Layers<\/p>\n
Of course, layering works. It\u2019s great for thermal comfort and for your wallet, because multiple well-chosen layers can deliver similar results to one high-performance \u2013 but unfortunately high-cost \u2013 piece. A simple example? \u201cInstead of buying one universal, perfect, but expensive jacket, get two cheaper ones: a rainproof shell and an affordable thermal jacket. The advantage is that you can combine them depending on conditions. For rain, take the waterproof one. For cold, the thermal. And when it\u2019s both cold and raining, put the thermal on first and the waterproof on top,\u201d says Gasperotti.<\/p>\n
Go for bigger sizes<\/p>\n
This theory is tried-and-true, and as they say, there\u2019s no way around it. If your winter outfit fits as tightly as a sausage in its casing, it\u2019s probably not going to keep you as warm as it could if some layers had a bit more space. There are two reasons for that. \u201cFirst, when you compress insulating layers, you reduce their ability to insulate. Second, when layers are packed too tightly together, there\u2019s no air between them, and that space acts as an insulating layer on its own,\u201d says Richard.<\/p>\n
When talking about cold-weather clothing, most riders obsess over jackets to protect the torso and various leg warmers, but they overlook an equally important part of the body: your backside. Many of us wear the same Lycra shorts in winter as in summer. \u201cExperienced year-round cyclists swear by thermal bib tights, which many consider the greatest invention for winter riding. Things are slightly easier on a mountain bike, where you can wear looser winter MTB pants over thermal tights for better protection against water and mud,\u201d Richard says.<\/p>\n Tricks against a frozen forehead<\/p>\n Keeping your head warm is crucial, and it\u2019s not only because a frozen forehead or neck can shorten your ride, but because it can also lead to an unpleasant cold. Here we run into the technical limitations of helmets, and you obviously can\u2019t ride without one. You could start frantically searching for winter-specific helmets, but instead of another investment, try working with what you already have. \u201cPersonally, I don\u2019t like wearing a beanie under my helmet \u2013 it slides down into my eyes and usually heats more than I\u2019d like. I much prefer a headband that warms the forehead, ears, and nape. To make it fit under the helmet, just loosen the inner adjustment dial as much as possible. And the problem of icy wind cutting through your helmet vents? Even easier: just cover them with duct tape before your ride.\u201d<\/p>\n And don\u2019t underestimate the power of the cheapest miracle of all: a neck warmer (and in the worst case, even your daughter\u2019s Paw Patrol buff will do the job).<\/p>\n Stone-cold feet<\/p>\n Road cyclists know the feeling all too well: you step off the bike, and your feet from the ankles down are so frozen you\u2019re not even sure they\u2019re still attached. You can prevent cold feet, but it\u2019s always a bit of a battle because while your thighs and calves warm up as you pedal, the tops of your feet and your toes freeze without compromise. What to do? Stuffing thick socks into tight shoes is a guaranteed recipe for frozen toes. Thin summer socks won\u2019t help either. The typical solution is a wool sock combined with overshoes.<\/p>\n The base layer<\/p>\n Speaking of wool, every time the debate starts about wool versus synthetics, both sides have their passionate supporters. This article won\u2019t crown a definitive winner. The task of a base layer is to balance heat regulation with moisture management. So, is wool better or should you go for synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon?<\/p>\n First \u2013 definitely not cotton. It soaks up sweat fast, doesn\u2019t wick it away, and leaves you wet for the entire ride. Lab tests show that polyester and polypropylene wick sweat faster and more efficiently, which matters during intense efforts. Studies also indicate that merino fibres absorb moisture into their core while remaining dry to the touch, which feels better. And on top of that, merino wool insulates even when damp.<\/p>\n Again, it comes down to what works for you. \u201cI personally prefer natural merino, both for base layers<\/a> and for socks, but that\u2019s just my choice,\u201d says Gasperotti.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s not just what you wear, but how you use it. For example, when climbing and sweating more, unzip your collar to let steam out so it doesn\u2019t accumulate on your chest as moisture. Before descending, zip everything back up tightly.<\/p>\n Gloves<\/p>\n Despite my intro memory, it is, of course, wise to put gloves on before heading out. Gloves<\/a> are almost like cycling alchemy; each part of the ride may call for a different type. \u201cThat\u2019s why I recommend wearing a thinner pair and keeping a thicker backup pair in your pocket in case the first ones get soaked or the temperature drops,\u201d says Richard. If you enjoy extra comfort, try heated gloves (or heated socks). A company called Inuheat offers batteries that connect to various products and can be controlled through a smartphone app, where you set the ideal temperature.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if you\u2019re still cold even with heated gear, I have only one last piece of advice: Don\u2019t force it. Just wait for spring,\u201d Richard concludes.<\/p>\n ![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MTB-Winter-profimedia-0790146617-CVR.webp.webp\")
<\/a>Are you cold? Well, that\u2019s just how it is. \u00a9 Profimedia
\nA warm, dry butt<\/p>\n