Top cycling clothing for the 2023 fall cycling season
Put on the right kit when the weather gets crisp
Photo by: Getty imagesFor most cyclists, the fall cycling season, with its cooler and less humid weather, signals the arrival of the year’s best riding conditions. And when you throw in the hard-earned fitness you’ve accumulated during the summer, fall riding becomes even more enjoyable. Unfortunately, your summer cycling kit that emphasized comfort and breathability when riding in scorching summer conditions may now seem a little lacking for the colder conditions. So, to help you enjoy the crisp, cool weather, we’ve put together our top cycling clothing picks for the 2023 fall cycling season.
Pearl Izumi Quest Thermal Jersey
A warm jersey for cold conditions.
This long-sleeved jersey is a perfect choice for cyclists riding in colder conditions or those seeking extra warmth for those cool and breezy early morning rides. The jersey is constructed with a cozy fleece fabric that provides excellent warmth and moisture transfer. A full-length zip allows for easy donning and provides exceptional ventilation if the temperatures increase.
Castelli Prologo 7 Long Sleeve Jersey
A long-sleeve jersey for milder weather.
This midweight long-sleeve jersey hits the sweet spot by providing warmth for cool early-morning fall riding conditions while still being light and sufficiently breathable if the temps increase during the day. Much of this versatility stems from the soft, micro-piqué body fabric that’s mated to Castelli’s Velocity Rev2 summerweight sleeves. The body fabric has exceptional moisture management and UPF 50 protection, while the lighter sleeves have UPF 30 sun protection. The full-length zipper simplifies dressing and layering, and offers excellent ventilation.
Pearl Izumi Quest Barrier Convertible Jacket
A convertible jacket for a variety of weather conditions.
Best for cyclists seeking one lightweight jacket for changing fall weather.
The Quest Barrier Convertible Jacket is the perfect just-in-case shell for changing fall conditions. The jacket is built with a recycled polyester DWR-treated fabric that does a great job of blocking the wind and shedding light precipitation while providing excellent breathability. When conditions start to improve, cyclists can unzip and remove the sleeves, and use the jacket as a core-protecting vest.
Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Arm Warmers
High-tech arm warmers with water-resistant technology.
Arm warmers are a staple in most cyclists’ wardrobes because they offer a level of versatility that few garments can match. Simply throw them on at the beginning of your morning ride, and as the temperature increases, roll them off and tuck them in your jersey pocket. Where the Elite Thermal Arm Warmers really distinguish themselves from other similar offerings is with their Dry water-resistant technology. This construction prevents the arm warmers from becoming saturated during wet riding conditions and ensures water continues to run off even when the fabric is stretched.
Castelli ThermoFlex 2 Armwarmer
No-nonsense arm warmers with a great fit.
Constructed with a Thermoflex nylon and elastane fabric, these arm warmers deliver the warmth and moisture management cyclists need for cool weather riding. Castelli’s careful patterning, silicone gripper at the top, and cross-wrap cuff ensure a secure and comfortable arm-hugging fit.
Castelli Entrata Bib Tights
Comfortable bib tights for cold weather riding.
As the fall temperatures drop, maintaining leg warmth is critical for performance and comfort. Thankfully, the Entrata Bib Tights are more than up for this challenge. Constructed with Castelli’s cozy Thermoflex fleece fabric, these bid tights provide the warmth necessary when riding in cold conditions. Castelli uses its KISS Air2 seat pad, which offers excellent cushioning without excessive bulk, and is the choice of some pro riders. The body of the bib tights showcases sophisticated patterning with minimal seams for comfort on longer rides.
Pearl Izumi Thermal Cycling Tights
Warm and water-repellent cycling tights.
Constructed with a Pearl Izumi’s Dry Thermal Fleece fabric, these tights provide the warmth, moisture-wicking, and breathability required for cold-weather riding. While these are all important and desirable features, what really distinguishes the Thermal Cycling Tights is their sophisticated DWR treatment. Unlike many garments where the DWR is applied to the fabric’s surface, these tights have the individual fibres treated with a DWR. The result is exceptional water repellency that extends beyond the surface of the material. Other noteworthy details include a sophisticated padded chamois and minimal construction seams for optimal comfort and fit.
Castelli ThermoFlex Legwarmers
No-nonsense leg warmers with a cozy fabric.
Castelli uses its unique Thermoflex fabric to build these sophisticated leg warmers. The material provides warmth and exceptional moisture management, both of which are critical for cool-weather riding. To reduce fabric-shift when riding, Castelli utilizes meticulous patterning, a silicone gripper at the top, and a cross-wrap cuff at the bottom.
Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves
A light glove for cool and wet riding conditions.
Riding with cold hands is not only uncomfortable, but the loss of dexterity can also create a safety issue as you fumble to brake or shift gears. Solving this problem is easy – just get yourself a pair of Cyclone Gel Gloves. Built with a 3-layer softshell fabric, these gloves deliver wind and water protection and just enough warmth for cool fall riding. The gloves have a stretchy synthetic leather palm, which allows for a secure grip, and the addition of gel padding takes the edge off bumpy road surfaces. The index finger and thumb are touchscreen-compatible, and the hook-and-loop secured cuff prevents unwanted drafts.
Products reviewed in this article:
Pearl Izumi Quest Thermal Jersey
Castelli Prologo 7 Long Sleeve Jersey
Pearl Izumi Quest Barrier Convertible Jacket
Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Arm Warmers
Castelli ThermoFlex 2 Armwarmer
Castelli Entrata Bib Tights
Pearl Izumi Thermal Cycling Tights
Castelli ThermoFlex Legwarmers
Pearl Izumi Cyclone Gel Gloves