How to Layer Up for Chilly Bike Rides
What to Wear on your Next Cold-Weather Ride
Whether the snow is starting to melt in the Spring or the first chilly days of Fall are making you want to snuggle up instead of venture outdoors, there is no reason to neglect your bike! All you need is the right layers to keep those pedals turning as the seasons change. Here is everything you need to stay warm on those chilly rides.
Keep in mind, when you are determining what to wear for a ride there are a few more factors than just temperature. Is the sun shining? Is it windy? Is it misting rain? It is also important to know what you personally consider “cold.” A gal from Southern California might need to add a few more layers than our friends riding well into the winter in the great white North!
50-60° F/ 10-15.6° C
Alright, so it’s a little chilly… but you are going to warm up, fast! Start with your favorite sports bra, short-sleeve jersey, shorts, arm warmers (super easy to take off when you warm up), short-finger gloves or thin, full finger gloves, and wool socks (warm, but also moisture wicking). When the temps start to drop, it is even more important to have a great set of cycling glasses, since the cold always seems to make your eyes water!
40-50° F/ 4.5-10° C
Brisk, but a totally doable! Adding a few more layers that are easily removed, should you get toasty mid-ride. Throw on a base layer under your short-sleeve jersey for a little more core warmth, bibs instead of regular shorts keep in the heat in your mid-section and prevent any unwanted gaps in your clothing, a windbreaker vest, a headband that covers your ears, scarf, and knee warmers. If you have sensitive hands, you may want to put on some cool-weather full-finger gloves.
35-40° F/ 2-4.5° C
Brrr, time to cover-up a little more! Switch out for a long-sleeve jersey, thicker gloves, winter headband, wind-breaker, and another sock layer or toe covers.
30-35° F/ (-)1-2° C
Alright, so now that you are riding when it is literally freezing, you need to cover all the exposed skin. Bring on the tights, heavy gloves, shoe covers, add a wool long sleeve over your short-sleeve jersey and cover it all up with a wind-breaker.
25-30° F/ (-)4-(-)1° C
You are one badass chick! Better get yourself some lobster gloves, hand and toe warmers, double up on your long-sleeve jerseys, trade your winter headband out for a full-fledged hat, layer knee warmers and arm warmers under tights and jerseys, and pull that scarf up around your face!
25° F/ (-)4° C and below…
Personally, we’d be happy with the trainer or spin class! But, if you have the urge to brave the elements, get it girl! More layers are always better than adding in a big puffy jacket that restricts movement and could cause you to sweat and actually get colder!
A Tip for the Mountain Bike Maven
Want to keep rocking your baggies year-round? We feel you! Here is a tip: get some awesome knee and arm pads. Pads not only keep your vulnerable skin protected, but they also keep you warm! We are a fan of long socks that tuck right up into knee pads and elbow guards instead of arm warmers. Super cold out? Tights fit under knee pads!
*For pricing and availability of Liv Cycling apparel, check with your local Liv dealer or check out find your country's gear selection HERE!