Gear Review: Winter Cycling Clothing

Cold Cycling Chic

Ride Warmer This Winter

Unlike other aerobic winter training, staying warm during winter bikes rides is tough. The problem stems primarily from the core-numbing wind-chill generated while riding, not to mention the difficulty of effectively venting sweat produced during demanding aerobic efforts. Thankfully, most cycling clothes manufactures have understood these challenges and, with the careful deployment of modern technical fabrics, created clothing that keeps out the elements, vents excess heat and provides enough warmth for serious winter training.

Here are some of this winter’s best clothing choices for staying warm while riding.

::GEARBOX
earlyWinterInteractive – $169
Assos
51057

This wonderful base layer pulls moisture from the skin and pushes it toward outer clothing layers, allowing riders to stay dry and comfortable. Assos uses lighter, breathable fabric under the arms, which further improves moisture transmission. This is a mandatory piece for long-term comfort in cold conditions.

::GEARBOX
Element Jersey – $180
Specialized
51053

With its fleece-lined, mid-weight softshell fabric, the Element Jersey provides significantly more weather protection that its name implies – it’s a great jacket rather than just a jersey. But winter-specific fabrics alone do not create an viable cold weather riding jacket. Realizing this, Specialized has included numerous highly visible reflective accents for increased safety during low light conditions and two carefully bellowed rear pockets for the extra fuel necessary on long rides.

::GEARBOX
ETS Long Sleeve Jersey – $150
Louis Garneau
51062

With its highly breathable and fast wicking fabric, the ETS long sleeve jersey is an ideal mid-layer for cold weather riding. Louis Garneau uses a highly breathable back panel for even greater moisture control and venting, making the ETS a perfect choice for extended training.

::GEARBOX
Massimo Bib Tights – $170
Louis Garneau
51061

Windproof panels on the thighs and knees ensure the Massimo Bib Tights will keep riders warm and comfortable on cold winter rides. The addition of a light fleece lining maintains warmth without adding unnecessary bulk or impeding breathability. Garneau’s sophisticated 4-way stretch chamois conforms to the rider’s movement while the carefully positioned gel pods ensure comfort during extended training rides.

::GEARBOX
Membrane Cycle Jacket – $250
2XU
51052

Using 2XU’s proprietary Membrane fabric, the water-proof Membrane Cycle jacket achieves excellent wind resistant while remaining breathable enough so riders don’t become damp with perspiration. For even greater comfort, the back of the jacket is consists of a warm, stretchy, fleece-lined fabric that easily allows excess moisture and heat to escape.  Four rear pockets and two smaller zippered pockets ensure plenty of carrying options for gels, bars and an iPod.

::GEARBOX
P.R.O. Softshell Jacket – $200
Pearl Izumi
51049

The P.R.O. Softshell jacket focuses on keeping riders warm and comfortable without the bulk, weight and complication of unnecessary features. The stretchy laminated softshell fabric delivers exceptional wind resistance and warmth while allowing excess perspiration to escape.  A single zippered rear pocket fits gels or energy bars, carefully positioned reflective trim adds safety and a trim fit keeps the wind out. This is a great jacket with no drawbacks.

::GEARBOX
P.R.O. Softshell Tights – $250
Pearl Izumi
51050

Using multiple fabric panels, the P.R.O. Softshell tights provide wind protection, water protection and warmth while still allowing excess heat and perspiration to escape. Pearl Izumi places waterproof breathable panels on the thighs and back of the tights, uses highly wind resistant and breathable panels on the knees and lower legs, and adds a stretchy insulating fabric on the sides. The result is excellent weather protection and moisture management in a tight suitable for cold winter training.

::GEARBOX
Stealth Jacket – $360
Endura
51063

Few cycling jackets can provide the waterproofness, breathability and stretch found in the Stealth jacket. Not only is every seam ultrasonically welded, but Endura also welds the waterproof zippers into the jacket, ensuring complete protection from wind and rain. The highly stretchy fabric guarantees a flap-free fit while the Stealth’s high degree of weather protection makes this a top choice for wet and cold conditions.

::GEARBOX
TI Bibs – $250
Sugoi
51060

The TI bib is an excellent complement to Sugoi’s similarly named jacket and, as such, delivers the same core-warming protection and controlled breathability. The front of the bibs are lined with Sugoi’s Firewall fabric which sheds wind while the light fleece lining ads important warmth to critical thigh muscles and fragile knees. The three-dimensional FormulaFX chamois offers variable-padding and venting channels for all-day comfort.

::GEARBOX
TI Jacket – $240
Sugoi
51059

The sleek patterning of the TI jacket combines a highly stretchy and breathable rear panel with a completely windproof front. The result of this hybrid construction is excellent wind protection where it’s needed most and exceptional venting. Sugoi keeps the TI relatively simple by eliminating unnecessary pockets and busy sleeves. This allows the TI to easily layer over or under different glove systems and eliminates the bulk and weight of extra pockets and zippers.

::GEARBOX
ULTRA Cycle Jersey – $130
Zoot
51055

Windproof fabric panels on the front, shoulders and arms ensure the ULTRA Cycle jersey keeps riders protected from headwinds. Zoot adds a lightly textured and highly breathable fleece fabric on the lower back and under the arms for efficient venting of excess heat and moisture, assuring riders remain dry and comfortable while training. The ULTRA Cycle Jersey’s lighter overall weight makes this good choice for less extreme conditions.

::GEARBOX
ULTRA Bib Tight – $175
Zoot
51054

The Ultra Bib tight is a good choice for riding in milder winter weather. The lightly lined fabric provides some extra warm without causing overheating during warmer temps and the carefully positioned windproof panels protect sensitive knees from cold winds. Smoothly finished stitching and a very comfortable chamois make the ULTRA Bib tight a good choice for off-season training.

::GEARBOX
winter.LL – $399
Assos
51056

The Winter.LL bibs are another example of the exceptional cycling clothing produced by Assos. Construction details like ankle stirrups to prevent gaps, a front zipper that simplifies entry and the ventilated upper body fabric for less overheating, are some of the well-considered elements in the Winter.LL bibs. The contoured windproof panels protect knees without adding unnecessary bulk, while the light fleece interior adds warmth without reducing breathability.

::GEARBOX
George Signature Alpe Jacket – $359
Hincapie Sportswear
51064

This stylish winter jacket from Hincapie delivers race-proven weather protection thanks to its highly breathable wind and waterproof stretch fabric.  A light fleece lining adds extra warmth on colder rides, while careful details like an off-center front zipper and two rear pockets with an internal pump holder deliver comfort and versatility during training. Subtle reflective accents increase safety in low-light conditions while the simple unencumbered wrist cuffs allow for easy layering. This is a good no-nonsense winter cycling jacket.