The Autumn and Winter Apparel Special

Mark Tearle

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing

That old adage – credited to habitual walker Alfred Wainwright – is of course, a truism that’s hard to argue with. And why would you? Unless you might counter argue about the most extreme weather, perhaps? After all, no quantity or quality of clothing is going to keep you comfortable, or indeed safe, in 120mph hurricane winds now, is it? So, let’s keep this real. We’ll skirt around ‘the rules’ here too, there’s just no need.

Winter is coming! Companies like Denmark’s GripGrab can make it more bearable

Sportswear, and cycle clothing in particular, is influenced and subject to the vagaries of ‘couture’ and the fashion world as much as anything else. However, advances in technology: materials design, pattern design, weaving and manufacturing techniques, reflective materials, colour and print have all come a long way since the invention of sportswool many years ago. Cycle clothing for your average Jo is some of the most technically advanced there is. CycleTechReview.com is here to offer you a guide to autumn and winter cycling clothing essentials that will inspire you to continue riding through the darker months and keep you looking fresh, protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable on your ride.

Over the coming months we’ll bring you autumn and winter apparel reviews, with a focus on “performance” wear – whether that’s racing and training, or just getting the miles in – regardless of your motivations and goals. With highlights from some of the worlds best known brands and some that, perhaps, you may never have heard of.

The Aeron Rain Defence Short Sleeve Jersey from dhb, paired with their Rain Defence warmers and shorts, will keep you riding, no matter the weather

There are a number of things we’ll be looking for in the perfect winter wardrobe; the holy grail of comfort, warmth and ability to keep you dry are, hopefully, a given. But we’ll also be looking for adaptability to changeable weather conditions, technical functionality such as wind and water-proofing, water resistance, breath-ability and visibility. And not forgetting design aesthetics, fit, garment care and longevity, the all important sniff test and finally, price.

As the mercury begins to take a tumble and the season shifts into Autumn and then Winter – bringing wind, rain, hail, sleet and snow – we’ll be taking a detailed look at cycling apparel from the humble basics such as socks, baselayer, arm, knee and leg warmers. Then onto wind proof and water proof jackets and jerseys, thermal tights and soft shell jackets – we’ll brake it down into the following categories:

Merino jerseys like the Svelte Heritage Long Sleeve jersey, proves wool still has a place in your winter wardrobe

Jackets like POC AVIP Rain Jacket will keep the wet at bay and get you noticed

The Rh+ Neoprene Shark Neo glove for those cold, wet winter days

So whether you are a weekend warrior taking on a sportive or an audax, training through the season or on a café ride with friends, we’ll be testing and giving you an honest look at autumn and winter cycling apparel. Hopefully this will help to keep you motivated and provide you with an informed choice about what’s on offer for the coming autumn/winter season 2016/17.

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