5 ‘Must-Haves’ To Survive This Winter

Winter doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation. Gear Ed Oli Munnik checks out five essential pieces of kit that will help you brave whatever weather our winter throws at you.


Bicycling Staff |

Winter doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation. Gear Ed Oli Munnik checks out five essential pieces of kit that will help you brave whatever weather our winter throws at you. 

Image By James Garaghty
Image By James Garaghty

1. ENJOY FITNESS RAINIAC (It’s like wearing an umbrella)

Enjoy’s latest Rainiac winter jacket has been constructed from a lightweight, breathable 230gsm fabric that Ricky Lawrence (the company’s founder) says was selected because of its active membrane technology – which protects riders from external moisture (in other words, pouring rain), while still allowing internal moisture (stimulated by body heat) to filter out through the garment.

Enjoy have spent hours on the fit; and we found it to be snug in all the right places, while still allowing just the right amount of movement when shifting position on the bike – from the hoods to the drops, for instance.

Added details include reflective detailing for increased visibility, and front and rear storage pockets, including internal cable routing for earphones. The Rainiac is also available as an Enjoy custom-branded product – meaning you can be in full ‘Euro Pro’ mode this winter, with matching raincoat to boot!

Price: R1 700, supplier: enjoyfitness.co.za

Image By James Garaghty
Image By James Garaghty

2. BIANCHI cotton cap (Keeps your head warm and eyes dry)

Cotton caps are not simply for looking rad at your local coffee shop… their main function, in fact, is to act as an insulator, so you don’t lose too much heat through your head. The cap’s peak is also critical in wet weather, as it catches a lot of the rear-wheel spray when you’re following riders in a bunch or echelon.

Price R285, supplier: jjcycling.co.za

 

Image By James Garaghty
Image By James Garaghty

 

3. GIRO AMBIENT (Gives cold the middle finger)

We all know that cold hands can be devastatingly detrimental to the enjoyment factor of a wintery ride. For those freezing cold days, especially on the Highveld, these Ambient mitts will keep your digits nice and toasty, thanks to a thermal fleece lining combined with a water- and wind-resistant outer shell.

As far as winter gloves go, handlebar grip isn’t affected too badly by the extra bulk, and overall flexibility is great. Note that the Ambients are not waterproof, should you be expecting heavy downpours.

A reflective logo and panel on the outer shell improve visibility, while the tip of the Ambient’s index finger is fitted with smartphone-friendly material so that you won’t miss any Instagram moments.

Price: R499, supplier: omnico.co.za

4. SPECIALIZED EXPERT SEAMLESS SS LAYER (Traps warm air)

Image By James Garaghty
Image By James Garaghty

Base layers are designed to be tight-fitting, hugging the contours of your upper body to help regulate your core temperature by wicking away moisture in hot conditions, and trapping warm air on cold days. The key is to find a cut that suits the shape of your torso to ensure a comfy, snug fit.

The Expert Seamless SS Layer combines three different yarns that are sewn together seamlessly to promote moisture transfer, enhance movement, and reduce any friction or irritation – tight-fitting shirts with seams can often rub you up the wrong way.

A thoughtful touch is the absence of informative tags inside the garment, which further reduces any potential irritation. Depending on personal choice, the Expert SS Layer is available in either short-sleeve or sleeveless cuts.

Price R539, supplier specialized.com

5. PEARL IZUMI ELITE THERMAL (Stops toes getting squelchy)

Image By James Garaghty
Image By James Garaghty

 

While booties are the real deal when it comes to keeping your feet insulated in cold, wet weather, toe covers are in fact a simpler, easier way to protect your toes from the elements.

Pearl Izumi have constructed their toe covers from a soft-shell fabric that is both water- and wind-resistant, and is rated to between 4 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Their pull-on design makes them easy to fit over any road shoes with external cleats, and their small size makes them convenient to store in your back pockets, if the temperature does rise over the course of your ride. And it’s good to see that the logo on the front of the toe cover is reflective.

Price: R340, supplier: coolheat.co.za

 

READ MORE ON: first look gear tested winter

Copyright © 2024 Hearst
..