The Ultimate Cycling Kit Guide For Cold Weather Rides
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- Wearing the right clothing when riding in winter can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. If you misread the conditions you can easily find yourself getting much too hot or really really cold! If you're unsure what to wear or just can't get the right combo, this is the ultimate cycling kit guide for cold weather rides!
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Preparation: what’s the forecast?
1:54 - Baselayers
3:40 - Tights
5:52 - Jackets
10:11 - Overshoes
11:11 - Gloves
12:40 - Other Kit (Buffs, hats, sunglasses, hi-vis, gilet)
14:41 - Conclusion
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Do you have any top tips of your own for getting kitted out right in winter? Let us know in the comments below! 💬
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Leave us a comment below! - กีฬา
Do you have any top tips of your own for getting kitted out right in winter?
I tend to go modular, adding layers as the temperature drops. Above 12ºC, I tend to use arm and knee warmers with my regular kit, sometimes with a base layer. Between 5-12ºC, I go for my bib tights and my gabba over my jersey. Between 0-5ºC, I will wear my base layer, arm and knee warmers underneath my jersey, gabba and bib tights. I find it better than spending $$$ on multiple jackets and tights. I'm also a big fan of Castelli's RoS line of clothing.
Mudguards. Proper ones and not those 'ass savers'. They protect you from roads which are wet even when it's not raining. They protect your drivetrain by reducing the amount of road spray and grit thrown up onto the chain . A proper front guard also keeps your lower headset bearing dry while also keeping spray from your front wheel out of your face. Most of all, they protect your riding buddies from what your bike throws at them.
Electrical tape the holes on the bottom of my shoes to keep warm air in and water out.
10C and upward = shorts and a jersey. Winter starts at -0C in Buffalo NY!!
Below 0C: put on studded tires. add some layers to your body ... and keep on riding!
Great video! One thing I would add, which isn't quite kit-related but still important: always have lights with you while riding in winter. Even during so-called "daylight hours" it can be fairly dark in bad weather. And if your ride takes longer than you anticipated due to ridiculously sloppy roads or a mechanical issue, having lights makes getting home after dark a lot safer and less stressful.
Fully agree. I was almost hit twice this summer in the same spot. Coming out of a dark forest right into a crossing. I had the right of way but was almost hit in broad daylight. Wearing black and no lights is dangerous even during summer as car drivers easily get blinded. My recommendation is to always have a blinking light on.
Greetings from Wisconsin, USA. Temperature this morning -4F / -20C. Thanks for kit recommendations for Spring or Autumn!
Haha yeah, -20c with wind chill in Ontario (Canada) right now, if only it was +6C....................
Exactly! These are summer riding temps for Finland! Winter temps are -5 to -25.
Yeah, I know. Here in NH we've had temps this past week of -15, -20F, single digit highs in the middle of the day with wind.
"Winter" jackets that are good to only around 0C / 32F. For real winter, you need a couple baselayers and a thermal jersey to go with it, at least. I've got a Perfetto long sleeve that I've worn with just a long sleeve baselayer into the low 30's, and with a thermal jersey added down to around 26-28, and it was ok, but a little chilly. Just picked up a Santini Vega Xtreme that is supposed to be pretty similar to the Alpha 2 jacket, and my first ride with that was with just a long sleeve midweight Merino baselayer. I thought the temps were gonna be a bit warmer than it actually was, turned out it was in the low 20's, and I'm gonna need a few extra layers with that, too. Still, even those temps were tolerable, just not what I'd call staying warm.
@@chrisfellows7132 just need ice tires here in Toronto
Genuine question: does anyone ride outside, on the road, in this kind of temperature?
Gritting in the UK is largely ineffective, so when the Mercury hits zero I tend to be cautious going out due to the risk of black ice.
GCN: don’t recommend riding outside below 0
All Canadians: 🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣
When I first moved to the UK they used to ask me about how cold it was in Canada and I used to reply I'm from Nova Scotia where it doesn't get that cold very often. Now that I know what the brits think is cold (anything below 0) my answere is you would DIE!
My bold tip for outdoor sports in general is: Layers are layers and you don't always need to buy everything for every sport you do. Sure, winter bibs, overshoes/shoe covers and jackets might be cycling-specfic but you can certainly ride with gloves you use for winter runs or use the same baselayer you'd wear for skiing. Don't cheap out on the important bits (like a warm and waterproof jacket) but scalves, facemasks etc. also do from the discounter. Also don't be afraid of bodges, I just put a bit of tape over the ventilation holes of my shoes because that would be the weak spot, even in neoprene covers.
Cross-country ski clothing (especially skate) often has a wind resistant layer in the front. This is excellent for winter cycling.
great tip, this guy got caught up recommending really niche stuff that can become obsolete really quickly, the best base layer is by far merino wool, I wear it for biking, skiing and daily winter use, the usage of a good shell jacket or pants can be applicable to lots too
The second you add cycling in the description of any product, the price will go up...way up. I bought non cycling gear from Decathlon and I've never had problems being cold or sweaty during winter rides. And I didn't have to pay 3 grand for a tshirt and some gloves, something that GCN calls "budget gear".
One thing I realized recently is that if you are riding when it's cold out, make sure you ride in populated areas, ride with a friend, or at least make sure you have good cell reception. Also tell someone (preferably who has a car) where you are going. I recently mapped out a ride in an unfamiliar area while my wife and I were on a weekend getaway. The roads were nice and quiet, however the route took me up into some rarely travelled hills and the temperature was approaching the freezing mark. I was dressed to maintain body heat while riding, but had I suffered a crash or mechanical, I probably would have suffered hypothermia before anyone could rescue me as my sweaty gear began to chill my body rather than keep it warm. It reminded me to make sure I had a contingency plan before heading out.
Good safety tip!
A packable rainjacket came in handy for me when I suffered a mechanical in the cold. It kept that extra bit of body heat in.
That's why if you have nicer gear, it won't get sweaty. I have learned this. I was the guy buying cheap cycling clothes....works absolutely fine in summer (aliexpress stuff) but in winter, I finally got myself some Castelli items, and WOW huge difference. My cheap amazon thermal bib tights would take ages to dry for example after a wash (hang dry) but my Castelli stuff which is WARMER when wearing, were absolutely bone dry after about 8 hours of hanging in my bathroom. It would take almost an entire 24hrs for the cheap thermals to do the same. They wick away the sweat very nicely, which means when you're riding and sweating your gear doesn't get wet and thus make you colder.
Handy tip if you are riding with many layers or thicker layers, is to take a musette bag with you in a pocket. If you miscalculate the weather and are too warm but the jacket is too thick or you have too many things in your pockets, this allows you to take off and carry your unneeded layers. The brand "Restrap" do ones that are packable with adjustable straps which i carry on most rides as my "just in case" bag.
Good idea! Thank you
A shoe bag, that is supplied with some high end Shimano shoes, also works really well.
i have no idea what you’re talking about not cycling below 0 degrees celsius. here in minnesota we’re riding on and off-road at temperatures much lower than that. i think making a video about the stuff required to ride in sub zero(celsius) temperatures would be awesome to see as well. i’ve noticed that people around here who intend to ride year round will often go for a gravel bike for their all rounder since larger tires = more traction and i mention this because you said ice was a problem for riding at such low temps but. also you can run studded tires studded tires(i like the ones from 45nrth) for the most traction on ice. if you want to ride a pure road bike though i get that ice becomes a true barrier since you’re much more constrained in tire choice. i hope to see more extreme weather content from gcn. i feel like since in the uk from what i understand you don’t get long periods of below negative so making content about it could be difficult. maybe a video about a trip somewhere farther north and colder? bike packing in those temps is totally different, maybe even run some bar mitts pogies
I use yellow coloured glasses for riding in the winter, even drab days don't look too bad, really improves morale! Favourite bit of kit is definitely a windproof vest, highly increases the value of everything you wear underneath.
Yeah, man. Vests are very versatile. A fleece vest is keeping me warm right now! It's below freezing and snowing outside. In mild temps, 50s and 60sF, those vests come in handy, walking or cycling. Wear them over sweat wicking long sleeve base layer, or heck, a cotton t-shirt.
Yellow wrap around sunglasses are good choice for bicycling and motorcycling. If it's bright you still get something and if dim they don't darken too much.
Bicyclists need eye protection as well as motorcyclists because motor vehicles can spit up stones or in the woods there are unseen sharp twigs.
Me too, but that’s because I only own yellow ones and don’t have clear ones haha.
Neon reflective clothing!
I don’t understand why more winter kit is not make to be highly visible. Why is everything based on black - the least visible colour out there??
Also when making clothing choices before a ride check the wind speed. On my recent weekend ride it was sunny and cloudy and was about 8 degrees. I could have worn my regular bib tights but choose my deep winter ones as the wind chill made the outside temperature actually feel like 5 degrees. My head unit then recorded the average temperature as 1 degree once the riding speed was taken into account.
My favorite is a Pearl Izumi Thermo Jersey I got for Christmas, it's incredible how it's warm and breathable at the same time while stopping wind. Hat off for fabric engineers.
Seems like pogies rarely get mentioned. They are a godsend. They allow me to wear lighter gloves, keeping dexterity, while also keeping my hands quite warm. I also wear dedicated winter boots as some others have said.
Couldn’t agree more. I have some and it’s amazing how they make sub zero bearable. I suffer from really cold hands. I use the Dissent 133 three glove system above six degrees very happily. Three gloves layered - lots of flexibility and very well priced. I do better with these than a thick Estremo glove for example. Below that, I use a heated glove. Yes - batteries keep my hands warm for the full ride. And below 1 degree, it’s Pogies for me. This combination keeps me on the road with hands that are far colder than anyone else’s it seems!
Use hypothermia blanket sections instead of foil as they won't tear or break up as easy as foil.
As a Canadian, my last 12 deg C ride I was in short sleeves. When it goes below that, I use running compression clothing as a base layer. It works wondefully well. Depending on wind, rain and temperature, I wear it either under short sleeves or long sleeves, with or without a jacket. In single digit temps, I have regular long bibs and overshoes. The only thing I overdo is gloves. It has to be very warm for me to take those off.
1- A bright Vest can also increase visibility enormously. After sunset it gets colder and visibility is more important than the chic black of the jacket 2- The front enlarged edge of a cap also helps against glare headlights. I only use clear glasses for eye protection. 3 -At low temperatures, I use a very light baselayer under the Flanders which absorbs and releases sweat even better 4. Another advantage of Overshoes: You can clean them more easily and the shoes themselves become less dirty.
Below or above? I pull the trouser legs over the overshoes so that the water can drain off more easily and does not get into the Shoe. Even if it doesn't look so nice. Don't like it? Pull your trouser legs over it, when it rains heavily only. (translated with bing)
I use an aero helmet in winter and in the rain. which is more closed and protects me better against rain and cold wind. Mine has the advantage that it has a ventilation flap in the front that can be opened if it gets too warm for me.
I usually buy Castelli things a size bigger. XL instead of L. The Squdra Veste in YELLOW FLUO in XXL so I can wear it over a Winter Jacket. Aerodynamics are then less important to me than additional wind protection and visibility
It’s currently -31C where I am, my tip is get an indoor trainer!
Considering the same as there is no really good working cycling winter gear available and I hate freezing.
hmmm...so summer temperature here in Iceland are about the same as the mid to upper temperature during a UK winter. You guys really need to get familiar with proper winter riding.
On a sidenote, I use the same baselayer Ollie suggested for about 6-8 degrees but my temperature gets down to about -6 degrees, which is when I swap that out for a thicker baselayer for the cold stuff. No problem at all. Breathable thick mid layer and a wind and waterproof layer over that and off I go...
3-4 hours in the saddle and then off to a geothermal pool to relax, unwind and warm up a bit.
Iceland is somewhere I want to pedal eventually.
Coming from Adelaide Australia. If it's going to rain, I just don't go out. We get over 300 sunny day's a year. so staying off the bike 1 day for bad weather doesn't matter much :)
Jordan
P.S: If it's above 0°C and the suns out. Summer kit always.
Sucks to be you...lol
Ride hard, man! Ride hard!
Hey, I visited Adelaide back in '65. Signed off a Norwegian freighter with two other vagabonds. Lots of friendly dudes in Adelaide. It had the cheerful optimism of a frontier town. We crashed a high school prom. Nobody paid much attention. Is that passenger train still going up to Alice Springs?
Thanks Ollie for the tin foil tip! It has changed my winter/cold weather riding forever! 👍🏻One thing I do is put hot water( boiled and mixed with a little cold water) in my bottles. It means my water doesn't get freezing cold, it ends up being tepid, which, when in the cold, feels much better 👍🏻
The down side of the foil hack for your feet, is airport security. So, be careful with that one.
Winter boots with built in overshoes and thermal (lined) vest are my favourite additions to the standard kit when below 6-8°C
SealSkinz waterproof/cold weather socks are really good. I get really cold feet and these help keep my feet warm. I wear a thin sock as a liner, the SealSkinz and a toe cover and my feet are fine in really cold temperatures. overshoes are an option too, but my laziness in taking then on and off makes me choose toe covers instead.
Love sealskins , I'm very tempted to try their new Li heated gloves
Thanks for the tips Ollie!! I always wondered what you were wearing in your winter videos!!
You're the only one I have watched that emphasizes on wicking sweat. This is so crucial and makes such a difference and finding the right base layer that does that well can be a bit pricey but worth the investment as it pays dividends on those long rides when temps are down.
Thanks for the video Ollie, very comprehensive. I was out today in around 5 degrees with leg warmers. Without tights on there's a moment as you step out the door when there's a bit of localised coldness, so to speak, but feels fine when you get going and have something else to think about
My new star buy are "Bar End Mitts" They are like neoprene over shoes but for your hands, fitting over your brake levers providing a windproof warm pocket. Unlike thick gloves they are not prone to socking up sweat and becoming a stinky smelly situation .
They are called Pogies - very useful indeed. Bit of a pain in the wind sometimes.
This has been very helpful, I am new to cycling and waiting for my bike to arrive, your videos help so very much, much love and respect.
I get super cold in the winter and tried many different brands and options. I bought some Castelli kit and absolutely love it. I rode a week long trip last year in freezing rain and was warm and dry (except feet, I didn’t have covers, but have bought a couple sets for this year and find them nice and toasty)
If I'm not sure, I just check out what my brother is wearing and then I wear one less layer. He hates being cold and usually always over dresses. I on the other hand hate getting over heated.
Excellent vid Ollie. For me, transition lens sunnies work a treat for both summer and winter
super useful, thank you Ollie! I tend to wear yellow lenses for all but the brightest wintery days, makes it easier to see the potholes!
I really suffer from Raynaud's syndrome and so struggle to keep hands and feet warm. The most important bit of kit to me therefore wasn't covered - winter boots. Over shoes are okay(ish) but cycling is really a strange old sport when a bit of summer kit (designed with loads of ventilation in mind) is just bodged with a cover rather than replaced with a dedicated winter version. There's now even budget friendly options of winter boots available too (my latest Shimano pair cost about €120). Definitely worth looking into if you too suffer cold feet on rides.
Yep. Last year I bought winter shoes and I like them better than over boots.
I get terribly cold hands and feet. Northwave Arctic XC shoes are exceptional for winter riding. Really warm, totally waterproof
I just ride flat pedals on my winter bike, and use insulated boots designed for winter hiking. If you can go this route, this is also a possibility. Overshoes are good for chilly conditions but not the extremes.
I agree Frazer. Cold feet are a killer and I seem to suffer more than anyone else I ride with. I use Hot Sox and roadman overshoes from Spatz that go well up the leg, paired with North Wave winter boots. If it’s really cold, I use a battery powered insole on a low setting. Lasts for a four hour ride thankfully!
Great points. I sometimes add a plastic bag to my winter boots (or shoes w/ covers); gives me an extra 5 miles maybe although feet get wet/sweaty so don't go longer.
I have minimal winter gear and didn't know where to start. Thank you GCN for these tips.
I literally visited a bike shop yesterday to get my winter kit. No idea what I was doing but the lads in there definitely did. Left with everything that Ollie recommended in this video. Shout out to Vive le Velo in North Ferriby :-)
I don't know about going through all this trouble, the indoor trainer looks pretty welcoming 😀😃😄.
Dressing for winter riding is such a faff. Taking the wheel off the bike and setting up the trainer is also a faff. 😁 Winter cycling eh!
Best bit of kit for winter: Brynje of Norway mesh baselayer. Worn under another baselayer it traps air and insulates very well. Also it is made of ploypropylene instead of polyester and barely wicks up any moisture but transports it away from you.
„Comprehensive range“ is well said. I really struggled finding out about the differences in the 25 glove options Castelli offers.
Polypropylene is my choice, though it gets rather smelly. As long as you're outside moving, that's not a problem. Those who would care are riding indoors!
Thank you for the video! Looking forward winter ride.
The boy crying at 13:44 make my heart rate go up (I just put the little one to bed)
Absolutely awesome tips. Knowing what’s available in the market today. I’ve just added additional layers. I will look at all the information you are suggesting. Thanks so much.
I live in New Zealand where we get all sorts of weather.
Worst part of riding outdoors in winter is having to full clean the bike after every ride.
It’s the worst
No need if the roads are dry.
Amen! That's the Reason I've gotten soft and ride more indoors now. I live in Sweden so I'm very used to the cold and don't mind it, but the thought of standing still outside cleaning the bike when the ride is finished is what puts me off going outside during winter in the first place.
But you don't need to clean it at all if it's below freezing point and not riding on salted roads. In cold winter I so envy those who live in country away from big roads that get salted. But if it's above zero, then I'm happy that I live in town with paved roads. 😆
It's so horrible especially if you have to like me as no space for Zwift! Roll on March for the Northern Hemisphere!
In winter I use almost only my gravel bike with permanently mounted mudguards. I stay clean and my bike stays clean too. Without mudguards I would probably not even go outside. And it's not until spring that I remove the mudguards again.
Love the fact that Ollie always gives these wee golden highlights to make Dan smile, Next video will be how to put a Gilet on in a Cafe!!!
Very good video, thank you for that. What I learned since I started riding in cold weather:
- I don‘t ride when it‘s raining. When the ground is wet I go offroad.
- While I really like the CASTELLI Perfetto jacket for mountainbiking, I am not fond of it for road cycling. At least in the womens version I am missing silicone grippers on the inside bottom to avoid it crawling upwards. On the MTB I usually have a camelbak with me, so that helps keeping the jacket in place.
- I bought winter shoes and they made my rides much more enjoyable.
- When it‘s really cold, I use those sticky disposable toewarmers and stick them on the front top of my socks . That is a
Ife saver for me!
Hi Thanks guys... Rain and elevation are the big game changers for me. Where I live is close to one of the UK's largest windfarms and its200 metres gain so windproof almost always needs to be used for every ride below 14 degrees....
For anyone considering the alpha ros 2, it's about right for 0-5 degrees. Zone 2 only! I usually use it around d 0deg, unzipped both layers in a Threshold interval and zip up during recovery
I recently bought a Castelli Alpha Ros 2 Jacket !
I had the Alpha Jacket for 4 years and it was a M size!
Now the new Alpha ros 2 jacket dresses a bit tighter but the sleeves are much longer so I bought the S size.
Probably one of the best jackets out there 👌
Gore packable shake dry jacket has been a game changer this winter for layering over thermal jersey on cold days and below freezing descents!
I have a fleece lined Buff, so it's versatile. Absolutely my favorite piece of winter kit. If I wear it like a balaclava, I'm practically impervious to cold. 😄
Or Dressing for the night time during summer in prairie Canada.
In the winter it gets so cold that have to wear an airtrim mask to warm and to moisten the air that I breathe ski goggles, pogies on my bars. Two jackets three layers of pants. I ride in -35°c for up to an hour.
Ice is more fun with a bike.
0 degrees Celsius. Go for a base layer with a merino wool blend (60peecnt or more). Much better than plastic at keeping you dry and warm
A super useful video. Bookmarked for later reference!
GCN "Winter" cycling videos are the cutest when looking at them as a Finn. Icy roads aren't really a problem, there are studded tires for that.
sounds cold 🥶
Ollie ... a big, big thank you for answering my question with reference of the right cloth at some special weather conditions on STRAVA. Both of us had similar weather some weeks ago. And I wondered why you could stay outside so easily and have some extra kilometers more ...
Sure. I had to be the cloth.
After I got rid of old bulky, less efficient jackets and jerseys two years ago (but it work for hours below minus degrees, comfortable and sweaty) I turned to nowadays products (ASSOS). But sometimes it was crap ... even with nice layering.
So I know what to wear resisting strong with high humidity winds at
about 5° degrees.
And thank you.
May be I was the idea provided one to that 🧐 profound advice.
Merino base layers in varying weights. Better than synthetic fabrics at colder temperatures. Merino socks for sure.
Merino all the way. I even have a merino bra for winter riding and DeFeet woolie boolie socks are the best!!
A black kit is a no go in autumn, spring and winter for me. I don't know what the companies are thinking?! I love the screaming yellow items from Pearl Izumi.
For personal experience as an amateur that in winter makes shorter rides (around 50 km), I can say that the Castelli Perfetto is perfect both in name and in fact. I use it between 0°C and 15°C using different combinations of base layers and it works great. I've really been surprised on how versatile it is. That is almost the definitive jacket, unless obviously you go out also in extreme conditions.
O degrees accessories: A scull hat, thick artic sealskin winter gloves or ski gloves, a snood preferably with fleece lining.
Plastic bags (shopping bags) next to skin under socks are amazing. They form a vapor barrier liner and I use them all the time for winter backpacking and cycling. Windproof, waterproof and trap a thin layer of sweat next to the skin that warms. I mainly use seal skinz socks now though.
Around 10 degrees I just tend to wear regular bib shorts. My legs stay plenty warm enough. You are a little cold when you start, but once your heartrate gets up, it's almost perfect temperature. The best thing is that your body is able to dump heat almost as fast as it's produced and you can maintain a perfect temperature regardless of the effort. Around 10 degrees is my favourite temperature to ride in.
I love riding below 0c . The air is crisp, the ground glitters like diamonds, the sun rises and it is pure magic. You need the right tires and to slow down. You won't be winning any races, but it will make you feel more alive than any indoor trainer
About to go on a ride at 0c tomorrow am, maybe a few degrees above. Loving these tips
A good Video I have the Shake dry for twelve months and as i live in Ireland where you can get four seasons in one day the Shake Dry was the answer to keep dry and warm.
Arthur Dempsey
i have heated gloves and socks . 3 heat settings on both . fantastic
Thanks for this GCN. I absolutely freeze on the bike in winter and although I now live on the Gold Coast in Australia winter temps of below 14c have me wearing 3 thermal layers and my Castelli jacket with detachable sleeves. The jacket is getting older however it is by far my favourite piece of kit and I wish I could find or afford a replacement. I also wear a skull cap and sometimes a thermal band keeping my ears and head warmer than I though possible.
Applause for the realistic premise at the very start of this video. 👏🏻 If you spend winters in Siberia with -50 Celsius, don’t ride outdoors. A workable comfort zone starts around the freezing point IMHO.
I had a friend who live in the artic and she trained for a marathon there. I can't understand how it's even possible, I remember cold days in Nova Scotia, where it doesn't get that cold, that my nostrils froze together walking to school.
I add arm and leg warmers to my short sleeve summer kit and have one thermal jacket. It's toughest for me to balance core and extremity temps.
living in eastern Utah after being in Seattle for 25 years, Seattle is very much British weather 30's to 40's F in the winter with lots of rain sleet and wind. Now in Utah sky's clear but cycling in teens to minus 7*F the weird thing is most of my winter kit for seattle works great in utah, except I've had to switc h to flat pedals and Li heated socks and gloves. feet and hands can't deal without the heaters but they work well just the gloves are bulkier than I like but still useable especially if you run flat bars for winter.
That damp cold really gets to you. I've always wanted to experience a dry cold. Seems easier to live with. I've lived in Halifax,NS Vancouver, BC and London/Bristol UK - all have damp wet winters.
10-12C is generally my cut-off point, above which I'm in shorts/short sleeves. If I'm commuting on the e-bike (cut me slack - it's a 60+ mile round trip!), I dress as if the temp is 5C colder, as I won't be working as hard. I picked a gilet which is windproof on the front, but mesh on the back and really appreciate this thoughtful design - both from a ventilation point of view, but also to stop it balonning up in the wind. Like arm/knee/leg warmers, toe covers are great for the in-between or changeable days.
I find that wearing a thin beanie over my cycle cap keeps the ears warm while still having the option of blocking rain or snow when you need to. Also my perfect combination for 0 to -8 Celsius has been base layer plus a fleece jacket and a soft shell on top of everything.
First ride on my new bike in august and with no experience I rode through the night and it went down to 7ºC. I had arm and leg warmers, but only fingerless gloves. Because I already went >250km at this point I was tired and almost "abandoned" (wasn't a race, but just a joy ride). Then I remembered that the very last thing I packed right before leaving were two bin bags. I put them over my hands/arms and it might have looked stupid if anyone had passed me at 5am, but it saved the day for me (or rather the night).
What a classy gent Ollie is. Very good.
How lovely to see Ollie in two videos in the same weekend :)
Ski gear works well in winter, such as helmets, goggles, base layers, thin merino balaclava and ski glove liners worn under mid weight cycling gloves.
Here in West Canada, gets cold and rainy in September, I use the same setup I use for Cross Country Skiing and it works pretty good. The clothing you mention in the video is not easy to find around here. Cheers!
Winter riding: High Vis Fluorescent top layer, definitely not black; good set of rechargeable battery lights or hub Dynamo lights; long rap around mudguards. Race blades are OK but full wrap arounds mud guards protect your bike, drive train and your cloths much better. And finally at least two spare inner tubes and patching kit (unless riding with tubeless tires) because punctures are more frequent in winter.
Also, recommend the Showa 282 fishery gloves. Primarily used in the cold weather fishery industry. But, they are used by mountaineers and backpackers. Waterproof and insulated liner. There is a new version that is black with a drawstring created from feedback from the outdoor community.
To keep my feet warm I use the ultralight or light version of the heat holder socks. They are not made for cycling but they are the only socks I could find that actually offer real heat insulation. All the other brands just print stuff like "winter socks", "ultra warm", or "for extreme cold" on the packaging of the socks as if that magically did anything. Heat holder socks follow a different approach: They are made to really keep your feet warm.
And to keep my hands warm I use XXL claw gloves that do over my normal winter gloves.
Excellent review.
I went for a 65miler in Philly yesterday. 19F in the morning. Base layer, Patagonia long sleeve undershirt, and Pearl Izumi Attack Amfig jacket. Pearl Izumi tights, shoe neoprene caps, no booties,,,, Neckwarmer and a hat. Well, it was windy, however, toasty and nice on the inside. Feet cold, but manageable...It got really cold at the end of the ride,,,, in the upper teens....Roads dry and no people,,, beautiful and calm.
The aluminum foil food wrap around the toes works wonders for nearly zero thickness. This is the same "radiant barrier" concept used in home insulation products or wilderness survival bags made of aluminum/mylar wrap. Taping over holes in the bottom of shoes helps too if you don't ride with botties and you have holes in the soles. Lastly, thin insulated scull caps make a huge difference in heat retention for a very tiny packing volume and can take the edge off those frost-bitten ears on extra cold rides.
As I tend to also drive at around -10°C to work and back, the probably best piece of kit are real winter biking shoes. The second most important is a cap that actually covers the ears fully and doesn't slip back up, the Gripgrab Aviator in my case. Other than that, warm socks and if my legs are getting cold, I'll put the rain trousers on top of the winter pants to block the wind.
As an older rider, commuting in temperatures below 0C, i recommend mountainbike knee pads (non breathable), and bar mitts.
Awesome video and thank you! I have been hoping for a new video on a winter kit. Question for you what about tires? What winter tires do you use and average PSI do you run them at?
Good tips as usual! I ride below zero most of the time in winter though. You know winter in Toronto is unforgiving.:)
Bike mitts keep my hands warm and dexterous!
I switch to mtb pedals for winter because generally they have longer axles and allow thicker shoe covers without rubbing crank arms. I find them easier to use in adverse conditions also. A balaclava is a good option for the head. I also keep a helmet with the vents taped up. The mtb is a good alternative to indoor cycling which I hate.
Roubaix fabric and merino base layers are my winter clothing choices. Usually DHB as they offer great value and quality. My biggest winter problem is punctures! All the farmers are trimming their hedges so there are hardly any ‘trim-free’ lanes available. They will decay soon I hope. Punctures and cold aren’t a great pairing! I also sweat freely, so unless it’s raining really heavily, I keep my waterproofs in my pocket as it just keeps my moisture in-wicked.
I have a Google sheets app I have adjusted over the years to remind me of clothing vs conditions.
It was worth the liitle bit of effort to do.
Plug the front holes of your helmet with foam (the sponge-like type). It will cut down the wind, and is easy to remove. It will also allow for some humidity to escape. A skate style helmet with fewer holes can also be good for winter.
That Flanders fleece lined base layer is fabulous in below 5c conditions.
That‘s what Castelli says. In reality it spends no warmness at all. That’s why I returned the item and never wasted a thought about Castelli products anymore.
Here in Canada it's been double digits below zero with ice and snow. Been dying to get out biking!
When I first moved to the UK they used to ask me about how cold it was in Canada and I used to reply I'm from Nova Scotia where it doesn't get that cold very often. Now that I know what the brits think is cold (anything below 0) my answere is you would DIE! 🤣
Definitely learned my reason. When you ride is -5 degrees colder than what it says
As a new cyclist this is very useful :) thanks.
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy the joys of winter riding!
I always wear a Buff under my helmet in colder temps and can pull it up over my chin, mouth, or nose if needed. Even a light Buff provides good insulation, especially over the ears. Key is Windstopper (Gabba or Perfetto) and now Infinium. I only use Perfettos now, and only jerseys (not long-sleeve) and vests. Use insulated arm warmers, and, this is key, I’m huge about using NanoFlex arm warmers, leg warmers, and BIBS. Yes, NanoFlex (or Pearl Thermo) BIBS and bib tights. Very important. Wear them all fall, winter, spring. NanoFlex with Perfetto is basically my go-to for very cold temps. I ride all year in Virginia USA. I have all the cold weather stuff you can imagine but pretty much go with Perfetto plus NanoFlex and I’m good for short or long rides (20-100) in winter. I do lots of long rides in winter (always with double day-flash rear and day-flash front lights). Lots more to discuss but the flexibility and protection of those Castelli items cannot be overstated. Hardly wear Gabba anymore unless it’s super cold. And never wear Alpha Ros anymore. Just too hot. Last time I wore that jacket was on a 100 mile mountain race in January where temps were 15-25 degrees F. And I was unzipped a lot. Feet and hands were the issue.
Had a Gabba for 4 years which I use with arm warmers for any temp from 0 to 12, just vary the base layer. Fantastic piece of kit
I got my husband one a few years ago and hands down his favourite kit and based on cost per wear it's incredible value.
I tend to avoid riding outdoors when the weather is so cold that the clothing required to keep from freezing costs more than my bike. Somewhere around 45-50F, depending on wind, clouds. etc. is my low temperature limit because it's a range in which I can be fairly comfortable without the need for super expensive kit. That is aided by keeping my speed relatively slow and not worrying much about being "aero." Where I live, winter afternoons often provide a couple of hours in my do-able range, so I ride outside. Otherwise, I'll Zwift. It isn't quite the same as riding outdoors, but it can be very engaging. And it certainly beats hypothermia.
In eastern Idaho it is -10 C and I am out for a morning pedal.
I was surprised to hear you talking about cold weather gear at all, at 12°C. If the temperature is in double digits it's shorts and short sleeved jersey in Scotland!
Don't ride in freezing temps? I'll teleport to work then.
Increasingly, countries with proper winter are clearing roads and bike lanes allowing for safer year-round cycling. Granted, I'll do my fitness rides on the trainer, but you certainly can dress for -6, -12, or indeed the -21c commute/errand run we had here yesterday.
While I agree with your sentiment, in the UK even the roads will have patches of ice on them, let alone a bike lane, while the main road will be fine, as soon as you go onto any side road there will be frost that is indistinguishable from ice, it is just dangerous to cycle on it, and you can't expect consumer advice to tell you this is a good idea, because it isn't. Irrelevant of where you have to be, in most places the infrastructure will ice over somewhere and be hazardous.
@@Alex-to8es I'm not expecting them to state that it's a good idea, but it would be good to at least be open minded about other locales. I'm constantly asked what equipment I use for those -20c days and I state that I will look for alternatives when it's too icy, but when the roads are clear we still need better gear than what has been shared here.
I do understand that the UK is far wetter than where I am, so ice is more of a concern. For us, it's salt.
@@cycleyyz Yes, but you aren't talking about the majority of even cyclists, most cyclists don't go around at -5oC let alone -20oC.
In fact -20oC isn't even the problem, then it is ice, and constant ice so you can use spiked tyres, a road bike, what this channel is largely about isn't functional at all hence the temperature wasn't mentioned. What is unsafe is suggesting the issue with going out in even -2oC is your clothing choice, it isn't, it is ice.
As for what to wear at -20oC, most countries don't even get close to that. It isn't relevant advice and most people have no need or clue what to wear, and never will need to.
@@Alex-to8es plenty of cyclists ride in minus conditions - enough that it warrants a better discussion than a dismissal. I do agree that many recreational cyclists will not ride when it's colder, myself included when I'm "wearing that hat."
When I first moved to the UK they used to ask me about how cold it was in Canada and I used to reply I'm from Nova Scotia where it doesn't get that cold very often. Now that I know what the brits think is cold (anything below 0) my answere is you would DIE!
Base layer, String teeshirt. Second layer, Acrylic longsleeve. Third layer, Sweatshirt. Top layer, long sleeve road jersey.
Tudor longs with X-Tiger undershort with gel insert.
Bib tights or shorts are for push bike riders without a defined waistline ( they have a fat belly ).
Awesome video. Its a shame I can't show you my "winter" kit but, I would need to clean off the sofa before taking a picture.