Choosing the Right Kit for the Conditions

What should you wear before riding on the indoor trainer, climbing a pass in the middle of summer, or heading out on the flats in December? With experience, dedicated cyclists eventually learn how to dress for the weather, for the length and type of session planned, while staying wary of changeable weather. Newcomers, on the other hand, can feel a bit lost, especially since new materials are revolutionizing the way we protect ourselves. Here are some tips for choosing the essential kit for your riding.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: Pixabay.com / Pxhere.com / @3bikes.fr / DR

To get started in cycling, a pair of bib shorts, a jersey, a helmet, socks, and shoes are often enough in spring or summer. But once the weather turns nasty, not having the right protection can quickly turn a ride into a nightmare. From minimalist kit to the most complete setup, here is a list of what to have in your wardrobe if you want to ride all year round and in all conditions.

Indoor trainer

This is especially relevant right now, whether because of lockdowns, the weather, or shorter days: indoor training is becoming more and more widespread and more and more fun, with realistic devices and apps like Zwift that let you train while having fun. For such a session to be worthwhile, it requires a minimum of organization. You sweat quickly and heavily on the indoor trainer, so it is best to kit up accordingly, with a towel within reach and above all a fan to limit dehydration and the associated loss of mineral salts. In the comfort of an apartment (around 19–20°C), even with the windows open, a light base layer that dries quickly is enough. If you ride in a cool cellar or garage (between 10 and 15°C), you can add a race jersey, but no more, since you will be at a comfortable temperature after 5 to 10 minutes of effort.

=> SEE ALSO: All base layers

The summer ride at 25°C

Ideal conditions for riding: a beautiful summer ride at 25°C, with little wind. It is also the kind of ride that requires the minimum of kit. Be careful, however, if you ride in a region with big elevation gains, since in the mountains and low mountains conditions can change quickly with altitude, so plan extra protection before long descents.

=> SEE ALSO: All gilets

The scorching ride at 35°C

In great heat, choose a light jersey, which has the advantage of being very breathable and also drying very quickly, so it does not hold moisture from your breathing. Although it is not mandatory, there are also very light bib shorts that improve airflow over the thighs. Gloves can be very useful because they prevent sweaty hands from slipping on the handlebars. For socks, choose a thin, breathable model, but if you regularly suffer from burning sensations in your feet, do not necessarily blame your shoes. A pair of custom insoles perfectly fitted to the shape of your feet greatly improves circulation and comfort.

=> SEE ALSO: Insoles for cycling shoes

The ride at a moderate 20°C

In nice weather with a slight cool breeze, start from the essential kit for 25°C, but add a light base layer, which has the advantage of absorbing moisture from sweating and drying quickly, so you avoid the chills you can feel after a long effort, for example, or on descents. For an early start or a return at the end of the day, bring a pair of arm warmers that you can slide down your arms or stow in your pocket once they are no longer needed. On a very hilly course, you can also take a light jacket or a packable windproof gilet to stow in your pocket, which will protect you on a long descent.

=> SEE ALSO: Arm warmers

The ride at a cool 15°C

In these conditions, opt for a long-sleeve jersey, a bit thicker than a short-sleeve one, and a classic sports base layer. You can also choose a short-sleeve windproof jacket paired with arm warmers, which has the advantage of protecting you from a light shower. For the legs, the most classic solution is to pair knee warmers or leg warmers with your regular bib shorts, but you can also choose thicker short bib shorts with a water-repellent coating in case of a shower. For the feet, depending on your sensitivity, toe covers worn over your shoes can be an excellent solution to avoid feeling the cold there.

=> SEE ALSO: All long-sleeve jerseys
=> SEE ALSO: Gabba jerseys

The autumn or early-spring ride at 10°C

In these conditions, you need warmer, insulating layers that still breathe well. A thick long-sleeve jersey over a long-sleeve base layer is ideal, to which you can add a light windproof gilet to block the wind, with the option of adjusting your protection to the intensity of your effort. The other option is to wear a windproof jacket with breathable panels, always over a long base layer. For the legs, you can get by with bib shorts and leg warmers, but for more comfort we recommend long bib tights, which are less restrictive when you move. For the hands, light long gloves will provide essential comfort. For the feet, merino wool socks and light shoe covers are also ideal if the weather stays dry. Finally, protect your head by slipping a fabric cap under your helmet.

=> SEE ALSO: Windproof jackets

The winter ride at 5°C

At 5°C, keep in mind that with wind the wind chill can quickly feel close to 0°C. You will therefore need a windproof jacket over a thick base layer, long bib tights, long gloves, shoe covers thicker than those used at 10°C, and an under-helmet cap to protect your ears. If rain threatens, some jackets also have waterproof properties that will help you avoid getting too cold. But at these temperatures, and especially in variable conditions, you should carry an extra layer to stow in your jacket pocket, with wind and rain protection, ideal for the end of the ride, during the cool-down period for example.

=> SEE ALSO: All shoe covers

The very cold ride at 0°C and below

These extreme conditions call for special equipment, especially since it is neither easy nor advisable to make sustained efforts at such temperatures. It is better to layer three layers on the torso, which provide the necessary insulation thanks to the air trapped between each layer. You can therefore opt for a thick long-sleeve base layer, an insulated jersey, and an outer windproof layer with a water-repellent finish. Or a thick double-layer jacket, which is very effective in these conditions. For the lower body, thick long bib tights are a must, optionally with windproof and water-repellent front panels. For the feet, avoid lacing your shoes too tightly, wear wool socks, and insulated shoe covers. In more intense cold, you can add toe covers and shoe covers. Guaranteed warmth! For the hands, very thick gloves are essential. But if the weather stays dry, simple, loose-fitting ski gloves are also very effective. For the head, especially on a windy day, we recommend wearing a balaclava, which has the advantage of also protecting your neck and preventing cold air from getting in through the top of your jacket. Finally, always carry an extra windproof layer in a back pocket, in case conditions suddenly deteriorate.

=> SEE ALSO: All winter gloves
=> SEE ALSO: All winter jackets

Is all this equipment really mandatory?

Newcomers can rightly ask this question: do you really need all this equipment to ride a bike? Obviously, starting from basics like bib shorts, a jersey, shoes, and a helmet, you can adapt your outfit with protection borrowed from other activities. A track jacket, jogging pants, or even wool tights can provide temporary warmth, just as a simple windbreaker, a rain jacket, or a ski jacket can do the job for a few kilometers.

However, these garments are rarely suited to cycling, either because of their cut (an outfit that can restrict movement and slow you down in the wind), or because they protect you poorly from the elements, failing to handle wind chill and above all to evacuate body heat.

Whatever the conditions, avoid cotton at all costs (starting with base layers), which soaks up sweat and will chill you to the bone at the slightest change in temperature and on every descent.

If you really must dig into your wardrobe to dress for riding, choose running or cross-country skiing clothing instead, disciplines close to cycling in terms of intensity, but which are not subject to the same weather constraints, and in particular the cooling effects of wind at speed.

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