The ultimate guide to spend a winter 2024/2025 warm on the bike!
Winter and cycling: a combination that's often tricky, but far from impossible to master. At Matchy Cycling, based in the heart of the Alps in Annecy, we know that the winter cold can sometimes demotivate even the most determined cyclists. However, with the right equipment, even the most extreme conditions can become an opportunity to ride.
As you may have guessed, the secret lies in choosing the right pieces to create your outfit!
One of the most common mistakes is layering your clothing. Contrary to popular belief, this can actually have the opposite effect. While you may feel initially warm when you start riding, sweat and humidity will quickly set in, and the cold will take over for the rest of your ride.
That's why our products are specially designed to limit the number of layers needed, ensuring constant warmth throughout your cycling adventures.
The formula is simple:
- Baseleyer
- Jacket
- Sticky
- Protection of the extremities
The Baselayer – Your First Line of Defense
Choosing the right base layer is essential for tackling winter. This base layer is crucial: it keeps warmth close to the body, protects against hypothermia, while allowing the skin to breathe and wicking away perspiration. To help you through this challenge, choose our Unisex Winter Baselayer in merino wool, a real cocoon that is both soft and high-performance!
A true must-have. Lightweight, breathable, and naturally antibacterial, it provides ideal thermal regulation, allowing you to focus on your performance without being weighed down by unnecessary layers. As you can see, this item will be your primary source of warmth and, above all, it will prevent moisture from building up!
The Winter Jacket – Your Shield Against the Elements
Braving winter cycling is a challenge, and choosing the right jacket is essential for staying warm and dry. With so many options available on the market, it's easy to get lost without a minimum of guidance.
Don't worry! By examining the details, you can quickly understand what sets each model apart. Whether you need a jacket tailored for outings icy or a more versatile model, there's sure to be one that meets your expectations. Let's dive into the essential criteria for finding the perfect jacket, suited to your style and your winter adventures.
Here are the main features it must have:
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Waterproof or water-repellent : The jacket must be able to resist rain, snow or humidity to keep you dry, thanks to a waterproof membrane, or with a water-repellent treatment.
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Breathability : Good sweat management is essential to prevent moisture build-up inside the jacket. It should allow body moisture to escape while protecting you from the outside elements.
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Thermal insulation : In winter, it's crucial that the jacket is sufficiently insulated to protect you from the cold, with materials like PrimaLoft, fleece or technical fabrics that retain heat without being too bulky.
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Windbreaker : Winter jackets for cycling should also provide good protection against the wind, which can make the feeling of cold worse.
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Comfort and fit : the cut is essential, The jacket must offer good freedom of movement while being sufficiently fitted to prevent cold air from entering.
These features provide optimal protection against bad weather, cold and wind while guaranteeing good performance on the bike.
The smart choice for exceptional winter performance. Thanks to the combination of several high-performance technical fabrics, this jacket will offer you complete satisfaction whatever the outdoor conditions. The interior is lined with Primaloft Bio fleece, renowned for its remarkable insulating properties and respect for natural resources. This very warm fiber maintains your body heat even during your coldest outings. The exterior, made of Monviso, guarantees maximum resistance to wind and rain, while offering a perfectly fitted cut. To complete this performance, the pocket seams are reinforced with a reflective strip, while an elastic fabric finishes the sleeves with a raw edge. This is our warmest and most protective jacket for facing the extreme conditions of a Haute-Savoie winter!
For added versatility and for those who are less sensitive to the cold. The Essential Winter Jacket is an ideal choice for those looking for a lighter option for dry winter riding. Its advanced technology provides excellent thermal insulation, with a Primaloft lining on the torso and warm yet breathable sleeves. The entire torso also features a Monviso membrane for optimal protection against wind and rain. Its stylish design and practical features make it suitable for cyclists on a budget, while still providing effective protection against the cold and harsh weather. A perfect jacket for those who are less sensitive to the cold, and also suitable for the mid-season!
Protection for all seasons. Looking for a last line of defense to wear in all seasons?! The Altitude windbreaker will fully fulfill this task. Incorporating protection against rain and wind, it will keep you dry and warm in all weather. Its membrane makes it water-repellent, lightweight, and durable. Combined with a mesh fabric under the arms to ensure good ventilation, it will be compact enough to accompany you in all situations. Pair it with a thermal jersey in winter, like our Mid-Season Jersey, and you will be ready to ride in cold weather, without fear of any bad weather encountered during your outing.
THE sticky winter – Your faithful ally
Now let's talk about the lower body! And yes, we must take care of our lower limbs; they are what allow us to move forward! It is essential to protect them to maintain good mobility and keep your muscles warm. Too many people make the mistake of riding in shorts in winter, and neglect the muscle or joint injuries that this can cause.
Long tights must combine thermal insulation, comfort, and performance for your cold-weather outings. With high-quality insulation, they keep your muscles warm and maintain a stable body temperature. Their ergonomic cut, seams, and materials ensure complete freedom of movement for maximum comfort over time.
The tights' membrane is designed to wick away moisture and allow the skin to breathe, ensuring comfort even during intense exercise. A suitable chamois also prevents pain and irritation. Finally, visibility is important, hence the attention paid to reflective elements.
In short, choosing a Long tights for winter offer thermal protection, exceptional comfort and optimal performance, all while riding in style.
Our summer bestseller is now available in a winter version thanks to its new material! A major innovation! Designed in Rhône-Alpes, near our Annecy offices, this product was developed for demanding cyclists looking for performance and comfort. The two-layer NORDIC fabric incorporates merino wool on the inside to provide warmth, thermoregulation, and anti-odor properties, while the exterior provides water repellency to face winter. These tights, with their seamless bibs, guarantee optimal comfort, and their 14 mm, 180 kg/m3 density recycled Italian chamois allows for long rides without discomfort. This chamois, made of bamboo and recycled polyester, offers unique shock-absorbing technology. Reflective elements have also been added for your safety and visibility.
An existing model that we've updated this year based on your feedback! This one features more durable side pockets, more comfortable straps, and a high-density upcycled chamois. This model, available in black or chocolate, retains exceptional comfort and elasticity, with a fleece finish on the inside and a slightly water-repellent exterior to combat the cold and wind. Available in two colors, black & chocolate.
Accessories – The essential finishing touch
Nothing completes your winter outfit better than well-chosen accessories. We all know how important it is to protect our extremities! They will be the first parts affected by the cold. Our body will instinctively seek to protect its vital organs and thus prioritize blood flow to these areas. When the cold sets in and takes over, the extremities will be the first to be affected. It is therefore important to keep them warm, here are some of the essential accessories to complete your winter outfit:
- Neck warmer : The ideal versatile accessory to avoid getting sick. Lightweight, compact and easy to carry, it will be easy to store. Adopt it with elegance by opting for our Matchy Cycling neck warmer.
- Merino socks : Who hasn't had cold feet while cycling? We all know how much it can handicap us and make the ride a real ordeal. Enjoy all the benefits of merino wool with our Matchy merino winter socks. Keep your feet warm!
- Overshoes : the essential element When Socks are no longer enough. They guarantee warm feet even when temperatures drop drastically. Complete your look with Matchy overshoes, ideal for dry and cold weather. When the weather is more humid, choose more suitable models, made of silicone or with a membrane (GORE-TEX, POLARTEC, etc.).
- Gloves : We know how uncomfortable it is to have cold hands. It's not just about comfort, but also safety, so you can maintain good sensitivity for safe braking!
There are different types of gloves suitable for different needs: lightweight, waterproof, for extreme cold. We will be able to meet all your needs with our products from the GripGrab brand! Don't hesitate to come see us at the Clubhouse to discover them.
With these essential accessories in mind, you'll be ready to face the elements and cycle all winter long.
The goal isn't just to withstand the cold, but to improve the comfort and safety of every ride, whether it's an intense workout or a simple stroll. The right gear transforms the winter cycling experience, allowing you to focus on the road and fully enjoy the pleasures of riding in the cold season. So make sure you're properly equipped and, above all, don't underestimate the importance of staying warm to ensure your performance and enjoyment.
Whether you're an avid cyclist or a casual enthusiast, our gear guarantees comfort, performance, and style to help you conquer winter.
So, are you ready to take on the winter roads with us?
