The ultimate guide for cyclists in winter!
At Matchy, we know the drill: it's not always easy to choose the right outfit to avoid extreme chills during the cold season! Located in the heart of Annecy in Haute-Savoie, we're no strangers to the vagaries of Alpine winter. Our cycling gear is designed to tackle snowy mountains and the most extreme conditions. That's why today we're presenting you with a range of foolproof solutions so the weather never catches you off guard again. Ready to ride without getting caught out by the elements? Let's ride!
The baselayer – The pillar
Selecting the right base layer is a bit of an insider's secret to facing winter. This first layer of armor is essential: it keeps heat close to the body and fights the risk of hypothermia, while allowing your skin to breathe and wicking away excess perspiration. To meet this major challenge, we recommend our essential Unisex Winter Baselayer made of merino wool. A truly cozy and effective shield!
Our merino wool cycling baselayer is an essential piece of winter cycling gear. It regulates body temperature and resists odors thanks to its antibacterial composition, allowing it to be worn for several days in a row. Ultra-light yet cozy, it drastically reduces the amount of layers you usually wear. We made it cozy with flat seams that prevent unpleasant chafing, and it pairs perfectly with a winter jacket for optimal protection without excess material. The Matchy Cycling Unisex Winter Baselayer - Merino is the ideal solution for natural, high-performance comfort on the bike.
The winter jacket – Your shield against the cold
As a cyclist, tackling winter is an art in itself! And choosing your jacket is no small task if you want to ride comfortably and stay dry. The market is full of diverse and varied options, and without a little help, it's easy to get lost in this jungle of fabrics and membranes.
Don't panic! Just dig a little deeper to understand the subtleties that distinguish each model. Whether you're looking for the perfect companion for snowy outings or the ultimate aerodynamic champion in icy weather, there's a jacket for that. We'll analyze the key features together to unearth the perfect jacket that will perfectly complement your winter riding style.
The water-repellent jacket: When the weather plays tricks on us with its light showers and capricious snow, the water-repellent jacket acts as a true barrier guard. Its strength? Valiantly resisting light rain or snow that insists on melting on contact. Its best asset is its breathability: it knows how to say "no thank you" to humidity while brilliantly wicking away your perspiration.
The waterproof jacket: Under capricious weather, Waterproof jackets come into play. No raindrop, snowflake, or gust of wind can resist them, thanks to their high-tech waterproof membranes. Not an ounce of moisture can penetrate this shield! In a snowstorm or a downpour, a waterproof jacket is your best bet.It guarantees absolute waterproofness, keeping moisture at bay so you stay dry, embrace the downpours with serenity, your jacket and you are invincible!
The thermal jacket: What to expect: Thermal jackets capture the essence of winter comfort. Designed to wrap you in warmth, these jackets keep the cold at bay with their advanced insulation. Imagine linings as cozy as PrimaLoft or the soft embrace of a fleece. Ideal for dry but very cold days, they guarantee maximum thermal insulation without necessarily being waterproof.
3-in-1 Jacket: These versatile jackets are the Swiss Army knives of cycling jackets. They combine a waterproof outer shell with a removable inner layer. They offer adaptability to changing temperatures. Perfect for changing conditions, they allow the user to adjust according to the weather. They are aimed at amateur or experienced cyclists looking for versatility without necessarily worrying about performance.
So, you're looking to get a winter jacket for cycling? Take the time to analyze the whims of Mother Nature you'll have to brave, as well as what makes you happy on two wheels. Whether your battle is against persistent downpours, bone-chilling cold, or a mix of the two, the good news is that the market is full of solutions adapted to every cyclist looking for comfort during the chilly months.
At Matchy Cycling, we know that a carefully chosen jacket is the key to turning your winter bike rides into a real pleasure. So, we can't resist introducing you to our superstar: the Pure Winter Jacket, to face the bitter cold. Put it on, and winter will be child's play!
The Pure Hiver jacket stands out for its exceptional features, making it the go-to choice for winter cyclists. Equipped with advanced technology, it offers optimal thermal insulation, ensuring protection against the intense cold. Its wind- and rain-resistant exterior guarantees an impenetrable barrier against the elements. Comfortable and versatile, this jacket combines an ergonomic fit with reflective details, ensuring complete freedom of movement and increased visibility on the road. The Pure Hiver jacket from Matchy Cycling is the smart choice for exceptional winter performance.
As for the jacket Winter Essential is An attractive option for those looking for a lighter jacket for winter riding in dry conditions. Featuring advanced technology, it offers optimal thermal insulation, with its Primaloft core lining and warm, breathable sleeves. With its sleek design and tailored features, it appeals to budget-conscious cyclists while still ensuring adequate protection from the cold and harsh weather.
The long shorts – Your legs' faithful ally!
Ah, long bib shorts! They're the essential winter companion for any self-respecting cyclist. Think of them as your personal armor against the biting cold. When it comes to choosing your trusty ally for braving winter cycling, there are a few essential elements to consider to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency during your chilly escapades. Here are the specifications to consider when choosing your bib shorts:
Advanced thermal insulation: Effective long cycling shorts provide optimal thermal insulation to protect muscles from the intense cold. High-quality materials act as a barrier, maintaining a stable body temperature.
Flexibility and comfort: Ergonomic design is crucial to ensure complete freedom of movement. Flat seams and soft materials eliminate chafing. You're ready for hours of winter riding in complete comfort.
Wind protection: Good long cycling shorts should also provide protection from icy winds. This prevents you from getting too cold when you're running at full speed.
Essential breathability: Insulation is good, but don't overheat! Well-designed cycling shorts let your skin breathe and moisture evaporate, for unfailing comfort.
Suitable chamois leather: Choose a chamois that fits you and your body shape. Depending on its density, it will allow you to rack up the miles pain-free. And a little reminder: forget about underwear to avoid chafing!
Style and visibility: Class and safety with a sleek design that includes reflective elements. Now you're ready to be seen and look stylish, even when the sun is sleeping in.
Whether you ride year-round or hop on your bike occasionally, choosing the right winter cycling tights can revolutionize your chilly rides. Getting your hands on a pair of quality cycling tights means you'll get top-notch protection against the cold, supreme comfort, and pro-level performance on all your winter rides. So, are you ready to turn the icy asphalt into your new favorite playground?
The Essential Long Tights. Designed to provide optimal protection on cold days, these tights embody the perfect blend of style, functionality, and performance. Whether you're an avid cyclist or a casual rider, the Matchy Cycling Essential Long Tights offer a complete solution for riding in comfort, with their LaFonte chamois (rated for 7 to 8 hours in the saddle), and confidence throughout the winter season. Discover an exceptional balance of advanced technology and stylish design with the Matchy Cycling Essential Long Tights.
For fans of our summer Cargo Bib Shorts, we're excited to introduce a winter version. Featuring the same functional design with tweaks to handle cooler conditions.The Winter Cargo Bib Shorts retain their large side pockets while providing the warmth and protection you need for cold-weather rides. They feature the same long-distance La Fonte chamois as our Essential Bib Shorts, for over 8 hours of riding.
Accessories – Essential asset
When you ride your bike in winter, your body tries to stay warm. Much of the heat we produce escapes through our skin. This is where the extremities, like the hands and feet, come into play. These parts have many small blood vessels that help release heat.
So when you're riding in cold weather, make sure you keep your extremities protected from the cold, here's a list of essential accessories to stay warm from head to toe during your winter rides:
The neck strap: The perfect partner to avoid getting sick, is a versatile accessory that can be worn around the neck, on the head as a bandana, or even around your wrist. Lightweight, compact and easy to carry, it will store easily. Wear it in style: choose our Matchy Cycling neck warmer.
Socks: Just like our hands, our feet are the first parts of our body to be affected by the cold. Long socks help keep our toes warm and contribute to overall comfort. In white or black, we have merino winter socks that you need.
Overshoes: Useful when large socks aren't enough, there are several types. You'll find textile overshoes that are comfortable when temperatures drop and in dry weather. Complete your look with Matchy overshoesIn rainy or humid weather, opt instead for silicone overshoes or overshoes with a membrane (GORE-TEX, POLARTEC, etc.) which will be more suitable.
Gloves: We know how uncomfortable it is to have cold hands. Furthermore, it's essential to maintain good sensitivity so you can brake safely. There are several types of gloves suitable for different uses: lightweight gloves for temperatures that aren't too low, ideal for the mid-season—the GripGrab Merino will do the job perfectly. Then there are waterproof gloves, perfect for rainy days or when it's damp; they're not the warmest, but they'll keep your hands dry. Finally, for extreme cold, mittens or warm gloves are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature for your hands, whatever the outdoor conditions.
The technical cap: It will help maintain your body heat, insulate you from the icy wind, and provide increased comfort. Its design, specially designed for cycling, fits perfectly under a bike helmet and won't bother you during your workouts. There are several types of hats to wear under your helmet, ranging from a simple bandana to a balaclava, to protect you from the wind, to a technical hat designed to retain maximum body heat. GripGrap offers a wide range of hats.
Created for those who don't give up training with the arrival cold and who are looking for winter socks made of merino wool, offering good thermal properties. The heel, sole and toes are reinforced with a Thicker wool to ensure superior comfort (absorbing foot friction) and better protection against the cold. Compression aids blood circulation, which is essential in winter. The high waist of the sock also helps protect the shin from cold air.
Complete your winter style with these overshoes that will protect your shoes from winter grime. Designed for dry weather, they'll also keep you warm by cutting the wind and stopping the first drops of rain. Available in two colors and two sizes, you can mix and match them to match the color of your cycling shorts, helmet, bike, and more.
With these essential accessories in mind, you can brave the elements and keep cycling all winter long. The goal isn't just to resist the cold, but to make every ride more comfortable and safe, whether it's for intensive training or a simple recreational ride. The right equipment transforms the winter cycling experience, allowing you to focus on the road ahead and fully enjoy the joys of cycling in the cold season. So remember to equip yourself properly and, above all, never underestimate the importance of staying warm to maintain a good level of performance and enjoyment. Take to the road—or the path—without fear this winter, with confidence and style!
