The ultimate guide to winter cycling gear!
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 are no strangers to the vagaries of the Alpine winter. Our cycling equipment is designed to tackle snow-covered mountains and the most extreme conditions. That's why we're presenting you with a range of foolproof solutions today so the weather never catches you off guard again. Ready to cycle without being caught out by the elements? Let's ride!
The baselayer – The pillar
Choosing the right base layer is a bit of an insider's secret for facing winter. This first layer of protection is essential: it keeps warmth close to the body and combats the risk of hypothermia, while allowing your skin to breathe and wicking away excess perspiration. To meet this crucial challenge, we recommend our must-have Unisex Winter Baselayer Made of merino wool. A truly cozy and effective shield!
Our merino wool cycling base layer is an essential piece of winter cycling gear. It regulates body temperature and resists odors thanks to its antibacterial composition, allowing you to wear it for several days in a row. Ultra-lightweight yet cozy, it drastically reduces the number of layers you usually wear. We've made it extra comfortable with flat seams that prevent 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 the right jacket is crucial if you want to ride comfortably and stay dry. The market is overflowing with diverse and varied options, and without a little guidance, it's easy to get lost in this jungle of fabrics and membranes.
Don't panic! You just need to dig a little deeper to grasp the subtle differences that distinguish each model. Whether you're looking for the ideal companion for snowy outings or the champion of aerodynamics in freezing weather, there's a jacket for you. Let's break down the key features together to find the perfect one that will perfectly match your winter riding style.
The water-repellent jacket: When the weather plays tricks on us with its light showers and unpredictable snow, a water-repellent jacket acts as a true barrier. Its strength? Valiantly resisting light rain or snow that stubbornly refuses to melt. Its best asset is its breathability: it knows how to say "no thanks" to moisture while brilliantly wicking away perspiration.
The waterproof jacket: In unpredictable weather, Waterproof jackets come into play. No raindrop, no snowflake, no gust of wind can withstand them, thanks to their high-tech waterproof membranes. Not a trace of moisture penetrates this shield! In a snowstorm or downpour, a waterproof jacket is your best defense.It guarantees absolute waterproofing, keeping moisture at bay so you stay dry, embrace the downpours with serenity, you and your jacket are invincible!
The thermal jacket: What to expect: Thermal jackets are the epitome of winter comfort. Designed to envelop you in a cocoon of warmth, these jackets block out the cold thanks to their advanced insulation. Imagine linings as cozy as PrimaLoft or the soft embrace of 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, offering adaptability to temperature variations. Perfect for changing conditions, they allow the user to adapt to the weather. They are aimed at amateur or experienced cyclists who are looking for versatility without necessarily focusing on performance.
So, you're looking to equip yourself with a winter cycling jacket? Take the time to consider the unpredictable weather you'll have to contend with, as well as what makes you happy on two wheels. Whether your battle is against persistent downpours, biting cold, or a mix of both, the good news is that the market is full of solutions tailored to every cyclist seeking comfort during the chilly months.
At Matchy Cycling, we know that a carefully chosen jacket is the key to transforming your winter bike rides into truly enjoyable experiences. So, we couldn't resist introducing you to our superstar: the Pure Winter Jacket, To brave the bitter cold. Put it on, and winter will be a breeze!
The Pure Winter Jacket stands out with its exceptional features, making it the essential choice for winter cyclists. Equipped with advanced technology, it offers optimal thermal insulation, ensuring protection against intense cold. Its wind and rain resistant outer shell guarantees an impenetrable barrier against the elements. Comfortable and versatile, this jacket combines an ergonomic cut with reflective details, ensuring complete freedom of movement and enhanced visibility on the road. The Pure Winter Jacket from Matchy Cycling is the smart choice for outstanding winter performance.
As for the jacket Winter Essential is An attractive option for those seeking a lighter jacket for winter riding in dry conditions. Featuring advanced technology, it offers optimal thermal insulation, with a Primaloft lining in the torso and warm, breathable sleeves. With its sleek design and practical features, it appeals to budget-conscious cyclists while ensuring adequate protection against the cold and inclement weather.
The long cycling shorts – Your legs' faithful ally!
Ah, cycling 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 facing winter on your bike, a few key elements must be considered to guarantee maximum comfort and efficiency during your chilly rides. Here are the specifications to take into account when choosing your cycling shorts:
Advanced thermal insulation: Effective long cycling shorts offer optimal thermal insulation to protect muscles from intense cold. The 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 flexible materials eliminate chafing. You're all set for hours of winter walks in ultimate comfort.
Wind protection: Good long cycling shorts should also provide protection against icy winds. This prevents you from getting too cold when you're going at full speed.
Essential breathability: Insulation is great, but not so much that you suffocate! Well-designed cycling shorts are garments that allow your skin to breathe and moisture to evaporate, for unparalleled comfort.
Suitable chamois leather: Choose a chamois pad that suits you and your body shape. Depending on its density, it will allow you to cover long distances without pain. And a quick reminder: forget underwear to avoid chafing!
Style and visibility: Class and safety combined with a sleek design that includes reflective elements. Now you're ready to be seen and stylish, even when the sun is sleeping in.
Whether you cycle year-round or only hop on your bike occasionally, choosing the right winter cycling shorts can revolutionize your rides in the cold. Getting your hands on a quality pair of cycling shorts means top-notch protection against the cold, unparalleled comfort, and pro-level performance on all your winter adventures. So, ready to transform the icy asphalt into your new favorite playground?
The Essential Long Tights. Designed to offer optimal protection on cold days, these tights embody the perfect blend of style, functionality, and performance. Whether you're a passionate cyclist or a casual rider, the Matchy Cycling Essential Long Tights offer a complete solution for comfortable riding, thanks to their LaFonte chamois (rated for 7 to 8 hours in the saddle) and confidence throughout the winter season. Discover an exceptional balance between advanced technology and elegant design with the Matchy Cycling Essential Long Tights.
For fans of our summer Cargo Bib Shorts, we're delighted to present the winter version. Enjoy the same functional design with adaptations to tackle colder conditions.The Winter Cargo Bib Shorts retain their large side pockets while offering the warmth and protection needed for rides in cold weather. They are equipped with the same La Fonte long-distance chamois as our Essential bib shorts, for rides of more than 8 hours.
Accessories – An indispensable asset
When you cycle 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 in. 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 keep you warm from head to toe during your winter rides:
The neck warmer: The perfect partner for staying healthy, this versatile accessory can be worn around your neck, as a bandana on your head, or even around your wrist. Lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, it stores away effortlessly. Wear it in style: choose our Matchy Cycling neck warmer.
The socks: Just like our hands, our feet are among the first parts of our body to be affected by the cold. Long socks help keep our toes warm and generally contribute to greater comfort. Available in white or black, we have merino wool winter socks that you need.
Overshoes: Useful when thick socks aren't enough, they come in several varieties. You'll find textile overshoes that are comfortable when temperatures drop and in dry weather. Complete your look with Matchy overshoes. In rainy or wet weather, opt instead for silicone overshoes or overshoes with a membrane (GORE-TEX, POLARTEC…) which will be more suitable.
The gloves: We know how unpleasant it is to have cold hands. Furthermore, maintaining good sensitivity is essential for safe braking. There are several types of gloves suited to different uses: lightweight gloves for temperatures that aren't yet too low, ideal for the mid-season – the GripGrab Merino gloves are perfect. Then there are waterproof gloves, ideal for rainy or damp days; they aren't the warmest, but they will keep your hands dry. Finally, for extreme cold, mittens or warm gloves are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature for your hands, whatever the weather conditions.
The technical hat: It will help maintain your body heat, insulate you from the icy wind, and offer increased comfort. Its design, specifically created 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 technical hats designed to retain maximum body heat. GripGrap offers a wide range of beanies.
Created for those who don't give up training with the arrival cold and who are looking for merino wool winter socks, offering good thermal properties. The heel, sole, and toes are reinforced with a Thicker wool ensures superior comfort (absorbing foot friction) and better protection against the cold. The compression aids blood circulation, which is essential in winter. The sock's high waist also protects the shin from the cold air.
Complete your winter look with these overshoes that will protect your shoes from winter grime. Designed for dry weather, they'll also keep you warm by blocking the wind and stopping the first drops of rain. Available in two colors and two sizes, you can mix and match. & Match according to the color of your bib shorts, helmet, bikes...
Keeping these essential accessories in mind will help you brave the elements and keep cycling all winter long. The goal isn't just to withstand the cold, but to make every ride more comfortable and safe, whether it's for an intense training session or a leisurely recreational outing. The right gear transforms the winter cycling experience, allowing you to focus on the road ahead and fully enjoy the pleasures of riding in the colder months. 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. Hit the road—or the trail—this winter with confidence and style!
