Its getting colder again. As the season of family and friend gatherings rolls in, the sweaters come out, the heat gets turned on, and for a lot of people the bikes go in the garage until Spring. You don’t have to give up your biking over the winter though, you can keep riding indoors with a trainer, or learn to LAYER UP!
I enjoy riding in the winter. It’s not as nice as the warmer months, but the bragging rights I earn every time I pass someone in their car is something you cannot beat. Layering is the only way to ride comfortably in the cold air, and it’s important to do it right. Luckily, it doesn’t have to mean going out and buying fancy thermal clothing, although they really do help. The concept of layers is simple: wear multiple layers of lighter clothing, and avoid bulking up on heavy items like sweaters. As you ride, you will warm up and may need to take layers off, by wearing multiple layers you can adjust accordingly and find that sweet spot that keeps you toasty and not be dripping in sweat. In this post I’m going to go over how I layer up for the coldest of rides. You should adjust for the weather accordingly, the warmer the weather, the less layers you need.
Layer 1: Underwear Don’t leave home without it.
Layer 2: Base Layer This is where the expensive sporty clothing really counts. As you warm up in your ride, you will start to sweat, and if that sweat is soaking into you clothes you will get clammy and uncomfortable. You don’t want to be covered in sweat in the heat and you definitely don’t want it in the cold.
Bottom Half: For best results, start with anything that is not cotton. Wicking fabrics, polyester, wool, or blended fabrics work best. Leggings, thermals, or long johns work in a pinch though.Tuck your base layer into your socks for extra warmth.
Top Half: Short or long sleeve wicking shirt. I almost ALWAYS start with a short sleeve shirt and then add long sleeve warm layers, because sometimes the temperature can rise to reasonably warm during the day, even if it’s frigid in the morning. Do what works best for you though, and for what is appropiate for the temperature. If you only get one fancy piece of clothing, make it for this layer. You will sweat the most from the top half, and wicking fabric keeps you dry.
Layer 3: Multiple warm layers Here is where the layering really starts. Layer as much or little as you need for the temperature. Experiment with it! It took me a full season of winter riding to be able to to predict just how many layers I would need. Always err on the side of too many layers. It’s way easier to simply take a layer off than have to ride all the way home to put another one on.
Bottom Half: I will often wear leggings as a middle layer on my legs, but you could also do long johns or thermals. Throw on a pair of jeans or cycling pants on top.
Top Half: Long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and/or a vest. I highly recommend a vest. They’re stylish, and by keeping your core warm and arms free, they make a great middle layer.
Layer 4: Weatherproof Adding a final layer of weatherproof clothing, pants and jacket is your best option to finish a successful layering. Wear items that are waterproof, wind resistant and breathable. This is another layer where sport clothing is optimal, but again, any jacket will do! Reflective items are a plus.
Layer 5: Gloves, Hat, Earmuffs, etc. Tuck your gloves under your long sleeves or jacket to keep warm air in, and cold air out. You can even layer up on gloves if you need to! Wear a thin hat under your helmet, and something to cover your ears. Leg warmers, arm warmers, balaclavas, and booties are additional warming items you can add to you layers.
Be sure to bring a basket, backpack, or bungees to secure any layers you remove to your bike!