Estimated read time3 min read

The fall riding season is in full swing across the country—brisk mornings, sunny afternoons, and the daylight ending way too early. Cold weather is already hitting some regions, and the low temperatures of winter will be here before you know it. Now is an ideal time to sort through your cycling clothing and dial in the kits you will need for rides in the coming weeks and months.

In his recent story, “How to Layer Properly to Stay Warm and Comfortable on Your Bike This Winter,” Bicycling Test Editor Dan Chabanov details everything you need to know about the hows and whys of layering for cold-weather rides. If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out and bookmark the story for future reference. The guide is absolutely jam-packed with helpful tips and keen insights drawn from Dan’s many years of riding through the cold, wet Northeast winters.

Based on Dan’s story, I put together some fall and winter road and gravel riding kits. Use these as starting points to build your own combinations. Since every ride—and every rider—is different, adjust your assortment based on the clothing you already own, the climate where you ride, intensity, and your personal style. For example, if you ride somewhere windy, you might require extra wind protection even when the air temperatures aren’t as cold as listed in Dan’s guide.

Additionally, some cyclists like to purchase cycling kits by brand; favorites include Capo, GoreWear, Pas Normal, Pearl Izumi, Rapha, Velocio, and dozens of other brands that make great cycling apparel. However, many other riders shop by purpose and function. Our editors and test team fall into the latter group: We generally choose functionality over style points when it comes to staying warm and dry.

Play IconlayersDry 45-50º FLightweight synthetic base layerLong-sleeve thermal jerseyLightweight wind vestThermal bib shorts with leg warmers or light winter tightsStandard cycling socks, knit shoe coversLightweight cap under helmetMedium-weight glovesChevron Left IconChevron Right Icon

Lightweight synthetic base layer

Short Sleeve Base Layer, 2 PackNepest Short Sleeve Base Layer, 2 Pack

Long-sleeve thermal jersey

Core Long-Sleeve Cycling JerseyRapha Core Long-Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Now 25% Off

Lightweight wind vest

Essence Light Wind VestCraft Essence Light Wind Vest

Now 25% Off

Leg Warmers

Elite Thermal Leg WarmersPearl Izumi Elite Thermal Leg Warmers

Now 18% Off

Knit Shoe Covers

Knit Shoe CoverGiro Knit Shoe Cover

Now 27% Off

Lightweight cap

Retro Team Cycling CapsPrestige Cycling Retro Team Cycling Caps

Now 35% Off

Medium-weight gloves

Ranger Fire GlovesFox Racing Ranger Fire GlovesWet 45-50º FLightweight synthetic base layerFor passing showers: Jacket with a protective membrane and good ventilationFor continuous rain: Long-sleeve jersey paired with a hardshell rain jacketThermal bib shorts with leg warmers or light winter tightsNeoprene shoe coversCap with a small brim under the helmetWater-resistant or neoprene-style glovesChevron Left IconChevron Right Icon

Neoprene shoe covers

Deflect™ Comp Shoe CoversSpecialized Deflect™ Comp Shoe Covers

Now 50% Off

Water resistant gloves

Summit WRX GlovePearl Izumi Summit WRX Glove

Now 25% Off

Trunch Waterproof Cycle CapSealskinz Trunch Waterproof Cycle Cap

Now 25% Off

Bib Tights

C3 Thermo Bib Tights+GoreWear C3 Thermo Bib Tights+Summit Wind Cycling JacketPearl Izumi Summit Wind Cycling Jacket

Rain Shell

Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight Rain JacketRapha Pro Team Gore-Tex Lightweight Rain JacketDry 40-45º FLightweight synthetic base layerSummer-weight long-sleeve jersey as a breathable spacer or light thermal jersey.Jacket with a protective wind/water membrane; add a vest for descents or early milesWinter tightsThermal socks and shoe coversWinter cycling hatLayered or insulated gloves (depending on wind)Chevron Left IconChevron Right Icon

Lightweight Base Layer

Sleeveless Cycling Base LayerYKYWBIKE Sleeveless Cycling Base Layer

Winter socks

Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew SockSmartwool Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew SockAmbient Winter Cap

Insulated Glove

Duraglove ET Charcoal Wool w/Black GrippiesDefeet Duraglove ET Charcoal Wool w/Black GrippiesAttack Long-Sleeve Cycling JerseyPearl Izumi Attack Long-Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Winter tights

Luxe Thermal Bib TightVelocio Luxe Thermal Bib TightWet 40-45º FLightweight synthetic base layerLight thermal jerseyFor passing showers: a jacket with a protective membrane and good ventilationFor continuous rain, opt for a dedicated hardshell rain jacketWinter tightsThermal hat under the helmetThermal socks, neoprene shoe covers with a thermal liningNeoprene or thermal glovesChevron Left IconChevron Right Icon

Light thermal jersey

Pro Alpha LayerPearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer

Neoprene Shoe Covers

Neoprene Shoe CoverVeloToze Neoprene Shoe Cover

Waterproof Thermal Gloves

Endure GTX Insulated Cycling GlovesGoreWear Endure GTX Insulated Cycling Gloves

Winter Cap

Decadent Winter CapOrnot Decadent Winter CapCore Cargo Winter Bib TightRapha Core Cargo Winter Bib TightDry 32-40º FLong-sleeve lightweight synthetic base layerThermal base or insulated mid-layerInsulated winter jacketWinter tightsThermal socks, thermal shoe covers, consider adding a thin barrier layerA less vented helmet and a winter hatLayer gloves or use heavy thermal glovesChevron Left IconChevron Right Icon

Long Sleeve Base Layer

CR 2 Pack Cycling Base LayerCoconut Ropamo CR 2 Pack Cycling Base Layer

Thermal Jersey

Grid Thermal JerseyOrnot Grid Thermal Jersey

Thermal Shoe Covers

Shield Thermo OvershoesGoreWear Shield Thermo Overshoes

Winter Helmet

Ventral Tempus Mips HelmetPOC Ventral Tempus Mips Helmet

Winter tights

C3 Gore Windstopper Bib Tights+GoreWear C3 Gore Windstopper Bib Tights+

Dan’s Favorite Winter Glove

Thermo Plus GlovesWet 32-40º FLong-sleeve lightweight synthetic base layerFor passing showers: membrane jacket plus a water-resistant fleece-style jerseyFor continuous rain, wear a long-sleeve thermal jersey beneath a hard-shell rain jacket.Winter tightsThermal socks, neoprene shoe covers with a thermal liningA less vented helmet and a winter hatNeoprene gloves with a thermal liningChevron Left IconChevron Right Icon

Thermal Lined Neoprene Covers

Neoprene Shoe CoversSpecialized Neoprene Shoe Covers

Thermal Rain Gloves

Winter Rain Gloves BlackQ36.5 Winter Rain Gloves BlackMen's LUXE Thermal Long SleeveVelocio Men’s LUXE Thermal Long Sleeve

Thermal Waterproof Jacket

Fly Thermal Limited Edition Jacket Castelli Fly Thermal Limited Edition Jacket

Winter Tights

Thermal Bib TightsPearl Izumi Thermal Bib Tights

Breathable Rain Jacket

Elements Pro Race JacketMaap Elements Pro Race JacketMember Exclusive: Check Out Our Top Cycling StoriesChevron Left IconChevron Right IconHeadshot of Tara Seplavy

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.