How to dress the lower body for winter cycling, on the Road or on an MTB?

Who hasn't given up on a ride in winter? The cold, the rain, the wind — often all combined — can be demotivating. Yet the latest technologies in cycling apparel make it possible to approach winter cycling with peace of mind. It is possible to brave the elements, in Road cycling as in MTB, while maintaining great comfort! By following a few simple tips, the winter season becomes a new opportunity to keep riding! The key: adapting your kit to the intensity of your effort.

CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER LOWER-BODY CLOTHING

• The type of clothing: bib tights, short bib shorts (with leg warmers), three-quarter bib shorts, shorts, trousers
• Protection against the elements: cold, rain, wind

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOWER-BODY CLOTHING FOR WINTER

THE TYPE OF CLOTHING

Bib tights

Full-length bib tights with braces are the most common winter solution. This cut provides perfect coverage of the body, bridging the gap between shoes and socks and upper-body garments. Manufacturers have developed a wide range of winter bib tights. Some models are designed for very low or even sub-zero temperatures. They almost single-handedly replicate the 2- or 3-layer concept by pushing perspiration to the outside.

Short bib shorts

Short bib shorts, worn with or without leg warmers, represent a modular solution for winter. Thermal short bib shorts are now available that keep the thigh muscles nicely warm — ideal for Cyclocross or in regions with moderately cold winters. When the day warms up, the rider can remove the leg warmers. Short bib shorts can also be used in the mid-season. Of course, this solution has its limits in difficult or extreme conditions.

Three-quarter bib shorts

Three-quarter bib shorts, or three-quarter tights, in a thermal lined version, can also be considered for winter. They have the advantage of protecting the knee from the cold while still providing pleasant ventilation around the calves. In very cold conditions, they are better suited to intensive efforts.

Shorts

Water-repellent shorts can be worn over bib shorts and provide an extra layer of protection.

Trousers

Trousers are also available on the same principle as bib tights: thermal insulation and protection against the elements. Their cut is increasingly fitted to guarantee maximum comfort while pedalling and a great freedom of movement.

PROTECTION AGAINST THE ELEMENTS

The fabrics used in winter bib shorts are more or less thick and are generally lined with a fleece layer. A pocket of warm air is maintained around the legs, providing excellent thermal comfort.

Bib shorts can also feature technical membranes. Depending on the membranes used, the bib shorts can be windproof, water-repellent or even fully waterproof, while still retaining the ability to wick away body moisture.

WHAT LOWER-BODY CLOTHING SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR WINTER ACCORDING TO MY DISCIPLINE?

As with the upper body, we pursue a simple goal with the lower body in winter: to stay warm and dry.

Cycling literally warms up the legs and there is no need to pile on multiple layers. Feeling cold in the legs at the start of a ride is normal. The sensation will fade as you warm up. Bib shorts that are too warm will quickly become uncomfortable! The intensity of the activity should be taken into account, just as much as the weather conditions.

Finally, it is worth noting that water-repellent or waterproof trousers can be a real asset for urban cyclists who want to keep their style in winter!

Touring

A range of cycling trousers is now available from many brands. With a cut specifically developed to guarantee comfortable pedalling and a great freedom of movement, these trousers are the ideal solution for touring rides. Ideally combined with bib shorts underneath for ultimate comfort.

Cross-Country

Cyclocross riders who favour intensive efforts will opt for short bib shorts worn under shorts with leg warmers, or for three-quarter bib shorts in thermal, windproof fabric — particularly on the front panel to combat the cold — and water-repellent to protect against splashes.

All-Mountain

In more demanding MTB disciplines, trousers or winter shorts (possibly worn over bib shorts) are worth considering as they provide a great freedom of movement. They are also sturdy enough to withstand the demands of this type of riding.

Enduro

As with All-Mountain, a winter short or trousers worn over short, three-quarter or full bib shorts would be ideal. These garments should be sufficiently loose and wide to allow the wearing of protective gear, abrasion-resistant, and at the very least treated with a water-repellent finish.

DH / Freeride

In DH / Freeride, trousers are widely used throughout the season and therefore certainly in winter. They provide ideal protection against abrasion in the event of a fall, thanks to wide reinforcements. The cut is more or less loose but should remain fitted to limit wind resistance and the risk of catching on a branch. Generous space around the knees is desirable to accommodate knee pads. At the ankle, a fastening will keep the trousers securely in place and prevent unwanted rubbing.

Road

The Road bib shorts for the winter season will vary depending on the region, your metabolism and the intensity of your effort. Short with leg warmers, three-quarter or full-length — all options can be considered. But in all cases, winter bib shorts are generally characterised by a brushed inner lining providing pleasant warmth, a windproof and water-repellent or even waterproof front panel, and a lighter rear panel for good ventilation.

Gravel and Cyclocross

For Cyclocross — the quintessential winter discipline — manufacturers have developed all-in-one suits (bib shorts and jersey combined) that provide excellent support despite the rider's repeated movements and resist mud splashes and rain. For Gravel, the kit will closely resemble that used on the Road, with possibly a short worn over the bib shorts.