What to Wear When: a Primer for Winter Riding Fun

"I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in

So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice"
… I simply must go - Baby, it's cold outside"

"Never let a little snow keep you from riding," says Mario Bartel.

Whether you're a year-round bicycle commuter, an endurance athlete needing to log some base miles, or a cycling enthusiast who has a serious case of cabin fever, we understand that "winter" and "hanging up the bike" needn't be synonymous terms. After all, as the Norwegians say, "There's no such thing as bad weather--only bad clothing." BicyclingHub.com is here to help you beat the chill and stay warm, dry and FIT all winter long.

We're not going to lie: cycling in inclement weather can be tough. There’s so much to deal with – negative temperatures, freezing rain, snow, sleet and relentless wind. Not to mention important health concerns, including frostbite and hypothermia. But with a little planning and the right equipment, the worst day of the year may be your best ride yet.

BicyclingHub.com wants you to be prepared--which is why we’re offering some of the best protective winter cycling clothing on the market to keep you pedaling strong through all four seasons. We've also recently developed new At-a-Glance Rating Charts to help our customers easily determine what pieces of gear will meet your needs. Categorized by Waterproof, Windproof, Warmth, Breathability, Chamois (if applicable), and quick summation ("BicyclingHub.com says"), educated consumers can now easily navigate through product pages and rapidly determine what item(s) will best suit their needs.

For example: when it's overcast, 50 degrees, and spitting rain (read: a typical January day in Portland, Oregon) and you're looking for something to get you through a 3 hour training ride, Castelli's Pave Bibtights raise to the top of the selection criteria.

Castelli Pave Bibtight

Castelli Pave Bibtight at a glance (1 through 5 scale)

Waterproof
Windproof
Warmth
Breathable
Chamois	Castelli Kiss 3
Bicyclinghub.com Says	Nanoflex Water Resistant Material with Normal Stitching

Need something a little warmer, and wondering if the mid-weight Sorpasso Bibtights by Castelli are going to do the job on your next Sweat and Ice Century on a cold and dry day in Upstate New York? Survey (and chart) says: YES!

Castelli Sorpasso Bibtight

Castelli Sorpasso Bibtight at a glance (1 through 5 scale)

Waterproof
Windproof
Warmth
Breathable
Chamois	Progetto X2 Chamois Pad
Bicyclinghub.com Says	Hollow-core fabric is light and very warm. Kevin's Staff Pick.

Rain, Rain Go Away

In the market for some serious rain gear and trying to decide amongst all our Showers Pass catalog for the best year-round commuter or touring piece? Ranking 5 out of 5 for Waterproof, Windproof and Breathable, you'll quickly understand why Showers Pass Elite 2.0 Rain Jacket is universally considered "The Gold Standard in Rain Protection."

Showers Pass Elite 2.0 Rain Jacket

Showers Pass Elite 2.0 at a glance (1 through 5 scale)

Waterproof
Windproof
Warmth
Breathable
Bicyclinghub.com Says	The Gold Standard In Rain Protection

Head, Shoulders, Knees and TOES

Castelli Pioggia 3 Cycling Shoecovers (Black)

Last but not least, don't forget the extremities. If your fingers, toes, and head remain unprotected, chances are you'll have a cold and miserable ride. Optimal temperature ratings (when available from the manufacturer) are cited on every product page, aiding cyclists in determining which piece of gear is going to best work in which conditions.

For example, the waterproof and seam-taped Castelli Pioggia 3 Cycling Shoecovers have an optimal temperature range of 46 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit.






Still wondering what to wear when? Trust the cycling clothing experts!

Looking for the best bib short on the market under $200, the most ventilated waterproof rain jacket to take on a bike tour, or which jerseys make the perfect gift? Check out our BicyclingHub.com Staff Picks.

Unsure about sizing, fit or temperature range? Call the cycling clothing experts toll-free at 1-888-817-8060 or email sales@bicyclinghub.com and get concierge service from staff who ride and test the products we sell. Honest opinions and personal recommendations at no extra charge.