Key Principles
Building from the base layer, Rapha’s collection of winter clothing and accessories follow the above principles to keep you riding in warmth, comfort, and style through the colder months. Here are a few key pieces for this season.
Rapha Guide To Staying Warm – Men
Roll up to a ride without enough on, and you’ll soon be turning back home in search of central heating. But get your layers right, and you’ll make the most of your winter miles. Use our guide to learn the principles of staying warm on cold days.
17 February 2020
Kit That Fits
Close-fitting layers trap insulating pockets of air near your body. Loose layers act like a bellows, pumping cold air around your body, purging precious heat.
Bring The Heat
Your body is a radiator. Opt for lighter, removable layers on the days you’ll be pedalling hard.
Be Versatile
A packable extra layer, and wearing breathable base and mid-layers, will make all the difference if the weather changes.
What To Wear
Building from the base layer, Rapha’s collection of winter clothing and accessories follow the above principles to keep you riding in warmth, comfort, and style through the colder months. Here are a few key pieces for this season.
Beneath it all
Base layers are the foundation of a winter riding outfit, and they play a far more complicated role in temperature regulation than simply keeping your upper body warm. Base layers sit close to the skin, working to wick away sweat – without one, this sweat can turn to clamminess and chills very quickly.
Rapha’s winter base layers make use of heavier (yet still breathable) fabrics such as merino, and feature higher collars to stop the wind from venturing down your jersey.
Merino Baselayers
Don’t Forget The Thermals
There are few more cosy and comfortable cycling garments than thermal bibs and jerseys. Their warmth isn’t just derived from the weight of their fabrics, but from the use of brushed-back linings – the official name of the soft, fluffy interior of thermal clothes. These soft, short loops of fabric hold onto warm air around your body, creating a layer of insulation. Warm legs will work better, but not just that – thermal bibs and tights add warming material around your lower back and torso to keep your core warmer.
Jerseys
PRO TEAM LONG SLEEVE THERMAL JERSEY
A cold-weather training jersey for riders and racers looking to stay aero without freezing. Warm, fast, and reflective.
Bib Shorts & Tights
Block The Wind
A cold breeze can cut through layers but one sure-fire way of staying warm is to wear an outer layer with a windproof finish, keeping cold air away from your core.
For days when a windproof jacket is too much, choose a top with windproof front panels, and breathable rear panels. This will block the wind head-on, while allowing excess heat to escape out of the back, a clever way of staying warm without getting sweaty.
Jerseys
Jackets
Against the elements
The use of insulation in cycling clothing is a fairly recent innovation, but it’s caught on quickly. Down and Polartec® Alpha® insulation hold on to heat like nothing else, and they’re highly compressible when it comes time to put them in a jersey pocket, making them a great ‘just in case’ addition to your outfit
Gilets
Jackets
Warmers
Like a Glove
Your hands and feet are the first things to feel the cold, and the right choice of gloves, socks, and overshoes can keep you riding through the most bitter weather.
Hands and feet are the perfect place to include high visibility detailing – as your feet are almost constantly moving while riding, and hands move while signalling, hi-vis elements are more likely to catch the eye. Rapha’s Pro Team Overshoes, Winter Gloves, and Brevet Reflective Gloves all include hi-vis elements, keeping you seen as well as warm.
Socks
Overshoes
Gloves
Protect Your Neck (And Head)
Flick through photography of cold weather races, and you’ll notice that the majority peloton wouldn’t dream of crossing a start line without suitably cosy neck and headwear. This is for a very good reason – not only does a quality Merino Collar or warm hat keep you feeling warm, they can also be stashed into a pocket whenever needed.
