The right biking clothes for any weather

Those who are often out in nature know this saying only too well. But anyone who has ever returned from a tour completely soaked and frozen knows that it is anything but easy to pack the perfect cycling clothes for the respective conditions. This is all the more true in spring. Especially at the start of the season, the weather gods are often not kind to us cyclists. Constantly changing temperatures, rain and wind not only make biking itself difficult, but also the choice of the right clothing.

To make it easier for you to reach into your wardrobe in future, we will explain below which cycling clothes you should have with you in specific weather conditions. We’ll start with the basic equipment and then go through various weather scenarios so that you’ll be well prepared for every situation in the future.

A good pair of cycling shorts, or alternatively cycling underpants, is the be-all and end-all for every cycling tour. Their seat pad prevents chafing and ensures optimal pressure distribution. For this reason, they are an essential part of every biker’s wardrobe. The same applies to a high-quality cycling jersey. This is made of functional materials and draws perspiration away from the body to create a pleasant body climate. By the way: there are indeed differences between a cycling jersey for women and a cycling jersey for men. The same applies to most other bike clothing.

When it comes to accessories, cycling gloves are part of the basic equipment. They protect you from shocks and provide a significant increase in comfort on your tours. Last but not least, cycling socks should not be underestimated, as their padding can prevent blisters and ensure good support and a good climate inside the shoe.

While these basics are the classics for summer days, you should add a few more pieces of clothing to your cycling wardrobe for the other seasons. First and foremost, this includes a bike jacket that offers protection from the rain, wind or cold. Also important is a breathable functional singlet, which is worn underneath the jersey and supports ventilation. Arm warmers and leg warmers work wonders in changing temperatures. You can easily stow them in your jersey pockets and simply put them on when it gets cooler.

If wind and weather don’t bother you at all and you are riding in any temperature, there are of course numerous other cycling clothes that can make the kilometres in the saddle easier. Professionals, for example, have a bike vest, which can be a suitable accessory in the transitional seasons. All-weather riders should definitely have a good rain jacket. And if it gets really cold, a helmet cap can do wonders.

Now you have an overview of what your basic equipment as a cyclist should look like. To make it easier for you to choose the right clothes for your tour, we will go through five weather scenarios below that will give you a good indication of what you should wear or pack for which conditions.

• Warm summer day (20-25 degrees): Fantastic weather and therefore the best conditions for a bike tour. This makes it easy to choose what to wear. The motto: “short, short”. In other words: short cycling jersey, short cycling shorts, short bike socks, short gloves. If you are planning a longer downhill run, you should take a wind jacket with you just to be safe.
• Warm spring day (15-20 degrees): Too cool for “short, short”, but somehow also too warm for warmer clothing. This weather therefore calls for the so-called “layered clothing principle” (see info box). The best way to complete your basic outfit is with arm warmers and leg warmers as well as a wind jacket. Wear a functional singlet underneath and a rain jacket in case of sudden rain.
• Average day with rain showers (10-15 degrees): April does what it wants. And so does October. You will find these weather conditions especially in the transitional seasons. Here, too, the layered clothing principle is your best choice. Compared to a warm spring day, however, you should be dressed a little warmer. Replace the wind jacket with a rain jacket. Instead of the short-sleeved jersey plus arm warmers, a warmer long-sleeved jersey is also a good idea.
• Cool spring day with strong wind (5-10 degrees): When it is cold and windy in spring, the right clothes are particularly important. We recommend classic cycling shorts combined with leg warmers. Add a bike vest, a cycling jersey, arm warmers and a windbreaker. Long gloves as well as overshoes and a helmet cap can also be useful in these temperatures.
• Rainy spring day (5-10 degrees): Only the strong survive, as the saying goes. With the right cycling clothing, however, such days are no problem. We also recommend normal cycling shorts combined with warm leg warmers (or optionally long, warm cycling shorts). Add to this a bike singlet, a warm long-sleeved cycling jersey and a warm rain jacket or even a winter jacket. Also important: waterproof long-fingered gloves, overshoes and a helmet cap.

As you can see, choosing the right bike clothing is incredibly important for the fun factor when riding a bike. When buying new cycling clothes, you should pay attention not only to the style but also to the intended use. Which pair of cycling shorts are right for you depends on what you plan to do on your tours. The fit is also crucial, because only with fitting clothes you will enjoy the maximum of comfort. Here you can find out how a cycling jersey should fit.

Another essential factor is quality. The materials and technologies used in high-quality garments are most effective when the weather conditions are challenging. For many cyclists, sustainably produced goods are also very important.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to cycling clothes. But trust us: it’s worth the effort! With the right clothing, you will end up with a smile on your face and remind your friends that there is no such thing as bad weather – only wrong clothing.