What are the best winter cycling clothes? Here are our top 10 choices for 2020

Winter cycling is a challenge not only because of the nasty weather in some areas but also because of the heat your body produces when you ride. Starting out it may be super cold and you want to bundle up with heavy bulky jackets and pants. But by the time you're 5 miles into the ride, you are pouring sweat and miserable.

The key to riding comfortably during the winter is layers. Light layers so that you can remove them as your ride progresses and store them on your bike.

Our experience at Bike Booty is to protect the areas that get coldest. Face, chest, hands, toes. For your face and neck area, a soft balaclava that allows you to adjust the tightness is perfect. If you get too winded, you can loosen it and suck in that cool fresh air.

Your chest area can be the coldest area to protect. Start with a light moisture-wicking base shirt with a long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt over that. Next, a light windproof jacket should be enough unless you are riding with temperatures in the negative numbers. The windproof jacket should keep the cold out and the base layers should keep you comfortable.

When choosing gloves you want to find ones that protect you from the wind as much as keeping your fingers warm. If the gloves have too much fabric on the inside, they could get pretty wet from sweat, so a moisture wicking fabric is best. Another option that allows the heat from your fingers to stay warm is lobster claw gloves. These gloves will allow room for two or three of your fingers to remain together instead of separating each of your fingers.

You would think that your feet would be safe from the cold being in your cycling cleats, but remember, your shoes are designed to allow airflow to keep your feet cool. In the winter, that cool air can cause discomfort quickly. Keep your feet warm by wearing wool socks that allow moisture to wick away. Another trick to help keep your feet warm while riding is to put a plastic grocery bag over your toes. This will help the cold air stay off of your feet.

These products below are some of our top choices for winter cycling clothing.

Thermal Jacket

85% polyester+15% spandex. The fabric consists of three layers that keep you warm and dry. The top layer on the exterior is a rugged windbreaker surface that beads up moisture and prevents stains. The second layer is a waterproof breathable membrane film, and the third layer is a nice soft warm fleece. Drop tail and elastic hem provide a precise on-bike fit, keep you warm in winter, Reflective elements on front and back add contrast to enhance nighttime visibility. Two pockets for storage include one front zipper pocket, Longer cuff design for extra coverage of your wrist, keep the cold air away from you.

Click to purchase: ARSUXEO Winter Cycling Jacket

Thermal Cycling Bib

Pro Chamois: Pro II 3D Chamois, multi-level high-density foam plus precise gel pad. Stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric with fleece inside keeps you warm and dry. Mesh bib uppers and elastic stirrup bands for a more secure and comfy fit. Reflective elements for visibility in low light. The anatomic multi-panel design fits perfectly to the body in motion. Waist Size Chart: S=30-32" M=32.5-34.5" L=35-37" XL=37.5-39.5" XXL=40-42"

Click to purchase: BALEAF Men's Cycling Bib

Windproof Thermal Cycling Jacket

Windproof and water-resistant. The softshell jacket is made from performance fabric. The surface touch is soft and textured. Built-in high permeability film contributes significantly to water repellent, windproof and breathability. Thermal. The lining of the tech jacket is polar fleece. There are also pockets inside made of mesh cloth, helps with air ventilation. The stand-up collar adds a cover to protect the back of your neck. Large back pockets for storing small items. The winter jacket can be used as an active jacket, cycling jacket or hiking jacket.

Click to purchase: INBIKE Winter Thermal Jacket

Tough Headwear Skull Cap

Wear our skull cap on its own or under your helmet. Great for cycling, snowboarding or snow skiing. Wear it as you run, work out or play football. Heck, wear it as you're doing laundry. It's so lightweight and comfortable you'll forget you're wearing it. Made from stretchy, breathable fabric that wicks away sweat while the brushed lining provides lightweight thermal retention. No more numb frozen ears, they say! Give them this helmet liner to keep them nice and toasty. They'll thank you, we promise. 89% polyester 11% spandex blend, our skull cap beanie will fit comfortably, even if you have an Einstein-sized noggin.

Click to purchase: Tough Headwear Skull Cap Beanie

Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks

The natural heating and cooling properties of the merino wool blend ensure that your feet will be warm in the winter and fresh in the summer. Ventilation mesh lanes wick away sweat. Cushioning and padding reduce the risk of getting blisters, aching and jarring shocks These unisex socks are great for hiking, trekking, outdoor adventures, walking, traveling or everyday wear as a thermal sock in the cold season. These hiking socks are the perfect gift for your family, friends, and children.

Click to purchase: Merino Wool Socks

Winter Bike Gloves

Well made, not junk! We use the best materials for our gloves, making sure it is soft and warm in even the coldest conditions! 100% WATERPROOF - Fully Waterproof Gloves. Even when soaking wet, your hands stay perfectly dry! 2 Finger Split Style - Minimized Heat Loss. By keeping both fingers together, they keep each other warmer than normal style gloves! Extended Elastic Cuffs and Multi-Density Thermal Lining for optimal winter warmth and protection. Reinforced palm area super tough wearing and long-lasting.

Click to purchase: Winter Bike Gloves

Merino Wool Socks

Made from polyester with seasonal weight Merino wool blend materials. Nylon reinforced toe and heel. High rise 6" cuff. Made in Italy

Click to purchase: Merino Wool Socks

Winter Touchscreen Gloves

Double Fleece warm gloves. Upgraded winter warm gloves are filled with double layer thicken fleece, which are moisture-wicking, quick-dry, breathable and keep warm in whole winter Sensitive Touchscreen: Coated with a conductive fabric on fingertips(thumb and index finger) Touchscreen gloves are compatible with smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, driver of cars with touchscreen panels. Keep your fingers dry and warm while you operate devices, Easy to texting, tap, and swipe without taking winter gloves off. Water Resistant and Windproof: Winter thermal gloves are sewn in high-quality waterproof TPU which can keep hands warm and dry even in snow or light rain when you are cycling, running or daily wear. Winter cycling gloves with elastic wrist cuff feature Keep warm gloves close properly against freezing wind and cold water Superior Dexterity and Durability: warm gloves for men/women are designed with 3D tailoring, which is flexible and Superior stretchy at ease. Strengthening and smooth sewing, adding durability to the gloves. Skid-proof design: cycling gloves with silicone particles on the palm help you to grip little things firmly and flexibly. These winter gloves are perfect for running, riding, climbing, hiking, driving, fishing.

Click to purchase: Winter Touchscreen Gloves

Men’s Thermal Underwear Set

92% Polyester/8% Spandex. The men’s thermal underwear set is designed with four-way stretch compression for your freedom of outdoor activities. Flatlock will prevent chafing and irritation of the skin. These materials offer great flexibility that can keep their size and shape longer. **The set is designed for outdoor sports, so there is NO OPEN FLY on the pants** The long-sleeved shirt and pants in the package are really light, soft and comfortable, especially for keeping warm in cold conditions. The thermal fitness shirt for men is made of moisture-wicking and breathable fabric, which will absorb sweat and dry quickly in exercise and keep you from feeling clammy, as well as provide enough comfort and warmth to play sports in cold weather. The men's gym shirt is good to wear at home or as a base layer under your coat, it also will warm you as comfy pajamas on cold nights. Perfect for active sports like hiking, cycling, snowboarding, skiing, military & tactical games, hunting and fishing.

Click to purchase: Men’s Thermal Underwear Set

Tough Balaclava Ski Mask

Protection from COLD, WIND, DUST & UV: Our balaclava protects you against the elements whether you blaze down the slopes like Shaun White, shovel snow faster than a John Deere snowblower or ATV in the desert-like Mad Max. Our stretchy, breathable fabric protects your face while wicking away moisture. The fleece lining retains heat. To prevent stuffiness, our balaclavas feature mesh breathing panels to increase airflow while minimizing condensation on your goggles. That's why you'll be smiling as the elements bear down on you. Fits men & women. Wear your balaclava on its own or under a helmet. Wear it as a full face mask, open balaclava, half ski mask or neck gaiter. People use our balaclavas for skiing, snowboarding, riding, ATVing, hunting, construction, warehouse work, and shoveling snow. These balaclavas are designed with small reflective logos on the front, sides, and back. This product is NOT meant for bank robbers, only pirates!

Click to purchase: Tough Balaclava Ski Mask