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Ten degrees, sunshine, no rain in sight. Jersey, arm warmers, vest – all set? Three hours later, after a long climb and a fast descent, the jersey is soaking wet, my back is freezing cold, and my spirits are at rock bottom. Sound familiar? The problem is rarely the temperature at the start. It’s what happens along the way: sweating on the climb, the wind blowing in your face on the descent, and getting chilled during a break.
Key points at a glance
The Jersey forms the basis. The Wind vest is the most versatile item in your clothing system and is a must-have in your jersey pocket in spring and autumn. A Windbreaker is necessary as soon as a vest and arm warmers are no longer enough, for example when the temperature drops below ten degrees or on long descents. In the rain, nothing beats a waterproof Rain jacket. It is not just the starting temperature that matters, but also the route, pace and weather conditions encountered along the way.
The jersey as a basis
A well-fitting Road cycling jersey Wicks away moisture, fits snugly against the body and has back pockets for snacks and an extra layer. It offers little protection against the wind. From around 20 degrees and during steady-paced riding on flat terrain, a short-sleeved jersey is often sufficient on its own. However, as soon as long descents, open terrain or changes in pace come into play, it quickly reaches its limits.
For the transitional period, a short-sleeved jersey with arm warmers offers more flexibility than a long-sleeved jersey. Your arms are protected at the start when it’s chilly, and if it gets warmer, you can tuck the arm warmers into your back pocket. However, this combination does not protect your torso from the wind.
The wind vest: the most versatile item in the clothing system
The Vest It protects the chest and stomach from the wind whilst leaving the arms free. This allows the body to release heat during exercise, which is its advantage over a jacket. It is ideal for cool starts when temperatures are rising, for descents following climbs, for windy sections and for short breaks when a sweaty body cools down quickly.
Lightweight vests are windproof at the front and breathable at the back, for example thanks to a mesh insert. The cut should be short at the front and long at the back, so that it suits a bent posture. Most lightweight models weigh under 100 grams and can be crumpled up to about the size of a tennis ball. A two-way zip for ventilation on the mountain is handy, as are – on some models – openings at the back that allow you to access your jersey pockets.
Even vests have their limits: if you’re constantly exposed to a cold draught or rain, your arms will still get cold.
Windbreaker: when your arms need protection too
A lightweight windbreaker* is worth having if the temperature drops below about ten degrees, you’ve got long descents ahead, the intensity is low, or you generally feel the cold easily. The downside is that it quickly becomes too warm on long climbs. It therefore needs to open wide and pack away compactly. A flexible alternative is a combination of a vest and windproof arm warmers, which can be put on and taken off piece by piece. Another option is weatherproof jerseys with an integrated wind and splash-proof layer. On routes with changeable weather, they often replace the need for an extra layer. If it gets significantly colder, you’ll need a warmer jacket.
Rain jacket: essential in wet weather
As soon as rain is on the cards, a waterproof Rain jacket in your luggage. There are four key points to bear in mind:
- Breathability – otherwise sweat will build up inside.
- The back and sleeves must be long enough for a road cycling position.
- The zip should be easy to use with one hand.
- The packed size determines whether the jacket will fit into the jersey pocket as a spare.
Our guide shows which models stand out Test of 23 rain jackets for women and men.
Tip: In persistent rain, a hood makes a noticeable difference, as it stops water running down your collar. Road cycling jackets rarely have hoods. You’ll find what you’re looking for in looser-fitting models from the gravel or MTB range.
A quick guide to help you decide before setting off
| Terms and Conditions | A sensible combination | Note |
| Dry, from around 20 degrees | Short-sleeved jersey | Good ventilation, minimal weight |
| Dry, 15 to 20 degrees | Short-sleeved jersey with arm warmers or long-sleeved jersey | Arm warmers can be stowed away whilst out and about |
| Dry, 10 to 15 degrees | Jersey, arm warmers, wind vest | The most flexible combination, customisable piece by piece |
| Dry, below 10 degrees | Jersey and windbreaker | Your arms stay protected too |
| Changeable weather with showers | An extra compact rain jacket | Protection against damp and the cold |
| Wet and cool for many hours | A warmer jersey plus a breathable rain jacket | Weather protection is a priority; a hood helps |
Rule of thumb: Long descents, lots of elevation gain, a slow pace or do you feel the cold easily? If so, layer up a bit more.
Frequently asked questions about road cycling clothing
At what temperature should I wear a wind jacket instead of a vest when cycling on a road bike?
As a rule of thumb: when the temperature is below about ten degrees, or if you’re facing a long descent. In these circumstances, the wind chill can cause your arms to get too cold. If you want to protect your arms whilst remaining flexible, combine a vest with arm warmers.
How much colder is it on the pass?
On average, about 0.65 degrees per 100 metres of altitude. Added to this is the headwind on the descent, which makes the temperature feel significantly lower still.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor