9 Gear Essentials to Stay Warm This Winter

Written by
Marc Lindsay
The winter can be a fun time to ride your bike—if you dress appropriately. From head to toe, check out these nine gear essentials that will keep you warm and toasty on the road this winter.
Louis Garneau Hat
$24.99
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Modern helmets have large vents to let cool air in during the summer, but in the winter they aren't as useful. A skullcap is a must to keep your ears warm and to prevent heat loss.
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Giordana Windtex Hannibal Face Mask
$29.95
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When the temperatures are near freezing, cold air entering the lungs can be tough to deal with. The Giordana facemask will keep your face warm and take the chill out of the air before it enters your body.
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Craft Mesh Base Layer
$49.99
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The key to staying warm during the winter is to layer your core. Start with a thin base layer that will keep sweat off your body. If you don't have a long sleeve base layer, a short sleeve will work just as well, and it can be used in the summertime too.
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Hincapie Power Tour Jacket
$150
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For those really cold days, you'll need a mid layer to wear under your jacket. A long sleeve fleece-lined jersey or a lightweight jacket like this one from Hincapie Sportswear is perfect.
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Gore Fusion 2.0 Gore-Tex Jacket
$269.99
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If you're going to venture outside in the cold, Gore makes some of the best gear around. The fusion jacket is slim fitting but still loose enough to allow room for layers underneath. This model offers excellent protection from the wind and rain, and is equipped with reflective material in the shoulders, back and forearms.
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Castelli Diluvio Gloves
$44.95
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Gloves have come a long way in recent years. If you need a pair to keep your hands warm and dry during the winter without the bulk of older models, neoprene gloves like these from Castelli will do the trick. They can be worn alone in temperatures ranging from 39 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit or in colder temperatures with a thinner glove underneath.
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Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Tights
$110
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Leg warmers alone won't cut it during the winter—you'll need full tights to protect yourself below the waist. It's a good idea to wear a pair like these, without the chamois insert, over your favorite cycling shorts to double up with layers.
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Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Shoe Cover
$70
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You'll keep your feet warmer by using shoe covers rather than doubling up on socks. The Elite Barrier is made from neoprene, allows for freedom of movement while pedaling and can be taken on and off easily.
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Camelback Podium Chill
$12
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If things are still too chilly, a hot beverage might be just what you need. If your ride includes a stop at a coffee shop, load up with something warm before you leave. Insulated water bottles that are popular during the summer months will keep your fluids warm in the winter too.
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Check out Active GearUp for discounts on high-performance gear from your favorite brands.
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