Winter Cycling Tips & Top Picks

Two-wheeled fun doesn't need to be limited to the summer months.

Winter is seen by many cyclists as the “off season”, where bikes get left in sheds and forgotten about until the thermometer reading starts to crawl back into the double digits. There is no escaping the colder, wetter weather that makes two-wheeled adventures more challenging, but isn’t that why we cycle in the first place? Winter cycling is certainly different to what most of us are used to, but that just means there’s a whole other facet of the sport waiting to be explored. So, in the spirit of "New Year, New Adventures" it’s time to get on your bike. Whether you’re a die-hard roadie, a thrill-seeking trail rider, or you just use your bike to commute, we have some tips, tricks, and a few gear recommendations to turn cycling into your year-round activity.

In winter, the days are colder, the nights longer and it never seems to stop raining. These conditions demand a different approach to dressing for cycling. Being bold and starting cold is a good rule of thumb to avoid turning into a sweaty mess ten minutes into your ride. Just don’t be too bold, or you will have the opposite problem.

No two rides are the same, so check the forecast and layer appropriately for the conditions. This can be hard to judge at first, but after a few rides using this technique, you’ll have a good idea of what clothing you'll need for all conditions. If you’re worried that you don’t have the right gear for the job, we've got you covered with our top picks to winterise your wardrobe.

For cold and wet off-road adventures, you’ll want to armour-up against the elements. This means waterproof shoes, full-length trousers, and a protective waterproof jacket. However, it’s important that your kit is breathable as mountain biking is an intense physical activity which makes it easy to overheat. Finding the right balance can sometimes be challenging with conditions varying so dramatically. That’s why having a versatile wardrobe is so useful. For a bit of inspiration, we’ve selected a few of our favourites from this season’s range.

A good base layer is arguably the most important bit of clothing for any layering system. That’s why Endura uses merino wool in theirs. Merino is super warm for its weight, and it has an incredible ability to resist odour build-up. The BaaBaa Merino Base Layer uses a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibres in its fabric, to make a top that helps regulate your temperature while riding.

It’s always a struggle deciding whether it’s wet enough outside to justify wearing waterproof trousers instead of comfy softshell ones. With the MT500 Spray trouser, you can get the best of both worlds. They are primarily constructed from a tough, stretchy, and breathable softshell fabric. However, the seat is made from a 3-layer waterproof fabric to prevent tyre spray or a wet saddle from soaking your underwear.

A good waterproof shell jacket is an essential piece of equipment for any mountain biker’s wardrobe. The Ranger 2.5 Water Jacket from Fox is fully waterproof and breathable, featuring a helmet compatible hood and zipped pockets for storing ride essentials. It’s made from a lightweight fabric, so it can be packed down small enough to fit in a waist pack. Ideal for those days when you’re trying to squeeze a few laps in before the rain arrives, but you’re worried you might get caught out.

Thankfully, for road cycling you don’t have to deal with quite the same level of muck as when mountain biking. Layering for winter road riding is less about weather protection (though this is important) and more about temperature regulation. It’s easy to build up a sweat on a tough hill climb, but what about the long cruisy descent that follows it?

Staying in the temperature sweet spot is vital for both comfort and performance. The way to control it is through a mix of pacing and layer management. If you’re just about to make a KOM attempt on the steepest hill in your town, then make sure to unzip your jacket or take off your gilet ahead of time. Likewise, if you’re just about to freewheel down 3km of gentle descent, zip everything up and trap all your hard-earned body heat before it gets whipped away by the wind.

To make this work you need adaptable layers that are highly breathable, protective, and insulating. Ideally, they should have adjustable venting and can be whipped on and off with ease. With these criteria in mind, here are our top picks from this season’s road cycling apparel.

Rapha’s Core Range Jacket II provides top-level performance, featuring Rapha’s signature reflective arm band, helping to keep you visible at night and in low light conditions. The jacket is light and compact, making it easy to pack down enough to fit in a jersey pocket and giving you ease of mind that you won't be caught in a downpour without a waterproof.

The Kiko Bibtights are ideal for winter rides when there’s the risk of a little precipitation or there’s plenty of surface water on the roads. This is because Stolen Goat’s proprietary Tempest fabric is used on the legs. It is inherently water and wind resistant, rather than just being coated, so it’s properties never wear off. They’re incredibly comfortable too, thanks to the Vapour chamois, which is held snugly in place by the Thermodream bib. When shorts and warmers just aren’t cutting it, the Kiko Bibtights are what you need.

Just as we riders kit ourselves out for winter roads and frosty trails, our bikes need a bit of adaptation too. We’ve selected a few products that any bike would benefit from. Take a look and make sure you’re ready for your next winter ride.

Whether you ride on faultless tarmac or boggy single-tracks, all cyclists have to deal with tyre spray. It comes off your rear wheel to soaks your behind and comes off the front to obscure your vision. It’s a pain. Thankfully, others have felt that pain before and devised various remedies. These are our favourite mudguards for each riding discipline.