{"id":165796,"date":"2021-01-26T16:30:45","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T00:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=165796"},"modified":"2023-05-18T17:11:35","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T00:11:35","slug":"winter-cycling-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/cycle\/winter-cycling-kit","title":{"rendered":"The Perfect Kit: Winter Cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

If pedaling through winter sounds daunting, that\u2019s because it can be. There\u2019s salt and slush on the roads, numb fingers to worry about and a good chance that the sun is already retreating when your ride begins. But you don\u2019t have to let your bicycle gather dust when the temperatures drop\u2014with the right gear, riding in snow, sleet and everything in between can be safe, comfortable and downright fun. Whether it\u2019s a daily city commute<\/a> to catch the sunrise or a fat-tire adventure ride<\/a> through a snow-draped forest, stay on the saddle all winter long with these gear picks to pedal with confidence.<\/p>\n

45NRTH Greazy Cycling Cap<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"45NRTH<\/p>\n

Keeping your head warm is crucial when outside in the winter, and bike helmets\u2014which are generally uninsulated and designed to promote airflow\u2014do little to stave off the cold. Protect your lid with this wool cap from 45NRTH<\/a>, which marries classic cycling cap<\/a> style with all-season protection. Merino wool is a top choice for its ability to keep you warm even when it\u2019s wet, and damp days are a guarantee when it comes to winter riding. The brim and ear flaps add extra protection, but it\u2019s still small enough to shove into a pocket once you get to where you\u2019re going. Flatlock stitching and a 3-panel design ensure that it fits snugly underneath most helmets. $45<\/em><\/p>\n

REI Co-op Link Handlebar Bag<\/a>\"REI<\/h2>\n

The extra layers and gear you\u2019ll need for comfortable winter riding create an additional need on the bike: somewhere to put them when it warms up. The simplest choice is a handlebar bag. Access can\u2019t be beat, since there\u2019s no need to remove a backpack, fit a gloved hand into small jersey pockets, or dismount to reach into a saddlebag or pannier. Constructed of ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, REI Co-op<\/a>\u2019s six-liter Link Handlebar bag can transport all your essentials while keeping the winter elements at bay. It\u2019s designed for easy installation with a hook-and-loop strapping system and can fit on drop bars and flat bars alike, making it easy to swap onto different bikes. Two external stretch-mesh pockets provide access to snacks or gear mid-ride. $79.95<\/em><\/p>\n

45NRTH Gravdal Studded Wire Bead Tire <\/a><\/h2>\n

\"45NRTH<\/p>\n

It\u2019s fair to say that ice is the bane of a winter bike commuter\u2019s existence\u2014hitting a patch of the stuff with only two wheels for balance is a recipe for a bad time. But studded tires like 45NRTH\u2019s<\/a> commuter-centric Gravdal are your best protection against slips and falls. With 252 steel-carbide studs across 38mm tires, they provide all the traction control you need, while still keeping a narrow profile that will fit most gravel and commuter bike frames. One added bonus is the 5mm high-vis strip for night riding. 45NRTH also offers studded models for true narrow-tire road bikes<\/a> as well as 29er mountain bikes<\/a>. $70<\/em><\/p>\n

45NRTH Naughtvind Winter Cycling Jacket – Men\u2019s<\/a><\/h2>\n

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Maximizing water resistance and breathability sometimes seem like a futile task; increasing one of these characteristics usually comes at the expense of the other. With the Naughtvid jacket, 45NRTH<\/a> has adopted a new ventilation system, namely a zipped back-vent, which boosts airflow without sacrificing wind and water resistance up front, where you\u2019re most vulnerable when riding into a chilly winter headwind. An added perk is an asymmetric front zipper, which keeps the toggle from rubbing your chin when fully zipped. $295<\/em><\/p>\n

REI Co-op Junction Split-Finger Cycling Mittens<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"REI<\/p>\n

Any experienced winter cyclist will tell you that your hands will be the first thing to quit on you in cold weather. That means quality gloves are a must-have, but finding the right balance that offers enough insulation without sacrificing dexterity can be tricky. These REI Co-op<\/a> mittens offer a glove-like fit to the thumbs and first two fingers, which have shifting and braking duties but combine the ring fingers and pinkies together in a heat-retaining package. A GORE-TEX shell and cinchable gauntlet cuffs complete the package, keeping you warm and dry. $69.95<\/em><\/p>\n

45NRTH Ragnarok Cycling Boots<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"45NRTH<\/p>\n

If a brutal testing ground plays a part in developing a good piece of gear, 45NRTH can thank the epic winters of their Minneapolis headquarters for this cycling boot. The Ragnarok\u2019s waterproof membrane and neoprene ankle protection repel rain and snow, while a 2-bolt cleat system provides fuss-free operation in grimy conditions. A BOA closure system and beefy lugs on the outsole ensure a tight fit and proper traction. If your winter conditions aren\u2019t as dire as Minnesota\u2019s, though, consider overshoes<\/a> instead\u2014an inexpensive way to add weather protection and insulation to any pair of cycling shoes. $195<\/em><\/p>\n

REI Co-op Junction Thermal Cycling Tights – Men\u2019s<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"REI<\/p>\n

A pair of cycling tights isn\u2019t the most exciting piece of gear, but it\u2019s a vital layer in cold conditions that regulates your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin before it can cool you down. REI designed these tights to be worn over a pair of padded bike shorts<\/a>, under a pair of rain pants, or both, for maximum on-the-bike protection. It\u2019s this versatility that makes these tights a great choice for a range of temperatures and activity levels. They provide more insulation than leg warmers, and more shoulder-season utility than dedicated winter bibs. Ankle zippers provide easy-on access, for over-the-shoe outfit changes, and stretch pockets on the thigh provide another space for gels, a credit card or a phone. $69.95<\/em><\/p>\n

Terry Coolweather Bike Tights – Women\u2019s\u00a0 <\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\"Terry<\/h2>\n

Extend your ride in comfort with this essential base layer from women-specific brand Terry<\/a>, which combines all-season insulation with their popular flat-seam construction that reduces chafing. In changing conditions or on a ride where your exertion levels might fluctuate (think steep climbs or long descents), moisture wicking<\/a> is a crucial part of staying warm. With these tights, the 8-panel design and microfiber fabric ensure that process is happening as efficiently as possible. $134.95<\/em><\/p>\n

Garmin Tacx Neo 2T Smart Trainer<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Tacx<\/h2>\n

Sometimes, no matter what gear is in your closet, the weather just won\u2019t allow for an outdoor ride. On those days, attach your bike to a smart trainer like the Tacx<\/a> NEO 2T Smart Trainer and ride in your living room. There\u2019s a lot more on offer here than a simple exercise bike\u2014the NEO 2T can simulate road feel and has an extra-quiet motor, letting you concentrate on what\u2019s coming through your headphones instead. The best part? It\u2019s compatible out of the box with Zwift<\/a>, an indoor training app that lets you ride with and race with other cyclists. $1,400<\/em><\/p>\nShop Cycling Gear<\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/span>\n
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Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n