Getting kitted out when cycling during the colder seasons can sometimes be a challenge but whatever your discipline or budget, with our autumn/winter outfit series, we’ve got you covered.
Cyclocross may be a sport which is synonymous with cold weather riding, but that doesn’t necessarily make the clothing choice all that straight forward. Think freezing cold starts, then baking-hot, mud-fuelled race action…versatility, breathability and protection become key. Here are our CX outfit suggestions..
Words: Magdalena Schoerner
Photography: Toby Martin
Castelli Cross Prerace Insulator Jacket
This beautifully designed jacket is the ideal garment to keep you warm just before you hit the start line. Its PrimaLoft insulation will trap your body heat while Castelli’s NanoFlex fabric on the lower back and on the lower part of the sleeves will avoid overheating while also providing some water-repellent properties. It features three external rear pockets and a zippered pocket on front chest.
Check it out on our page; RRP £189.99
Castelli Cyclocross Sanremo Speedsuit
This speedsuit has been designed specifically for cross-racing, offering a skin-tight fit to limit air resistance while, at the same time, considering the range-of-motion dynamics unique to this demanding discipline. In fit terms this translates to a longer centre front as well more shoulder room to allow for off-the-bike flexibility. There is also a special fabric insert under the arms to allow for temperature regulation. If you don’t like the idea of wearing a skinsuit, just think of it as a jersey and padded shorts sewn together and consider the added comfort by not having any bib short straps potentially restricting your movement. The Sanremo speedsuit uses Castelli’s Kiss Air seat pad and also features two rear pockets. Rob is wearing a size medium.
Take a closer look at it on the Evans Cycles website
Castelli CW 6.0 Cross Full Finger Gloves
A glove certainly has to live up to very high demands in this sport! Cross gloves need to be grippy to deal with constant vibration, frequent mounting/dismounting as well as all the bike-carrying action, protect from the elements but also be breathable enough to avoid overheating, considering the intensity of the discipline. Castelli’s CW 6.0 Cross Gloves combine Neoprene (back of hand + Velcro-fastened cuff) for insulation and water-resistance, a mirco-suede thumb for a soft and durable wiping solution and a perforated Clarion palm with a silicon pattern for breathability and grip.
Check them out on our website; RRP £39.99
Endura Thermolite Full Zip Legwarmers
Most cyclists really appreciate the practicality of arm and leg warmers. They allow you to start off in cooler conditions but then to remove these extra layers with relative ease and without creating much extra bulk once you have warmed up after a few miles into your ride. The Endura Thermolite Full Zip Legwarmers take this concept a step further by facilitating super fast, mid-ride removal which doesn’t require you to take off your shoes, thanks to its full zip design, which makes them ideal for cyclocross racing. Endura’s Thermolite garments feature a cozy, fleeced-backed Teflon-coated fabric which will repel water and keep you warm and dry even during the worst winter conditions.
Check them out on the site; RRP £29.99
Catelli Cross Pre-race trousers
Just like Castelli’s pre-race jacket, the Italian brand’s pre-race trousers are ideal for keeping your body warm (and warmed-up) as you wait to start the race. They are made from a 10,000mm waterproof and entirely windproof 3-layer stretch fabric and feature a full length snap fastener-lined side seam, again, this is in order to make a quick removal as simple as possible.
Get them here; RRP £109.99
Giro Empire VR90 MTB
Another definite highlight of our selection are Giro’s VR90 MTB Shoes: They’ve got the look but they’ve also got the quality! The Easton EC90 full carbon outsole features a deep molded rubber tread and will help you power through the mud and make sure you can still clip in and out easily. The Teijin synthetic microfiber upper is super lightweight, breathable and won’t stretch out with wear or weather. In line with this year’s cycling shoe design trend, Giro opted for a lace-up fastening solution which, in this case, even provides extra visibility. According to our model (= marketing assistant) Rob, they are also ‘incredibly comfortable’.
Do take a look at them on the Evans Cycles website in more detail; RRP £119.99
Join us again next week, where we will be looking at our current 3 for 2 offer, highlighting some smashing outfits for less!
