The correct cycling clothes for the conditions and the quality of your kit can really make or break a bike ride. There is nothing more distracting than being overly cold, uncomfortable or even sweaty on a bike so having the right cycling clothes on can make all the difference to your ride experience. By now you have probably seen our Essential New Season Kit List and have an understanding of what kit to take on your rides. In this article we will be looking at how to dress for cycling in more detail focusing specifically on how this changes throughout the year.
Let's go ahead and dive in with spring and fall.
Spring and fall are the hardest seasons to dress for because the weather is so changeable. This makes it tricky as you will often start your ride in the blistering cold but end it being bathed in sunshine. As a result, layering with clothing items that can be packed down into a back pocket or bike bag is super important. This way, you can strip off clothes when it becomes hotter throughout the day. There you have the key to springtime clothing choices, start in more and end in less. What you take is also slightly different if you think there’s a chance the heavens might open.
What to wear:
On top
On bottom
Hands
Head
Feet
Compared to the transition seasons, summer is probably the easiest time of year to dress for. Sure, if you are starting very early in the morning you may need a gilet layer or some knee warmers for that first hour, but these items will quickly be shed. Light, warm and comfortable, it becomes less about trapping heat and more about getting out the sweat and drinking lots of water to prevent dehydration. Always remember to get the sunscreen on pre-ride to avoid getting burnt and take a small cape just in case. Not only for summer storms but also if you have any long descents in your ride. You get chilly on these even in the height of summer.
What to wear:
On top
On bottom
Hands
Head
Feet
When we get to the early stages of winter the aim of the game is layering and protecting your extremities – that's your hands, feet and head – where you lose the vast majority of your heat from. This is particularly an issue on the bike as freezing extremities will make it difficult to pedal, change gear and brake. The top layers listed below work to block out any potential air gap which could be infiltrated by the cold weather which will bring your core temperature down.
That's why we suggest interlacing soft- and hard-shell cycling clothes so that you are protected from the elements outside while also protecting yourself from your own cooling system, sweat. On your bottoms you will want to layer against those biting icy winds. This means wearing proper insulated cycling gloves and always wearing shoe covers so that these extremities don’t freeze.
What to wear:
On top
On bottom
Hands
Head
Feet
It's one thing dressing correctly for cycling in winter, but it's another thing dressing for 'Canadian winter'. We all know that freezing temperatures bring ice and snow, but this doesn't necessarily stop you from riding. If you wear the correct cycling clothes and layer properly you will still be able to ride your bike outdoors, even in the most extreme conditions. The mission when faced with these temperatures though is to bundle up, bulk the air gaps on your body and cover up any exposed skin, especially your face. If it is really cold you can start thinking about wearing ski or hiking jackets or soft-shell hoodie style layers that can be used as insulation. Always top this with a hard-shell jacket though to protect your body from those vicious winter winds.
What to wear:
On top
On bottom
Hands
Head
Feet
There you have it, our guide on how to dress for the Canadian seasons. With the correct clothing you won't even miss a beat and you will be able to stay in the saddle all year.
