Winter Cycling Clothing

Winter Cycling Shoes

Winter cycling shoes should be a generous fit to allow thicker socks and to allow good blood-circulation in your feet.
For serious winter riding e.g. training or a long commute, winter cycling boots such as the Northwave Celsius or Specialized Defroster are the answer. They may seem expensive but they will last for years.

You can turn your normal cycling shoes into winter cycling shoes with overshoes.
These are neoprene or fabric bootees that keep your feet toasty warm. Roll them up and stuff them in your bag when you don't need them!
Buy thermal-insoles to reflect heat back into your shoe.

Base Layers, Mid Layers and Winter Cycling Jerseys

A base layer is worn next to the skin. It should be NOT be cotton! Base layers use man-made fabrics that do not absorb sweat like cotton can. The 'technical' fabric in a base layer will 'wick' sweat away.
On colder days a long sleeved mid-layer goes between your base layer and your cycling jersey.
A winter cycling jersey should have long sleeves and be made of a heavier fabric than usual.
Full length zips on cycling jerseys allow ventilation when required and sleeves can be rolled up or down as needed.

Winter Cycling Jackets

A winter cycling jacket should be waterproof, breathable and have a high collar to keep you snug and warm. Breathable Materials such as Goretex and versions from other manufacturers allow sweat to escape from the jacket.
Adjustable ventilation is good - armpit vents & cuff-closers are always welcome.
Reflective detail is also always handy... Adding 'tags' to your zips will make them easier to use with winter gloves on.


Soft-shell cycling jackets are like a thick jersey made out of breathable fabric.
The Endura Stealth is not cheap but was rated "the perfect cycling jacket..." (Cycling Plus Magazine 10/10). You won't have to wear much underneath except on the coldest of days as it is very warm.
For commuting, the Altura Nevis is a good value breathable winter cycling jacket.

Cycling Trousers & Tights...

Legs don't seem to get too cold, even in winter. Thermal tights (sometimes called Roubaix fabric) or tracksters seem to work well in most winter cycling conditions. If you are on a budget, check out the Altura Winter Cruisers

For a more urban style, long pants like the Endura Humvee trousers have cycling-specific design features but look like normal trousers.

Waterproof overtrousers must be breathable.
Cheap overtrousers will soak you in condensed sweat!

Winter Cycling Gloves...

Winter cycling gloves are best when waterproof and breathable.
In winter, if sweat condenses inside the glove - your hands get cold.

The cuff should fit inside your cycling jacket cuff otherwise heavy rain can run down your arm and into your glove.

A pair of glove liners will add extra insulation for the coldest of winter cycling.

Winter Cycling Comfort...

Fit Mudguards!

Get lights before the clocks go back, or get fresh batteries.

Carry food on longer rides.

Carry spare clothes on longer rides.

Be Careful Out There!

Club cyclists have traditionally always owned a 'winter bike' for mucky weather. Usually made up of cast-off bits from the 'best bike' with one important addition - mudguards! If it is cold, it is important to stay as dry as possible. Being sprayed with cold dirty water from below is unpleasant for you and bad for your bike.

When the nights draw in, the normal bike-blindness of car drivers is multiplied. Many do not know how to de-mist their windscreen and peer out through a letterbox sized clear area. Get lights! Get reflectors!

Carry a spare inner tube in your toolkit. If you puncture, fit the spare and fix the other in the comfort of home or the cafe.

If cycling on a cold, bright day, take care on shaded areas as this is where ice can linger!