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Cycling in autumn can be unpleasant, but it can also be sunny and warm. This means your clothing needs to be versatile; if it’s cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon, even the best winter jacket won’t be of any use. So what matters isn’t whether your outfit is nice and cosy when you set off. What matters is whether you can quickly throw something on before you set off and take it off again when the sun comes out.
What should I buy first for autumn?
Don’t go and buy a whole autumn outfit straight away. First, have a look at the sportswear you already own, and only buy what you’re missing for your rides.
| Priority | What you'll need | Cost-effective solution | What to look out for when buying |
| 1 | Protection from the wind whilst driving | Lightweight wind vest or thin wind jacket | Fits over your shirt, doesn’t flap about much and can be packed away compactly |
| 2 | More heat when needed | An existing long-sleeved sports top or a thin fleece | Comfortable to cycle in, not so thick that you start sweating straight away |
| 3 | Hands with a good grip | Thin, long-fingered gloves | Good feel to the brake levers and handlebars, no seams that dig in |
If you already have a long-sleeved running top, you don’t need to rush out and buy a special autumn jersey straight away. A thin, comfortable sports top can serve as an extra layer. A normal cotton T-shirt isn’t ideal for sweaty rides: it absorbs moisture and can feel clammy on a cool descent. The basic principle is simple: the inner layer should wick away moisture, the middle layer should provide warmth when needed, and the outer layer should keep out wind or rain.
What should I wear if it’s cool at first and then gets warmer?
It’s better to start with a layer you can take off, rather than a jacket that’ll be too warm all day. These combinations are just examples, not set-in-stone temperature rules. Wind, riding speed and how cold you personally feel all make a difference.
- A fresh start, a sunny afternoon: A sports top and a thin long-sleeved top. I’ll take the wind vest with me for the chilly start and the descent; if it gets warm, I’ll put it in my bag.
- Sunny but windy: A light shirt and a wind vest. If you get warm on the climb, open the zip first. Close it again before the descent.
- Cool with a chance of showers: Stick to the lightweight layered outfit. You should also pack an existing rain jacket in your rucksack if you’re out and about for a while or if rain is likely.
A wind vest is not a rain jacket. It can be comfortable in windy conditions and light drizzle, but it is no substitute for reliable protection against the rain when it is raining continuously. Conversely, a waterproof rain jacket is often unnecessarily warm on a dry, mild climb. For changeable autumn weather, we recommend several thin layers, and for longer rides in the rain, suitable rainwear as an outer layer.
Do I need long cycling tights and expensive specialist kit?
Not necessarily. If you’re comfortable cycling in your existing shorts, you can carry on wearing them on mild October days. If you feel cold around your knees or during longer breaks, try wearing a pair of lightweight sports trousers you already own to start with, or add knee warmers later on. Only once you’re cycling regularly in cooler weather is it worth looking for a pair of long cycling tights of your own.
It’s much the same with gloves: thin, long-fingered gloves are more useful for many autumn rides than a thick winter pair straight away. Try them out on the handlebars. You should be able to operate the brakes and gears confidently without the fabric feeling tight or bunching up under your palm. For significantly colder, wet rides, different requirements apply. You might also find our A guide to keeping your hands and feet warm in autumn.
Arm warmers, expensive thermal jerseys and a jacket for all weathers aren’t essential purchases when you’re just starting out. Do a few laps first and take note of where you actually feel the cold. That way, you’ll be buying to solve a specific problem rather than ticking off a whole list of kit.
A quick check before the October tour
Before setting off, check not only the temperature at the start but also the weather forecast for your planned return. Pack your windbreaker so that you can reach it before a long descent. If the ride might last until dusk, also make sure you have working lights and high-visibility gear. A simple outfit for setting off is: a sports top you already have, a thin long-sleeved top or a thin jacket if needed, a packable wind vest and thin long-fingered gloves. If there’s a risk of rain, take a rain jacket with you. You can decide on everything else after your first few autumn rides.
Maik Schröder
Editor