2019-11-01_Bicycling

60 °

55 °

50 °

45 °

40 °

35 °

30 °

25 ° &

below

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Fingers stay warmer when they have each other to cozy up with. That’s why

mittens are warmer than gloves. But mittens impair dexterity. These AmFIB

lobster gloves are the best of both, giving you better range of motion to shift

and brake while also keeping your digits toasty—one tester said her hands

This 87 percent merino wool

neck gaiter is a remarkably

versatile piece. Wear it around

your neck to keep the chill from

sneaking down your collar, or

pull it up over your face to pre-

vent cold wind from freezing

your nose and cheeks. And if

you forget your hat, slip it over

your head and ears. It’s super-

thin, too, so not only does it fit

under a helmet and its straps,

but it can also be tucked into a

pocket if you get too warm—or

stashed there ahead of time for

emergencies.

Start with a base layer, a short-

sleeve jersey, arm warmers,

shorts, lightweight socks,

gloves, and a wind vest, then

follow the recommendations

below as the temperature

drops. (Universal rule: Never

head out without rain gear on

a wet day once the temp hits

or dips under 40°F.)

HOW TO DRESS

WHEN IT’S 60°F

OR COLDER

Swap in knickers for

shorts or add knee

warmers; go with

thicker socks and full-

finger gloves; add a

cycling cap.

Add leg warmers or

swap in tights; go with a

midweight, long-sleeve,

wicking jersey; carry a

wind jacket just in case.

Go with thicker gloves;

add a thin hat; consider

toe or shoe covers.

Swap in thermal tights

or pair thermal shorts

with leg warmers;

switch to a heavier long-

sleeve base layer; add a

thermal vest.

Add thermal shoe

covers or switch to

winter shoes; go with a

thermal jacket or ther-

mal vest paired with a

wind jacket; add a neck

gaiter or balaclava;

choose lined, wind-

proof gloves.

Swap in heavier tights

or bib tights; go with

lobster gloves or mit-

tens.

Add a windproof, long-

sleeve jersey, which is

better than layering

multiple jerseys.

Consider wearing a base

layer short and/or knee

warmers under your

tights; add windproof

shoe covers.

is the opposite of what you want when the mer-

cury dips—even more so when the wind picks

up. You could opt for insulated (and heavier)

winter shoes or boots, or you can just wear

the shoes you love and pair them with a good

set of shoe covers. These insulated overshoes

from Gore are windproof and water-repellent.

A heel tab and long zipper make them easy to put them on or to take off, and

elastic cuffs can be cinched to keep out the cold.

WINDSTOPPER

I NSULATED

OVERSHOES

$ 100

BEST FOR: WINDY WINTER

DAYS WHEN THERE’S SLUSH

ON THE ROADS

SMARTWOOL
MERINO 150
PRINTED NECK
GAITER $ 30
BEST FOR: DAYS THAT DIP
BELOW 40°F, WITH A RELENTLESS
BITING WIND

A base layer is key for rides in any temp. On warm days,
it wicks sweat from your skin to keep you cool and dry;
on cold ones, it prevents that sweat from getting trapped
beneath your jersey so you don’t freeze on a fast descent.
It can also prevent chafing from bib straps and seams.
We love this merino one from Rapha because it fights
odor, it’s warmer than a synthetic base layer of the same
weight, and it regulates body temperature well. Plus, its
sleeveless construction eliminates bulk from our arms.

RAPHA MERINO BASE LAYER
SLEEVELESS $ 75
BEST FOR: ANYTIME—FROM HIGH SUMMER TO
THE DEAD OF WINTER

PEARL IZUMI P.R.O. AMFIB

LOBSTER GLOVE $ 75

BEST FOR: BELOW-FREEZING DAYS WHEN EVEN THE THICKEST GLOVES WON’T DO

ISSUE 1 | 2020 • BICYCLING.COM 93