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Nothing is worse than being cold. Admittedly, winter outfits are only sexy in exceptional cases. My credo: function first! This outfit is for cold winter days without lots of pedalling. Because then it quickly gets too warm. Otherwise, the tried and tested onion principle applies. Plus weatherproof shoes.
Helmet + helmet cap: Abus MoDrop & Vaude Bike Warm Cap
Of course, the season and the temperature play a role in the Choice of helmet does not play a role. It's more about the helmet cap. It may look silly, but it's very practical. As we all know, the body cools down mainly through the head.
A thin helmet cap is therefore worth its weight in gold. It should cover the ears and not be too thick. There's not much else you can do wrong when choosing a helmet cap. For example, the Vaude Bike Warm Cap underhelmet cap >> available here.
The Abus MoDrop is available in different colours and has all the necessary features that an open face helmet should have: sufficient ventilation holes, a good fit (at least for my head) and the MIPS safety feature.
Photochromic glasses: Julbo Edge Reactiv
In winter you want a Cycling goggles with clear or self-tinting lenses. The lightweight Julbo Edge offers numerous lens options. The French label has been making eyewear since 1888. They started out with protective goggles for stonemasons, then came glacier goggles for climbers, and now it's goggles for bikers.
I chose the Reactiv photochromic lens, which falls into the sun protection category 0-3. It adjusts its tint depending on the UV radiation, which is practical for rapid light changes in the forest. Does it work? Almost! The lenses are not perfect when the light changes quickly. The minimal basic tint of category 0 is only a little annoying when driving at night. The warm, high-contrast look of the lenses is great.
Another advantage: thanks to the magnetic system, the lenses are easy to replace (replacement lens: 50 euros). Ventilation, shape and fit are just right. The weight is 248 grams (pretty light!), and the price starts at 240 euros >> at Mountain time available.
Waistcoat: Fox Flexair Fire Vest
I never tire of proselytising: Waistcoats are great! Especially when biking. The new Fox Flexair Fire is more on the warm side and therefore ideal for winter. It has a successful MTB cut with a longer back section to protect against splashing water, two pockets with zips for your mobile phone and keys and nice warm material.
Particularly successful: Compared to other waistcoats, the back is more permeable to air (see photo). This means I sweat less, especially when I'm travelling with a rucksack. With my height of 1.78 m and normal width shoulders, the size M fits perfectly. However, the price is steep (200 euros), but it's available at the moment. on offer at Bike-Components.
Thermo jersey: Fox Defend thermal jersey
It keeps you nice and warm. Especially in combination with a long-sleeved functional shirt, the windproof Jersey up to around 6 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops further, a gilet over the top will keep you warm. The material is comfortable. The cut and the option of pulling the extended collar over your mouth, nose or even head are also useful.
Unfortunately, there are no zips on the armpits for ventilation, otherwise the Defend Thermo Jersey would have an even wider range of uses. The item is already a few years old, but is still available in some online shops at a reduced price. Size M fits well for someone who is 1.78 metres tall and has medium shoulders.
By the way, a similarly good thermal jersey is available from Platzangst (MR-LS Jersey) >> available here at a reduced price.
Gloves: Leatt Glove DBX 2.0 SubZero & 100 % Brisker
As you know, your hands are the quickest place to get cold, so you want to keep them warm. Cycling gloves. However, they must not be too thick, otherwise the feel of the brake lever will be lost and it will be difficult to keep two fingers on the lever on rough descents. The Leatt DBX 2.0 SubZero >> have proved their worth on Decathlon or Maciag Offroad available.
However, the name doesn't quite live up to its promise; below 0 degrees Celsius it gets too cold in the Leatt. I like the Brisker from 100 % even better (see photo below), they keep you warm and offer a lot of dexterity for winter gloves >> e.g. available here.
Thermal trousers: Fox Racing Defend Fire
The trousers can no longer be found on the Fox website, but some online shops still offer them at greatly reduced prices. The Fox Racing Defend Fire Thermo Trousers with PolartecAlpha insulation is really only for very cold winter days. If you pedal in temperatures around freezing point, you will sweat in this jacket. Cycling trousers But quickly. You need to know that.
I like the cut with the tapered lower leg sections. Admittedly, this doesn't make slipping out quite as smooth. The trousers have a zip pocket on the side. Good: the ratchet fastening.
Shoes: Five Ten Trailcross GTX
The Five Ten Trailcross GTX has proved its worth for me and keeps reliably tight. The upper with Velcro fastening closes nicely and provides additional support on the ankle. The tried-and-tested Five Ten Stealth Phantom rubber compound offers plenty of grip as usual. Thanks to the flexible sole, the Shoe comfortable to wear even when pushing. Of course, the engineers at Five Ten have also thought about heel and toe protection.
To the tester
Tester: Laurin Lehner | Height: 1.78 m | Weight: 74 kg | Inside leg length: 85 cm | Arm length: 59 cm| Chest height 145 cm
Laurin Lehner
Editor
