The clock going back traditional signals the start of the winter months. Cycle SuperStore’s clothing expert Rachel Eager gives her advice on what you should wear to stay warm while on the bike during the winter months.
- Base Layer- Staying warm on the bike starts with a good base layer. Your base layer should be tight fitting. This will trap the air between you and the clothing and prevent cold air getting in. Ideally the base layer should be made from Merino Wool. This particular wool is fine and soft and is ideal for clothing worn next to the skin. If you do not like the feel and touch of wool, most base layer manufactures produce an alternative base layer made of polyester. Our range of base layers can be found HERE
- Bib Tight- These are crucial for the winter months. Some people may try to wear shorts with a pair of leg warmers but if you truly want to stay warm, you will need a pair of bib tights. There are plenty of options available on the market, however when picking a pair, try to pick a pair one that are windproof.
Normandia Bib tights
Different models offer different variants of wind proofing, so ideally a pair that offers full wind proof protection would be your number one choice. One such example would be bicycle line’s Normandia
- Jackets- Next item will be your jacket. When picking a jacket ensure that it is windproof. There are 100’s of them available on the market. Leading brands like Assos, Endura and Bicycle Line have loads of options at different price points. However none of the windproof jackets available are waterproof. Most of the windproof jackets will offer some element of protection from the rain, however where the windproof jacket fails is it seams, as none of them are adequately taped . If rain is forecasted you should bring a rain proof jacket along with you, ideally it should be pack-able so that it can fit into your back pocket. Our range of packable jackets can be found here with some of them available in our clearance department for €25
- Socks/ Skull Cap- These two items of clothing are vital to ensure that you don’t feel cold while out the bike. Like your base layer, your socks should also be made of wool. Assos offers the Habu Sock, while Bicycle Line offers the Traccia sock. If you do not like the feel of wool against your
funguSpeer Socks
skin, Assos have introduced the new FuguSpeer winter sock .A skull cap also plays a vital role, with scientist estimating that up to 45% of your body heat can escape through your head. Ideally your scull cap should be windproof. A lot of the more modern scull caps are waterproof. Our range of skull caps can be found HERE. When wearing a skull it is vital that you adjust the straps on your helmet to compensate for the cap
- Gloves- Keeping your hands warms will ensure that you enjoy your bike ride during the winter months. Winter gloves were traditional bulky and cumbersome and simply tasks like changing the gears on your bike. Manufacturers are now moving towards a neoprene style of clove. Not only are these gloves windproof they are also waterproof. One design element of these type of gloves is that they make the person hand sweat ensuring that person’s hand stays warm. Our full range of gloves can be found HERE and those people that like a little bit of extra comfort, we now stock Sealskinz cold weather
Sealskinz Heated Gloves
heated gloves. You should also consider a neck buff as these are great on windy days and help cold air getting in. Our range of neck buffs can be found here
Whatever winter clothing you choose to wear, ideally it should have some element of reflection in it. If this is not available we stock a range of reflective arm & leg bands which can be worn over your clothing
By Rachel Eager
