Clothes for your late season rides

Dress right to keep cycling into the cold weather

Canadian Cycling Magazine December 2, 2017

Late in the riding season, you need clothing options. If all goes well, you’ll have sunny, warm temperatures all year long. Or, you’ll amass some bragging rights for getting out in challenging conditions. Either way, outfit yourself in the right gear and you’ll have great rides.

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The Pearl Izumi Elite softshell gel gloves ($100) keep your digits warm so they’ll do what you really need them to do on a ride: shift and brake. The substantial pads on the palms will keep any harsh road vibrations at bay. The gloves seal up nicely around your wrists.

The Giordana Fusion long-sleeve jersey ($199), with its soft, fleecy inside, works well as a standalone top in cool weather. The collar sits close to the neck to keep out the breeze. The Fusion is not so tight that you can’t add a layer beneath. It’s also not too bulky, so you can throw another layer on top easily. It’s a truly versatile piece.

There’s a bit more merino wool used at the front of the Pearl Izumi PRO Transfer wool long-sleeve base layer ($150) than at the back, giving you a bit more insulation where you need it. The material does a great job of moving moisture out. Handy thumb loops at the cuffs help you to keep cold air from sneaking in.

A wind vest like the POC AVIP ($175) can cut through the cold air, letting you stay out longer. The fabric at your front is substantial to block the wind, while the back panel offers a lot of stretch and better breathability. pOC’s Avip collection has a focus on safety, which, on this piece, means a colour scheme that pops and a reflective logo at the back.

The MEC Calefaction arm warmers ($25) keep the chill off your limbs until you’ve warmed up. The silicon grippers make sure the warmers stay in place until it’s time to stow them in your jersey pocket. MEC Calefaction knee warmers ($29) can add the right amount of coverage in weather that’s not too cool. Also, you don’t want to cover up your wicked cycling socks if you don’t have to.

The Louis Garneau Neo Protect II shoe covers ($30) are some serious booties. The fluorescent yellow increases visibility. The hook-and-loop “zippers” are long, which allow you to get your shoes into the covers easily. If you face a nasty cyclocross course and want extra traction, the covers have holes to let spikes
pass through.

The ThermoDrytex fleece in the Sportful R&D bib tights ($235) is comfortable against your skin. The material also wicks away moisture. At the cuffs, the tights have 5 cm of gripper as well as good zippers to keep things snug and looking neat. If you ever wonder about the various densities of padding in the TC Pro chamois – which is designed for experienced riders – they’re clearly labelled.

The Canadian Cycling Magazine cap by Biemme (logicasport.com) I is a rare item on the road. If you are keen to get one, you’ll have to watch the Canadian Cycling Magazine website for giveaways of this custom casquette.

The Castelli Prefetto Light 2 jersey ($240) is your top of choice for crisp fall days. Maybe you’ll need some arm warmers at the beginning of the ride, but it will be so nice when you take them off and are still able to keep your core warm and dry