A guide to clothing combinations for any spring/autumn ride.

Layered For All Seasons

A guide to clothing combinations for any spring/autumn ride.

01 February 2018

A wise man once said that “bad weather always looks worse through a window” and we couldn’t agree more: the forecast should never be used as an excuse to stay inside.

The best way to stay comfortable is by layering your clothing. Rather than wearing one huge overcoat, thin layers trap air between themselves, keeping you warmer, and high wicking garments take sweat away from your skin to the next layer. Picking the right combination isn’t always easy to get right, particularly on your upper half, so to help you out we have put together a short guide for layering during those pesky seasons between summer and winter, when autumn’s morning chill can stop you at the front door, and spring showers can spoil a perfectly enjoyable day out.

How To Layer Your Upper Half

Clothing combinations for any spring/autumn ride. A base layer is the solid foundation for any successful seasonal ride. Our breathable merino and mesh base layers are ideal for changeable, cool conditions as they stay warm even when damp. Building from there, a short sleeve jersey with arm warmers offers flexibility, while a long sleeve jersey works for when you’re sure it’ll be colder. Your final layer could be a gilet or warmer jacket, whether waterproof, fleecy or otherwise. The combinations are myriad, but the solution for your ride is out there - you just have to find the one that works. Finally, remember the rule of the 'fifth mile': if you're feeling warm as you leave the house, you're probably wearing too much.

RIDE SITUATION #1

A spring classic.

Medium-paced ride in the most changeable of seasons.

Forecast: 7°c – 13°c, with damp roads.

Classic Gilet II

Sleeveless outer layer with well-considered storage for on-the-go essentials.

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Classic Jersey II

The Classic, reborn with a new lighter, softer merino-based fabric.

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Merino Base Layer - Short Sleeve

Made of a fine, soft wool that offers supreme comfort.

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Classic Arm Warmers

Perfect for cold mornings and feature a brushed fleece inner.

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RIDE SITUATION #2

Blustery training miles.

A cold and windy ride on your go-to route.

Forecast: 7°c – 14°c, with 20mph gusts.

Women's Classic Wind Jacket

Protective enough to resist light showers and yet lightweight enough to pack away.

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Women's Brevet Long Sleeve Jersey

Highly visible jersey with reflective stripes, packed full of useful features.

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Women's Merino Mesh Base Layer - Long Sleeve

The exceptionally soft merino mesh fabric will keep you warm and comfortable without the need for a midlayer.

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RIDE SITUATION #3

Spinning through leaves and lanes.

A cold and windy ride on your go-to route.

Easy-pace, on a dry Autumn day.

Forecast: 12°c – 20°c, cloudless and mild.

PRO TEAM LIGHTWEIGHT GILET

Lightweight and packable, this gilet delivers ideal out-of-the-pocket protection for your core on fast-paced rides on cooler or changeable days.

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Core Jersey

Plenty of stable storage for riding essentials – and treats.

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Merino Base Layer - Sleeveless

Close-fitting to be worn seamlessly under a jersey.

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Classic Arm Warmers

Keep your arms warm on easy-paced rides.

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RIDE SITUATION #4

A multi-day bike tour across the country.

Pack light to travel far, up and over mountains in varying temperatures.

Forecast: 4°c – 16°c, cloudy with sunny spells.

BREVET INSULATED GILET

Versatile and breathable insulation for the cold starts and long descents. It’s quick drying, too.

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BREVET JERSEY - SHORT SLEEVE

With the extra storage needed on a tour and a touch more warmth thanks to a heavier merino fabric.

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Merino Mesh Base Layer - Short Sleeve

The mesh, merino blend stays fresh long enough to not offend your riding companions.

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Classic Arm Warmers

Keep your arms warm on easy-paced rides.

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RIDE SITUATION #5

Your local chaingang ride.

A short and sharp group ride to blow out the cobwebs.

Forecast: 10°c - 17°c, with a good chance of rain.

Pro Team Lightweight Rain Gilet

A highly packable outer layer that’s perfectly suited to high tempo rides in cool, rainy weather, featuring a new proprietary fabric milled specifically for Rapha.

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Pro Team Aero Jersey

A lightweight and aerodynamic jersey designed for your fastest rides. Cut through the air in a jersey made with one thing in mind: speed.

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Merino Mesh Base Layer - Short Sleeve

When you’re working hard, this base layer wicks sweat away from your skin to help regulate your temperature.

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