Layering is the solution for the cold days
Winter is here, the new year is approaching and slowly it has become cold and clammy on the favorite roads and trails. But we cyclists are not at all willing to say goodbye to our bikes in hibernation, but would like to defy the adverse weather conditions.
The old adage applies here: there is no such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothing. Because with the right layering look (several, different layers of clothing), we can pursue our passion in wind and weather without restrictions.
Depending on individual sensibilities and preferences, the individual layers can be configured so that there are no limits to your performance or comfort. How to best dress for your next outdoor adventure, we explain here:
1. Three things for winter: Winter cycling clothing.
First of all, layering 101: Basically, three layers are enough for almost all tours and projects. The base layer, which keeps you dry, the middle layer, which keeps you warm and the top layer, which protects you from rain and wind. Ideally, you should pack the entire Holy Trinity for your trip, because depending on the weather and temperature changes, you can easily do without individual layers. Better hot&safe than cold&sorry!
2. Base layer.
The goal of this first layer is to absorb sweat and liquid from your skin and transfer it to the outside for evaporation, so you can maintain a warm and dry skin feeling. Textiles made of merino wool or propylene fibers are particularly well suited for this purpose, both of which are thermo-insulating and absorb liquid very well. The base layer is your second skin when cycling, so look for functional shirts that are also comfortable and kind to your skin for an optimal riding experience.
3. Middle layer.
The middle layer should also draw perspiration away from the skin, but above all keep you as warm as possible. Fleece shirts or jackets, or fabrics with a brushed interior, create a small air space between the first two layers, ensuring that your body heat is trapped while moisture is transferred. A mix of synthetic, durable fabrics on the outside and merino fibers on the inside are great for this. Yes, merino wool is and always will be the layering hero.
4. Top layer.
Who has made a good choice in the first two layers, should now only need a third and final layer, so as not to lose the fun of cycling even in wind and weather. This layer can be a jacket or vest, but should in any case be robust and water-repellent. Ideally, this is also breathable, sweat can get out, while rain and wind are kept away and you thus stay dry all around.
We from buycycle wish you now a lot of success with layer scouting and a lot of fun with racing and cycling: The weather can't stop you now! Happy (warm) cycyling!
Cycling Clothing for Winter | buycycle
In this ultimate guide to winter cycling, you'll find out how to best dress for the cold and rain using the onion look. From clothing to textiles, you'll learn everything you need to know to stay warm on your bike.
Winter can be a daunting task for many cyclists, as the cold temperatures and strong winds can make even the most dedicated cyclists uncomfortable. With the right bike jacket, good pants and accessories, cruising on the bike in any weather can be a little easier to manage in winter and more fun. Dressing for cycling in winter is an important issue in all conditions! It should keep them warm, dry and fit, because with the perfect bike clothing there are no limits to their adventures cycling in winter.
Winter cycling clothing
Riding on the bike in winter can be a fun and rewarding experience, but only if you are dressed for the weather. After all, your favorite mode of transportation isn't always ideal for rides in the winter season, as it sometimes doesn't stand up well to conditions like rain and snow. In this blogpost we will give you tips on what to wear when cycling in winter, whether jackets or cycling shorts and what should be their ideal equipment of accessories on the bike , so you can enjoy your ride on the bike without feeling uncomfortable.
Layers on the bike are the be-all and end-all in winter. We will explain the advantages of layered clothing and give recommendations for different textiles and materials. We'll also mention other accessories that can keep you warm while touring on your bike, such as hats, gloves and scarves. So read on to learn how you should dress for winter cycling!
The advantages of layering his bike clothes in winter
Multi-layered cycling clothing in winter has numerous advantages that can make all the difference when jetting on your bike. Layers are important because they create a barrier between your skin and the cold air, keeping you warm and insulated. It also allows you to adjust your clothing ideally to changing weather conditions and temperature fluctuations throughout the day with the omission or reapplication of layers. Perfect for cycling in winter or in the cold seasons!
How to layer your clothes when cycling in winter
Most people know that the key to protecting them from cold days is layering. However, what they may not know is how the system works. In this blog post, we'll explain how layered clothing works and give tips on what type of clothing you should typically wear to feel a little more comfortable while riding bike in the winter. So your adventure can start soon!
The most important basics for your winter cycling jersey: The onion principle applies!
The three layers in bike clothing are:
1) The baselayer - This lies on the skin and absorbs moisture. It should be made of a material that wicks away sweat and moisture, such as wool or polypropylene.
2) The midlayer - This layer attaches to the base layer and keeps you warm by trapping body heat. It should be made of a material like fleece or down.
3) The top layer - This layer usually protects you from wind and rain and should be made of a water repellent or waterproof material such as Gore-Tex or nylon.
When it comes to bike clothing, it's also important to make sure you have the right bike shorts and shoes on your bike rides: Rain pants will protect you in wet conditions, while water-resistant overshoes can also be beneficial on the bike . Bib shorts can be particularly practical, while other cycling jersey shorts have built-in seat pads for increased comfort. These also come in cool unisex colors that can increase your visibility.
Overshoes, for example, from Schöffel, keep the actual shoes warm and dry. Especially if you drive on the Gravel bike den through dirt and water are overshoes a good idea to stay clean on the tour with the MTB, road bike from Vaude or Gravel bike . Here, however, you have to be careful that the grip on the pedals is well maintained.
The baselayer: transports sweat and moisture away from the skin
The baselayer is the first layer of cycling clothing that comes into contact with your skin. Its main purpose is to wick sweat and moisture away from your skin so you stay dry and comfortable on the bike.The best materials for a baselayer are wool or polypropylene because they wick sweat and moisture well. You can find these at vaude and assos. It should also be made of a lightweight material so it doesn't add weight or weigh you down.
Baselayer: Merino or synthetic fiber?
Winter cycling clothes that contain merino wool can be good because sometimes there can be significant temperature changes due to the sweaty ascent followed by a cooling descent. In such situations, wool combines with synthetic materials that retain heat while not abruptly reducing the temperature due to cold influences. As a substitute for merino, synthetic fibers in undergarments are ideal for winter cycling, such as mountain biking. The material cools down faster overall in windy conditions.
Merino wool as a good choice
Merino wool is one of the most popular and effective materials for the base layer of cycling clothing in winter. Merino wool is a natural, soft and breathable material that is ideal for functional underwear on the bike in winter. It has excellent moisture management properties and keeps you dry, warm and comfortable during the ride and prevents chilling.
The fibers of merino wool are also very fine and soft. Merino wool is also suitable on the bike for a fine pants under the rain pants, as a material for soft jackets or a jersey. The base layer is extremely important when riding a bike in the fall and winter. The goal is to keep you warm, dry and comfortable while cycling in the cold.
Something else about the first layer of autumn and winter cycling clothes: Here, of course, includes underwear. Under the pants it is important to wear warm, breathable underwear to make a pleasant tour at any price also on the lower body. Schöffel has good articles.
The middle layer: Insulates body heat and provides protection against the cold
The middle layer of clothing in winter is an important part of the clothing system, as it helps to keep the body warm and insulated. This layer is attached to the base layer and creates a barrier between your skin and the cold outside air. This creates an air space that retains heat close to your body, keeping you warm and comfortable in all seasons, even when wet. Here is suitable in any weather on the bike a jacket made of softshell from vaude to make your bike a little cozier.
The ideal midlayer material:
There are several factors to consider when choosing a mid jersey, such as insulation capabilities and moisture management. The best fabrics for a mid layer are fleece, wool and synthetic. A long sleeve jersey will keep you extra warm, while rough textures are an option that can provide good insulation and comfort while cycling in cold temperatures. A softshell jacket from Schöffel as a middle layer is also a good choice to make winter commuting or jetting down your favorite trail more fun than anything else.
The top layer: keeps out wind, rain and snow
The top layer, the jacket, is not without reason an essential part of the clothing system when cycling in winter for weather protection. The jacket should keep out wind, rain and snow and should be made of a water repellent or waterproof material. A wind stopper should also ensure breathability , so that sweat can escape and not accumulate , while repelling rain and wind.
Materials for the top layer
Examples of popular materials for rain jackets, windbreakers or XXL winter jackets are Gore-Tex and nylon due to their excellent waterproof and windproof properties. Gore-Tex is a patented waterproof and breathable material made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. So Gore Wear made of Gore-Tex Infinium protects particularly well on cold days.
Pay attention to the seams
When choosing a rain jacket for winter, it is important to check the seams of the garment. This is because the seams are where most of the water can penetrate. If the seams are not properly sealed, the water-repellent properties of the material will be compromised. Seams that are not sealed can easily allow moisture to pass through in bad weather and lead to you not cycling dry in the winter after all! Then the bike usually no longer gives so much pleasure. Schöffel offers good winter cycling clothing, whether on the Gravel bike or Racer!
Wind protection is important
We cyclists love the wind in our faces, but when it comes to the top garment, the most important thing here is wind protection. If you're cycling in windy weather, it's important to choose garments that will protect you from the elements. Wind chill is an important factor when it comes to temperature, and the difference between being comfortable and extremely uncomfortable can be just one layer of clothing. When wind hits your body, the moisture on your skin evaporates.
Also important for the jacket and the top layer of cycling clothes for the winter: Bright colors, even in the pants, so you do not lose visibility on the bike . Safe on the bike, that's your motto!
Accessories that keep you warm while cycling
Want even more tips? When it comes to winter cycling clothing, there are many additional accessories that can keep you warm on the road. In addition to a jacket, a good pair of cycling gloves is essential on the bike to keep your hands warm and protected from cool winds.Look for winter gloves that are insulating and waterproof while being breathable to prevent sweating.Safety and warmth!
On the bike in winter it is also important to keep the head warm and protected, as it can be exposed to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Wearing a bike helmet is not only important for safety reasons, but also helps to regulate the temperature and insulate the head against the cold. But, all the thermal features are of no use if without a bike helmet the head is not protected!
Bright colors for more visibility
A few more details about safety and visibility on bike tours are also important in the fall with winter clothing on the bike . To be safe on the road, you need to be seen. This is especially important in winter when the days are shorter and visibility is poorer. For example, if you wear windbreakers in a bright color, you will stand out from other vehicles and drivers and be seen better.
Wearing reflective clothing or accessories such as headlights, reflectors or taillights is also recommended. Products in a bright color, whether cycling shorts, cycling jackets, clothing made of SoftShell or other items, will make your bike experience safe. Such reflective elements will protect you from cars and other road users when trekking or on the e-bike .
Summary
The right layers of clothing are the key to being protected from the cold and wet and successfully mastering the cold season on the bike.
The bottom layer should be tight-fitting and made of a material such as merino wool, which absorbs moisture and keeps you dry and warm. Also tights as underwear, for example from Löffler are important to stay warm.
The middle layer should insulate and keep the heat close to the body. If you choose fleece or softshell materials, you are certainly making the right decision.
The top layer of clothing, a nice unisex jacket made of neoprene or Goretex, keeps out wind, rain and snow. It should be made of a waterproof or water-repellent material that is also breathable to allow sweat to escape. Popular materials for a top are Gore-Tex and nylon.
So, to be able to cycle comfortably in winter, it is important to dress in multiple layers. Accessories that can keep you warm while cycling in winter include gloves and a helmet.
Now that you are well dressed for winter, you can cycle comfortably and safely through the winter. Stay warm out there!