Stay on the move all year round – the 101 of winter cycling
Cycling just keeps on getting more and more popular. There are now better routes and equipment on offer than ever before, and many people cycle to work all year round. And cycling in the winter can be very pleasant if you’re properly equipped and dressed.
When it comes to cycling and other brisk sports, always remember the golden rule: if you’re feeling warm enough before you hit the road, you’re too heavily dressed. You’ll soon work up a sweat when out cycling, so it’s especially important in the autumn and winter to dress in layers, which you can handily adjust as needed.
Layering for winter cycling
Layering helps make cycling pleasant even if it’s freezing cold or lashing rain. As with all outdoor activities, age-old wisdom still applies: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad preparation. We’ll help you choose just the right clothes for a comfortable winter spin.
Base layer
The function of the base layer, worn against the skin, is to wick moisture away from the skin and to keep the cold at bay. Svala’s Airbase long-sleeve mesh thermal shirts and long mesh thermal underpants are available in different sleeve and leg lengths to ensure the best possible fit. The flat seams of the mesh knit do not rub or press on the skin, so even long journeys in the saddle feel comfortable.
In chillier weather, a perfect base layer is Svala’s merino wool or Windproof underwear, made of breathable as well as windproof material. It protects the thighs in particular, especially during fast-paced cycling.
If you’re extra-sensitive to the cold, you can also choose a warmer base layer from our Merino Extreme collection. Thanks to the knit’s two-layer structure, the skin always stays dry and warm, as moisture is efficiently transferred away from the skin to stop you feeling cold even when you’ve slowed your pace to a standstill.
Mid layer
Select a mid layer according to the weather, cycling distance and activity level. In milder weather, a mid layer might not be needed, but in the cold it is a good idea. An excellent choice is Merino Extreme Hoodie, or a hybrid jacket, made from an unbeatable combination of merino wool and windproof material.
Shell layer
The function of the shell layer is to protect the cyclist from wind and rain. Before choosing what shell layer to wear, take a peek out the window. A fully protective shell jacket is suitable for windy and rainy weather, whereas a better-breathing softshell is just the thing for dry and less windy weather. The jacket should also have a long enough hem and long sleeves, and the shoulders should have some degree of stretchiness.
Remember these too
For winter cycling, you need to protect yourself from the bitter wind that makes itself felt on the face, fingers and toes in particular. And when it’s well below zero, what you need underneath your helmet is Svala’s Merino Extreme under helmet hat or Merino Extreme Shell balaclava, which protects the neck as well as the head. Other wise choices for chilly weather are our Windproof neck warmer or Merino Extreme Easy woolly under helmet hat, which protects the ears effectively.
A cyclist’s fingers and toes get cold quickly, so what you need are windproof and warm gloves and Svala’s Merino Warm socks. Waterproof shoe covers are also a sensible idea.
Sustainability
All Svala products are made in Finland, and meet the most demanding quality criteria. We only use raw materials from suppliers that are audited and whose materials are certified. All the merino wool Svala uses comes from healthy sheep that are not subjected to mulesing.
The materials used in our products are of the highest quality, easy to care for, durable – and above all, comfortable. All the materials used in our products have top-class properties, thanks to which they do not need to be washed as often as ordinary clothing.