What to wear in spring riding conditions: A How To Guide.

Posted by Bellwether Cycling · March 14, 2017

GEAR UP FOR SPRING!

Spring is just around the corner and with this comes a change from cold, damp and dreary conditions to crisp early mornings and warmer days. Ever improving weather and increased daylight hours means more time spent on our bikes and doing what we love. These spring days often mean cold temperatures at start time but soon the mercury rises creating vast temperature differences over the course of a ride.

Pair your summer riding kit with layering essentials which can be peeled off as conditions fluctuate and vary to maintain optimal temperature regulation and comfort during this transitional season of change.

Warmers

Not only can spring time weather be unpredictable but the temperature difference between the start of the ride and its conclusion might make it seem like you need 2 completely different wardrobes. Warmers are a great choice for any cyclist because they are extremely effective against chill yet are compact and lightweight, making them easy to stow away and carry as temperatures rise.

Base Layer

Base layers are one of the most over-looked yet most important pieces you can have in your wardrobe. As a wicking layer its duty is simply pull moisture away from your skin. In cold weather this wicking function keeps you dry thereby eliminating any wind chill caused by having damp fabric against your skin. In warmer conditions that same wicking function provide evaporation cooling to help your body maintain optimal temperature regulation.

Lightweight fleece gloves

Versatility is the ongoing theme as it relates to the best garment choices for spring riding. Lightweight fleeced style gloves provide additional thermal properties in the cold, but unlike wind-stoppers as temperatures rise they allow for excellent breath-ability as well. This combination provides comfort in a wide range of temperatures and can be easily stowed away if necessary.

Lightweight Vest and Jacket

A proper vest or jacket will extend the comfortable temperature range of a given cycling kit by 10-25 degrees. This protective layer is extremely effective against wind chill by protecting your core yet should be compact and lightweight enough to easily be stowed away as needed. Fine tune your temperature range by adding or removing this protective outer layer as the mercury rises or falls throughout the course of your ride.

As the saying goes "there is no bad weather just inappropriate clothing"

#RIDEBELLWETHER