The onset of winter doesn’t mean you have to give up the sport you love! However, the wet and cold conditions can be tougher to handle, this is where adequate preparation and winter cycling kit can make all the difference.
Winter cycling kit is not just an accessory, but an essential part of your winter training experience. It's designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable, and protect you from the harsh elements. With the right kit, you can pedal your way through winter with ease and enjoyment, and not be restricted to your Peloton or turbo trainer.
Beyond your comfort, it’s about performance. The correct approach to winter cycling enables cyclists to continue their training regime without interruption, ensuring that endurance, strength, and fitness levels are maintained, or likely even improved. By braving the cold and adapting to the winter conditions, cyclists can strengthen their mental endurance, improve their cardiovascular capacity, and enhance their overall performance. Moreover, by embracing winter cycling, cyclists can avoid the fitness setbacks that often accompany a prolonged break from training, allowing them to hit the ground running once spring arrives.
If you're new to winter cycling, or you've been doing it for a while but are struggling to stay consistent throughout winter, then this guide is for you. We'll take you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect winter cycling kit, so you can master winter cycling and make the most of your winter rides.
Understanding the Need for a Winter Cycling Kit
When cycling in winter, your body is subjected to harsh weather conditions that can affect your health and performance.
A winter cycling kit is designed to shield you from these hazards. It provides insulation to retain body heat, protection against wind and moisture, and enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. But a winter cycling kit is not just about keeping you warm and dry. It's also about enhancing your comfort and performance on the bike. High-quality winter cycling gear is made from technical fabrics that wick away sweat, prevent overheating, and allow your skin to breathe. This means you can stay comfortable and focused on your ride, even when you're pushing hard or riding for long periods.
The importance of a good winter cycling kit cannot be overstated. It's not just about tackling the cold; it's about safeguarding your health whilst enhancing your performance.
Key Components of a Winter Cycling Kit
When it comes to a winter cycling kit, there are several key components you need to consider. These include:
- Winter Cycling Jersey: This is typically long-sleeved and made from a thermal material to keep you warm. The Performance Intermediate Jacket is your ideal winter thermal option. Soft and insulating the garment is very reactive to conditions. The breathable fabric prevents overheating whilst still keeping you warm.
- Winter Cycling Bib Tights: These are like regular cycling shorts but understandably longer and thicker. They provide quality insulation for your legs and hips whilst still keeping you comfy on the saddle. Our Apex Winter Bib Tights featire water proof panelling on the thighs and back panel to shield you from wet weather and puddles.
- Winter Cycling Jacket: This is your essential outer layer. It needs to be completely windproof and protect you from light showers. It also needs to be breathable to allow sweat to evaporate. The Performance Winter Jacket is the go to option for all of this. It’s Windproof, thermal and water repellent giving you optimum protection for UK winter conditions.
- Winter Cycling Headwear: It’s more than just your helmet, you can keep yourself extra warm by investing in caps, hats, and neck warmers. They should be made from a thermal material to keep your head and neck warm. The Performance Euro Winter Cap is a cycling specific thermal cap with integrated ear warmers, a peak to keep the low sun out of your eyes and a windproof front panel to shield you from cold winds.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Winter Cycling Kit
Choosing a winter cycling kit is a key investment, with the correct kit you can see yourself through many winters. There are several factors you need to consider to ensure you get the right kit for your needs. These include:
- Weather Conditions: Consider the typical winter conditions in your area. An area with a typically cold and dry winter will usually require a different kit than if it's often wet and windy.
- Your Cycling Habits: Think about how often and how far you usually cycle. You may find that adjusting your kit for longer/shorter rides will help enhance your winter training.
- Fit and Comfort: Your winter cycling kit should fit well and be comfortable to wear. If it's too tight, it can restrict your movement. If it's too loose, it can let in cold air.
- Breathability and Moisture Management: Look for a kit made from technical fabrics that can wick away sweat and allow your skin to breathe.
- Visibility: As much as we talk about warmth and being waterproof, visibility is a necessity. Choosing a kit with reflective elements to make you more visible on the road during low-light conditions is an important component to consider.
Caring for Your Winter Cycling Kit
Proper care for your winter cycling kit is crucial to ensure its longevity. Always follow the manufacturer's washing instructions, as different materials require different care. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can damage the technical properties of your kit.
Remember to dry your gear properly after each ride to prevent mould and mildew. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Also, consider using a reproofing wash-in product occasionally to restore the water repellency of your kit.
ALWAYS use a cold wash, 30c or lower.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Winter Cycling Kit
When buying winter cycling kit, it's easy to make mistakes that can affect your comfort and performance on the bike. Winter cycling kit is function over style, although with our custom kits you get to have both, for winter, you need functionality and safety. Additionally, a great fitting kit makes all the difference, you need movement and breathability, so investing in quality pieces now can provide everything you need and last for several winters. The Champion System Lifetime Warranty makes investing in quality kit a safe investment.
Winter cycling is a rewarding experience, but it requires the right gear and preparation. A good winter cycling kit is essential for staying safe, warm, and comfortable on your winter rides.
Additionally, and importantly, without a winter cycling kit your training will suffer, you will struggle to stay consistent and to get out for rides in the colder months. This means that by the time spring comes around you will be working to get back to your pre-winter performance, only to struggle again next winter. You can beat this annual pattern by investing in the winter kit you need to improve consistency and give you vital time on the bike through the winter months.
At Champion System we have a range of technical cycling apparel that has been specifically designed to help you reach optimal performance through the winter season.
We pride ourselves on crafting bespoke, high-performance kits that elevate the identity of cycling teams. Our passion lies in creating custom cycling jerseys that seamlessly blend style and functionality.
Founded in 2005 Champion System are global leaders in custom cycling jerseys. Our team cycling kits can be customised with virtually any design providing you with innovative, race proven quality garments.
But why stop at just a custom cycling jersey? Explore the world of personalised cycling kits where each element is meticulously designed to align with your team's vision. Our commitment to quality extends beyond aesthetics—every stitch, fabric choice, and design detail is a testament to the pursuit of cycling excellence.
All our garments are put through extensive testing with professional athletes. Product development is an essential tool to our business and ensures we meet the ever-advancing needs of our customers. Further more all of our garments are completely customisable in any graphic design meaning you can be on brand all year round.
Champion System design and manufacture custom kits that will get your heart racing. We are a B-Certified corporation which underpins our commitment to sustainability and the planet.
