Autumn accessories for road bikes & gravel: 13 useful parts for fresh autumn tours
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92 days: that's how long autumn lasts according to the calendar. Namely exactly from 23 September to 21 December. For many racing cyclists, it is the ideal time of year and the long-awaited end of the season. Because in autumn it is warm without heat and usually sunny without thunderstorms. What's more, after many hours in the saddle, you're in good shape, nature is colourful and the light is golden. The perfect conditions to end the racing bike year with a few relaxed kilometres of touring and to fill your head with lasting memories before the dreary winter months.
But autumn also has another, much more uncomfortable side. As the road cycling season draws to a close, you have to get on your bike in single-digit temperatures and drizzle if necessary. But it usually doesn't stay that uncomfortable for long. And then the cyclists enjoy the Indian summer or the golden October.
Our tips: The most useful items for autumn
We show you the right equipment and clothing for great road bike tours in autumn. For all those who don't want to put their road bike in the corner in the cooler to colder months of the year or who don't yet want to get on their bike. Roller trainer want to change.
Wind waistcoat
Second skin: No other item of clothing for road cyclists offers such flexible and lightweight weather protection as waistcoats. Because if you need the compact Wind waistcoat they go into the jersey pocket. That's why they are perfect for autumn and spring, when temperatures fluctuate greatly. Good: The torso is kept warm and the armpits are exposed. There are also insulated models for the winter months, while windstopper models such as the Gore Everyday Vest (99.95 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price) or the Endura Pakagilet (49.99 euros >> available here at a reduced price).
Helmet cap
Against the cool head: Just like a swimming cap, the same applies to a helmet cap: it looks funny, but is highly functional. The thin under-helmet caps keep your cold-sensitive head cosy and warm when cold air whistles through your helmet in autumn and winter. Models with windproof inserts are even warmer. We recommend the Vaude cycling helmet cap, for example. RRP: 21.95 euros >> e.g. at Amazon or Rosebikes available at a reduced price.
All-weather jersey
Middle ground: All-weather jerseys are becoming increasingly popular. They repel raindrops and a light lining keeps you warm in cool autumn temperatures. They are cut like cycling jerseys (not like jackets), have a water-repellent finish on the outside and, without a membrane, sweat evaporates relatively quickly. The all-weather jersey Castelli Tutto Nano RoS Jersey won the TOUR comparison test. RRP: 159.95 euros >> available here
Winter cycling gloves
A sure instinct: Nothing is worse than cold fingers! Due to the wind and the exposed position on the road bike handlebars, your hands are particularly at risk in cool temperatures. The usually painful result: numb fingers. However, you don't have to reach for thick winter gloves in autumn. All you need is long racing bike gloves or lightly insulated models such as the GripGrab Ride Windproof Midseason gloves. RRP: 35 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.
Long cycling trousers
The Windchill Bibtights from Endura are designed to counteract icy winds on winter training rides. They are equipped with a windproof front. The back of the legs are insulated and breathable. They quickly release warm, moist air to the outside. This keeps you warm and dry on the bike and prevents you from cooling down uncomfortably. Reflectors on the leg cuffs improve visibility in the dark or at dusk. RRP: 159.95 >> e.g. at available here at a lower price.
Overshoes
Toe warmer: Stiff, frozen toes are a reason for many people to end their road bike tour or not get on their bike at all during the cold and wet season. Lined overshoes, which reliably keep wind and water out, provide a remedy. With overshoes, you can usually do without special winter shoes in autumn. Some people also use shoe covers in winter. E.g. the solid Gripgrab Ride Waterproof, RRP: 45 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.
Functional shirt
Restricted area: When it gets colder outside, functional vests serve as an additional layer of insulation and keep the wearer warm under a road cycling jersey or jacket. As the wind in particular cools the rider down, you should opt for windproof clothing in one layer of clothing. On warmer autumn days, jerseys can be combined with a windstopper long-sleeved vest, such as the Craft Active Extreme X Wind. This means you can do without a thick jacket or wind waistcoat. RRP: 89.95 euros >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.
Softshell jacket
Quick-change artist: Softshell jackets protect road cyclists against the cold and wet in autumn and winter. Almost no other manufacturer has been doing this as convincingly with its products as Gore for years. Thanks to the Infinium membrane, the sporty Phantom jacket provides reliable protection against wind and water and is comfortable to wear. But the highlight is the zips on the sleeves. This turns the jacket into a gilet in two easy steps. Perfect for autumn, when you sometimes set off in single-digit temperatures and have to undress in the midday sun. RRP: 199.95 euros >> e.g. available here at a lower price.
Winter socks
Toe warmer: Merino blend fabric keeps you warm, doesn't stink and is comfortable against the skin. With Castelli cycling socks, you can do without thick winter socks in autumn. RRP: 19.95 euros >> e.g. available here.
Bicycle cleaner
Care unit: The drive wears out more quickly in damp conditions. Special bike cleaners help with Washing the road bike and loosen the dirt. Once the dirt has been rinsed off the bike, it is essential to clean and maintain the chain, e.g. with a special Chain lubricant for damp conditions. Muc-Off offers a care set for this purpose, which also contains a penetrating oil that can be used to Protect moving parts on the road bike from corrosion can. RRP: 23.99 euros >> e.g. currently available at a reduced price at Rose.
Mudguard
Splash guard: Road bike mudguards for quick mounting are fitted in a flash, fit almost every road bike model and reliably protect your bum, legs and face from swirling water. The SKS Raceblade Pro set also weighs less than 400 grams. It is suitable for tyres up to 25 millimetres wide. RRP: 39.99 euros >> e.g. currently cheaper here.
Roller trainer
On the roll: The Tacx Neo 2T Smart T2875 roller trainer from Garmin offers a realistic indoor training experience with functions such as road feel and dynamic inertia. The roller trainer enables the use of various training apps and is compatible with most rear axles. It works quietly, which makes it suitable for rented flats. The motor has been made more powerful to enable higher resistances. Calibration before training is not required. The roller trainer offers improved pedalling analysis. RRP: 1299 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price.
Bicycle light
Light source: In autumn, you can quickly reach dusk even on short after-work rides. With a compact battery-powered light on your road bike, you can still get home safely. The Sigma Aura 100 headlight and the Sigma Blaze rear light have five modes and sufficient lighting power, as our test in TOUR 10/22 showed. There, the Sigma lighting set scored top marks. The test conclusion: Headlight and rear light with informative and precise battery indicator. Combination switching possible for both lights and the rear light has a brake light function. RRP: 116.95 euros >> e.g. at Amazon or Rosebikes available at a lower price.
