Fall Cycling Clothing Essentials
Tips for Choosing Clothing For Fall Riding
The leaves are changing colour, the days are getting shorter, and it's getting a little harder to nail getting dressed for outdoor activities.
But the crisp embrace of fall doesn't mean you need to hang up your bike.
Whether you're an entry-level cyclist finding your rhythm or an elite rider pushing boundaries, our guide to fall cycling clothing essentials can help stay out on your bike for longer this year.
Cycling Clothing for Fall
In fall, the emphasis shifts towards thermal, layered clothing, such as full-length tights, full-fingered gloves, and toe or shoe covers.
We've found that the challenge isn't usually finding layers, it's finding layers you can easily shove in your jersey pocket or bar bag.
You want to have them with you for changing conditions at higher elevation or to keep warm on descents,
but you may not want to wear them for the whole ride.
So, your fall cycling layers need to be warm and easy to stow.
Fall Cycling Clothing
Here's what our team suggests for fall cycling:
- Packable cycling jacket
- Headband or toque for under your helmet
- Performance socks for colder conditions
- Cold-weather gloves
- Arm warmers
- Knee/Leg warmers or pants/knickers
- Neck tube/ buff
- Weather-proof shoe covers.
None of these layers take up much space. They are designed to be packable, layerable, and performance-oriented and they many come with features like water-resistance and windproofing.
Weatherproof Jackets for Fall Riding
Your outer layer should protect from wind and light rain, while remaining breathable enough for the changing temperatures we have here in the Okanagan during Fall.
As we mentioned above, road and mountain biking jackets have different features and functionality because they are designed to perform in very different conditions.
Roadies might favour visibility and stowability,
while mountain bikers might want ventilation and ruggedness.
If you're a commuter, we recommend erring on the side of mountain biking jackets.
These usually offer a roomier fit and often have more storage capacity.
Road Cycling Jackets
Enjoying the tarmac in the Okanagan fall often comes down to protecting yourself from the chilly winds and occasional smatterings of rain.
Here are some of the features of the road cycling weatherproof jackets we recommend (and ride in ourselves):
Weather Resistance: With the unpredictable Fall showers and chilly gusts, these jackets prevent wind chill and keep you dry on your ride.
Breathability: Sweat is inevitable. But you can get jackets that wick moisture away, so you don't get drenched.
Aerodynamic Design: These jackets are tailored to be form-fitting, minimizing wind resistance.
High Visibility: Fall can usher in low light conditions, especially during early morning or late afternoon rides. Reflective elements on these jackets ensure motorists can see you.
Mountain Biking Jackets
It's not uncommon for the temperature to drop ten degrees from when you leave the Crawford parking lot to when you arrive at the KVR.
Luckily, there's a jacket for that.
Our team tends to choose mountain biking jackets with:
Robust Weather Protection: Mountain biking jackets offer protection against rain, wind, and even occasional snow.
Durability: These jackets are constructed with tougher materials to withstand some brushes against rocks and trees.
Ventilation: Mountain bike jackets with ventilation openings let you dump heat and prevent moisture buildup.
Multiple Pockets: Off-road adventures in lower temps often mean more gear. These jackets provide multiple pockets for tools, snacks, and other necessities.
More Fall Cycling Essentials
Arm Warmers
Not sure whether to wear a long-sleeve jersey or short-sleeve? Get the best of both worlds with arm warmers. These slide on and off easily and pack a ton of warmth into a pretty packable amount of material. Opt for fleece-lined warmers if you're planning on climbing up higher and remaining there, or if you run particularly cold. Otherwise, choose the lighter arm sleeves for fuller coverage without the fleece.
Knee Warmers
We have knee and leg sleeves in stock that will keep your legs toasty warm for early morning starts and cooler-than-expected afternoons. You can slide them down to cool off for a while, or take them off completely once the day heats up. They pack down well for easy storage in your jersey pockets too!
Cold-Weather Gloves
Keeping your hands warm while riding in fall is quite the challenge. Hot hands get sweaty on the climb, which makes the cold on the descent really uncomfortable.
Wind-resistant, reflective, water-resistant, and fleece-lined - these Brisker gloves are a staff favourite cause they keep you toasty warm without the drama. We have a range of gloves from other leading brands too.
Another tip: Throw some hockey tape on your brake levers when it starts getting cold. The metal levers hold the cold, so adding an insulating layer can really save your fingers.
Shoe Covers
Shoe covers keep your toes from freezing over in those breezy clip shoes. Don't worry, they work for flat pedal shoes too - so you can keep your feet warm no matter if you're on team clips or team flat pedals.
Depending on the brand and style you get, they may be windproof, water resistant - or both. They often have reflective details to help you be seen in spells of poor weather or when the sun is down.
If you're looking to give your toes a break without overheating, we have a wide range of toe covers too.
Bike Lights
You need lights for more than just seeing the road in front of you past dark. You need lights to be seen by drivers and other cyclists - even when it's bright out. And you need lights to be ready in the changing weather conditions that come with the arrival of Fall.
Since the goal is to see and be seen, it's worthwhile to invest in lights for the front and rear of your bike. Most modern lights are rechargeable via USB and come with the ability to flash or display a steady stream of light. You can adjust these on the fly to factor for changing light conditions.
Remember: lights are a small upfront cost to pay for visibility and safety year-round.
Handlebar Bags
Handlebar bags are a game-changer for fall cycling enthusiasts. As autumn brings in unpredictable weather patterns and the need for extra gear like gloves, buffs, and rain protection, you may need additional storage that doesn't compromise on bike balance. Enter the handlebar bag.
The handlebar bag attaches right at the front of the bike, helping weight distribution to remain even. With various compartments and waterproof options available, a handlebar bag helps you remain prepared, come rain, hail, snow, wind or shine.
Handlebar bags are more than just practical storage solutions; they can be a testament to the evolving ethos of sustainability in the cycling community. They are also fast becoming a focal point of customization.
DIY Bar Bags
The DIY culture in cycling has also embraced upcycling, leading to innovative handlebar bags made from reclaimed materials. You can learn more about making your own DIY bar bag in this Bikepacking article.
Eco-Friendly Bike Bags
Not keen to DIY? Check out our extensive range of Axiom bike bags. Axiom's Seymour series features its amazing Oceanweave Fabric. These bags are the world’s only cycling bags to be made out of recycled fishing nets.
Equal parts eco-friendly and built to last. Axiom uses environmentally sensitive processes and materials in its products and packaging, plus everything Axiom makes is designed to last a lifetime.