How to dress for different temperatures and conditions
Layering properly for spring, fall and winter weather
Photo by:
Matt Stetson
When the seasons transition from summer to fall, winter and back to spring again, cycling attire requires more consideration due to varying weather conditions. In the warmer months, all you have to think about is which short sleeve jersey, perhaps a base layer for added comfort, and bib shorts. However, as temperatures drop or become more unpredictable, you’ll need to adapt your clothing choices to ensure comfort and safety.
During spring and fall, the weather can be quite unpredictable, with cooler temperatures in the early morning and late evenings, but the general range will be 8 C to 16 C. You should opt for a versatile ensemble that includes a long-sleeved jersey, plus a lightweight jacket or vest to ward off the chill. A flexible layering approach becomes essential, allowing riders to adjust their clothing as the temperature fluctuates throughout the ride.
It can be somewhat more of an art than exact science too. If you wear too much clothes on one of those spring rides where it gets warmer, you’ll overheat. So you need to think of ways that you can start layered up, and mid ride, have the option to remove one or two. Whether that means popping your vest in your back pocket, or taking off your legwarmers when it gets to 15 or 16 C, there are lots of options to regulate your temperature so you’re comfortable. It also means if the weather changes mid-ride, maybe it rains, or maybe you stop to fix a puncture, or grab a coffee, you can put the vest back on so you’re not shivering.
Spring guide to layering
This spring guide is aimed for dry conditions, if it rains, you should adjust the temperature range upwards 3 – 5 C. In terms of pace, this guide is aimed for a reasonably paced ride where you are consistently working–but not, say, doing massive efforts or intervals.
Winter guide to layering
For the winter guide, the range is 2 – 8 C. Read all about how to stay warm when the temps really drop, below.
This story was presented by Assos
