The ultimate guide to spending a warm 2024/2025 winter on the bike!
Winter and cycling: a combination that is often tricky, but far from impossible to master. At Matchy Cycling, based in Annecy in the heart of the Alps, we know that the winter cold can sometimes discourage even the most determined cyclists. However, with the right equipment, even the most extreme conditions can become an opportunity to ride.
As you might have guessed, the secret lies in making the right choices to create your outfit!
One of the most common mistakes is wearing too many layers of clothing. Contrary to what you might think, this can have the opposite effect. While you may feel initially warm when you start riding, sweat and moisture will quickly set in, and you'll feel cold for the rest of your ride.
This is why our products are specially designed to limit the number of layers needed, ensuring consistent 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 facing winter. This base layer is crucial: it retains heat close to the body, protects against hypothermia, while allowing the skin to breathe and wicking away perspiration. To help you meet this challenge, choose our Unisex Winter Baselayer in merino wool, a true cocoon that is both soft and high-performing!
A true must-have. Lightweight, breathable, and naturally antibacterial, it offers ideal temperature regulation, allowing you to focus on your performance without being weighed down by unnecessary layers. As you can see, this will be your primary source of warmth and, most importantly, it will prevent moisture buildup!
The winter jacket – Your shield against the elements
Braving winter by bike is quite a challenge, and choosing the right jacket becomes essential for staying warm and dry. With the multitude of options available on the market, it's easy to get lost without some basic guidance.
No worries! By examining the details, you can quickly understand what distinguishes each model. Whether you need a jacket tailored for going out glacial Whether you prefer a more versatile model or a more practical one, there's bound to be one that meets your needs. Let's delve into the essential criteria for finding the perfect jacket, suited to your style and winter adventures.
Here are the main characteristics it must possess:
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Waterproof or water-repellent : The jacket must be able to withstand rain, snow, or humidity to keep you dry, thanks to a waterproof membrane. or with a water-repellent treatment.
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Breathability : Proper sweat management is essential to prevent moisture buildup inside the jacket. It should allow body moisture to escape while protecting you from the elements.
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Thermal insulation : In winter, it is crucial that the jacket is sufficiently insulating 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 cycling jackets should also offer good protection against the wind, which can worsen the feeling of cold.
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Comfort and fit : The cut is crucial. The jacket must offer good freedom of movement while being fitted enough to prevent cold air from entering.
These features ensure optimal protection against the elements, 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 provide complete satisfaction in all weather conditions. The interior is lined with Primaloft Bio fleece, renowned for its remarkable insulating properties and respect for natural resources. This exceptionally warm fiber retains your body heat even on the coldest outings. The exterior, made of Monviso fabric, guarantees maximum wind and rain resistance while offering a perfectly tailored fit. To further enhance its performance, the pocket seams are reinforced with reflective tape, and elasticated cuffs with a raw edge finish. This is our warmest and most protective jacket to face the extreme conditions of a Haute-Savoie winter!
For added versatility and for those less sensitive to the cold, the Essential Winter Jacket is an ideal choice for those seeking a lighter option for winter riding in dry conditions. Thanks to its advanced technology, it provides excellent thermal insulation, with a Primaloft lining in the torso and warm, 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 a suitable product for cyclists on a budget, while still offering effective protection against the cold and inclement weather. A perfect jacket for those less sensitive to the cold, and also suitable for between seasons!
Protection for all seasons. Looking for a last line of defense for all seasons? The Altitude windbreaker will do the job perfectly. Offering 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 mesh fabric under the arms for good ventilation, it's compact enough to accompany you in any situation. Pair it with a thermal base layer in winter, like our Mid-Season Jersey, and you will be ready to ride in cold weather, without fearing any bad weather you may encounter during your ride.
THE sticky Winter – Your faithful ally
Now let's talk about the lower body! Yes, we need to take care of our lower limbs; they're what allow us to move forward! Protecting them is essential to maintain good mobility and keep our muscles warm. Too many people make the mistake of riding in cycling shorts during the winter and neglect the muscle and joint injuries this can cause.
Long tights must combine thermal insulation, comfort, and performance for your outings in cold weather. With 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 extended periods.
The tights' membrane is designed to wick away moisture and allow the skin to breathe, ensuring comfort even during intense activity. A suitable chamois pad 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 fabric! A major innovation! Designed in the Rhône-Alpes region, near our offices in Annecy, this product was developed for demanding cyclists seeking performance and comfort. The two-layer NORDIC fabric incorporates merino wool on the inside for warmth, thermoregulation, and odor control, while the outer layer ensures water repellency to withstand winter conditions. These tights, with their seamless straps, guarantee optimal comfort, and their 14mm thick, 180 kg/m³ density recycled Italian chamois allows for long rides without discomfort. This chamois, made from bamboo and recycled polyester, offers unique shock absorption technology. Reflective elements have also been added for your safety and visibility.
An existing model that we've improved this year thanks to your feedback! This version features more durable side pockets, more comfortable shoulder straps, and a high-density upcycled chamois. Available in black or chocolate, this model maintains exceptional comfort and elasticity, with a fleece lining and a slightly water-repellent exterior to protect against 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're the first parts of our body to be affected by the cold. Our body instinctively tries to protect its vital organs, prioritizing blood flow to these areas. When the cold sets in and takes hold, our extremities are the first to suffer. It's therefore important to keep them warm; here are some essential accessories to complete your winter look. your winter wardrobe:
- Neck warmer : The ideal all-purpose accessory to avoid getting sick. Lightweight, compact, and easy to carry, it stores away easily. Adopt it with elegance by choosing our Matchy Cycling neck warmer.
- Merino socks : Who hasn't experienced cold feet while cycling? We all know how much of a hindrance it can be and how it can turn a ride into a real ordeal. Enjoy all the benefits of merino wool with our Matchy merino winter socks. Keep your feet warm!
- Overshoes : the indispensable element When Socks alone are no longer enough. They guarantee warm feet even when temperatures plummet. Complete your look with the Matchy overshoes, Ideal for dry and cold weather. When the weather is more humid, opt for more suitable models, made of silicone or with a membrane (GORE-TEX, POLARTEC...).
- Gloves : We know how uncomfortable it is to have cold hands. This is about comfort, but also safety, to maintain good sensitivity for safe braking!
There are different types of gloves suited to various needs: lightweight, waterproof, for extreme cold. We will be able to meet all your needs with our products from the GripGrab brand! Feel free to come and see us at the Clubhouse to discover them.
By taking these essential accessories into account, 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 training session or a simple leisurely 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 colder months. 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 are a passionate cyclist or a casual enthusiast, our equipment guarantees comfort, performance and style to conquer winter.
So, ready to tackle the winter roads with us?
