Cycling
in
Winter

Good cycling clothing for summer is definitely different from good cycling clothing for winter. Generally speaking, the materials used for summer clothing are different. They are thinner and designed for maximum breathability.

In winter, cycling clothing is often made from thicker materials. The material is often brushed on the inside. Above all, insulation, wind resistance, and functionality play a crucial role.

In winter, the peak of the cycling season is over. This means that high-intensity training is largely complete. For particularly sweaty workouts in winter, you can of course fall back on your summer wardrobe. On the other hand, you’ll need an outer layer to protect you from the prevailing weather conditions.

In winter, rides become more leisurely and shorter. Therefore, we definitely recommend wearing multiple layers. This allows you to remove a layer or two as needed or to ensure ventilation.

You should definitely protect your hands, head, and feet, as these are the first to get cold. So remember: don’t forget gloves, a hat, and overshoes.

Dress like an onion! This tip is something you should take seriously. After all, an onion has many layers that build up from the inside out. That’s exactly how you should choose your clothing for winter outings. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the layering principle.

Special attention should be paid to the underwear you wear as your first layer. Our functional underwear is made from a material that wicks moisture away from the body particularly quickly. This is achieved through a special knitting technology we developed ourselves: transtex. The underwear is available in different warmth levels, so there’s the right option for every temperature and every individual’s sensitivity to the cold.

In addition, we recommend wearing a cycling jersey as a midlayer. Whether this should be thinner or thicker (long-sleeved or short-sleeved) depends on your own temperature sensitivity and how fast or slow you’re riding. Do you sweat a lot and quickly? Then we recommend a thinner jersey. Do you tend to get cold easily? Then we recommend a jersey made of thicker material.

It’s generally important that your clothing is breathable and doesn’t trap moisture, but instead quickly wicks it away to the outer layer.

The outermost layer should be a jacket that provides good protection against the weather. If you’re riding fast, a windproof material is recommended. For more warmth and comfort, we recommend jackets and vests with insulating materials such as PrimaLoft®.

Another factor to consider is the type of bike you’re riding. Planning a longer ride on a road bike? On a road bike, you’ll generally travel faster than on a touring bike (more wind resistance). However, you’ll usually work up a sweat (thinner base layer) compared to a leisurely ride. With an MTB, the situation is different. Sweaty climbs alternate with rapid descents. However, you’ll be slower than on a road bike. Here, we recommend bringing a change of clothes for your MTB so you can quickly put on a new layer after the climb. Alternatively, you can also pack a windproof jacket in your backpack to prevent the chill-out effect during the descent.

In general, you’ll travel faster on an e-bike than without a motor, and you’ll expend less physical energy—which means you’ll generate less body heat than when riding without a motor. That’s why it’s especially important to wear warm clothing. Above all, don’t underestimate the wind chill. If the outside temperature is already in the single digits, you can subtract another 5–10 degrees to account for the wind chill. Without the right clothing, it will quickly become uncomfortable.

Our rule of thumb: It’s better to wear one extra layer than one too few. When you step outside in your outfit, you shouldn’t feel chilly. Then you’re dressed just right for your e-bike ride. Tip: On bitterly cold days, opt for extra-warm underwear (merino wool). Our underwear quickly wicks sweat away, while the merino wool keeps you nice and warm and provides excellent insulation even in bad weather.

The perfect winter cycling gear is tailored precisely to your needs. Since how we perceive temperature can vary greatly from person to person, it’s difficult to make a blanket statement here. As a general rule, you should dress according to the layering principle. This means wearing several coordinated layers that you can add or remove as needed. The layering principle has already proven itself in many winter endurance sports and can be applied to cycling without hesitation. We can offer you the following tips based on our experience:

Wear thermal socks
If you’re particularly sensitive to the cold, switch to cycling shoes designed specifically for winter conditions.
Use overshoes that are suitable for the weather. There are various models available made from Gore-Tex Active (for cold and wet conditions), neoprene (when it’s really cold), and PrimaLoft® (if you’re out in freezing cold for a long time or for e-bike rides)
Wear long cycling tights or thermal leg warmers. For quick rides (on an e-bike), there are models with a built-in Windstopper® membrane that provide excellent protection for sensitive areas of the body against the wind.
Use the layering principle: a functional base layer, a warm cycling jersey over it, and a functional cycling jacket as the outer layer are ideal.
A scarf, beanie, or headband offers additional protection.
Your hands get cold quickly. Use functional gloves to maintain your body temperature.
Switch to thicker shoes to protect your feet. Many manufacturers now offer winter cycling shoes, even for road bikes.
When cycling in winter, the rule is: less fashion, more function! When choosing your clothing, you should focus less on current fashion trends and more on high visibility. Reflectors and bright colors ensure that you are clearly visible.