jersey and will carry you through the deepest winter. The same model is also available for women.

This jersey is designed for temperatures between 32 °F and 54 °F. While it isn’t as wind- and waterproof as other models, with a suitable thermo jacket, you can easily ride in freezing temperatures and changeable weather.

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Check out our article about cycling in winter.

3. Wind- and waterproof cycling jacket or vest

Q36.5 Adventure Winter Jacket Australian Green

A wind- and water-resistant cycling winter jacket is another basic worth having. Such a jacket insulates extremely well and keeps you dry and warm.

Our recommendation: The Q36.5 Adventure Winter Jacket for $295.00. It can really withstand all weather conditions – it's waterproof, windproof, and retains heat.

Another bonus: The jacket weighs only 285 grams (in size M)! According to the manufacturer, it has a "body temperature stability guarantee" from 23 °F to 46 °F and is available in different colors. The same model is also available for women.

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If you'd rather wear a vest, the AGU Padded Vest Performance might be a good choice for you. It costs around $140.00 and is equipped with the latest technologies and materials.

The body consists of a combination of special graphene fabric and nylon, making the jacket extremely water-resistant. At the same time, it is breathable, regulates warmth, and feels smooth.

Additionally, the zipper has a chin guard, and the seams are ultrasonically welded to keep the fabric free of holes where water or wind could enter.

By the way, the vest can withstand temperatures down to -14 °F, and the same model is also available for women.

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4. Long cycling pants with or without braces

Löffler M BIKE BIB TIGHTS WS ELASTIC Windstopper Long Bib Tights — Löffler M BIKE BIB TIGHTS WS ELASTIC

Another important component of a winter cycling kit is winter cycling pants with a fleece lining and padding for longer rides. Such pants are available with or without braces (we recommend a model with braces).

At Rose Bikes, you can find the Löffler BIKE BIB TIGHTS WS ELASTIC (for both men and women) for around $165.00. The pants feature a windproof "WINDSTOPPER SOFTSHELL WARM BY GORE-TEX LABS," and the back is lined with warming thermo inner fabric.

The PFC-FREE finish protects you from splashes, and the integrated comfort elastic pad ensures comfortable rides. Additionally, the pants also have some reflective design elements, which are particularly important in winter. Good to know: They are made from recycled materials!

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5. Cycling shoes or thermo overshoes for winter

A warm cycling winter outfit naturally also includes the right shoes. You can find cheap models starting from $99.00, but especially in winter, you shouldn't skimp on spending if you want to stay warm. In any case, the shoes must be waterproof and windproof and offer good insulation.

We have tested the best cycling shoes for winter, check it out here!

If you'd rather wear overshoes instead of buying a completely new pair of winter shoes, we can recommend the Gorewear Sleet-Insulated Overshoes for around $99.00.

They are made from neoprene and other well-insulating materials, making them quite durable. Your feet will stay nice and dry and warm even in rain, wind, and cold.

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6. Winter cycling gloves

Of course, you'll definitely need a thick, wind- and water-resistant pair of winter cycling gloves. It’s not always easy to find a model that matches your personal sensitivity to cold – but once you find the perfect gloves, you won’t regret the purchase.

We can definitely recommend the GripGrab Ride Winter Cycling Gloves and four other models – take a look at our related blog post!

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We tested the 5 best cycling gloves for winter.

7. Socks made of merino wool

To keep your feet warm, winter socks made from merino wool are worth it. Take a look at the AGU Winter Merino Socks, which come in a 2-pack for around $27.00.

They are lightweight, breathable, have a special insole for more comfort, and are suitable for temperatures between 14 °F and 46 °F. If your feet tend to get cold quickly, you can also add thermal foot warmers to your shoes.

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8. Cycling cap or headband

A thin, insulating hat or headband under your helmet protects your head and ears from wind and cold.

Under no circumstances should you simply pull any winter hat under your helmet. The helmet might easily shift while riding or in case of a fall, since it isn’t designed for normal hats!

With the VAUDE Bike Cap Winter Hat, you're on the safe side. It keeps you warm and costs between $15.00 and $25.00 depending on size and color. There are also models available in black/neon yellow that increase your visibility on darker days.

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Cycling in winter: Here are valuable tips for the cold season!

If you'd prefer to wear a headband, we can recommend the MAAP Thermal Wool Headband for $32.00. This headband not only comes in four different colors, but is also partially made from merino wool, easily stretches, and optimally regulates both moisture and warmth.

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9. Neck warmer or scarf

The Buff Merino Wool Thermal BLACK Neck Warmer

Most of the time, the collar of a winter jacket or long sleeve isn't enough to protect your face from icy cold. A neck warmer or scarf that you can pull up when needed is worth it here. Take a look at the Buff Thermal Merino Wool Neck Warmer for around $33.00. It is made from 100% merino wool and has excellent heat insulation.

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10. Cycling glasses

Last but not least, you should consider investing in a high-quality pair of cycling glasses. While they might not be cheap, they are worth it and will accompany you (with proper care) for many years.

If you've been cycling without cycling glasses or only with regular sunglasses, you're going to love the Alba Optics DELTA SEA VZUM F LENS BTL for $209.00! These glasses not only look stylish but also feature photochromatic lenses.

If you're not familiar with the term: these are self-tinting sunglasses with a special coating on the surface. When you’re riding in sunlight, they automatically tint dark, and when there is no sun or when you're riding in darkness, the lenses are clear.

Your eyes are protected in any case. Brilliant, right? This way, cold winds, rain, and snow stand no chance!

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Warm cycling clothing is always worth it in winter

As you can see, it's worth investing in high-quality cycling clothing for cold weather. Of course, this isn’t exactly cheap, but typically these pieces will keep you cozy warm for many winters.

Speaking of winter: are you still looking for the perfect bike for the cold season? Then check out buycycle – there is a huge selection of road bikes, MTBs, and gravel bikes available second-hand!

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Winter road cycling clothing: These 10 pieces you need in your wardrobe

Which cycling winter clothing is best?

1. Baselayer (functional underwear)

2. Thermo long-sleeve jerseys

3. Wind- and waterproof cycling jacket or vest

4. Long cycling pants with or without braces

5. Cycling shoes or thermo overshoes for winter

6. Winter cycling gloves

7. Socks made of merino wool

8. Cycling cap or headband

9. Neck warmer or scarf

10. Cycling glasses

Warm cycling clothing is always worth it in winter

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