Laying up for cooler riding conditions
Winter riding doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence or worse yet, giving up altogether. With the right layers you can stay warm, dry and comfortable, no matter how low the temperature dips. The trick? Dress for the conditions, not just the calendar.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to layering for cold-weather rides, based on actual temperatures because what works at 15°C won’t cut it at 5°C.
15°C+ Mild Mornings & Shoulder Season Rides
Perfect riding conditions, cool but not cold, layering lightly is your best bet. Go for:
- A short sleeve jersey with a lightweight base layer underneath
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Arm warmers if there’s a chill in the air
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A packable gilet or wind vest, perfect for early starts and breezy descents
Keep it flexible so you can adjust as the day warms up.
10–15°C The In-Between Zone
This is where proper layering starts to matter.
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Thermal or long sleeve jersey over a base layer
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Lightweight windproof or water-resistant jackets if the weather’s uncertain
- Knee or leg warmers, full-finger gloves, and maybe a headband or cap under your helmet
You’ll want enough insulation to stay warm, but not so much that you overheat on a climb.
5–10°C Full Winter Vibes
It’s officially cold, and now your kit needs to work harder.
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Merino or thermal base layers
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Thermal jersey or mid-layer
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Windproof and/or waterproof outer jackets, ideally breathable
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Thermal bib tights or leg warmers with standard bibs
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Insulated gloves, overshoes, and a skull cap or thermal beanie under the helmet
This is the layering sweet spot, warm but breathable, and ready for any wind chill.
Under 5°C Cold-Core Territory
Brave enough to ride in near-freezing temps? Respect. Time to kit up.
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Heavy-duty base layers (merino or fleece-lined)
- Insulated long sleeve jersey or winter mid-layer
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Windproof + waterproof outer shell
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Full thermal bib tights
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Thick, wind-resistant gloves, thermal shoe covers, neck buff, and winter hat.
At this point, you're dressing more like a backcountry hiker than a cyclist and that’s exactly what you want.
A Few Extra Tips
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Avoid cotton - once it’s wet, it stays wet
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Layer zips are your friend - vent when climbing, zip up for descents
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Reflective details and lights help you stay seen in darker, greyer winter conditions
- Dress for the first 10 minutes of your ride. If you’re comfy when you roll out, you’re probably overdressed
Keep Riding Through Winter
Riding through winter doesn’t have to be a test of toughness, just preparation. With the right gear for the temperature, you’ll be more comfortable, safer and much more likely to keep those wheels turning all season long.
Check out our winter cycling apparel to layer up with base layers, thermal bibs, jackets, gloves, and everything else you’ll need to roll through the cold.