Tips For Dressing For Winter Riding

We've been offering winter cycling clothing and accessories for a while now.  It's actually where we got our start in the clothing realm.  Good, solid kit is hard to find and too often too expensive.  For those of us that live where winters are a bit harsh, to put it nicely, so we aren't on the road nearly as often as the other 3 seasons.  So why spend 3x the money for winter gear that you wear only a fraction of the time?

With all of that said, what should you wear while riding?  What is the best garment that everyone must have for winter riding?  Guess what....that's all up to you.  What works for one rider in winter, won't for the other.  NO MATTER WHAT THE BIG BRANDS SAY.  Everyone has a winter riding guide on what combo they offer will be the best for this temp range or that temp range.  The guides are really GUIDELINES or SUGGESTIONS.  Not a one suggestion fits all.   

  Here's a few tips on how to get it right.

1. Dress with your head and not your heart.  Looking at the weather report may make you overdress as you dread those cool breezes on your back and neck.  Don't overdress and be weighted down.  And don't underdress where you'll be hating life.  Find that balance.  

2. Expect to be cold the first few miles of your ride.  Your body will be in a bit of shock when you hit road.  Once those legs start spinning for a bit, your heart will pump and your body will warm up.  Being overdressed once you do warm up will make your clothes soggy and heavy with sweat (no matter how much they wick moisture).  

3. What works for you likely won't work for others.  My best and longest riding buddy runs cold.  In 60 degree weather with sun he will wear full bib tights and a winter jersey.  There's no way I could ride in that gear with in 60 degrees.  But he likes the comfort of it.  Don't give in to peer cycling pressure.  Dress yourself.

4.Breathability and warmth are on opposite ends of the spectrum, NO MATTER WHAT THE BIG BRANDS SAY.  It more often than not means the more breathable it is, the less warm you may be.  

Dress with what makes you feel comfortable and warm. It may take some trial and error but you'll dial it in.

Ride warm, Ride on!