Bike summer 2023 has been history for a while now. With him, the short cycling shorts and jerseys ended up in the lower regions of the wardrobe. When temperatures reach single digits at the latest, it’s time for protective base layers and warming cycling clothing. Gloves and a hat should also be ready for winter bike tours.
In this article you will find out which pieces men can use to protect themselves on cooler days and look fashionable in the mud despite the ice and snow.
A slightly brushed cycling jersey with long sleeves is the basis of a good cycling outfit on every cool winter morning. Most body heat is lost through the head and upper body. Both should therefore be protected accordingly. A cozy inner lining made of fleece keeps the body from cooling down in this thermal cycling jersey from GORE WEAR, even on longer tours. The back is slightly extended and there is space for a few small items in the three-part back pocket. Reflective logos improve visibility on cloudy days. Important: So that sweat can be transported away from the inside to the outside, a so-called base layer like this light and quick-drying functional shirt from Odlo should be worn under your cycling jersey in winter.
Being able to react flexibly to capricious weather is one of the basic rules of cycling. A thin rain vest in the jersey pocket is also included, as is a cap appropriate to the temperature that fits under the helmet and can be quickly pulled out of the bag. What is bitterly serious is the number of cyclists who were seriously injured or even died in accidents last year. This makes it all the more important to have at least one item of clothing that reflects over a large area. The bike jacket from Proviz can be a possible life insurance policy. The highlight of this jacket, which is designed as an overcoat and rain jacket: It is coated with a 100 percent reflective material and is therefore called Reflect360. Unfortunately, it is only available in an unexciting gray. Alternatively, grab a Proviz Switch vest with the same effect, available in different colors. Nice: The windproof vest can be turned inside out and worn.
Casual cyclists in particular are usually not the biggest fans of tight-fitting cycling shorts. The bikes have several advantages over chinos or jeans. The trousers for spring are usually brushed on the inside, often windproof and therefore reliably keep the lower extremities warm. Available here is a water-repellent model from Decathlon designed for tours of up to four hours. The so-called tights for racing cyclists, mountain bikers and city bikers also make trouser clips unnecessary, which you forget at home in three out of four cases in the hustle and bustle of the morning. For longer leisure tours, trousers with moderate padding in the crotch make sense.
If you want to make a casual statement on the bike, you can wear colorful shorts over the long tights, like this bright blue men’s model from Gore Wear or this orange eye-catcher from Loose Fit. Important: Only one of the two trousers should be padded.
And while we’re on the subject of eye-catchers: In the biker spring of 2024, men will wear colorful feet. Regardless of whether you have sweaty, splayed or kink feet: This tingly colorful arrangement of mid-length stockings adorns anything with five toes and a heel. The “On your Bike” sock set from Oddsocks consists of six individual socks that can be combined with each other in any way. This eliminates the hassle of searching for the right sock partner.
This leather cycling shoe from Vaude is not waterproof, but you can lace up the bison-look Sykkel with bright blue laces. If that’s not an eye-catcher. The sole is compatible with common click systems. Simply remove the cleat cover, screw on the cleat and you’re done. Cool: If you don’t feel like click’n’ride, you can also reach your destination in the classic way thanks to the non-slip rubber sole (20 percent recycled rubber). The Sykkel was developed for hobby and everyday cyclists. And best of all: it also cuts a good figure as an everyday shoe. Here the Vaude Sykkel cycling shoe is available in different sizes.
The fact that it rains or even snows every now and then in late autumn and winter is more the rule than the exception, even in times of climate change. And for many bikers, the occasional bad weather doesn’t stop them from getting on their bikes. However, you can’t really use wet and cold feet when cycling. That’s why overshoes are one of the best inventions for touring in the cold season. The winter overshoes from Fizik are anything but colorful, but functional and a loyal companion even in frosty conditions. The side printed and reflective logo not only looks stylish, but also improves visibility on foggy November afternoons or at dawn. As a rule, overshoes for winter are not only waterproof. They also keep your feet warm.
As already mentioned, most body heat is lost through the head. Logical conclusion: To at least curb this, a hat is still an important gadget when cycling in spring. To ensure that the helmet fits comfortably, the headgear should fit as tightly as possible and not be too thick. So bobble hats made of knitted wool have no place here. Instead, you can protect your head and ears with a seamless functional hat. A breathable model from Brubeck is available here. Similar to the long-sleeved jersey, this beanie has almost 50 percent merino wool to keep your skull warm. If you want to color coordinate your cycling outfit, you have a good chance with four available colors.
The tube scarf is one of the most practical tools when cycling. Because cycling jackets with a high collar are more of a hindrance when cycling and, in the worst case, the zipper can damage your chin, the best way to protect your neck is with a multifunctional scarf like this (here a model from Decathlon). They are now available in dozens of designs and colors. Here, too, it makes sense to choose a product that uses merino wool. This flatters the neck and keeps you reliably warm. In bitter cold and icy winds, the tube scarf can also be pulled over your mouth and nose with one hand.
In addition to the nose, the fingers in particular suffer during bike tours on cooler days. The wind hits your hands on the handlebars first. In addition, like feet, they cool down quickly as soon as the body is forced to keep the cardiovascular system happy and at temperature. Gloves should therefore always be on board or, better yet, on your hands when cycling in spring. In order to be able to brake quickly and safely, the gloves should not be too thick. The motto is finger gloves instead of mittens. These cycling gloves from Sealskinz in a lobster claw style are windproof and waterproof, making them a good grip for any weather.
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