The winter thaw will be over before you know it. (Fingers crossed!) If you’ve been riding outside since the fall, congrats, but for many, the transition from indoor cycling to outdoors has begun. Riding in April can be great, or not. Mother Nature likes to play games here in our country, so you may have a day when it’s 20 C, followed by a cold and rainy ride barely above zero.
Either way, for the sake of your joints, lungs and overall enjoyment, you need to be sure to dress properly. On days when the weather looks unpredictable, it’s always a good move to stash a vest or rain jacket in your back pocket. If the skies open up, or even if you have to stop to change a flat tire, you can quickly find yourself feeling chilly, which will definitely spoil the rest of your ride.
Everyone’s body is different, but there are some basic guidelines that can be very helpful when it comes to figuring out your kit.
Temperature guide
20 C: Shorts and short-sleeve jersey, optional thin undershirt.
16 C: 16 degrees is usually the cut-off temperature for shorts. Not only will you find your legs to be a bit chilly, but you are doing your knees a favour by keeping them covered. Shorts with leg warmers or knee warmers, and a jersey with arm warmers.
10 C: Shorts, with tights or leg warmers, accompanied by a long sleeve jersey, or thin jacket with a wicking undershirt underneath. You may also want to wear a vest to break the wind and prevent a chill.
7 C: Shorts and leg warmers, or bib tights with a shammy. You’ll need a long-sleeve wicking undershirt and cycling jacket; some thin full-fingered gloves; a headband or hat under your helmet. Thicker socks and booties or shoe covers will keep your feet warm. A bandana or neck gaiter.
4 C: Bib tights or leg warmers, with a long-sleeve jersey, a lined jacket or windbreaker. Thicker gloves, a headband and hat, winter shoe covers, thicker socks. A bandana or neck gaiter.
2 C: Heavier tights, heavy undershirt with heavy cycling jacket. Headband or skullcap under helmet, thicker shoe covers or booties, thicker socks. A bandana or neck gaiter.
Tips for staying warm
Layer up
The tried-and-true method of layering is the best way to stay comfortable. A layer in reserve can help when the temperature drops, and something waterproof will keep the wet stuff at bay.
Don’t sweat it
Sweat can reduce a cyclist’s core temperature rapidly, especially on a rainy spring day. You need to strike the balance of keeping your core warm and…
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