1 45NRTH Wölvhammer
You want to cycle to the North Pole? Here you go. The Wölvhammer will gladly come with you. Its clickie-compatible Vibram sole is modelled on mountain boot treads. Sturdy Cordura on the outside protects against contact with rocks. The Sympatex membrane reliably keeps water out, and inside your toes are snuggled up against the fluffy 200 gram Thinsulate lining. The shoe is closed with a quick lacing system and waterproof zip. In our latitudes, however, there is an acute risk of catching sweaty feet with these expedition slippers.
2 Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier WXB Glove
In classic waterproof winter gloves, a special inlay is sewn into the glove on a few tabs. This creates several layers that can shift against each other, which reduces the grip on the handlebars. The OutDry membrane in the Pearl Izumi, on the other hand, is laminated directly on the inside of the outer layer, so nothing moves. What's more, the finger warmers keep water out 100 per cent of the time.
3 Icebreaker Oasis Longsleeve Crewe
Who would have thought that wool would make such a comeback? But the advantages are obvious. The fine fibres of merino sheep hardly scratch the skin, keep the body pleasantly warm and prevent you from smelling like rancid mountain cheese even after days. However, the material does not transport sweat away from the body quickly enough during strenuous activities and is slow to dry afterwards. Otherwise, merino is our tip for cold winter days.
4 Vaude Gravit Softshell Pants
In our last winter clothing test, the loose-fitting trousers warmed significantly better than the classic tights. The reason: the air cushion between the trousers and the body acts as an excellent insulator. Cold wind reliably bounces off the Gravit softshell trousers. The right leg and the bum are protected by abrasion-resistant trimmings. The leg cuffs and waistband can be adjusted in width. And if the sun does come out on a dull winter's day, you can tan your thighs thanks to the ventilation slits.
5 Sionyx Striped Mountain
The list of features on the Sionyx socks is as long as that of the new BMW five-seater. Anatomically shaped toe, functional hollow fibre, elastic bandages in the ankle and much more. For those who need it. We think the long socks are great because they keep your feet warm. What more could you want on icy winter days?
6 Pearl Izumi Pro Softshell 3X1
No more freezing. The Pearl Izumi cold weather wall consists of a removable Primaloft inner jacket, a softshell outer jacket and a softshell hat. It should be possible to put together the right version for every conceivable weather situation. The jacket has also been tailored to the bike-specific position. Two pockets on the chest and one on the back hold important accessories. With a 20000 millimetre water column, the jacket can also withstand heavy snow and rain.
7 Gore Bike Wear Universal Windstopper Thermo Helmet Cap
The fact that up to 40 per cent of body heat is lost through the head is pure myth. The fact is that there are a relatively large number of nerve endings in the scalp and face. This is why we notice particularly quickly when it gets cold there. We also feel the warming effect of a hat particularly well. In icy temperatures, a model with windstopper material definitely makes sense.
The onion principle: what is it?
Instead of one thick layer of clothing, wear several thin layers. This allows you to react flexibly to different weather conditions.
First layer: Underwear
The first layer has no easy task. It should keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It should draw perspiration away from the body and dry quickly. Ideally, synthetic fibres such as polyester and polypropylene are suitable for this. However, merino wool, often in combination with synthetic fabrics, also fulfils this task. Usually, however, at rather cold temperatures. Make sure that the underwear fits close to the body.
Second layer: Isolation
Protection from the cold is the task of the mid-layer. Depending on the outside temperature, a thin, elasticated long-sleeved shirt or a warming fleece is used. In extreme temperatures, it is also worth using Primaloft products. The light, soft microfibre scores points with its excellent warming properties. On the legs, short to long cycling shorts, possibly brushed on the inside, fulfil this task.
Third layer: Wind protection
Softshell jackets are particularly suitable as an outer layer in winter. They protect you from the wind and can withstand light snowfall or drizzle. They also prevent the body from cooling down. This functional material is also increasingly being used on the legs. In warmer temperatures, the third layer becomes the second. You shouldn't do without wind protection even on mild winter days.
Fourth layer: moisture protection
The so-called hardshell is only used in extreme conditions. In heavy rain or snowfall, vapour-permeable yet fully waterproof jackets protect against flooding. Important features here are taped seams and waterproof zips. Only then can water be reliably kept out. A hood can ensure that water does not come in from above.
Stefan Frey
Editor
