In short 💡
To cycle in winter, adopt the 3-layer system: breathable technical underwear, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof windproof jacket. Protect your extremities with heated gloves, overshoes, and thermal helmet liners, while prioritizing reflective clothing for your safety. The key? Avoid excessive sweating while maintaining optimal body heat.
Remember that moment? When you take your bike out on a freezing cold morning and the cold pierces you before you even start pedaling? Winter should never be an excuse to put your bike away in the garage! With the right thermal cycling clothing and a few pro tips, you can turn every winter ride into pure freedom.
At G-Heat, we support thousands of cyclists who have made the cold their playground. In this guide, we reveal how to master the 3-layer system, effectively protect every part of your body, and discover the latest game-changing thermal innovations. Ready to take back control of winter?
The 3-layer system: your ultimate anti-cold strategy
The breathable base layer: your shield against perspiration
Forget cotton, which becomes your worst enemy as soon as it gets wet. Your first layer is your first shield against moisture, wicking away perspiration while keeping your skin dry. Merino wool remains the champion in this area: antibacterial and insulating even when wet, it naturally regulates your body temperature.
- Ideal materials: merino wool or breathable synthetic fibers
- Fitted cut: for optimal contact with the skin
- Long sleeves: complete protection for the upper body
The insulating mid-layer: your adjustable heat reserve
This is where the magic happens to keep heat close to your body. This layer traps warm air while allowing moisture to escape. A thermal shirt or light fleece is perfect for this, depending on the intensity of your outing.
The protective outer layer: your armor against the elements
Your waterproof windbreaker jacket is your shield against rain, wind, and bad weather. It must be breathable to avoid the pressure cooker effect while protecting you from the elements. Softshell jackets often offer the best compromise between protection and mobility for comfortable cycling.
The secret to a successful winter bike ride? It's the perfect balance between insulation and breathability. Too many layers and you sweat, not enough and you freeze. Our technology adapts to your effort to maintain that ideal comfort zone.
— Gwenaël Fournet, Product Expert at G-Heat
Essential gear for cycling in cold weather
Want to keep riding in the middle of winter without letting the cold slow you down? The key is to adopt the right strategy. Forget the idea that it's all about a simple pair of cycling shorts or a long-sleeved jersey.
To ensure that road cycling remains a pure pleasure, you need to understand that each part of your body has specific needs and deserves the best protection against wind and weather. The right clothing is the solution to never feeling too cold again, turning every ride into a new victory.
With the right gear, you're back in control: you can manage your comfort and maintain your performance, even when the temperature drops. No more cold hands or frozen ears when you're out riding.
| Body Area | General Category | Recommended G-Heat Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Body | Jackets & Vests | Heated Clothing Collection – Heated Softshell Jacket |
| Hands | Gloves & Liners | Heated Gloves Collection – Heated Cycling Gloves – Heated Glove Liners |
| Legs | Tights & Leggings | Polar Leggings Collection – Seamless Heated Legging |
| Feet | Socks & Insoles | Heated Socks Collection – Outdoor Heated Socks V2 – Ultralight Heated Insoles |
| Head & Neck | Accessories | Accessories Collection – Heated Neck Warmer |
Protecting your lower body: between mobility and optimal warmth
Thermal tights vs. waterproof pants: how to choose?
To make the right choice, you need to consider three factors: temperature, duration, and weather conditions. For example, long thermal tights are ideal in dry, cold weather because they offer freedom of movement and excellent moisture wicking. On the other hand, waterproof pants are essential in heavy rain to stay dry.
- Thermal tights or seamless heated leggings: ideal for intensive sports and dry weather
- Waterproof pants: maximum protection against rain and snow
- Overskirt: a versatile solution for quick adaptation
Critical areas to protect: knees, thighs, and buttocks
Your knees are constantly exposed to the wind. Cycling shorts with thermal reinforcement in these areas make all the difference. Less exposed but essential for performance, your thighs and buttocks deserve appropriate protection to keep your muscles warm.
💡 Our expert advice: Choose long cycling shorts with suspenders to avoid thermal bridges at the kidneys. Continuous protection between the upper and lower body ensures better regulation of your body temperature during exercise.
Innovative solutions: heated cycling shorts and adaptive technologies
Heated cycling shorts are revolutionizing cold-weather cycling with their targeted heating zones. Powered by a lightweight battery, they keep your muscles at the optimal temperature, while adaptive technologies can automatically regulate heat according to your effort and outdoor conditions.
Extremities: your weak points in the cold
Heated gloves and arm warmers: maintain dexterity in all weather conditions
Your hands control everything: brakes, gears, balance. Heated gloves designed specifically for cycling are therefore ideal for combining targeted warmth with grip on the handlebars. With three heat settings, you can adjust the temperature according to the intensity of the cold and the duration of your ride.
| Glove Type | Operating Temperature | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Touchscreen Gloves | 0°C to 10°C | High precision, smartphone use |
| Heated Cycling Gloves | -5°C to 5°C | Adjustable warmth, enhanced grip |
| Heated Mittens | -15°C to 0°C | Extreme protection, maximum warmth |
Thermal socks and overshoes: warm feet, top performance
Cold feet are a sure way to cut your outing short. To remedy this, merino wool thermal socks or heated socks keep your feet dry and warm. Combine them with waterproof overshoes for total protection against the cold and moisture.
Head protection: helmet liners, technical hats, and neck warmers
You lose up to 40% of your body heat through your head if it is not protected. That's why a thermal helmet liner or technical hat under your helmet blocks out the cold. A heated neck warmer protects this sensitive area where cold air can easily seep in between your jacket and helmet.
Goggles and masks: perfect visibility without fogging
Your eyes water in the icy wind, which can compromise your safety. To avoid this, goggles with anti-fog treatment guarantee optimal visibility. Full-face masks also protect your nose and cheeks from the biting cold during fast descents.
⚠️ The pitfall to avoid: overheating at the start of your ride. You set off dressed as if you were going on a polar expedition and after 10 minutes you're sweating profusely. This classic mistake turns your ride into an ordeal when the sweat cools down. Dress so that you feel slightly cool for the first 5 minutes, your body will naturally warm up.
Visibility and safety: stay visible for a peaceful ride
High-visibility reflective clothing: the essentials
In winter, it's not uncommon to ride in the early morning or evening twilight. A jacket in fluorescent yellow or orange maximizes your visibility even in broad daylight on gray days. For nighttime riding, accessories with reflective strips are crucial.
Integrated light accessories: technology for your safety
LEDs integrated into accessories can really improve cyclist safety. At G-Heat, for example, our cycling gloves are designed with reflective elements. These innovations make you a landmark on the road. What's more, the battery life allows for several rides without recharging.
Colors and materials: how to optimize your visibility day and night
Choose strong contrasts that catch the attention of motorists. For example, you can combine light-colored clothing during the day with reflective elements at night for optimal protection 24 hours a day. Iridescent materials, which change color depending on the angle of view, are also an excellent option.
Safety when cycling in winter is all about visibility. That's why some of our accessories, such as our cycling gloves, feature strategically placed reflective elements. We want every cyclist to get home safely, whatever the conditions.
— Romane Benderradji, Communications Manager at G-Heat
Adapt your outfit to the conditions and intensity
Urban bike commuting: versatility above all
Do you alternate between intense effort and stops at traffic lights? Your outfit needs to be able to handle these variations. Choose versatile clothing: a jacket with ventilation zippers, easily removable gloves, an adjustable neck warmer. The goal: to arrive at the office without excessive sweating or catching a cold.
Long sports outings: managing effort and temperature
Over a 3-hour ride, your body goes through all kinds of temperature changes. Start with an extra layer that you can remove after warming up. Also carry a compact windbreaker in your pocket for descents, where your temperature drops quickly.
Mountain biking and extreme conditions: reinforced protection and mobility
Mountain biking in cold weather requires clothing that is resistant to branches and splashes. Choose materials that are reinforced at the elbows and knees. The cut should allow for maximum range of motion to clear obstacles while protecting you from the cold and moisture.
✍️ Author's opinion: After years of riding in all weather conditions, I can tell you that investing in good heated gloves completely changes the experience. No more frozen fingers ruining the fun—you'll rediscover the freedom of riding even at -10°C.
Changeable weather: tips for anticipating and adapting
The weather can change in a matter of minutes in winter. So you need to be able to adapt. Adopt the “onion skin” system with several thin, adjustable layers. Always keep a compact waterproof windbreaker and spare gloves in your pockets so you can adapt instantly.
Care and durability of your technical clothing
Washing and drying: preserving thermal properties
Your technical clothing deserves special care. Wash it at a maximum temperature of 30°C with a mild detergent, but without fabric softener. Air drying preserves technical fibers and waterproof membranes much better than a dryer.
Storage of batteries and heated accessories: best practices
Your batteries are the heart of your heated equipment and accessories. To take care of them, store them at a minimum of 40% charge in a dry, temperate place. Remember to recharge them every 3 months, even if they are not in use, to preserve their capacity and guarantee up to 500 cycles of use.
Repairs and longevity: maximizing your investment
A tear in your waterproof jacket is not the end of the world. Repair kits allow you to quickly patch up tears. Also remember to re-waterproof your clothing each season with a suitable spray to maintain its initial performance year after year.
Our mission: to ensure that the cold never slows you down again
Since 2017, we have been revolutionizing cyclists' relationship with the cold. Our obsession? Enabling you to ride in all weather conditions with a smile on your face. Here's how we support you every day:
- Heating technologies adapted to cycling: our heated clothing, such as heated undergloves, maintain the ideal temperature without compromising your freedom of movement
- 7 years of field expertise: more than 300,000 cyclists trust us to help them face winter with confidence
- Personalized support: our team of enthusiasts will advise you based on your cycling style, budget, and climate conditions
- Continuous innovation: eco-designed batteries, breathable fabrics, heating zones optimized for cycling
- Satisfaction guarantee: 4.1/5 rating on Trustpilot, responsive customer service, products tested in real-world conditions
Conclusion
As you can see, dressing for winter cycling is all about mastering the art of smart layering. The 3-layer system, targeted protection for your extremities, and thermal innovations make the cold a mere detail. Rather than a constraint, winter becomes your favorite playground.
At G-Heat, we're here to help you with this transformation. Our heated clothing and expert advice make every winter ride a victory over the elements. Ready to explore our collection and make this winter your best cycling season yet?
FAQ
How long do heated gloves last on a long bike ride?
Our heated gloves offer up to 6 hours of battery life on low intensity, which is perfect for a long ride. On medium intensity, you can count on 3-4 hours, which is more than enough for most winter rides.
How can I wash my thermal clothing without damaging the technical fibers?
Wash them at 30°C with a mild detergent, without fabric softener, which clogs the pores of the fibers. Dry them in the open air and avoid the dryer, which damages the technical membranes.
Can heated insoles be worn with cycling shoes?
Absolutely. Our ultralight heated insoles fit perfectly in cycling shoes. They keep your feet warm without compromising power transfer when pedaling.
What is the minimum temperature for using G-Heat heated clothing?
Our heated clothing is designed for temperatures down to -25°C. The 3-level technology allows you to adjust the heat according to the conditions, from 0°C to -25°C.
Is heated clothing compatible with rain and snow?
Yes, our heated clothing features waterproof and water-repellent membranes. In addition, the batteries are protected in waterproof compartments for worry-free use in the rain.
How do I choose the size of my thermal underwear for cycling?
Choose a close-fitting cut to optimize sweat wicking. You can also consult our detailed size guide, which takes into account your body type and riding style.
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