Dressing for Spring/Fall
As spring rolls around, cyclists start crawling off of their trainers and back into the real world to start putting in some serious miles. As days grow longer and temperatures climb higher, racing begins, tours are planned, and the everyday ride to work starts to feel fun again.
Spring can also deliver some of the most varied weather conditions cyclists encounter. Sporadic downpours, warm sunbursts, and stiff winds keep conditions unpredictable. Spring weather turns every cyclist into a meteorologist, guessing whether those rain clouds really are going to float over in two hours time. As summer rolls into fall, the chilly winds reminding us of winter's impending arrival deliver similarly unpredictable conditions.
Cool conditions also allow us to bust out our coolest looking gear, as billowing rain capes give way to svelte jerseys and frumpy tights turn into shorts and knee warmers. Here's a quick guide to our favorite pieces of gear to keep your ride rolling despite variable conditions.
Jackets/Vests/Rain Capes
Over the past year, we've seen some impressive variations of the bulky old rain cape. Showers Pass Protech Rain Jacket and Assos ClimaJet Jacket both use a transparent, space age material that breathes while dry, but becomes waterproof when it comes into contact with moisture. Both of them are compact enough to fit in a jersey pocket. We can't find a more versatile, convenient way to stay dry and comfortable.
The Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket is a lightweight, packable wind jacket that comes in a choice of bright colors. It provides warmth and maximizes visibility.
Alas , we do not mean any disrespect to our old friend the rain cape, for he has saved us on many rainy rides. Just a simple plastic shell, the Bellwether Screaming Meenie Jacket is a great deal and is going to keep the rain off your back. Every cyclist should keep a vinyl jacket in the trunk of their car, just in case the weather takes a nasty turn.
At BikeTiresDirect we carry Assos, Pearl Izumi and Showers Pass jackets, vests and capes to fit any taste and budget.
Bibs/Shorts
By March, it's usually safe to venture out in your shorts. Those legs are going to need all the sun they can get. Bibs are the universal choice for competitive cyclists, but regular shorts can make it easier to "take care of business", if you know what I mean.
Like most cycling products, as prices rise, so do the exotic materials and inventive design elements. Most bibs and shorts will utilize a durable yet breathable lycra. Bib straps are generally lightweight and very breathable. Chamois can vary quite a bit from a pad roughly shaped like a bike seat to an antibacterial ergonomically designed feat of engineering. The right chamois, like the right saddle, is a personal choice, and there is no single "best" option available. A good chamois should minimize, if not eliminate, hot spots and chafing. As with saddles, trial and error is the only way to find one just right for you. Unlike with saddles, a chamois that's not a perfect fit is not going to cause severe discomfort.
The Assos FI.Mille S5 Bib Short features all the style you can handle, along with legendary Assos comfort.
Capoforma 2008 CSS M1 Bib Short is a mid-priced bib short providing durability and comfort. ThePearl Izumi Mens Attack Bib Short provides a more affordable bib-short, suitable for long training and racing.
For the less experienced cyclist, the Nalini 6 Panel Half Shorts is an excellent short. Its affordability makes it ideal for short rides or to keep at the gym for spin class. Pearl Izumi Mens Attack Half Short is another excellent option for those in need of a simple bike short.
Arm/Leg/Knee Warmers
Arm, leg and knee warmers are probably the single most popular cycling accessory. Every rider should own a pair of arm warmers to throw on when the morning ride starts off on the chilly side. As the day wears on and the weather warms up, just peel those babies off and stuff 'em in your pocket. A pair of arm warmers should fit in a single jersey pocket with room to spare. Leg and knee warmers are just the trick for taking the chill off your legs. Capoforma Armwarmers and Capoforma Roubaix Knee Warmers feature an insulated lycra material and comfortable gel grips to prevent slipping, and they come in a variety of colors to match your favorite kit.
DeFeet Armskins and DeFeet Kneekers will keep you warm through those early spring mornings and feature a very comfortable seamless design. Kneekers offer a bit more coverage than a knee warmer, but less than a full leg warmer. Assos Roubaix Leg Warmers offer full leg coverage with Assos quality and style.
DeFeet Sunskin Arm Warmers and Capoforma Arm Skin are an interesting new entry in the warmer market. Designed to keep the sun off your skin, these warmers are perfect for desert climates that can experience very low and very high temperatures in short time periods. Racers also favor the white color, as it is less likely to cause overheating on climbs while still offering good protection on chilly descents.
Shoes/Socks/Booties
Spring is the time to bring out the road shoes and crank out those miles. At BikeTiresDirect, we are very proud to offer Sidi as our primary shoe manufacturer. The Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon Ultra SL Buckle offers all the features you would expect in a pro level shoe, and fits as comfortably as your favorite pair of slippers. The Sidi Genius 5.5 Carbon Composite Shoe features a newly designed full carbon sole and remains a favorite of racers everywhere.
Springtime weather generally frees us from those clumsy shoe covers, but DeFeet Slipstream Shoe Covers cut the wind chill and enhance aerodynamics.
A good pair of socks is always a must. Capoforma CSS Skinlife Sock are great year-round socks. DeFeet Wooleator Socks offer the warmth of wool, with less bulk than the DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks.
Gloves and Hats
A light pair of gloves is easy enough to pack along on a springtime ride. The Pearl Izumi Mens Grip-Lite Glove takes the chill off your fingers and fits in a pocket during a sun break, while the Pearl Izumi Mens Cyclone Glove adds some lightweight weather-resistance. A popular racing combo is the Cyclone underneath a fingerless glove, like the Ironclad Impact Gloves.
The Craft Pro Hat is a favorite around our offices and easily fits in a pocket if your ride heats up. Pace Classic Cycling Cap keeps the bright springtime sun off your eyes, and rain from dripping down your face, in true Euro style.
The key to dressing for Spring and Fall is versatility. Changing seasons usually bring fluctuating temperatures. It's best to be ready for a little of everything. Outerwear should be weather resistant and easy to carry home. Base layers, jerseys and shorts should be breathable and comfortable. At BikeTiresDirect, we're experienced in dressing for any weather. Feel free to contact us with any questions at or sales@biketiresdirect.com.
