The warmth of summer might be behind us but that doesn’t mean you should put your bike away. With a little preparation, autumn can be a truly rewarding time to ride. Fitting mudguards will stop roadspray going up your back, while a good pair of lights vastly improve your visibility to ensure you’re seen by other road users. And since the weather can change so quickly at this time of year, it’s always wise to check the weather forecast before you leave.
But we’re here to talk about the most important choice of all: clothing. From a cap under your helmet to covers on top of your shoes, small changes to your outfit can make a big difference in autumn. To stay comfortable no matter what the conditions, follow our key considerations before building an outfit below.
Rapha Guide to Riding in Autumn - Women
From lightweight waterproof layers and adaptable accessories for sudden rain showers to reflective detailing for visibility in low light, read our hints and tips on what to wear this autumn and make the most of every ride.
30 September 2021THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The weather in autumn is famously changeable. Follow our three guiding principles to stay warm and comfortable whatever the weather.
ADAPTABILITY
The weather can turn quickly in the autumn. Choose removable layers like caps, gloves, arm warmers and leg warmers to make sure your outfit can be configured on the fly to match the conditions.
PACKABILITY
To shrug off sudden showers and ward off the worst of the wind, always make space for a packable jacket or gilet that can be stowed in a pocket, pulled out and put on when needed.
VISIBILITY
With shorter days and the nights drawing in, it’s even more important to make sure you’re visible. Pick from our range of products with reflective detailing to make sure you stand out.
WHAT TO WEAR
With cooler temperatures and the chance of rain, the ideal autumn outfit is all about layers. Start with a base layer and combine with a long sleeved jersey for a little extra warmth. Always carry a jacket for added protection and consider adaptable accessories that can be removed and stowed if conditions improve.
BUILD AN OUTFIT
From base layers constructed to fit snugly beneath your jersey to colour coordinated combinations, all of our products are designed to work together. And to help you get the most out riding this autumn, we’ve paired a few of our top picks to create riding outfits that are ideally suited to the current conditions.
