The Gear You Need to Survive Cold-Weather Cycling

It’s tempting to just put the bike away all winter, but cold weather doesn't have to mean no riding

by James Lynch for Popular MechanicsPublished: Feb 15, 2018

Andrew Bret Wallis

The tail end of winter can be messier than winter itself, with melting heaps of snow that freeze to ice at night. The roads are so messy that it’s tempting to just put the bike away for the winter. But it’s possible—even enjoyable—to ride your bike in the winter with the right gear in hand.

Seirus Magnemask Balaclava

Seirus

For the coldest rides, this convertible balaclava offers hood and face coverage with the option to pull aside the face mask. The easy, pull-off magnetic mask seems gimmicky until you realize how often you have to blow your nose.

Seirus Innovation Magnemask Balaclava, $43.00, Amazon

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SKS Raceblade Pro XL Fenders

SKS

Keep spray from wet roads off your feet and backside with these lightweight, low profile fenders that snap on without any tools. They cover a massive amount of your tires and won’t move during the ride. To fine-tune the fit, use the included allen wrench to adjust the angle and distance of the guard from your tire. You'll forget they’re there and they keep you perfectly dry.

SKS Raceblade Pro XL Fenders, $48.38, Amazon

At a Glance

Compatible with most bike frames
Designed for 28-32mm tires
Easy-to-use adjustments provide better fit

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A Lightweight Tech Layer

Specialized

When layering, start with a thin base layer. The Specialized Merino Short Sleeve Tech Layer for men ($53, specialized.com) or the Specialized Engineered Short Sleeve Tech Layer for women ($53, specialized.com) will keep you surprisingly warm and the wool fibers will ensure you remain comfortable (and don't stink) when you stop for a warm-up coffee mid-ride.

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Craft Siberian Split Finger Gloves

Craft

These lobster-style gloves have the warmth of winter mittens by pairing your fingers and reducing their exposure. There's a quick learning curve to shift with the double-wide fingers, but the glove material is flexible enough to operate big and small shift paddles.

Craft Siberian Split Finger Gloves, $56.00, Amazon

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An All-Weather Jacket

Castelli

If you have the right gear, nasty weather doesn't have to ruin your ride—or your day. Invest in a good all-weather jacket, such as Castelli's Alpha Rain or Shine Jacket for both men ($262, amazon.com) and women ($245, backcountry.com). Castelli is cycling's “expensive but worth it” brand, and the Alpha is for serious cyclists who don't blink when nasty weather rolls in. The jacket keeps you warm while remaining light and comfortable when you're perched over your handlebars. The jacket stays low on your back, even when tucked, and the front eliminates the wind (at least the chill), no matter how fast you spin.

Bkool Smart Go Trainer

Bkool

Riding indoor trainers has long been a grim necessity for serious cyclists, but the Bkool is the most affordable option in the growing sea of smart trainers that connect to a tablet or computer to provide simulated training rides that are almost as good as the real thing. The trainer reads your watts and replicates the feeling of long (or short) mountain passes, riding a velodrome, and real-world rides. Outside of Bkool's own app, the trainer can be used with Zwift and Strava.

Bkool Go Trainer, $400.00, Amazon

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A Fat Bike

Specialized

Fat bikes present an incredibly fun solution for cyclists who don't want to give up the saddle when snow starts to fall. These wide-tired rigs can rumble and grumble over practically anything. If you hate to compromise performance, the Specialized Fatboy Expert Carbon ($5,000, specialized.com) feels like a hulked-out race bike. The carbon frame and wheel set keep the bike unbelievably light, despite its size. Shifting up and down with SRAM X0 is easy in gloves or mittens, and the single chainring drivetrain means fewer parts to worry about. This bike is perfect for conditions in which you'd easily cross-country ski over, or roads so sloppy that a thinner tire would wiggle out on you.

Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Leg Warmers

Pearl Izumi

Convert your cycling shorts to tights with these bombproof leg warmers. These thermal warmers are easy to pull on, and rubber towards the top keeps them high on the leg—no matter how hard you pedal. Zippers at the ankles make it easy to take them off as well.

Pearl Izumi Thermal Elite Leg Warmers, $55.00, Amazon

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Shimano PD-GR500 Flat Pedals

Shimano

Winter roads can get treacherous in an instant. For a quick recovery when your tires start to slide, swap in a quality pair of flat pedals. The studs will keep your boots stuck to the pedals, and you won't feel slowed down—we swear it.

Shimano PD-GR500 Flat Pedals, $56.00, Amazon

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Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Crew Socks

Showers Pass

Showers Pass socks and gloves are knit and waterproof—an odd combination, but one that works. These unisex socks come in a variety of colors, including super bright ones if you're looking for high-visibility gear.

Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Socks, $35.00, Amazon

At a Glance

Three-layer system: knit exterior, waterproof breathable Artex membrane, Merino wool lining
Felt like a normal sock
Kept our tester's feet dry—even in the shower

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A Cozy Mid-Layer

Shimano

When you're dealing with colder weather, you'll need a warm and comfy mid-layer, such as Shimano's Transit Fleece Cycling Jersey for men ($85, amazon.com) and women ($85, amazon.com). This jersey is built for cyclists who just want to stay toasty on the way to work, lunch, or the nearest brewery. The layering system employed by Shimano means you will be comfortable regardless of the weather. The jacket is well-designed, although some cyclists may miss pockets on the back. The weatherproofing is great and works well for other winter activities like running, and thumb holes will keep it down on your arms and wrists.