![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Cold-weather-riding.jpg\")
<\/a>Sarah Kaufmann bundled up for a cold gravel ride in Moab. Photo courtesy Sarah Kaufmann\nFeet First<\/p>\n
Toes are often the pain point. Metal pedals and cleats against the soles of your feet means it\u2019s hard to keep toes warm.<\/p>\n
Chemical toe warmers go a long way. Here are a few options for various temps and cold tolerance:<\/p>\n
Under your sock, on top of your toes, directly against your skin. (And in violation of the warning label).
\nOver your sock, inside your shoe.
\nOn top of your shoe, under a shoe cover (always use shoe covers if it\u2019s cold).<\/p>\n
Heated insoles\/socks: Pricier, but more environmentally friendly. Battery life drops with higher heat settings.
\nWool socks: Always. Feet sweat, wool insulates even when damp.
\nPro tip: Start with warm shoes \u2014 use a boot dryer or set them in front of a heating vent for pre warming.<\/p>\n
Some fat bike riders skip clipless pedals altogether and go for winter boots and platform pedals. Less efficient, but warmer.<\/p>\n
Hands Next<\/p>\n
Hands are trickier \u2014 you need warmth but also enough dexterity to brake and shift.<\/p>\n
Bar Mitts\/pogies: Great for flat bars. On drop bars they can make it slightly more difficult to go from hoods to drops.
\nConvertible mittens: My personal favorite is a $40 pair called SnowStoppers, made by Treeline, and available on Amazon. Mittens for descents, lightweight gloves for climbing.
\nSweat management: Wet gloves = cold fingers. Carry at least one backup pair if it\u2019s a long ride.
\nHack: A thin latex glove liner holds heat. But your hands will get quite wet with sweat. This is more of a last resort. These gloves are extremely light and packable so useful to carry for a numb fingers emergency.<\/p>\n
Core, Legs & Layering<\/p>\n
Layering is the key. For reference, here\u2019s my go-to for 20\u201330\u00b0F sunny or 30\u201345\u00b0F cloudy days:<\/p>\n
Bottoms: Thermal tights or thermal shorts with thermal leg warmers. Hips catch a lot of wind so thermal fabrics help cut the sting of the cold.
\nTops: Thermal long sleeve jersey or long sleeve base layer plus lighter weight long sleeve jersey.
\nOuterwear: A softshell or wind jacket you can unzip\/zip frequently for temperature management. Vests are also a popular choice.
\nNeck Buff: Small, lightweight, and a big difference-maker for core temperature. Pull it up on descents, pull it down or take it off when you start to sweat.
\nHead: Ear band or cap works, but I swear by a hoodie jacket with the hood over your helmet. Easy to take the hood up or down and, again, a big difference-maker in holding or shedding heat. Keep it up for high speed or descents and pull it down on climbs or as you warm up.
\nHelmet: Aero helmets minimize venting. Nice but not critical.<\/p>\n
Managing Layers<\/p>\n
A bar bag or small pack can be really helpful as you will likely have more to carry than warm summer rides. Winter riding usually means frequent stops to add or subtract layers and your pockets will quickly become too full. Plan to start the ride slightly chilly and you will warm up in the first 10-20 minutes, when you can stop for your first layer shedding.<\/p>\n
This Investment in Fitness Goes Far<\/p>\n
Be guided by wicking fabrics or wool, avoiding sweat and moisture, and an emphasis on extremity warmth. Training through the winter gives us so much to be thankful for when it\u2019s warm and sunny. Winter cycling is what makes the difference for those who reach their summertime fitness goals. Dress smart and get out!<\/p>\n
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