Winter cycling clothingThe right clothing for temperatures around 0 degrees

Matthias Borchers

 · 16.12.2025

Winter cycling clothing: The right clothing for temperatures around 0 degreesPhoto: Matthias Borchers/Fotolia

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It's winter. The season now offers a wild mix of mildly sunny to freezing cold days. This means that when it comes to the right winter clothing, it's all about the right mix. Outfit recommendation from TOUR for racing bike and gravel rides at temperatures around 0 degrees.

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Anyone who gets on a road bike in the cold season knows that the right clothing makes the difference between fun and frustration. To help every cyclist find the right equipment, we have put together three exemplary "cold types" - from slightly shivering to really frozen through. We have already introduced the cool and cold type. The ice cold type is still missing.

Ice cold type

Finally, the ice-cold type is the cyclist who also wants to be out and about in frosty conditions. Thickly lined gloves, insulated winter shoes and, in extreme cases, even a battery-powered thermal waistcoat are among the options. Manufacturers now offer a wide range of high-tech materials that provide reliable protection even in sub-zero temperatures.

  • Typical area of application: Sub-zero temperatures and long winter tours
  • Temperatures: 0°C to 5°C
  • Weather: Mostly dry, cold wind, damp roads
tour/100179333_1a8520785585e62143665127a623deb7Photo: Matthias Borchers

Glasses from Uvex

Uvex EquatePhoto: Matthias BorchersUvex Equate

If it is hazy and foggy, the orange filter brightens up the scenery and the view is clearer and more contrasty. The inexpensive Equate from Uvex Sports is an insider tip for precisely this purpose. They are available in five other versions for 25 euros. There are hardly any compromises to be made in terms of protection or wearing comfort; the hinge only minimally disturbs the view on the left and right edges. Price: 25 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.

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Helmet from Abus

Abus GamechangerPhoto: Matthias BorchersAbus Gamechanger
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The Gamechanger is a classic aero helmet, but is also an option for the cold season thanks to its closed shell, which allows less cold air to reach the head. The helmet shell has a slim cut; if you want to wear a thick helmet cap, you should try it out before buying to see if it fits underneath. Price: 200 Euro >> available here.

Helmet cap from Gripgrab

GripGrab Belgian Style Thermal Windproof Winter Cycling CapPhoto: Matthias BorchersGripGrab Belgian Style Thermal Windproof Winter Cycling Cap

The windproof and water-repellent Belgian Style Thermal Windproof Winter Cycling Cap reliably protects your head in sub-zero temperatures and sleet. The fluffy fleece warms the entire head and covers the ears completely, without fluttering and without restricting hearing. The reflective strip on the peak improves visibility in road traffic. Price: 45 Euro >> available here.

Jacket from Dynamics

Dynamics Bormio softshell windbreakerPhoto: Matthias BorchersDynamics Bormio softshell windbreaker

The Bormio softshell wind jacket is robustly made and has many clever features. The well-lined jacket with all-round wind and water-repellent membrane is also suitable for winter because it has a loose cut and the air cushion underneath provides additional insulation against the cold. The jacket also impresses with its extended back as splash protection, a high collar, fluffy cuffs, four zip pockets and plenty of reflective material. As Stadler permanently offers its own brand with a substantial discount, the jacket is a bargain in terms of price. Price: 180 euros.

Trousers from Dynamics

Dynamics Tesero II Windblock BibtightPhoto: Matthias BorchersDynamics Tesero II Windblock Bibtight

The special feature of the Tesero II Windblock Bibtight long bib shorts is their wind and water-repellent membrane, which extends from the abdomen to below the knees and offers the greatest possible wind protection on the front, including the crotch, which is sensitive to the cold. You don't often get that. Disadvantage: The membrane means that the trousers are not as flexible, making it essential to try them on first. The inside of the trousers is lined with warming Roubaix material and is correspondingly warm. Zips with reflective material at the leg ends make them easier to put on and take off. Price: 170 euros.

Gloves from Roeckl

Roeckel Rothenfels winter cycling glovePhoto: Matthias BorchersRoeckel Rothenfels winter cycling glove

The Rothenfels winter cycling glove is versatile, warm and ergonomic. It does not require PFAS and is very comfortable to wear on the handlebars; the fingers remain free to move, while the Primaloft insulation keeps you nice and warm. The lightly padded palm offers a little cushioning while providing good grip. A waterproof Roeck-Tex membrane keeps out wind and moisture, while reflective elements increase visibility. Price: 100 Euro >> available here at a reduced price .

Shoes from Northwave

Northwave Celsius XT Arctic GTXPhoto: Matthias BorchersNorthwave Celsius XT Arctic GTX

Northwave offers a wide range of winter shoes, we also recommend the models with the coarse sole for Shimano's SPD system for road bikes, here the Celsius XT Arctic GTX. They are better on any surface, especially on snow and ice. The boot is equipped with a waterproof and vapour-permeable membrane. The in-house X-Dial fastening system is good, but not as comfortable as the Boa system. Primaloft insulation keeps out the cold, while the neoprene gaiter fits snugly around the ankles. Price: 270 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.

Further recommendations for icy winter days

Giro gloves

Giro 100 ProofPhoto: Matthias BorchersGiro 100 Proof

The Giro 100 Proof lobster gloves are made for extreme cold. With Polartec insulation and fleece, they really heat up your fingers, although the grip does not come close to that of finger gloves. They offer warmth, rain protection and smartphone operability all in one. Price: 95 Euro >> available here.

Cafe du Cycliste cap

Café du Cyclist Belgian CapPhoto: Matthias BorchersCafé du Cyclist Belgian Cap

The Belgian Cap from Cafe du Cycliste is thicker, but still fits under the helmet and has a windproof, water-repellent and vapour-permeable membrane. The merino wool mix allows for a stretchy fit and the mesh lining creates a cosy warmth. The ribbed wool strip serves as ear protection if required. Price: 55 euros.

Lenz waistcoat

Lenz heat VestPhoto: Matthias BorchersLenz heat Vest

The heatable Heat Vest 1.0 from Lenz warms the upper body from the neck to the buttocks. It is hardly bulky and fits under any jacket; the optional lithium battery is barely noticeable in a small pocket under the ribs. The quick-drying, wind-repellent and breathable material with fleece insert in the collar is robust, and one battery charge warms for up to eleven hours on the lowest of three settings. Price: 370 Euro (including battery RCB 1800) >> available here.

GripGrab socks

Gripgrab Alpine Merino High Cut SocksPhoto: Matthias BorchersGripgrab Alpine Merino High Cut Socks

The Alpine Merino High Cut Winter Socks are made from 54% merino wool and synthetic fibres that promise warmth, moisture regulation and durability. With a 21 centimetre high cuff, they reinforce the insulation on the lower leg and keep your feet nice and warm. Price: 35 Euro >> available here at a reduced price.

100% glasses

100 % S3-Shield glassesPhoto: Matthias Borchers100 % S3-Shield glasses

The S3 Shield goggles from 100 % offer good protection from the wind with a large visor. The goggles are also suitable for poor visibility conditions, as a clear lens is included in the high-quality softbox. A second nose pad for optimum fit is also included. Price: 149 Euro >> available here.

Barth insole

Barth lambskin insolePhoto: Matthias BorchersBarth lambskin insole

With the lambskin insole, any road bike shoe can be insulated against the cold from below in no time at all - as long as it is not too tight and the feet still have enough air. The fluffy insole is available in sizes from 36 to 47 in any specialist shoe shop. Price: 14 Euro >> available here.

Matthias Borchers is an expert for clothing and accessories in the test department of TOUR. As an amateur cyclist, he has completed the TOUR-Transalp and the TOUR-Trans Austria. His reportage trips from San Francisco to Sakai and 17 trips to the Tour de France with around 30,000 motorhome kilometres are also formative.

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