As autumn settles in and winter approaches, I’m gearing up for my first rides in this colder weather. I live in a hilly region of Central Europe, with temperatures ranging from 0-15°C and quite a bit of wind. My goal is to start by using layers I already own, along with adding one of these two options.
For temperatures around 15°C, I’m thinking of wearing a winter jersey combined with a vest or a wind jacket. For 10°C or lower, I plan to layer up with a thermal base layer, a summer jersey, a winter jersey, and either a vest or wind jacket. The downside of my winter jacket is that it doesn’t have pockets, and of course, the vest has no sleeves, so that’s something I’m considering.
Back in February, I rode with just a thermal shirt, a long-sleeved summer jersey, and a random tight sports sweatshirt and I was comfortable. I might eventually need a proper winter jacket, but for now, I’d like to see how these combinations work. What do you think?
by FACTORthebeast
9 Comments
Yes
A vest can be used all year round, a wind jacket is useful for alpine passes on the descents or windy days in the flats. For real winter riding around 0 degrees, you should invest in a winter jacket.
Lose the summer jersey, get the vest and the wind jacket. That should be enough layers with the thermal, too.
I always go for my vests over jackets,
Vest – easier to pack in pockets, easier to get on and off (sweaty arms through tight sleeves can be a pain), and more flexible throughout the year
Jackets are nice for colder temps obviously, but a vest with base layer does a nice job in 40 degrees or higher
Both. Some days are too damn chilly for just a vest. Size up both the vest and jacket to fit a thicker merino jersey or two. Neither are for thin jersey days.
Whichever one you prefer
Vest if you have arm warmers already. wind jacket if you don’t and know you’ll be going down cold descents.
my arms are the ones that feel cold all the time. Never understood vests vs long sleeves
I think you should get both. I tend to use my jacket only in the winter and the vest in the spring and fall. That means I get more use out of my vest.