14 Winter Bike Commute Picks to Keep You Warm on 2 Wheels
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My kids have learned to finish the sentence for me when I say “There’s no bad weather...” Their reply: “Just poor clothing choices.” After a great summer of commuting by bike to work or wherever, here’s the kit you need to tackle the cold winter commute and not hate it. Also be sure to check out our many other buying guides.
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Colder weather means shorter days and a greater chance of riding in the dark, so get yourself this set of bike lights. During the daytime, the headlight runs in pulse mode. But once the light sensor sees it's dark out, the beam goes steady. The rear light is programmed to always use a variable long fade and quick flash pulse, a sequence which has proven to be the most noticeable to others on the road. The pocketable 200-lumen lights simply twist to lock into place on the included mounts—a system which also makes them easy to remove and stash. A built in USB plug means you don't need a cable to charge them up.
When riding, the largest surface area available to reflect light back to cars is your body. That’s why Showers Pass stepped away from the “reflective details” that adorn most jackets and fashioned most of this outer layer with its highly reflective Silver MapReflect Fabric. The design is ideal for riding in the dark, and high-visibility neon green strips along the arms and sides improve day-time visibility too. It also includes little flashing beacon lights if an onlooker (somehow) isn’t already blinded by the reflective material. The jacket is waterproof and includes venting options for temperature control. Men's and women's sizes are the same price, but fit differently. Hood sold separately.
Wet pants suck and should be left to potty-training toddlers. Keep your pants dry by layering these relaxed fit waterproof pants over your work pants for any wet rides. Multiple adjustment points like elastic on the back of the waist and tabs on the sides provide a custom fit for comfort and functionality. A high-rise back helps protect from wheel spray—though nothing beats a fender—and a 12-inch ankle zipper makes them easy to slip over shoes on either side of the commute. Reflective hits help with night time visibility. These pants are a mens-specific fit.
On moderately cool days, this men's shell can be worn right over top of a T-shirt—but not much else, due to the slim fit. The interior fleece lining is cozy and comfortable, and the outer fabric is windproof and water-repellant enough to shrug off a light drizzle or snowfall. The high-zip neck and a hem-cinch extend the weather-proofing. Wrist cuffs and thumb loops also block out wet, but you won't be able to read (or swipe) your sports watch. Soft panels on the inner wrist area help with on-the-go nose wiping.
Made with soft, merino-wool-wrapped nylon threads, this unisex hoodie works as a base or inner mid-layer to keep you toasty on cold rides. The slightly asymmetric cowl neck keeps cold drafts from going down your back, and the loose-fitting double lined hood easily slips under a helmet for a little extra protection. Behind the side-seam zippered pocket, you'll find a place to stash essentials like lip-balm, headphones, and even a full-size smartphone.
This unique helmet folds down when it’s not being used, making it easy to stash it in a backpack. Even better, you no longer have to risk leaving your lid locked to your bike outdoors. If a folding helmet sounds like it might be less safe, fret not, the Stack has been thoroughly tested and certified. The ventilation will keep you cool on summer rides, and for the winter, maybe slap on a helmet liner like the one listed below.
When you're on a quick ride or an errand that doesn't require a full size backpack, stash your things in this versatile handlebar bag. In fact, if you don’t want to loop it onto your handlebars, it also straps around the waist or over the shoulder. Three pockets, including a clear sheath for your phone, make it easy to stay organized. The main pocket includes even more organizational features.
As an alternative to a big pannier bag hanging from your over-the-wheel rack, try this stylish and protective bag that straps to the top of the rack. Made from tough Cordura, this 11-inch, six-liter bag can take the bumps and knocks of commuter bike life in stride. When you dismount, unclip the bag and carry it with the built in handles or included shoulder strap. No rack over your wheels? No problem. It straps to your handlebars, too.
When the mercury really starts to fall, it’s time to layer up. While it’s easy to remember to add layers to your top, don’t forget to take care of your legs with these toasty tights. The flat-seamed fleece interior, a flat-wast drawcord, and articulated knees keep them comfortable. A silicone strip at the ankle keep them from riding up, and an ankle zipper helps with peeling them on and off. Reflective details provide better visibility when they’re worn on their own. The women's version is the same price too.
Keep your core warm and your arms free and be comfortable with how you look on and off the bike with this vest. Made with lightweight ripstop fabric, it stays feathery while also surviving scuffles with grabby branches. Polartec High Loft synthetic insulation will keep your core warm whether the vest is wet or dry. Three zippered pockets keep essentials within reach, and a wide reflective strip on the front and back provide peace of mind while riding at night. The women's cut has all the same features for the same price.
Gloves are a key, yet oft forgotten, piece of winter commuting gear. And while wearing anything on your hands is better than wearing nothing at all, bike-specific gloves like the Bonka Glove from Assos bring some cyclist-friendly features. You get a nice soft patch along the forefinger to serve as the usually needed impromptu nose wipe, and reflective patches along the small finger help motorists see you signaling an upcoming turn. Like most Assos gear, they are quite expensive, but worth the added cost. They run a little tight, so size up for a more relaxed fit.
When your load grows beyond what you can carry in your pack or panniers, it’s time to upgrade to a trailer. Bike trailer experts Burley just released a new one-wheel cargo hauler this year. With shock suspension and a two-point hitch, the Coho XC is incredibly stable on rough terrain, yet nimble in the bike lane. It's also the easiest trailer to attach and disconnect from a bike ever. It’s a big investment, but it’s not limited to winter use, so you’ll find it handy all year round.
If you’re not prepared to handle a little roadside repair, winter is certainly not the time to learn your lesson the hard way. Be equipped to fix that unexpected flat tire or make that minor adjustment by strapping this zipperless tool bag to the underside of your seat. Fill it with supplies like a spare tube, tire levers, patches, a CO2 blaster, and whatever special widgets your ride demands.
Most bike helmets tout their breathability and how cool they're able to keep your head in the summer. And that’s totally fine, but what about the bitter months? Instead of buying a separate winter helmet, save a chunk of change by buying this under-the-helmet upgrade instead. Wind-blocking fabric buffers the chill and an improved polyester fabric interior provides good sweat wicking. The cut and materials are designed to allow sound through so you can stay alert while keeping your ears warm. The cap is thin, so it doesn’t alter the fit of your helmet too much.
