Winter rides hold a special charm — whether on crisp, sunny mornings or freshly snow-covered roads. But whilst cold is beautiful, staying warm while cycling is not always easy.
We’ve tested a wide variety of gear from different brands over the years and we’ve been working with Universal Colours for 3 years now. With the chilly weather upon us, we thought it was the perfect time to share our top picks for winter riding essentials.
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1. Be an onion
Don't be scared to layer up when it's freezing out there. We've put together a list of our favourite layering formula:
5 to 7 degrees
Thermal base layer: our absolute favourite, this versatile piece works wonders for both skiing and hiking. It wicks sweat and provides insulation, keeping you warm and dry.
Insulated long-sleeve jersey: love this season's new cut & more breathable yet warmer fabric (the earth tone colours are also a plus for us).
Mono Gilet: lightweight and packable, it traps heat around your torso and adapts to changing weather.
Mono bib tights: they offer a snug fit and thermal material to retain heat. The pull to pee zip for women is mega.
Photo credit: @olradford
Below 5 degrees
Here we recommend the same combo than above, but swap the Mono gilet for an insulated gilet and add the following:
Mono rain jacket: extra layer of protection against the cold and wind, it fits into the jersey pocket if your workout makes you overheat.
Chroma insulated gilet: a truly iconic piece, with its double-zip system for easy temperature regulation. Due to its unisex fit, I go down 2 sizes as a woman.
2. Be prepared
For the longer rides or those that involve a train journey, we always pack these two essentials: the Mono rain jacket and the Mono insulated jacket.
The rain jacket fits into your back pocket and the insulated one packs quite small, but for extra comfort, we opt for a bar bag from Angry Pablo to store it all + the snacks. It might not be very aero but you will feel like you're winning when you take it all out at the coffee stop.
Photo credit: @olradford
3. Accessories are (almost) everything
From headbands to neck warmers, gloves, socks, and overshoes — accessories make all the difference.
Photo credit: @olradford
Keeping your toes warm is a must for a happy ride. We double up on merino socks, using cling film between layers to seal in warmth (but make sure to keep your shoes slightly loose for circulation).
Gloves-wise, the Mono thermal gloves are our go-to, and we double them up with the thinner Polartec lightweight gloves on extra cold days.
As for overshoes, we’re still on the hunt for the perfect pair. Got a recommendation? We’d love to hear it!
Stay cosy, and happy riding!
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