Once your body begins to get cold, it prioritizes preserving heat in the core by reducing blood flow to the legs. As a result, riding at higher efforts becomes more challenging, often requiring riders to push through added discomfort. While cold weather is not typically a ride-ending condition, it does make training feel harder and slower compared to riding in moderate temperatures.
Cold-weather riding requires proper gear to maintain comfort and performance. This may include thermal bibs, long-sleeve jerseys, tights, thermal base layers, wind-proof jackets, and riding pants. Many riders use face shields that cover the neck, nose, and cheeks to protect exposed skin. We recommend softshell shoe covers worn over cycling shoes, along with toe warmers placed inside socks for added insulation. Shoe covers can further enhance warmth by providing an additional insulating layer for the feet.
Some riders also rely on disposable hand and foot warmers, which activate when exposed to air and can be placed inside gloves or shoes on especially cold days.
The Foundation
This is your second skin and the most critical layer for temperature regulation. It sits tight against the body to mechanically transport sweat away from the skin. Keeping you dry prevents the clammy chills that occur when you stop moving or start a descent.
The Warmth
Your primary source of insulation. These mid-layers use fleece fibers to trap body heat while remaining breathable enough to let moisture escape. You can adjust the thickness of this layer (or choose a vest) based on your ride intensity and the outside temperature.
The Shield
The final barrier against the weather. These jackets seal out biting wind and freezing rain, protecting your core temperature. Look for options with zippers and venting to release excess heat during hard efforts so you stay protected without overheating.
Quick facts:
3M Reflective on front, back, and sides
Warm fleece lining
Water and wind resistant
Tailored for cycling position
Three secured pockets
Secured zipper back pocket
What we like about it:
The safety-yellow color of this jacket offers unmatched visibility. Designed and produced in PGH, it features reflective binding along the seams for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The jacket is tailored for an optimal on-bike fit and includes a large rear pocket across the back for convenience. Built for cold-weather performance, it allows riders to stay comfortable in temperatures below 32°F.
Quick facts:
Reflective shell on outer glove
Polyester fleece lining
Silicone palm grippers
Nose wipe
Snug wrist cuff
What we like about it:
These gloves do it all, and at a very competitive price. We love the visibility of these gloves especially in safety yellow. The cuffs on these gloves can tuck into your jacket sleeves to seal out cold air. The palms are coated in silicone drips to keep you from slipping on your handlebars. The inside of these gloves are a polyester fleece which are warm and wick moisture which will keep you hands dry.
Quick Facts:
Three layer waterproof fabric
Drawstring waist
Articulated knee
Zippered ankles
Reflective zippers
What we like about it:
These pants will let you ride comfortably into the coldest weather. The front material is windproof and waterproof. The knees have a built in stretch articulation to prevent binding when pedaling. When it's really cold, we toss a pair of stretch fleece tights underneath, and find that we can ride into the 0°F temps.
Quick facts:
Wind and water proof fabric
YKK Zipper
Reinforeced soles
Reflective elements
Made in U.S.A
Reflective zippers
What we like about it:
Our USA Shoe Covers are designed to fit road cycling shoes and provide essential protection for cold and windy rides. The wind-blocking fabric helps retain warmth by shielding your feet from harsh airflow, keeping them comfortable for longer periods in cool conditions. A durable YKK zipper at the back allows for easy on-and-off without struggle, even with gloves on. Available in classic black or high-visibility yellow, these shoe covers combine warmth, functionality, and visibility for safer cold-weather riding.
Quick facts:
Lightweight and packable
Binding on edge
Sweat wicking
Covers ears
Fits under helmet
What we like about it:
The merino wool in this helmet liner adds enough warmth on those cold days and nights. It's not too thick and feels good under the helmet. The sides come down far enough to cover the ears, which is excellent. If you get too warm, it's easy to take off and store in any pocket or bag. All in all this helmet liner is an easy way to add warmth to your winter commutes.
Quick facts:
Lightweight and packable
Binding on edge
Sweat wicking
Covers ears
Fits under helmet
What we like about it:
Brave the elements in our full-face balaclava because winter won't slow you down! Merino wool is the perfect material for a balaclava because the moisture from breathing will be wicked away.
Our Merino Wool Balaclava is very versatile. It can easily fit under a helmet, and the neck warmer tucks under the shirt to keep you warm during any winter activity.
Quick facts:
Snug fit
Fleece lining
Long torso
Flatlocked seams
Great first layer
What we like about it:
This base layer fits snug which is great to keep the warmth in. The spandex content in this garmet adds a nice amount of compression which helps keep your muscles loose. The torso has a generous length in it which keeps the base layer in place when on the bike. The fleece backing is soft and warm. This makes a great first layer.
Quick facts:
Four color options
Fleece lining
Three back pockets
Full zipper
100% wicking polyester
Raglan sleeve
What we like about it:
The Classic Thermal jersey fits great. It's very functional for commuting in the winter. The Fleece Baselayer fits great underneath this jersey which makes riding in very cold temperatures more bearable. It's available in three colors, and the safety yellow is very visibile. The fabric is a wicking polyester that will quickly dry as you sweat. This jersey makes a great outer layer.
Quick facts:
Reflective elements
Zippered ankles
Drawstring waist
Warm fleece fabric
100% wicking polyester
Triumph chamois
What we like about it:
The fabric in these tights are soft and warm fleece. It has 4-way stretch which is very comfortable on the bike. The zippered ankles are a nice finish that adds a reflective element for low light visibility. These fleece tights are padded, but are also available in an unpadded version. These are a great first layer for cold cycling with the Windpant overtop.
5 Tips for Cycling in the Cold Weather
Now that the days are getting shorter and the mercury is dropping, we need to watch the forecast and plan to stay warm and safe this autumn. Cycling through the seasons is fun and will keep you fit and happy throughout the year's colder months. Nothing ruins a ride faster than freezing wet feet and cold hands that never return to temperature. Our five tips will help you stay warm and have your best fall cycling adventure yet!
1.)Prepare your bike: The challenges for a bicycle during the fall and winter months are more of the preventative kind. The main goals are to minimize flats, keep the shifting smooth, and keep the rider dry. Start the season by installing fenders and bigger tires with a puncture protection system as soon as the weather changes. We have times of rain, sun, or snow in the fall, and we recommend having a tire that will perform great in all those conditions while helping keep your flat count to a minimum. The fenders will keep your backside dry when you hit unavoidable puddles. As for the chain and gears, keep your bike clean and happy. You can see our tips here on how to clean and lube properly. A clean bike means fewer broken parts, less chain oil on your pants, and more time for fun.
2.)Know the forecast and pack accordingly: We know it sounds trivial and somewhat daft, but yes, the forecast will create your outfit for the ride. Look at the morning and the afternoon temperatures and conditions. If you are a commuter, prepare accordingly, as mornings can be freezing, but afternoons may be toasty and warm. During fall on the East Coast, the weather can change at the drop of a hat. Pack a small rain jacket if the forecast calls for rain around your ride time. This Lightweight Packable Rain Jacket is cost-effective and will definitely get you out of a pinch. Opting for some thicker gloves may be a good option as well. We recommend wearing toe covers under your shoes and packing booties if the rain is coming. Windbreakers and vests are a great way to stay warm on descents and cold areas while minimizing added bulk to your jersey or bag. The ATD Windbreaker is incredible for such days
3.) Be visible: The daylight is getting shorter and shorter, and a ride at 5:00 pm can mean coming home in the dusk and dark, so prepare with the right gear. Wear high-visual gear in the fall and winter months, and keep drivers and others aware of your position on the road. A blinking light for the front and rear of the bike is a way to add protection. The Cat-Eye small ribbon lights and the Fiks Reflective wheel and frame for a double dose of reflectivity are great!
4.)Keep those digits toasty: Nothing is worse on a ride than cold hands or toes. The happier your extremities, the more comfortable the whole body and mind will be. Get yourself an excellent, dependable set of waterproof or windproof gloves to start the season off. Pack for the worst and keep some chemical hand warmers in your saddlebag for your toes and hands. The insulation from the gloves and booties will keep the heat trapped inside, and you'll be warm for hours to come. We have a wide selection of full-finger gloves.
5.)Food and hydration: With all this prep and planning, it's easy to forget the simple things: eating and drinking. Gels and protein bars can get cold or frozen if the weather is bad enough. Pack comfort foods that not only add nutrients to the body but can also add the kick needed to help you finish your ride strong. Try Apple Cinnamon Hot from Scratch Labs for a holiday taste on your ride or our favorite: Nutella and almond butter on a toasted English muffin wrapped in foil. Whatever you like, make sure to eat it because your body needs the fuel when it's working hard keeping you warm and crank up those hills.