Winter Cycling Clothing Buyer’s Guide
Cycling in the winter is all about staying warm, dry, and visible to other road or trail users. The right kit will keep you comfortable and confident on the bike, whatever the conditions.
Below is a list of our top tips for essential winter cycling clothing, along with specific product recommendations and what makes each one a strong choice for cold-weather riding.
Base Layers & Thermals
A base layer is your first line of defence against cold air and rain, sitting close to your skin to provide insulation while wicking away sweat so you stay dry and comfortable.
The Altura Tempo Base Layer is a great example, featuring seamless construction to reduce irritation, a lightweight 100% polyamide build, and 3D knit zones that improve breathability where you need it most.
It's ideal for everything from commuting to long weekend rides, and it's always better to have an extra layer in cold conditions that you can remove if you warm up.
Mid Layers
Once your base layer is sorted, a thermal mid-layer helps trap warmth close to your core.
The Ridge Men's Long Sleeve Jersey in dark blue uses brushed polyester fabric to retain heat while offering features like a quarter zip for ventilation and three rear pockets to hold ride essentials such as a phone or nutrition gel. Plus, the reflective detailing also helps boost your visibility in low-light conditions.
Outer Shells & Jackets
A jersey alone won't be enough when the wind and rain kick in, so a weatherproof jacket is essential. The Ridge Unisex Waterproof Jacket in fluorescent yellow shields you from rain and road spray with waterproof fabric and taped seams, while also helping keep you visible thanks to its bright colouring and reflective detailing.
A removable hood and rear zipped pocket add flexibility and convenience for commuting, making it perfect for both summer and winter cycling.
Gloves & Hand Protection
Cold fingers can ruin a perfectly good ride, so a reliable pair of insulated cycling gloves is a must. They'll block out the cold and prevent uncomfortable numbness in your fingers.
The Boardman Winter Cycling Gloves use a windproof and water-resistant outer layer and include insulation to keep hands warm even on frosty mornings. They also feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips, a silicone palm grip for solid handlebar control, and a long draft-blocking cuff to block out that unwanted cold air.
Socks & Overshoes
Your feet take a lot of punishment during the winter, and wet socks can make for a miserable ride. Altura Waterproof Socks use a Rainguard waterproof membrane and a three-layer construction to keep feet warm and dry, while seamless heel and toe sections prevent rubbing against the inside of your shoe, to keep you pedalling comfortably.
To add another level of protection, Boardman Cycle Overshoes sit over your cycling shoes to block wind and spray, helping maintain foot warmth and dryness.
Over Trousers
When you're cycling to work or just popping out on your bike in unpredictable weather, having something easy to throw on makes a big difference. The Ridge Men's Waterproof Packable Cycling Over Trousers are perfect for quick protection from the rain. They are lightweight, fully waterproof, and compact enough to stash in a bag or pocket until you need them. When the rain starts, you can slip them on quickly to keep road spray and showers off your legs, helping you arrive dry and comfortable. After all, your legs are what power your bike forward.
If you're out for longer rides in the cold, then warmth becomes just as important. That's where the Boardman Men's Thermal Tights work very well. They're designed specifically to have a close fit that keeps heat in and prevents chilly winds from cutting through, keeping you well insulated.
Neck & Head Warmth
Since a lot of heat escapes through the head and neck, small accessories can make a big difference in overall warmth. The Boardman Neck Tube is lightweight and stretchy to pull up over the neck, chin, or lower face when temperatures drop. It's a great piece to seal warmth in from your chest to your face.
For head insulation, the Boardman Helmet Liner sits under your helmet to keep your head, forehead, and ears warm without adding bulk or limiting airflow to your head, which is especially good on early morning commutes.
Now that you know the key pieces of winter cycling clothing and the specific products that can help you build the perfect setup, there's no excuse not to get out and enjoy your bike in cold weather!
If you need to try anything on for size or want tailored advice for your riding style, visit your local Halfords store where our cycling experts are ready to help.