Get Set for Winter Cycling With These 7 Pieces of Gear

There’s a certain romance and intrigue about riding during the winter. Rougher, more unpredictable weather causes you to slow down and take in more of your surroundings rather than purely focusing on speed. However, if you’re not appropriately equipped, winter cycling can be absolutely brutal. Here, we have put together a list of some of our favourites to help you prep for the worst of the season and even have a little fun out there.

Pearl Izumi Women’s PRO Barrier Jacket

Great winter riding starts with a solid outer layer, and that requires a sturdy jacket. With a two-litre membrane, this jacket has a dependable yet breathable weather-protection layer for sudden downpours and ongoing showers. If the weather clears up, it folds and stows easily into a bike bag or jersey pocket. Plus, Pearl offers a wider range of sizes, which is always welcome in an industry that hasn’t always been size-inclusive.

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Smith Optics Shift Split MAG

Good cycling glasses matter year round, but in the winter, a pair with lenses that adapt to varying levels of light is crucial with shorter days and gentle peeks of sun. Look for sunglasses that have a wide range of view and an easy lens-swap system so you can make your one pair the pair for both sunny and overcast days.

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Fizik Terra Artica GTX

There are few things worse on a long ride or a commute than arriving at your destination with completely soaked feet. Winter riding means reaching for footwear wrapped in Gore-Tex and with a higher top than normal cycling shoes. Plus, the Boa closure helps dial in the fit, especially if you have a thicker sock or a long tight on underneath.

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Outdoor Research Commuter Windstopper Gloves

Gloves are a very personal choice—some cyclists prefer a thin glove with just a bit of padding, while others want full gel inserts to cushion their hands. The important thing is to find a durable pair that can stand up to winter’s worst while giving you the grip you need on the handlebars. These Outdoor Research gloves strike a balance as a nice middle-ground choice.

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Ornot Men’s Thermal Cargo Bib Tight

Whether a bib tight or a looser pant, something with a chamois adds a good level of comfort for winter riding, especially for uneven roads and unpredictable weather. A good thermal layer makes cold riding more bearable and allows you to ride without the added bulk of an internal layer. This option from Ornot is covered in a PFAS-free water-resistant coating and is made from a recycled, Bluesign-approved knit (meeting one of the toughest standards in textiles).

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Sweet Protection Outrider Mips Helmet

A helmet is non-negotiable. There are dozens of options, but a good starting point is to go with Mips technology, which is proven to potentially reduce head injury in the event of an accident. This writer can vouch for the quality of the technology from personal experience.

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Zwift Ride

There will, of course, be days when the weather is just too much, or you don’t have time to fully gear up for an outdoor ride. This is where a good training setup makes all the difference. Zwift is, by far, the leading virtual cycling programme with options for every level and ability. The Ride system incorporates most of the features of the platform into a stationary bike—all you need to bring is a screen for the app. It’s a great way to get those miles in, even when Mother Nature tries to say otherwise.

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