While some cyclists stow their bikes for the winter, others pedal all year long — through rain, sleet, snow, and slush. Whether riding their own personal bikes or taking advantage of a bike-share program, committed cyclists need to be prepared to handle the elements.
These hardy souls aren’t just tough, they’re well-equipped. Cold-weather cycling means cold-weather cycling gear. Here are some crucial selections to keep you cranking when the mercury takes a dive.
1. Lobster Gloves
Put the plastic bib away. These aren’t for handling crustaceans but for braking and shifting gears in cold weather. One segment bundles the pinkie, ring, and middle fingers together like a mitten, while the index finger and thumb are kept separate, allowing them to move more independently. There’s a wide range of prices and styles on the market — everything from these full-coverage, no-frills lobster gloves that are around $36 to these gel-insulated gloves that are touchscreen compatible (when you need to stop riding and send a quick emoji react on your phone) for around $85.
2. Thermal Jersey
You don’t need to get all decked out in spandex, but any winter-cycling veteran will profess to the power of a snug, breathable thermal base layer to keep you warm in the frosty air. You may already own something that could work well: a workout shirt under two other layers is a great formula, according to cycling equity consultant Courtney Williams’s recommendation in Gothamist. If you’re searching for new threads, you can find some thermals for around $40 in men’s and women’s.
3. All-Weather Cycling Bag
In the warm and dry months, you can carry your gear in any ol’ bag, but when the snow’s pelting down, you’ll want something you can seal up tight. An ideal winter cycling sack sits out of the way on your back, is waterproof and reflective, and has compartments to store a laptop and all your other gear. Here’s one that even has room for a bike helmet.
4. Goggles
As any skier can tell you, goggles offer protection from the wind and cold while throwing a nice tint over the sun-reflecting snow. Many models also sport anti-fog coatings to keep your view from getting steamed up while you’re huffing across the frozen landscape. You can get one with interchangeable mirrored and clear lenses for about $30.
5. Neck Gaiter
Sometimes insulated layers are not enough, and you need to cover every bit of exposed skin. If you want to keep your neck warm but don’t want a scarf whipping you in the face while you try to pedal through a snowstorm, consider a neck gaiter. You can get them in a variety of colors for less than $30.
6. Shoe and Toe Covers
If you own a bike with “clipless” pedals, which lock onto the bottoms of special cycling shoes, you can’t just throw on a pair of winter boots for a cold and wet ride. But you can strap on shoe covers or toe covers. The former covers your whole foot, protecting feet from ice, water, snow, and slush—while still leaving the cleats exposed. The latter offers less coverage but is consequently less expensive at around $12 and can still keep your little piggies nice and warm while you ride.
7. Hand Pump Sprayer
A handheld garden sprayer doesn’t exactly scream “essential winter cycling gear.” But using one to wash off your bike after winter rides can help prevent road salt from accumulating and corroding the frame, according to Redditor Staplz13, a self-described longtime all-season cyclist. A pump sprayer like this one from PetraTools ($17) can do the trick — especially for those in urban areas without access to a garden hose.
Carl Franzen is Rev’s contributing editor.
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