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The Correct Attire

By Joe Hall • 12th January 2012 12:54pm • Posted in Products

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
- Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Judging what to garb oneself in for a ride takes practice. Nowhere is this more true than in the UK, where the weather forecast changes every minute. On this neurotic island you’ll see the man in his vest and shorts strolling down the road on a sunny afternoon, to find himself only seconds later scampering to escape a howling hailstorm. Considering that the road cyclist finds him or herself travelling distances through time and space, scaling altitudes of increasing menace and getting a good old sweat on in the process, knowing what kind of clothing is required bears significance. Overheating is bad, freezing on a descent even worse and excessive ‘flapping’ completely unacceptable.

So how do we know what will be too hot, cold or simply wrong (see mittens, soccer shorts and ski masks)? One of the easiest solutions to the problem is to choose clothing that supports thermoregulation in your surrounding environment. As endothermic mammals, humans have a near constant body temperature which, when compromised, can be problematic. For a cyclist the dependence on liver osmosis and muscle contractions to control temperature is even more paramount, as the propulsion of the bicycle depends on these functions simultaneously. Our metabolism and homeostasis – namely the body’s ability to generate and balance its energy – is key to successful riding.

Yet it would be missing the point to suggest that in winter, insulation is the only consideration; and in summer, hydration is the main ingredient. Both these elements are needed in any season, but in varying values. What is crucial is adaptability, dressing to allow the body to do its job of regulating heat and energy handsomely. My own experiences of freezing mornings turning into mild afternoons and searing climbs transforming into teeth-chattering downhills is certain evidence of this. But I still get kit choice wrong sometimes… Another rule of thumb is to make sure that when you step outside, you can feel the cold. If you are warm before you even start moving you may be overdressed.

This winter season in southeast England has so far been kindly, with little to no frost and only one day where I’d wished for a different piece of kit, that piece being overshoes rather than oversocks (I wrapped my shoes in cellophane from a coffee shop which alleviated the bite to a degree). In fact, there have been a few occasions where I’ve overdressed this winter. Better safe than sorry.

This discourse could go further into the origins of how humans have arrived at all manner of materials available for the tailoring of sports clothing, but that’s for another occasion. The two important ingredients, in my view, for winter riding are layering and storage. Layers allow the movement of moisture and circulation and storage enables layers to be stowed and for carriage of energy and tools needed to survive. But the quality of these layers and the capacity and design of this storage is additionally vital. And that, for want of more subtlety, is why you found yourself here in the first place.

So here is my ‘go to’ selection of Rapha winter products that afford me a happy time on the bike. These items are used in temperatures between 0 - 10°C, with variable levels of wind, rain and hangovers. Anything below 0°C, ie icy roads, I'll usually stay indoors. As everyone’s homeostasis differs and no weather front can be predicted, I can’t be held accountable if you follow a similar selection and end up freezing your bits off or find yourself in a sweaty, effervescent froth. Generally though, Rapha kit is designed so that this never happens, unless you really misjudge things…

[Please note: Rapha design products for temperatures below 0°C, such as the Deep Winter Tights.]

Head

Merino Hat – don’t notice it’s on and always marvel at how such a minimal piece of material keeps my loaf warm. A Winter Hat is chosen if there is a chance of rain and a Knitted Winter Hat if I’m ‘poncing about’ more than usual.

Torso

Three layers, every time. This varies between:
Layer one - short sleeve or long sleeve Merino Base Layer.
Layer two - Long Sleeve Jersey or Winter Jersey (cold days).
Layer three - Softshell Gilet, always. I can’t recommend this thing enough, it’s two layers in one (actually it has a 'membrane'), giving huge amounts of breathability but also wind proofing and rain protection for that all important core temperature. Plus the pockets are lovely and big for food, tools and a Rain Jacket; with two zip-up compartments for annoying things like keys and wallet.

Legs

Ah the legs, the pistons, the difference between a shivering jaunt and a victorious slog. Cold legs are bad news but I’ve always assumed legs are the least vulnerable, because they are (or should be) constantly moving and staying warm. But in cold temperatures your legs need more energy to hold enough heat to function efficiently.

The Classic Winter Tights are not only indestructible (I’ve had mine for three years) but their flexibility also allows you to ride hard and keep toasty all day. The high-rise of the bibs on the tights gives extra protection to the torso as well. A pair of Classic Bibs under these (or over the top if so inclined) and you are laughing, as they say.

If you're looking for an even more flexible alternative, the new Pro Team Thermal Bib Shorts paired with Rapha Leg Warmers (or Merino Knee Warmers if you are hardcore) work very well.

Dan Craven wears: Merino Hat, Base Layer, Long Sleeve Jersey, Softshell Gilet, Classic Bibs, Classic Winter Tights, Winter Gloves, Overshoes (beard optional).

Feet and Hands

I think this one is a very personal preference. Circulation is pretty important here, so socks, gloves and shoes should never be too tight, again allowing your anatomy to do its job. My advice is play safe and go for the warmest option. I’ve never heard of anyone complain about their feet being too warm and you can always take the gloves off and stash them. I can honestly say that the Winter Gloves are perfect in various temperatures. If you suffer from cold hands, merino liners underneath will do the trick on very cold days. I’m also recommending overshoes from now until the spring, and then it’s still a case of white oversocks for the Belgian-aesthetes among us.

Overall, when you have the correct attire, allowing you to enjoy your winter riding to the extent that you don’t even notice the weather, it’s rather satisfying. To outride the colder months will, as we have heard many times before, make the next season all the more sweet. Your comments on this subject are most welcome.

Comments

paul goulden

12th January 2012 02:44pm

Icebreaker do an excellent thin merino glove liner.

Simon Brown

12th January 2012 03:02pm

Good article. The Pro Team Jacket (in Chartreuse) has proved to be an excellent piece of kit in varying weather conditions. Just a shame that the Softshell Gilet only comes in stealth black - not the best choice for damp, grey Lake District mornings, or heading home from work in the dark. Maybe Rapha will consider introducing an alternative, more visible colour ?

Nick DeNude

12th January 2012 03:09pm

It's a longstanding notion that "it's very PRO to be warm" - i agree completely, whenever you see the pros, they're always dressed warmly, protecting their muscles. always better to be too warm than too cold.

The Rapha cold weather gear is excellent. Merino layers and classic softshell get me through almost anything. I use the all black softshell - and the subtle reflective piping is outstanding. really lights up in the night, the jacket moves well and is cut just right for me.

Picture decked out for the Festive-500 below:

http://less-than-epic.blogspot.com/2011/12/festive-500-day-1.html

joseph melnyk

12th January 2012 03:29pm

great article; might save some from learning these lessons the hard way (though it sticks with you then, i guess!).

additions to your recommendations:
- embrocation is your friend
- legs: i wear the 3/4 knickers down to about 5C and just add legwarmers to get down to 0C. more flexible and cheaper than dedicated winter tights; and the 3/4 are a constant in spring/fall.
- torso: pro team jacket is incredible. that with a long sleeve baselayer will get me to about 3C; and comfortably up to 10C with a short sleeve baselayer. and riding into the evenings with a 5pm sunset, the chartreuse is a must.
- feet: i wear both thick and thin merino socks with overshoes and winter shoes. if it's especially cold, i'll get crazy and embro up the feet too, with a sandwich baggie over my toes, between the layers of socks. sounds crazy, works great.
- hands: comfort here is totally dependent on whether i'm doing a steady spin with minimal climbing or doing intervals/occasional large climbs. less steady wind resistance, a slower speed and out-of-the-saddle efforts will certainly warm your hands back up, while raging for a couple hours at a 32kph avg will definitely freeze them. so i choose carefully, depending on the ride.

Alan Dorrington

12th January 2012 03:38pm

Pro Team Jacket has been the find of the winter and is now a must have on any ride on the road at the moment (bit nice for getting slopped up on the cross bike). Just swap thicker/thinner and L/S or S/S baselayers for incredible comfort in a range of temps.

Embro is the key for longer rides to maintain functional legs if wet or particularly cold…

Marigold washing up gloves over a thin liner glove if it is really wet and cold - better sweaty than frozen. Colour choice is up to you.

Matt Cartwright

12th January 2012 05:02pm

No love for the winter jersey? wore it for most of the festive 500. Perfect in so many conditions and really easy to ventilate. Massive pockets for a wind jacket, gloves and essentials case. A design classic when matched with a merino base layer.

Matt Christensen

12th January 2012 05:05pm

Simply, my digits get cold. So this year, I've stuffed a few of those hand warmers that react with the air in my gloves. And for tootsies? I found some toe warmers that do the same thing at the local ski shop. They're thinner and fit in the toes of your shoes. And they're adhesive. Stick them on top of your socks and pure bliss is yours for hours. Not too hot. Just right.

Pro? Not sure. But no one sees them. Warm? A resounding "yes."

And I concur with some of the guys above. The Pro Team Jacket is perfect for so many things. I got black so as to absorb the rays here in Texas.

Austin Brough

12th January 2012 06:45pm

Great article Joe. May I add a shout for the new Pro Team Thermal Bibshorts? Perfect for upper-single figure rides, then add leg warmers for lower single figures stuff. Great to see Rapha using more technical fabrics in their garments (Pro Team Jacket is a great example), more please!

Marie-Claude Grégoire

12th January 2012 07:00pm

Nice article. I would however add a few layers for the chilly morning commute like this morning…
- 16 °C with the wind! Brrrr!
Any chance that the deep winter tights will one day be available in women sizes too?

Thanks

MC

Jason Panzer

12th January 2012 07:13pm

+1 on the Proteam Jacket - I rotate that and the winter Jersey. Winter gloves are surprisingly warm for such a thin design and the winter collar is just pure genius.

Brian Palmer

12th January 2012 08:14pm

i'd take exception to the quote 'there is no such thing as bad weather': horizontal hail and 90kph winds do not a summer make. have to admit, however, cladding with 'rapha' written on the sleeve did ameliorate the sandblasting to a comforting degree.

b

Mark Sanders

13th January 2012 01:57am

Wise words mate! Completely agree with your thoughts about the soft shell gilet. Paired with a L/S merino base layer and a winter jersey gets me down to about the mid 30's. Same with the 3/4 bibs. The roubaix material works really well and a coating of embro on the bare skin between them and my overshoes does the trick just great. My only Rapha gripe is that the older style winter gloves were not very wind proof so weren't much help below 40 deg.

Steve Seamark

13th January 2012 08:13am

Ditto on the Pro Team Jacket, perfect tailored fit, and not too hot or too cold to ride it, has gone to the top of my Rapha list - instant classic.

The chartreuse colour way is also a great introduction, classy but sensible too. I agree this 'visible' option would be good to introduce on other items, without dropping the classy Rapha angle. I'm sure you'll find a way, you usually do!

Chris Tree

13th January 2012 09:13am

The beard. The best bit of winter cycling attire I ever owned.

Joe Hall

13th January 2012 10:38am

Thanks all for the comments and advice. Only today I suffered cold toes due to a drop in temperature and a failure to wear additional socks. Embro on the toes would have helped, pink washing up gloves will be bought soon and my beard is coming on nicely… Might also have to try one of these Pro Team Jacket things…

Respect also to those like Mr. Palmer who have to cope with weather that throws everything - bar the kitchen sink - at you.

Samuel Klontz

13th January 2012 05:49pm

Agreed on the Softshell Gilet comment, would be wonderful to see that come in some additional colours for next season. Perhaps a chartreuse?

Mike Peacock

14th January 2012 11:23pm

Merino hat essential,sits under a helmet too…when I bother to wear one..helmet that is..

Aaron Coode

17th January 2012 11:12am

I bought myself a Chartreuse Pro Team jacket for christmas and it has been absolutely fabulous on every ride, so far it's coped from -6 to 10 degrees by adding layers of merino underneath. The chartreuse colour has been wonderful and I'd love to see it in a longsleeved jersey/ gilet too. My top tip for keeping the toes warm is on cold days to put some oversocks under the overshoes, works well for me.

Daniel James

17th January 2012 11:52pm

Given that it has been one of the driest winters on record in Japan I haven't had much need to use the Overshoes apart from the time I had to walk up and down a hill covered in 3 inches of snow on shortcut that didn't quite work out….and I didn't notice the cold. Too good to be true.Much can be said of the Winter Gloves which are the best cold weather gloves I've ever had. Warm and dry when you need them to be-I've never had to resort to liners (silk is another option) yet. The long wrists on the Winter Gloves are superb and other makers should take note. With the right combination of gloves, base layer/jersey/jacket sleeve length, wrists are never cold. I can't why others bother with bulky and gauche gauntlet style gloves: you are cycling, not riding a motorbike.

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