Admittedly, the inner temptation to hop on the racing bike diminishes with decreasing external temperatures, increasing darkness, and bad weather. However, for road cyclists, especially those participating in competitions, continuous year-round training is essential. Of course, you can train indoors on the "roller," but then you miss out on the breeze, the nature, the smell of the road, and the landscape. It's better to equip yourself so that you can defy the weather, the cold, and the darkness.
Against Cold and Wet: Essential Clothing for Road Bike Winter Training
The general goal of winter road cycling clothing is to keep the body neither too cold nor too hot and to protect it from external moisture. The "onion principle" or "layering," as it is called in modern terms, is crucial. Because neither the outside nor the body temperature remains constant during a workout. And it can rain, after all. You can open or remove the layers for regulation. For your first winter in cycling, we have put together a small "Essential" list for you:
Underwear:
For winter, cycling underwear is more tightly woven. It warms lightly and quickly wicks away moisture. Seamless body-mapping underwear is particularly comfortable. It fits snugly to the body, has fabric structures that selectively remove sweat, and the seamless construction prevents skin irritation. Depending on the temperature, you can wear short-sleeved or long-sleeved undershirts, and if it gets very cold, of course, long underwear under the long cycling shorts. Pay attention to the material, a mix of polyester and polypropylene that dries extremely quickly.
Long Sleeve Jerseys:
Long sleeve jerseys with a soft fleece interior warm and also effectively wick away moisture. Depending on the temperature and in combination with underwear, wind vest, wind jacket, or on extremely cold days, with a winter jacket, you can wear them from early autumn to late spring.
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Long Bib Tights
Long bib tights are a basic for winter training! Long cycling shorts are made of breathable winter lycra. It is elastic and lined with a warming fine fleece. We recommend lycras with a water-repellent surface treatment. Then a short rain shower is no problem, and your back is also protected from spray water. On cold winter days, pants with a windproof front are the clear favorite. They protect exposed and sensitive body parts from biting headwinds and moisture. The seat pads of the long bib tights correspond to those of the short bib tights for summer. Here it depends on your personal preference.
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In addition to long bib tights, the winter jacket is a centerpiece of winter clothing. Its main task is to regulate body climate. In the wind-exposed area, a windproof and water-repellent softshell material protects. In the back, winter lycra is often used, which quickly dissipates excess heat and sweat. Of course, there are also winter jackets made entirely of softshell and perhaps only have lycra inserts on the sides. It is a very individual decision because you alone know how much you sweat and at what temperatures and weather you are still on the road. Softshell on the back also provides better protection against moisture. If you pedal your training kilometers even on rainy days, look for a winter jacket with welded seams. Because the seams allow water to penetrate unhindered inside. Under the winter jacket, cycling underwear is worn, and if it is very cold, also a long-sleeved jersey.
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Hands suffer particularly in cold and wet conditions. Winter gloves with a windproof and water-repellent softshell upper hand provide relief here. The palm should remain tactile but a bit more grippy and water-repellent so that you can still grip a wet handlebar well. On very cold days, gloves with additional padding (e.g., Primaloft) provide extra warmth. On wet days, neoprene gloves or gloves with a waterproof membrane and welded seams keep hands dry.
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Finally, you still need to protect your feet. Just cold toes alone can ruin your entire training day. You have 2 options:
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Either you wear your summer road cycling shoes and add warming, weatherproof road cycling shoe covers made of softshell or neoprene
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Or you buy winter road cycling shoes. These are ankle-high, windproof, and waterproof boots with a warming lining
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Covershoes have the advantage that you can take them off during the ride if they get too warm. They may be the better alternative in the transitional period or on mild winter days. Or if you are rarely on the road on very cold winter days. Winter cycling shoes are the best choice for very cold and wet winter days. Investing in them is worthwhile.
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Warm accessories, such as helmet covers, headbands, scarves, masks, warm socks, complete the equipment. There are also variants with wind protection zones that selectively block the wind. They all keep you warm and quickly wick away sweat so you don't cool down.
It is clear that winter road cycling clothing is cut close to the body and adapted to the lower riding position, just like summer road cycling clothing. It is naturally a bit more voluminous, but thanks to the elasticity of the fabrics, a close-fitting and thus aerodynamic, energy-saving fit is possible.
Against the Darkness: Color, Reflection, and Light to Be Seen
Darkness or gray, very gloomy days can be really dangerous for road cyclists in traffic. Do everything you can to avoid being overlooked! Here are some tips:
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Prefer clothing in bright neon colors and with many reflective elements! Sure, black always looks cool, and you don't see dirt as much, but at least colorful and reflective inserts should not be missing on winter road cycling clothing.
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Wear a helmet in a light color or in a signal color! Helmets with a high proportion of white or silver or neon-colored helmets are more noticeable. There are also small taillights for the helmet, and some have a knob that lights up for width adjustment.
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Equip your bike with high-quality front and rear lights. Battery-powered lights can be easily attached to the handlebars or seat post. Most have various lighting modes, from flashing to continuous operation. The lighting duration depends on the mode. You shouldn't be on the road longer than your lamp can light! Also, pay attention to the StVZO approval for German road traffic.
Our Conclusion:
With the right equipment, road bike training is no problem even in the winter months! However, you have to figure out your personal layering yourself. Every body reacts differently, sweats more or less, freezes more or less. Ultimately, this also depends on the intensity of the training. If you are on flat terrain, you need a different jacket than on a mountain tour. Indeed, there is suitable outerwear for almost every temperature range, weather, and training intensity. You have the agony of choice, but it's worth it!
P.S.: If you have any further questions, feel free to leave us a comment or email us your concerns. We are happy to advise you!
