A draught can quickly turn cool temperatures into cold ones
Even when there is no wind, a road bike generates a headwind. This carries the warm layer of air away from your body and clothing more quickly. At an air temperature of 5 °C, the wind chill temperature at 25 km/h is, theoretically, only around 0.5 °C. At 45 km/h, it is around minus 1 °C. This is particularly noticeable on long descents, in open countryside and when riding into a headwind.
For weather-resistant jerseys, this means that windproof panels should primarily be positioned on the chest, shoulders and the front of the arms. The back, on the other hand, can be designed to be more breathable so that sweat can escape during high-intensity exercise. A completely windproof base layer, on the other hand, can trap moisture during intense training. The outer layer is usually the more sensible place for wind protection, as is the TOUR – Winter Tips show.
The shift system must be suited to the journey
A long-sleeved, lightly insulated cycling jersey is ideal for cool, dry days and high-intensity cycling. If the temperature drops further or you’re facing longer, gentler stretches, a vest or jacket provides additional insulation. It is not the number of layers that matters, but their function: the base layer wicks away moisture, the jersey provides insulation, and the outer layer keeps out wind and splash water.
A winter jacket must also be suitable for use in a road cycling position. An extended back protects against draughts and the elements, whilst pre-shaped sleeves prevent creases on the handlebars. The following shows which design features and fabric concepts prove their worth in practice: TOUR test of road cycling winter jackets.
Damp accelerates the cooling process
Water-repellent does not mean waterproof. In changeable autumn weather, a water-repellent jersey or softshell is often sufficient if it’s just drizzling briefly or the road is wet. In continuous rain, you’ll need a waterproof outer layer. If your clothing gets soaked, the system loses its insulating properties, whilst the wind chill further exacerbates the loss of body heat.
It is therefore particularly important to protect your hands, feet and the front of your thighs. These areas are heavily exposed to the wind and generate very little heat themselves. Autumn accessories for road bikes and gravel bikes Items such as overshoes, gloves and a compact vest significantly extend the temperature range in which a jersey can be worn.
A buying guide for autumn and winter clothing
| Purchase criterion | Things to bear in mind |
| Windbreak | Windproof panels on the chest, shoulders, arms and thighs; the back should be better at wicking away moisture. |
| Isolation | Don’t just buy the thickest one you can find; choose one that’s suitable for the intensity and the planned temperature ranges. |
| Moisture protection | Water-repellent for brief showers and splashes, waterproof for longer periods of rain. |
| Fit | Tight enough to ensure effective moisture wicking, with a long back, sufficiently long sleeves and no draughts at the seams. |
| Hands and feet | Gloves with a good grip and overshoes or winter boots are often more useful in cold weather than an even thicker jacket. |
| Flexibility | Vests, arm warmers and over-jackets allow for adjustments whilst out and about and extend the useful life of existing clothing. |
Matthias Borchers
Editor
