When you go cycling during the winter, sooner or later you end up encountering two types of cyclists. You might even be one of them. On one hand, there are those who, before leaving the house, put on layer after layer of clothing as if they were going to climb Everest: a couple of shirts underneath, jersey, vest, winter jacket, another jacket just in case, two pairs of gloves, knee warmers, balaclava for the head... And in the jersey pocket, they never forget a raincoat and an extra thermal shirt just in case. They are so bundled up that they could just as easily go cycling as set out to conquer the South Pole. On the other hand, there are those who don't seem to care about the cold and go out with a short-sleeved jersey, their summer bib shorts, and little else. Maybe a thin jacket in case it's windy or some arm warmers to cover their arms at most, and that's it. Their argument is usually that "then I warm up when I'm on the bike and everything else is too much".
Getting ready to go cycling in the spring and summer months is actually relatively simple. All you need is a thin, comfortable short-sleeved jersey and bib shorts that don't cause chafing. But in winter, things get more complicated. Cold, rain, and wind are not a cyclist's best friends. Sometimes we might make the mistake of underdressing when choosing what to wear for cycling, risking catching a cold. On other occasions, we might be overly cautious and suffer from heat because we're wearing too many layers.
👉 How to prepare for cycling in winter
How should we dress to go cycling during the winter months? Below, we share some guidelines that may be useful to equip your wardrobe so you can keep enjoying cycling between November and February.
The three-layer theory
It is important for the body to maintain an appropriate temperature. This is easy to understand: in winter it's cold and we need to stay warm. However, there is a detail we must not forget. In winter we not only have to protect ourselves from low temperatures, but also from humidity. Both the humidity that may come from outside through wind or rain, and the humidity generated inside by sweat. That is why, in addition to using clothing that insulates and keeps us warm, it is also very important that it is breathable and allows sweat to evaporate from the body to the outside. Just as in summer logic dictates that we go out with a short-sleeved jersey and traditional shorts, there are no specific clothing rules for winter. First, because cold and humidity conditions are not the same everywhere. And second, because we are not all equally sensitive to low temperatures. However, there is a basic recommendation we can follow to cover the body and protect ourselves from winter weather: dress in layers. When choosing what clothes to wear, it is recommended to use three layers. Normally 3 layers. The first layer helps us create a microclimate and move the moisture produced by sweat away from the skin. The most advisable thing is to use a thermal shirt. It can be long-sleeved or short-sleeved, depending on how comfortable we feel with one or the other and the garment we use for the second layer. The second layer serves to retain heat and thus prevent temperature loss. We can use a specific winter jersey or, if we wear a long-sleeved thermal shirt and it is not excessively cold, the classic summer jersey. The third layer aims to insulate us from the cold, wind, and external humidity. We can use a vest, a specific jacket, a windbreaker, or a raincoat. It is important that all 3 layers are able to evaporate moisture from the inside, so the clothing should be breathable. Sweat is one of the worst enemies of cycling in winter, since we can get cold if too much moisture accumulates near the skin.
Use specific cycling clothing, not clothing from other sports
When it comes to buying clothes for cycling in winter, it is better to focus on quality rather than quantity. It’s not about buying a lot of warm clothes, but about going out with the right gear so that we feel comfortable when we go on a route or training. It is better to buy specific cycling clothing than multisport or other sportswear. A common mistake among beginners in cycling is using neoprene or mountain jackets for cycling. Although this clothing is lightweight and protects us from external cold and moisture, it is actually designed to be used in very different conditions than riding a bike. A hiker climbing a mountain on foot does not sweat the same as a cyclist climbing a pass or doing a trail route. On the other hand, the thickness or the materials used serve a different function in the same garment depending on the sport it is designed for. Neoprene, for example, is a good thermal insulator, but it does not promote breathability (except for GoreTex). It is important to remember that it’s not just about staying warm. When you’ve been on the bike for 3 hours, it’s important to feel comfortable and not have the sensation that you are missing or have too many garments. These are the basic items that should not be missing from your wardrobe if you are going to ride your bike during the winter months:
Thermal shirt
It is, without a doubt, the essential garment that every cyclist should wear when riding in winter, regardless of whether they practice road or mountain cycling. The three qualities a cycling thermal shirt must have are: breathability, warmth, and not causing chafing. The thermal shirt acts like a second skin. These shirts are usually elastic and it is advisable that they fit well to the body. If you choose a size that is too large, pockets will form between your skin and the shirt and it may not serve its purpose. But don’t forget that it should fit your skin, not compress you, so if you wear a size too small, you will be very tight and uncomfortable on the bike. You might think that for this first layer a thick undershirt or sleeveless shirt will do. It might protect you from the cold, but these types of shirts are usually made of cotton, a material that retains more moisture than the synthetic fibers of thermal shirts. This means that sweat will not be released to the outside, with the resulting risk of cooling from moisture. It is advisable to have a thin thermal shirt and a thicker one. Or a long-sleeved and a short-sleeved one, or a fitted technical tank top. This way you can combine them with your jersey depending on the cold: the thin one with a thicker jersey, or the thick long-sleeved one with a short-sleeved jersey. We insist: it is important that it is of good quality, because it is in contact with our skin.
Winter jersey or arm warmers?
A recurring question when going out in winter is the jersey. Is it better to buy a specific long-sleeved winter jersey or is it enough to get some arm warmers and keep using your usual one? Here it will depend on each person, the sensations you have, how cold you feel, and the area where you ride your bike. It’s not the same to do a route in January through the black architecture villages of inland Guadalajara at 8 degrees below zero as it is on the coast of Cádiz at 12 degrees. The important thing is that it’s a jersey. That is, a garment made for cycling, not an old sweater or a running sweatshirt. Some cyclists prefer to wear a thin jersey and arm warmers to protect their arms. Others feel more comfortable with a long-sleeved thermal shirt under a short-sleeved jersey. But most have a long-sleeved jersey, slightly thicker for days when the cold hits harder. It never hurts to have a winter jersey in your wardrobe.
Jacket, vest, and raincoat
The third layer is the one that causes us the most doubt when going out on the bike. Should we put on the vest? Is a winter cycling jacket better? Should we take out the raincoat? When deciding, keep in mind a rule that always applies: whatever you decide, more than once you’ll feel like you’ve chosen wrong. Sometimes we overdo it by putting on both vest and raincoat and end up suffering a sauna effect while climbing a mountain pass. Other times, we leave the jacket at home because it looks sunny and we end up missing it. In the end, it all depends on how you feel and the weather. If it’s raining or threatens to rain, it’s never a bad idea to pack the raincoat or windbreaker in your backpack. If it’s chilly but the sky is clear and sunny, maybe a vest will be enough. If the thermometer shows below zero temperatures, the jacket is essential. If you wear a vest, it’s essential to use arm warmers unless you have a long-sleeved jersey or a long-sleeved thermal shirt. In any case, this third clothing layer is the easiest to add or remove. If you’re in the middle of a ride, you should never stop to put on or take off a thermal shirt or jersey. However, it’s very easy to pull a raincoat or vest out of your jersey pocket to put it on. Or take off your jacket and store it in your backpack. In winter, the temperature usually changes from week to week and even from day to day. That’s why it’s advisable to have all three garments: vest, cycling jacket, and raincoat. As with the thermal shirt and jersey, buy gear that is specific for cycling. A hunting raincoat or a neoprene jacket for mountaineering are not easy to store in your jersey pocket and make it harder for sweat to evaporate.
Long bib shorts or short bib shorts with tights?
Once the issue of the upper body is resolved, let's move on to the legs. Is it essential to wear long winter bib shorts? Can you go cycling with short bib shorts and bare legs? Is it better to invest in leg warmers? Just as with the superior part of the body, when it comes to the legs, there are two factors to consider when buying specific clothing for winter cycling. On one hand, the weather conditions you will encounter during the two or three coldest months. If you live in Burgos and want to go out an average of 2 or 3 days a week, it will probably be worth spending money on a good long winter jersey. But if you live in Málaga or Huelva, you might only have one day all winter when you’ll need it, so you can manage with quality leg warmers. Your own sensations are also important. As with running, there are people who find it really uncomfortable to play sports in long pants. In any case, keep in mind that the thermal sensation you experience in your legs after 2 hours on the bike with a short jersey in winter is not exactly pleasant. Unless you live in an area where winters are mild and the temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees, the most advisable thing is to ride with your legs covered. The three most common ways to do this are as follows:
Use leg warmers and knee warmers
Just as you can use arm warmers for your arms, there are leg warmers for your legs, which can be complemented with knee warmers. The latter are a kind of knee pad that fits around the joint. An advantage of this option is that you don’t need to buy a specific long winter jersey and it will be more economical. However, it’s important that the leg warmers are good quality so they fit comfortably on your leg without moving or compressing too much. It’s also important that they’re made of a specific material for cycling. If you use cotton leg warmers, sweat won’t evaporate properly. The feeling of pedaling with your legs soaked in sweat, especially behind the knee, is not pleasant. As a disadvantage, most leg warmers are designed to cover the skin, but not to fully insulate from the cold outside. That is, on cool autumn days they’re very practical, but in December at 3 degrees and with dry wind, either of the following two options is preferable.
Wear long tights under short bib shorts
Just as some cyclists prefer to wear a long-sleeved thermal shirt under their jersey, there are also those who, for their legs, choose to wear long tights under their short bib shorts. As in the previous case, the main advantage is that we don't need to buy long bib shorts and can continue using the same short bib shorts we wear in spring and summer. It will always be more economical to buy inner tights than winter bib shorts. This option can be more practical in winter than using leg warmers and/or knee warmers. However, like everything, it is not without disadvantages. The main one is comfort. When you go on long rides or routes, it is not recommended to wear underwear under the bib shorts to avoid chafing from the seams. If you put on tights, no matter how thin they are, you are already adding a textile layer between your skin and the bib shorts, which can cause chafing. Also, it is not practical if you need to stop to go to the bathroom.
Wearing long winter bib shorts
Let's be honest: of all the specific clothing items for cycling, long bib shorts are one of the most uncomfortable. Pedaling for 3, 4, or 5 hours with your knees covered is not pleasant. However, if you live in an area where winter is not exactly mild and temperatures rarely rise above 5 degrees, long bib shorts are the best option. There are different types of winter bib shorts depending on the weather conditions they are designed for. You can find them thinner or thicker, depending on the level of insulation they offer against the wind and their efficiency in keeping your legs warm. In the end, it all depends on whether you ride in a colder area or not, and your level of tolerance to the feeling of cold in your legs. Regardless of whether you choose thinner or thicker long bib shorts, it is important that they have a high degree of elasticity and flat seams, so that they fit well with the movement of bending and stretching your legs without causing uncomfortable rubbing, especially around the knees. It is also important that the fabric is breathable, especially in the part that is in contact with your back, so that sweat does not accumulate and can be properly wicked away.
How to protect your feet from the cold
There are two parts of the body where the cold is felt more intensely when we go cycling during the winter months: the hands and the feet. Low temperatures can numb the fingers, which not only makes it harder for us to keep pedaling, but also gives us a sensation of suffering that is unnecessary. Let’s not forget that the purpose of going out on a bike is to enjoy our favorite sport. Neglecting your feet in winter can lead to partial frostbite of the toes or to suffer from chilblains, which is commonly known as 'sabañones.' The capillaries in the toes are very sensitive to cold, and continuous exposure to wind or low temperatures causes them to become inflamed, which results in pain and limits movement. There are three basic cycling garments to protect your feet when cycling in winter:
- Socks
- Shoes or boots
- Overshoes
👉 Five things you should know about cycling socks
Just as we have short-sleeved and long-sleeved jerseys, and short and long bib shorts, there are also specific winter socks available on the market. These are usually thicker and in some cases even waterproof, although this last feature is only really useful if you ride in snowy or very humid areas. Winter cycling socks have to fulfill a double function. The first is to insulate the skin from the cold outside, that is, to keep your feet warm and avoid numbness in your toes due to low temperatures. The second function is to keep your feet dry, so it’s advisable for the fabric to be breathable to allow sweat to evaporate.
Is it necessary to have winter cycling shoes?
In addition to socks, you can also find specific winter cycling shoes and mountain bike boots on the market. Is it advisable to have a pair? It depends on how cold it gets where you live and train, and especially on the type of cycling you do. If you ride in an area where winters are mild and not excessively cold, it may be enough to use overshoes. This type of accessory is like a sock that goes over the shoe to insulate it from wind and moisture. This way you can continue using the same footwear you wear in summer. In road cycling, they also offer an aerodynamic advantage, although you won’t notice this unless you’re a competitor in long-distance time trials. If you do mountain biking, especially enduro , it is preferable to buy winter footwear rather than overshoes. Why? Because in mountain biking, boots frequently rub against shrubs and branches. Also, in winter, mountain trails, tracks, and paths are usually damp and accumulate puddles and mud. And we tend to put our foot down more often. This means that overshoes end up getting scratched or torn after just a few rides. Winter mountain bike boots offer greater protection against impacts and abrasions. In addition, they are usually higher, covering up to the ankle to better insulate the foot from possible water entry. But regardless of whether you practice mountain or road cycling, if you live in an area with cold winters, you will most likely need specific footwear for this season. The explanation is simple: if your summer shoes or boots are very tight, you won't be able to wear thick socks. That’s why it’s common for some cyclists to use a larger shoe size in winter than they do for the rest of the year.
Use of gloves for winter cycling
One of the most common discomforts that cyclists suffer when we go out cycling during the winter months is swollen fingers. The hands, like the feet, are very sensitive to the cold. Hence the importance of wearing gloves. If you go out for short rides or in areas that are not excessively cold, basic thin gloves may be more than enough, although it is important that they are made of a breathable material so that sweat does not accumulate. However, if you do long rides, over 2 hours, or live in areas where winter temperatures do not rise above 5 or 6 degrees, it is advisable to wear thick gloves. And it’s important that they are specific cycling gloves. A common mistake is to use mountain or wool gloves. Yes, mountaineering gloves are thick, protect from the wind, and in case of rain, keep water out. However, in cycling it is very important that anything you wear on your hands guarantees a good feel for the controls. If your finger slips when braking or you struggle to operate the shifters because the gloves you’re wearing don’t have good grip, it can be the difference between finishing the ride safely or suffering an unfortunate (and avoidable) accident.
How to protect your head
We haven’t mentioned it so far, but it goes without saying that whether it’s winter or summer, hot or cold, rain or shine, the helmet is a mandatory and essential accessory. As for this item, the market has not yet imposed the need to have a specific winter helmet. To protect your head from the cold, there are other accessories and garments that perfectly fulfill this function. These are the ones we recommend:
Neck gaiters
The neck is a very sensitive area of the body when it comes to temperature changes. There are cyclists who prefer to go out to train or ride with their neck uncovered for the feeling. However, it is important to protect the throat from cold, water, and wind. The best option is to buy yourself a cycling neck warmer. There are different thicknesses, depending on how cold it gets in the area where you usually cycle. A thin neck warmer will protect us from the wind, but if we want to avoid the cold seeping into our throat, it's better to have two: a thin one and a thicker one. Don't buy one made of wool or cotton, because as you sweat it will create a sauna effect. The best, as with any other cycling garment, is that it is made of a breathable fabric.
Balaclavas, hats, and winter caps
For very cold days, when the thermometer approaches or drops below zero degrees, a neck warmer may not be enough. In these circumstances, you have two options:
- Wear a cycling cap along with the neck warmer
- Wear a balaclava or under-helmet cap
Winter hats or caps insulate the superior part of the head from the cold, and in some cases also serve as waterproof protection in case of rain. As for the balaclava, its advantage is that it completely covers both the head and the neck, so you don't need to wear other accessories like a neck warmer or a headband to protect your ears. On the other hand, some cyclists find it very uncomfortable to have their head so covered. Whether you prefer to wear a balaclava, a hat, or a winter cap for your head, in no case do these items replace the helmet and it is recommended that they are not excessively thick so you can comfortably wear them under the helmet.
Ear warmers or headbands
A part of the body that we often forget to protect when cycling in winter is the ears. If it's windy or the temperature is very low, the ears become an entry point for the cold, and infections of both the ears and throat are common, originating from practicing sports at low temperatures for a prolonged period with your ears exposed. With a balaclava, your ears will be covered. If you don't want to wear a balaclava, there are two recommended options:
- A winter cap with side extensions for the ears.
- A wide headband that covers the ears.
Cycling headbands or ear warmers need to be made of a thin textile material so you can wear your helmet comfortably. That's why it's not advisable to use ski ear warmers. In situations of intense cold, it may be recommended to buy a face warmer or winter cycling mask. This accessory covers both the ears and the nose and mouth and makes it easier to breathe inside the mask to prevent cold air from entering your lungs. Some balaclavas come with a face warmer function.
Other tips you should keep in mind
The main advice when buying winter clothing for cycling is that all garments should be specific for this sport. Not only because of the functionality they offer, but also because it will be more comfortable and practical to carry them in your backpack or in the jersey pocket in case the weather gets worse. We must not forget that we will be on the bike for an average of 2 to 5 hours and weather conditions may change during this time. For example, if we leave very early in the morning, it will be colder than when we return and it is possible that we will need to store the jacket on the way back. When choosing what clothes to wear, do not hesitate to pack an extra garment, both in the layers you put on your body and in the jersey pockets. In winter, it is always better to err on the side of being too warm than too cold, and it is more optimal to have to take off your vest or windbreaker halfway through the route and store it in your jersey pocket than to miss it and spend the rest of the ride shivering with cold. Another detail you should not overlook is color. Winter cycling clothing tends to be dark in color, as this way it absorbs more radiation from the sun’s rays. But it is always necessary that they have some reflective element or that one of the garments has bright colors, especially if you practice road cycling. In winter, there is less daylight and it gets dark earlier. It is important for drivers to be able to see us from afar. Finally, is it necessary to always wear all the layers and garments you leave the house with? Absolutely not. The advantage of dressing in layers is that you can take off the top one or add a new one depending on how warm you feel, the wind, the rain, or simply the moment of the ride. For example, when you are very bundled up (thermal shirt, long jersey, and jacket), many road cyclists unzip their jacket and jersey when climbing a mountain pass. What they are trying to do is avoid sweating excessively so they do not end up freezing during the descent.