By Amy Juodawlkis

Over the last few years, I have embraced New England winter cycling. Early on, I was often cold and miserable. After some trial and error and exchanging tips with other dedicated cyclists through our club's Slack #gear channel, I now have a solid system of clothing and gear that works for me in the cold. Below are some insights from me and other year-round riders, including accessible options for anyone just beginning their winter cycling journey.

Layering is Genius

The secret to comfortable winter cycling isn't about having the latest gear (although I love a good sale). It's about understanding and implementing an effective layering system. I have found that the key is to combine a base layer, an insulating layer, and a wind-stopping layer, especially on the upper body. Also, layers can be adjusted as conditions change, making sure you stay comfy throughout your entire ride.

Hard-Learned Lessons

• Many people prefer to start out feeling a bit chilly, knowing they will warm up. I like to start warm and adjust zippers or remove gear if I get hot.
• I prefer merino wool when it gets REALLY cold, but synthetic base layers can also work.
• I run up and down my basement stairs a few times before I head outside, to get my blood moving.
• Lip balm and sunglasses are essential out in the cold winter air.
• A layer of Vaseline or lotion on your hands/toes/cheeks can help hold in heat.
• I bring extra chemical hand/toe warmers to share with a friend if needed
• I keep my phone close to my body - cold kills batteries fast.
• The toastier my hands and feet are, the happier I am.
• My winter-specific cycling boots are one size larger to allow room for thicker socks.
• Don’t forget to eat and drink; a hot drink in a thermal bottle can be HEAVEN.
• Stop and warm up occasionally; watch the weather and your buddies; make sure it’s safe to keep going

Clothing Suggestions

Upper Body

My current setup:

• Base Layer: Merino wool (a great investment) or waffle weave shirt
• Mid Layer: Winter-weight cycling jersey
• Outer Layer: Cycling-specific winter jacket with windproof front panels

A smart, minimal-gear approach:

• Base Layer: Athletic long-sleeve or thermal underwear
• Mid Layer: Short sleeve cycling jersey with arm warmers
• Outer Layer: Wind-resistant jacket or rain shell

Lower Body

My go-to gear:

• Base Layer: Winter thermal bibs with chamois
• Outer Layer: Wind-stopping overpants (e.g., Gore) for brutally cold days

A practical setup that many riders swear by:

• Base Layer: Regular cycling shorts/liners
• Mid Layer: Thermal leggings, yoga pants, or running tights
• Outer Layer: Water-resistant athletic pants, mountain bike shorts/capris, or rain pants

Head/Neck/Face

My current setup:

• Merino wool cap with ear coverage
• Neck gaiter
• Fleece-lined balaclava for the coldest days

Effective gear that many riders choose:

• Fleece or wool “tuque”-style cap
• Thin scarf
• Ski goggles for harsh conditions

Hands

What I use:

• Neoprene bar mitts/wind-stopper pogies (e.g., Bike Iowa PogieLites)
• Cycling-specific winter gloves or wool gloves with Thinsulate lining
• Hand warmers for really cold days (I recently learned a brilliant trick from a club member:  drop the chemical warmers inside the pogies, instead of placing inside gloves)

Proven options many experienced riders use:

• Liner gloves under winter gloves
• “Lobster claw” style cycling gloves
• Non-bulky ski gloves
• Battery-powered electric gloves

My toasty Ragnoroks and electric socks.

Feet

My winter solution:

• Winter cycling boots (e.g., 45NRTH Ragnarok), or neoprene covers with regular cycling shoes for milder days
• Merino wool ski socks (knee-highs on very cold days) OR my super-cozy electric socks (others use heated insoles)
• Chemical toe warmers (some people place these on top of shoes, under their shoe covers; I use them on the bottom of my sock)

Alternatives that many riders prefer:

• Winter boots with flat pedals (versatile for walking too)
• Standard wool socks, e.g., Woolie Boolies
• An old trick that still works: plastic bags between sock layers
• Another old trick: electric tape over the vents in your shoes

What I Wear at Different Temperatures

My typical kit for 45°F.

40-50°F (4-10°C)

• Synthetic or merino base layer
• Long sleeve thermal jersey or short sleeve jersey with arm warmers
• Wind-stopping cycling vest or jacket (if it’s on the colder side, a thin down vest)
• Light winter gloves
• Cycling shoes with toe covers
• Merino socks (calf-length)
• Merino cap
• Neck gaiter
• Cycling bib shorts with knee warmers, or full-length bib tights

30-40°F (-1 to 4°C)

• Long sleeve merino base layer
• Winter-weight long sleeve jersey
• Wind-stopper jacket
• Lobster or winter cycling gloves
• Thermal bibs
• Neoprene shoe covers or winter cycling boots
• Merino cap
• Merino gaiter
• Merino socks (knee-length)

Below 30°F (-1°C)

• Sleeveless waffle weave synthetic base layer
• Merino insulating layer
• Winter cycling jacket (with or without fleece liner)
• Bar mitts over cycling or lobster gloves, with chemical hand warmers dropped in
• Merino socks (knee-length, with chemical toe warmers) or electric socks
• My warmest winter bib tights
• If extremely cold, wind-stopper overpants
• Winter cycling boots
• Balaclava (with or without an extra gaiter)

Final Words

The above are my personal preferences and insights to dress for winter cycling. It definitely takes some trial and error to figure out what gear works for each individual rider. Here is an article by Pamela Murray that has great winter cycling options that include “regular,” every-day clothing. See also Bicycling in Winter by John Allen for much more information about winter cycling in general, as well as links to other resources. CRW continues to offer rides throughout the winter, so if you’re on the fence, I encourage you to give it a try (check out the club calendar here). Hope to see you out there on the road this winter!

Share your knowledge! What do you wear for outdoor cycling during the winter months? Let us know in the comments.