How to Dress for a Winter Bike Ride
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stop bike riding! I’ve rounded up my favorite winter riding gear, from base layers to gloves and shoes - I’ve got you covered. I’ve done my best to include a variety of sizes and price points too - after all, everyone deserves to be warm!
This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using my links, I get a small commission, with zero extra work on your part. To learn more about my use of affiliate links, click here.
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stop bike riding! I’ve rounded up my favorite winter riding gear, from base layers to gloves and shoes - I’ve got you covered. I’ve done my best to include a variety of sizes and price points too - after all, everyone deserves to be warm!
Base Layers
Your first layer of clothing is absolutely critical. Base layers should be close fitting and ideally moisture-wicking, so your sweat doesn’t pool and make you colder.
Budget Pick
Lightweight knit with a lot of stretch. Lightly brushed on both sides which gives a soft cozy feel that is smooth against the body. Available in up to size XXL with ample stretch, the XL fits me (and I usually wear a 1x.)
Lightweight with lots of stretch, these leggings work great under riding tights or pants. Available in up to XXL.
Luxury Pick
Ultra-soft merino wool and available in regular and plus sizes (up to 3XL). These also come in a ton of fun colors!
Ethically sourced, super soft. I find myself wearing these all the time - even when I’m not riding. Available in regular and plus sizes, up to 3XL.
Middle Layers - Insulation
Depending on how cold it is, you’re going to want an insulating layer on top of your base layer, but below your outer layer. I love to wear cozy sweatshirts, cute flannels, or on especially cold rides, a specially designed chest warmer.
Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel Shirt
With a timeless look and the performance of a technical layer, the women's Outdoor Research Feedback Flannel is sure to become a cold-weather favorite, no matter what's on your weekend itinerary. - available up to 4x
Warm enough to wear alone, or as a layer, the PEARL iZUMi Women’s AmFib jacket is my go-to insulating layer. With three-layer fleece-backed AmFIB softshell fabric that's both windproof and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit - available in sizes up to 2x.
The Warmfront is a chest warmer.
It is a thermal, one-sided bib / base layer to insulate your core from the cold wind.
We designed it with a velcro collar that lets you put it on and take it off quickly.
outer layers
Depending on where you live and if you’ll be riding in the rain, your outer layers should protect you from the elements - that means waterproof, windproof, or both.
Lightweight but still super warm, the ThermoBall Eco Puff jacket comes up to a 3X. I wear a 2x and love this jacket!
Wind and water resistant with a zip-able back pocket, the Machines for Freedom All Weather jacket is a great option. Available in sizes XX-Small through 3XL.
Gloves, socks, shoes & more
Now that you’re dressed, you can’t forget about your fingers, toes and head! Keeping your extremities warm and cozy is crucial to enjoying your time outside.
This highly insulated glove is my go-to glove for those super cold rides. It’s optimized for handlebar comfort and confident bicycle control, with enough sensitivity to hit every shift.
The main body fabric provides wind protection with easy articulation and an Ax Suede Laredo synthetic leather palm makes the glove as grippy as it is durable.
The AmFIB-specific 3D shaped gel pad provides bar comfort without causing unnecessary bulk. Despite its generous insulation, it is still touch-screen compatible.
This glove is perfect for mid-to-chilly days. It’s breathable but water and wind-resistant. Super comfy for both long rides and jaunts around the neighborhood.
The problem with so many cycling caps is that they are too bulky to fit under most helmets. This one reduces that bulk by using the same 18.5-micron Merino/polyester plated construction found in our base layers, so that it will fit under a helmet and wick moisture away as it regulates temperature. A flexible, durable insert in the bill ensures it will survive machine washing.
Classic super-soft merino wool, these socks easily transfer from a hike to the bike and everywhere in between.
Reach for this shoe cover on those cold days when you’re not taking no for an answer. Wind and water repellent, these shoe covers have a velcro closure at the back, making them super easy to get on and off. They also work well with both flat shoes and clip-in shoes.
The Best Bike Saddles for Plus Size Riders
We’ve rounded up the five best saddles for plus size riders. From casual riding to touring to gravel racing, we’ve got a saddle for your needs!
The post below contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using my links (which I hope you will), I get a small commission, with zero extra work on your part. For more information on my use of Affiliate Links, click here.
If you’ve found this page, you’re probably looking for a more comfortable bike seat! Let me tell you - you’re in the right place! All of the recommendations below are great for bigger riders, with the first 4 recommended saddles not having a weight limit.
It’s always good to remember that you’re not married to your saddle - if it’s causing you pain, saddle sores, or discomfort, that’s a good sign you need a different seat.
Before we dive in, a few things to note:
Just because your butt is big, does NOT mean you need a huge saddle! Your saddle width is actually determined by your hip bone width.
Your saddle shouldn’t feel like a comfy couch. There will be some pressure, but it should not cause you pain.
You should be sitting on the hard part of your butt - aka your sit bones. The bony part of your butt should hold the majority of your weight while riding - if you’re riding on soft tissue, it’s a recipe for pain.
the best saddles for heavier riders
The B33 is a saddle for urban cycling featuring stranded rear coil springs and a front loop. Also a good choice for a heavier commuter, the B33 is intended for the upright cycling position. Made of vegetable tanned leather and coming with a 10 year guarantee, the Brooks B33 saddle is both stylish and comfortable.
Designed for endurance riding, the Terry Butterfly Cromoly Gel Saddle is a great option for nearly all riders. Wider and flatter in the rear than typical sport saddles, this design provides good support for your sit bones
It also has a complete cutaway through the nose and midsection which provides flexibility and reduces pressure.It also has a complete cutaway through the nose and midsection which provides flexibility and reduces pressure.
Brooks B135
The B135 is an urban saddle for the upright position featuring double rear coil springs and a double-loop front spring. A comfortable saddle for casual riding, this saddle has a 10 year guarantee and is rated for riders over 280 lbs.
Saddle pressure makes riding bikes a real pain—literally. But the all-new Women’s Power Saddle with MIMIC technology makes numbness and pain disappear with a design that mimics the body’s response to different types of pressure to create equilibrium within soft tissue. Rated for up to 300lbs.
The Ergon SC Core Prime is the most comfortable saddle I’ve tried for city and touring rides. Vibrations and shocks? The ergonomic core simply absorbs them. Back problems? Not with this saddle. Three seals of approval attest to the back-friendly effectiveness. Feelings of numbness? Prevented by the relief channel specially developed for women.
Cyber Monday Dealzzzzz
Cyber Monday is here and nearly everyone I have an affiliate link with is having some decent sales. I'd sincerely appreciate if you do buy something, use the links below. I get a small kickback which helps me keep doing this work.
Also, and this feels gross, but if you're going to buy any big ticket items from Amazon, let me know and I can send you a direct link to that product. I'm not sure how their cookie tracking works for the overall site.
2021 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts For Commuters, Bikepackers, Road Cyclists, & More
If you’ve got a cyclist on your holiday shopping list, it’s likely you’re on the hunt for a gift they’ll both love and use. But with so many types of bikes and specific gear out there, it can be daunting to know what to get, especially if you’re not a bike rider yourself!
There are affiliate links to some of the products listed below. If you make a purchase using my link, I will receive a small commission (from the company, not you), which helps me continue to do this work. To read more about my use of affiliate links, please click here.
Tis the season! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your two-wheeling loving friend, then you’ve come to the right place. Below are my hand-picked gift recommendations for the cyclist in your life for things they actually want and will use, including mountain bikers, bikepackers, road cyclists, commuters, home mechanics, kids and more.
Rest assured that I have personally used and like each gift. I’ve also tried to provide a range of price points - so you can splurge on your bestie and still throw a little something in for your favorite mechanic too.
Click each image for a description on why I like it and recommend! and a direct link to purchase!
For the Daily Bike Commuter
For the bike rider in your life who rides no matter the weather or time of day. These gifts will keep them comfortable, safer, and happy for many commutes to come!
Click on each image for a description and direct link to purchase!
For the Competitive Cyclist
For the competitive cyclist in your life - gravel grinders, cyclocross champs (and wanna-be’s) and road racers. These gifts will keep your competitive friend in shape, hydrated, looking and feeling good.
Click on each image for a description and direct link to purchase!
For Looking Good On & Off the Bike
Everyone deserves to look good both on and off the bike. While some may question my fashion choices, I’m sure you’ll agree that some of these products make perfect gifts.
Click on each image for a description and direct link to purchase!
For The Cyclist who Has Everything
Let’s be honest - most of us already have way too much gear. A great gift for any one who rides a bike is a donation to one of the following organizations, working hard every day to make biking better for all of us.
