Everyone has different tolerances for cold and feels its effects in different ways. Some riders might reach for the gloves or the toe covers a few degrees before their mates, or struggle more when their knees are cold so opt for tights or leg warmers when everyone else is in shorts, but our recommended outfits below should give you an idea of how to get kitted out for different temperatures and conditions. A great way to add flexibility to your existing wardrobe is with a few key choices, leg warmers will let you use your expensive shorts for most of the year without shelling out for a dedicated set of winter tights, or some good shoe covers and gloves will let you bear much colder temps than you’d think. Whether you’re looking at Winter training rides or Spring club runs, we’ve got you covered.
Autumn / Spring 15-20c
For mild weather, we recommend a long sleeve Jersey, or a long sleeve baselayer under a short sleeve jersey to help keep your core warm. Mitts offer some comfort as well as warmth but leave your fingers open for better brake and gear lever feel. Cotton caps are a great option to regulate temperature, they wick sweat to keep you cool but also keep the wind off, as well as blocking the sun.
Shoes – Trek Circuit Road shoe White
Socks – Trek Crew Race socks
Shorts – Rapha Core Bib Shorts
Jersey – Rapha Core Long Sleeve Jersey
Mitts – Rapha Pro team Mitts
Cap – Rapha Logo Cap
Autumn / Winter 10-15c
Layers are your friend here, thin items layered over others that you can add or remove to stop you overheating as you warm up. Small things like toe covers, gloves, legwarmers and baselayers make all the difference, sometimes just a few of these items will be enough to keep you warm. A cycling gilet is usually very light but really helps to keep the wind off your chest and your core warm. Always throw a packable raincoat in your back pocket or saddle bag for unexpected weather.
Shoes – Trek Circuit Road shoe Black
Toe Covers – Rapha Neoprene Toe Covers
Socks – Trek Crew Race socks
Shorts – Rapha Core Bib Shorts
Legwarmers – Rapha Thermal Leg Warmers
Jersey – Rapha Core Long Sleeve Jersey
Baselayer – Rapha Merino Wool Baselayer
Gilet – Rapha Brevet Gilet Orange
Gloves – Rapha Brevet Reflective Gloves
Cap – Rapha Logo Cap
Winter (Dry)
2-10c
Keeping your head, hands and feet warm and dry is the key at lower temperatures, your core will stay warmer if you have these covered. Warm, breathable layers will stop you from getting too sweaty which will make you colder as the sweat cools. We’ve switched to tights from leg warmers, gone for a thermal cap and gloves, and a softshell jacket for warmth and breathability. The waterproof shoe covers are a game-changer and will keep your feet happy!
Shoes – Trek Circuit Road shoe Black
Toe Covers – Spatz Legalz Pro Overshoes
Socks – Trek Crew Race socks
Tights – Rapha Core Winter Tights
Jersey – Rapha Core Long Sleeve Jersey
Baselayer – Rapha Merino Wool Baselayer
Jacket – Rapha Winter Core Jacket
Gloves – Rapha Winter Gloves
Cap – Rapha Pro Team Winter Hat
Winter (Wet)
2-10c
If you’re going out in the cold and wet, bear in mind you’ll get much sweatier (and eventually colder) in a fully waterproof jacket than a softshell one, think about a thinner baselayer or jersey underneath to keep your core cool enough. Goretex jackets like this one from Rapha allow more breathability, while still being completely waterproof, to stop you overheating. When things get really grim, a neck warmer is great protection from the stinging rain and water running down your neck.
Outfit as for Winter dry day with Jacket:
Jacket – Rapha Brevet Gore Tex Jacket – Red
Rapha Brevet Gore Tex Jacket – Navy
As always if you have any questions about clothing and what would work best for you get in touch or visit us in store in Ashford or Folkestone. Our full range of clothing can be found here.
