How to choose the best jacket for cycling in all winter weather conditions
If you want to continue your cycling training or fitness regime throughout winter, you need proper clothing to protect you from the elements. A winter cycling jacket is an essential piece of kit you require for cycling in the winter.
Winter cycling jackets protect from wind and rain, so you can stay on the bike longer in worse conditions to help complete your workout or commute comfortably, whatever the weather. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best cycling jacket for winter and all the considerations you need to make the right choice.
Table of contents
- Winter weather conditions
- Key features to look for in a winter cycling jacket
- Material options
- Fit and comfort
- Other considerations
- Budget and value
Winter weather conditions
If cycling in Britain in the winter, you’ll inevitably encounter rain, wind, chilly temperatures, snow and ice.
If you’re brave enough to endure the British weather, you might find it affects your performance and stamina. The wet and cold weather can make staying on the bike difficult.
If your muscles are cold, it can be easier to injure yourself, and you won’t cycle as efficiently.
So, to avoid muscle injury and maintain your cycling efficiency and time on the bike, you need the right cycling apparel to protect yourself against winter weather.
Key features to look for in a winter cycling jacket
When shopping for the best winter cycling jacket, you can look for several key features that will keep you comfortable while cycling and protected from the elements.
1. Waterproofing and water resistance
To protect yourself from the rain while cycling, you should look for a water-resistant or waterproof cycling jacket. These jackets can prevent rain from seeping into your underclothes, making your skin wet and getting a chill. As a result, you’ll be able to cycle longer and more comfortably because you won’t get cold from the rain.
2. Breathability
However, some waterproof cycling jackets can be sweaty, which is not ideal while cycling. When you exercise on the bike, your body heats up and produces sweat, which needs to escape. Otherwise, your ride can become incredibly uncomfortable. So, when looking for a winter cycling jacket, look for breathable materials to prevent overheating and moisture buildup.
3. Windproofing
Windproofing is another essential feature when looking for a winter cycling jacket. Protection from headwinds will help keep you warm and more comfortable while cycling.
4. Insulation
Select a winter cycling jacket with additional insulation if you plan to cycle in cold temperatures. Insulated jackets will help keep you warm on chilly cycles.
5. Visibility
In the winter, there is less light. Whether you want to cycle to work in the dark, get an after-work workout or cycle in cloudy or rainy weather, you encounter low-light conditions. So, we recommend getting a winter cycling jacket with reflective elements to ensure you stay safe while cycling.
6. Versatility
As British winter weather can be changeable, you should avoid purchasing a winter cycling jacket for every weather type. Save money and buy a cycling jacket with multiple features that offer versatility for different weather conditions.
Material options
When shopping for winter cycling jackets, you may come across various jacket materials that provide different properties to protect you from the elements. Here are some of the significant material options to look out for.
Gore-Tex and eVent
If you’re looking for a waterproof cycling jacket, check if it has Gore-Tex or eVent material. These will ensure that your cycling jacket is waterproof rather than water-resistant.
Softshell vs hardshell
You will also come across softshell and hardshell jackets. But which is better? The main difference between hardshell and softshell cycling jackets is that hardshells have a woven outer fabric, making them less stretchy, whereas softshells feature knitted fabric.
Softshell jackets offer more stretch and are usually quieter when riding, offering comfort and performance in close-fitting garments. They are also more breathable.
However, with the development of waterproof and water-resistant fabric, the line between them is not as concise as it once was. They both have a membrane layer within the jacket structure, producing a 3-layer jacket, providing rain resistance and allowing water vapour to escape. However, you may find 2- or 2.5-layer jackets where the inner and inside layers are reduced or absent, offering a lighter jacket.
Hardshell jackets typically offer more resistance to rain in a prolonged downpour and are more lightweight. However, you may require more layers to feel comfortable underneath. Therefore, a hardshell jacket is more appropriate if riding in warmer, wet weather, whereas a softshell will keep you warmer and dry if riding in cold, wetter winter weather. Always choose your jacket based on the conditions you plan to ride in.
Synthetic vs down insulation
If you’re looking for a warm, insulated cycling jacket, you can choose a synthetic or down insulation. But which one is best?
Down jackets contain a layer of feathers to keep you warm. Down jackets are great for cold weather and leisure activities but are not ideal for cycling. If you wear one while cycling, you may overheat, and they are usually not waterproof.
Alternatively, synthetic cycling jackets use poly fibres and mimic the warming and heating effects of down without bulkiness. They are also more breathable than down jackets and are slightly cooler.
Furthermore, they are better at handling moisture and have hydrophobic treatments to keep water resistant. If they become wet, they dry much faster and are easier to clean.
Fit and comfort
When shopping for a winter cycling jacket, think about fit. Finding the right-fitting jacket will ensure comfort and a better performance while cycling.
Too small and the cycling jacket won’t offer enough protection against the elements, and too tight will restrict your movement. However, you don’t want anything too baggy, as the extra material will cause friction when riding.
Other considerations
Here are other considerations to note when looking for the best winter cycling jacket.
1. Taped seams
For cycling in the rain, look for cycling jackets with taped seams. These provide waterproofing along the seams to prevent water from soaking through your base layers.
2. Packability
As winter weather in Britain can be changeable, you might want to consider your jacket packability. The last thing you need on a cycle is a bulky coat that you can’t pack away if the weather changes. Opt for a cycling jacket you can easily pack away to continue your ride.
3. Durability
If you’re looking for the best winter cycling jacket, choose one with high-quality materials for a durable and long-lasting performance. It might also be worth purchasing some re-proofer to re-waterproof your jacket if the waterproof coating wears out.
4. Pockets and storage
If you prefer cycling without a backpack, consider selecting a winter cycling jacket with good pockets and storage to keep your belongings and riding essentials secure.
5. Curved bottom seam
You might also want to consider a winter cycling jacket with a ribbed elastic or curved bottom seam at the back so your lower back is protected from the elements with extra coverage and security, even if you’re in a severe riding position.
Budget and value
Even if you already have a budget in mind, consider price vs value. Paying extra money gives you access to more technical, high-quality fabric, often protecting you from colder temperatures.
You can also benefit from maximum thermoregulation, balancing warmth and breathability to keep you at the right temperature while riding.
Winter cycling jackets at Swinnerton Cycles
Now you know all the crucial features to consider when purchasing a winter cycling jacket. From thermoregulation to waterproof materials, getting the best protection for cycling in cold and wet weather is essential if you want to continue your cycling regime throughout the winter.
Browse our cycling jackets at Swinnerton Cycles For the best winter cycling jackets for all winter weather conditions.
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