How to Keep Warm When Cycling During Winter

Jackets

The best approach to looking for a new outer layer or shell is to decide what features you need, and what features you'd like. Do you want it to be highly breathable? Do waterproofing capabilities really matter? How many pockets do you need? Does your washing machine wash as low as 30°C? Is a hood a good idea? Do you have exceptionally long or short arms? It really does pay to sit down and work out what you really need, and set yourself a budget before you start shopping around. We know brand loyalty plays a big part here, and if you've had a very good garment from a certain brand in the past you are very likely to go back to that make first. But look around at what else is available.

Women's jackets

A good fitting jacket can make or break a ride in heavy winter conditions - so again, as with mid layers, cut is important. As well as the obvious differences, women tend to have shorter torsos than men and the cut of your jacket should take this into account.

A wind proof jacket will allow you to ride all year round - and the more breathable the fabric, the better the performance. Gore-Tex is the industry standard, but there are many other breathable fabrics that allow you to stay dry. As a rule, the more you are prepared to pay, the better jacket you'll get; that doesn't mean to say that the most expensive is always the best, but with a bigger price tag things like taped seams and storm proof zips become standard.


Longs or over trousers

Hard riders might be happier cycling in Lycra tights in the rain and changing afterwards. For normal clothes commuting and steady touring, you'll want over trousers. Cheap ones can make you so sweaty and uncomfortable that you'd often be better without them. It's crucial that your longs protect the vulnerable parts of your lower half - knees, kidneys and crotch must all be adequately insulated. The crotch and seated areas need plenty of breathability to avoid sweatiness, and will lead to chafing and inevitably saddle sores, which can easily last a season and beyond.

In colder conditions a good supporting Lycra-based material will help avoid injury and support muscles through the dark season. Over trousers are great for long rides or commutes. This might sound daft, but first off decide whether you are going to wear them over your trousers; if you are, make sure you buy a pair baggy enough to fit. If you're not, and you want them as an extra layer to go over longs or even shorts, make sure they are not going to be too baggy. Either way, if you are doing any sort of distance or riding at pace pay more and get breathable ones. Lastly, pay attention to how the legs cinch at the bottom particularly if you have shorter legs and there is likely to be any bagging which could snag on the chain rings - disconcerting, and annoying.

Gloves

Your hands are the first part of your body to feel it when cycling in the cold. Warm and windproof are the top priorities for traditional winters. Waterproofing is secondary because arguably it's never that cold on rainy days. And while damp hands can be unpleasant, cold hands hurt. Many gloves come with a fleece lining, and sometimes a layer of Thinsulate. If they don't, add glove liners. These add warmth and can easily be washed and dried separately if they get sweaty.

Rainproof gloves are useful. Look for long, snug cuffs to stop your wrists getting chilly, and cover the cuffs with your jacket sleeves to stop rain running down your arms into the gloves.


Don't forget your extremities!

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There is a whole host of really useful bits of kit that you can use to bolster your existing cycling gear in winter or as an add-on to further beef up any winter buys, including gilets, thermal underwear and ear muffs.

The long-haul commuters and the heavy duty winter-trainers may benefit from leg and arm warmers. These have the obvious benefits of working well with shorts and short sleeved jerseys and they can be easily adjusted. Arm warmers are a great way of extending your protection without the commitment of a jacket - they prevent wind chill from sapping the heat from the forearms and wrists and are an invaluable autumn to spring addition to the clothing drawer. If it gets too hot, simply roll them up and put them in your back pocket.

Remember also to make sure that you are very visible, especially on dark and murky winter evenings. Wear something brightly colored or fluorescent during the day and something reflective at night, such as a jacket belt or trouser clips.