Hi cycling gang. Winter and autumn are slowly approaching and i want to buy winter gear until its discounted, but i feel a bit lost at what i need and expect. Can someone who trains outside during the winter help me with my questions. I am living in country with winters day time temperatures from -1c to 5+C, there is rarely full week or 10 day period with negative temperatures during the day. This year i want to do my training outside during the winter as i am living in mountains with beautiful nature that i am addicted to seeing it every day. Training wise my plan is to do sweet spot hill repeats when weather allows it and thats lead to my first question.
Is there any winter jacket wind or waterproof that can actually breath while you go for sweet spot efforts? I need it to be rainproof as sometimes i ride far from home and weather in the mountains is unpredictable and shower/ light rain or snow can come out of nowhere. Is it better to take with me separate rain jersey?
I bought good BiB shorts, but i dont have budget for separate winter ones- what can i do to use them in cold weather in mind with rain and snow? I tried using some waterproof pants but they hold much heat and i am so wet that i cant take them off.
What are you wearing under your jacket?
I am complete newbie in the winter cycling and basically know nothing about it.
Is training hard without sweating much during the winter unrealistic goal?
Is there any winter jacket wind or waterproof that can actually breath while you go for sweet spot efforts?
There are very breathable jackets out there but they tend to be expensive. E.g. the Assos Equipe RS Winter Jacket.
I need it to be rainproof as sometimes i ride far from home
Most winter jackets are somewhat rain proof but the more rain protection they offer, the less breathable they usually are. I would bring a rain jacket or gilet.
Rain in the cold is really the worst condition you can have. You also need to think about legs, feet and hands. Gloves should be water proof. Most winter shoes are waterproof but the rain just runns down the leg and into the shoe. Only solution are rain pants over the waterproof shoe or some really good overshoes like the ones from Spatzwear.
I bought good BiB shorts, but i dont have budget for separate winter ones- what can i do to use them in cold weather in mind with rain and snow?
Summer bibs are usually lacking any sort of wind proof or rain proof features. You could get some long running leggins and wear them over the bib. But I can’t stress enough how much better riding in the winter is with a dedicated winter bib.
What are you wearing under your jacket?
Merino baselayer.
Is training hard without sweating much during the winter unrealistic goal?
Depends on intensity and how much you generally sweat. I would try to dress as light as possible and in many layers so you can manage your temperature better. E.G. if you are on a climb, open all zippers to not overheat.
Good winter clothing makes a huge difference and the good stuff is usually expensive.
I usually wear two undershirts in winter, a short or no-sleeve one, and a longsleeve merino one. Plus a “roubaix” (fluffy inside) type long-sleeve jersey, but not a real winter jacket jersey. You can even add another layer if it gets colder. I find with multiple layers, you don’t neccessarily need anything wind-proof. I prefer to be able to dry off a bit, and I find that as long as I’m moving, I don’t usually get cold. (I don’t live in the mountains though, and you might get cold when descending.)
Over your bibshorts, I’d wear long running tights, also those with a fluffy inside.
Then I’d pack an actually waterproof jacket, and maybe even trousers, and a second pair of gloves, to use in case it starts raining/snowing, and for descents. This will likely be too bulky to put into a jersey pocket so I’d get a big saddle or frame bag, or even a slim rack with a bag.
Plus get mudguards for your bike - both you and the bike will stay dryer and cleaner.
If you’re out in the cold longer, it can also be nice to take an insulated water bottle with a hot drink - hot fruit tea or apple juice, for example. Obviously if you’re only out to smash a couple of intervals, water or normal drink mix might be better.
Nice remarks about the clothing, i am about to get merino shirt as i heard before that is really good. I am also aware for waterproof gloves, shoe covers. Thanks for the suggestions of running leggins over bibs i haven’t thought about it. I will try to squeeze some budget to buy winter biibs.
I have insulated bottles already and have hydration vest for under my jacket. Mudguards are essential i prefer the longer ones with good protection that makes you bike look like grandma’s bike
Nice remarks about the clothing, i am about to get merino shirt as i heard before that is really good. I am also aware for waterproof gloves, shoe covers. Thanks for the suggestions of running leggins over bibs i haven’t thought about it. I will try to squeeze some budget to buy winter biibs.
Look for layers that can work in different combinations. A jacket that is fleece lined can be worn comfortably (against the skin) with a short or long sleeve baselayer. All of my main outer layers are breathable, windproof options. I prefer to carry an ultra packable rain jacket for emergencies.
I’m increasingly a fan of synthetic insulation, like PrimaLoft gold. Two-way zippers are a great way to dump heat if riding hard too.
My layering will typically look like..
LS merino base layer
LS jersey
Insulated jacket (like an Albion ultralight insulated)
Rain/extra layer, Gore Shakedry (can’t buy anymore)
You can get winter bibs without a chamois which you wear over your summer bibs. Saves a bit of money as they are cheaper than ones with a chamois and you can wear them a few times before washing them so you may not need a 2nd pair.
There will always be trial and error when it comes to Rule 9 rides.
Merino wool baselayers and balaclavas.
wind and waterproof gloves and boots/overshoes.
Bring extra gloves, hat, and socks in a ziplock for changing conditions, or just to dry out at the halfway point, if need be.
Think about poagies or bar mitts as an option for your hands. They aren’t sexy at all, but they also do a really good job preventing frostbite and keep your hands dryer than gloves alone.
It sounds like you’re not really interested in purchasing another set of bibs but, with over 40 years of riding and racing in my past, I will tell you that a pair of thermal bibs are one of the best pieces of kit I have ever purchased. I match them with a pair of leg or knee warmers if the temperature warrants them.
Winter specialist here. I don’t actually train outside that much in the winter, weirdly enough, but I do race in the winter. I am the < 35F rider that @rkoswald doesn’t believe in.
You want an alpha direct jacket (midlayer) + some ultralight windshell (or raincoat) with mechanical venting. You’ll probably find that the AD jacket is enough once you get going. Looser is actually better for the shell, otherwise moisture tends to get trapped in the sleeves. Look for a rain jacket with pit zips that go all the way to heaven.
What we call “exotic European mesh.” Add this over your chamois, then you can pretty much wear any lightweight pair of leggings/pants. And I mean featherlight pants, just a tiny bit of wind protection over the mesh and you’ll be good.
Thin merino baselayer underneath. Rapha makes some good ones. Recently switched to a merino hoodie by Montbell.
This hasn’t been mentioned, but if you understand the concept of a vapor barrier lining (VBL), you can pretty easily protect your feet with a few plastic bags. I usually keep doggie bags in my bikepacking kit in case of a cold snap. Thick sock + bag + shoe. Or thin sock + bag + thick sock + shoe. Or thin sock + bag + thick sock + bag + shoe.
It is if you are unwilling to stop and delayer once you’re warm. Stopping to layer/delayer is how you manage moisture. The recs I’ve provided will give you the widest temp range, so as to minimize stops. The alpha and the mesh will work while wet. Most “winter” apparel from major cycling brands has a pretty limited range of temps/conditions.
My rec for you:
Merino base layer, lightweight, bonus for hoodie
Alpha direct midlayer jacket (90-ish gsm) with a hood
Mesh leggings (wool or poly). The three major brands are Bryne, Aclima, and Svala
Ultralight rain jacket with serious mechanical venting options
Some plastic bags
A buff or two (I prefer OR Echo buffs—thinnest buffs I can find)
These are all versatile pieces of kit. You can reuse the mesh leggings for skiing or just everyday life in cold temps (can adapt any pant to cold weather). I use my AD midlayer a ton during summer bikepacking. I can wear it over wet layers and it will speed up the drying process. It also lets me get away with a half-bag for my sleep kit. And I can skip the puffy. And of course, a UL rain jacket is super useful to have.
I will buy winter bibs in a heart beat if i have the budget, still exploring options for sales before the winter season, maybe i should have searched before months…maybe i missed great sales months before the winter.
I live in Bulgaria, practically market is very small and mostly filled with expensive /never on sale gear/ or unknown brands. I like decathlon and found some Really good gear from them. Mainly I order from Tradeinn.com from surprise…. Spain lol…just for 10€ by posts. Got my Power meter on sale from them, hiking gear, running gear and casual clothes. I would probably get some gear from decathlon.
