kitcheck.cc

Cycling kit by temperature

Temperature matters most, but your effort level, the wind and whether it's raining all make a real difference. Browse the guide below or use kitcheck.cc to get a recommendation based on the actual forecast.

≤ 5 °C

Very cold

  • Thermal base layer
  • Insulated jacket
  • Thermal bib tights
  • Thermal full-finger gloves
  • Thermal cap + overshoes
6 – 12 °C

Cold

  • Long-sleeve jersey
  • Wind or rain gilet
  • Bib tights or knee warmers
  • Light gloves
  • Toe covers
13 – 16 °C

Mild

  • Short-sleeve jersey
  • Arm warmers (rollable)
  • Bib shorts
  • Thin gloves optional
  • Gilet in pocket
17 – 22 °C

Warm

  • Short-sleeve jersey
  • Bib shorts
  • No gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Gilet for long descents
≥ 23 °C

Hot

  • Lightweight jersey
  • Bib shorts
  • No gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Prioritise hydration

Other factors that shift the recommendation

Ride intensity

The harder you ride, the warmer you get. A race-pace effort can easily mean one or two fewer layers than on a steady endurance spin. Set your intensity in the calculator and it adjusts the recommendation for you.

Wind

Wind makes a big difference. 15°C with a headwind can feel a lot more like 8°C when you're moving. If it's breezy, add a gilet or wind jacket, especially on exposed sections and descents.

Rain

When there's a real chance of rain, you need a proper waterproof jacket, not just something water-resistant. Wet kit stops working fast, so waterproof gloves and overshoes are worth it too.

Frequently asked questions

Questions we get asked a lot about cycling kit.

What should I wear cycling at 0 °C?

Full winter kit. Thermal base layer, thermal long-sleeve jersey and a windproof or insulated jacket on top. Thermal bib tights, full-finger thermal gloves, a cap under your helmet and waterproof overshoes. With wind and rain it can feel even colder, so kitcheck.cc factors those in too.

What should I wear cycling at 5 °C?

Base layer, thermal long-sleeve jersey, thermal bib tights, light thermal gloves and toe covers or overshoes. A thin cap or ear covers make a real difference in the cold. If you're riding hard you might get away without a jacket on top, but keep one within reach.

What should I wear cycling at 10 °C?

Long-sleeve jersey with arm warmers, bib tights or knee warmers, light gloves and toe covers. If you're riding at a decent pace, knee warmers often do the job instead of full tights. This is the range where your intensity makes the biggest difference to what you'll actually need.

What should I wear cycling at 15 °C?

Short-sleeve jersey with arm warmers is the classic choice. You can roll them down once you warm up. Bib shorts are fine for most riders; throw on knee warmers if it feels fresh or breezy. Gloves are optional and you can leave the overshoes at home unless rain is on the way.

What should I wear cycling at 20 °C?

Bib shorts and a short-sleeve jersey. That's it for most people. Stuff a thin gilet in your back pocket if you've got big descents or a long ride planned, but you probably won't need it.

When do I need a cycling gilet?

Roughly between 10 and 16°C, especially if it's windy. A gilet keeps your chest warm on descents without making you overheat on climbs, and it folds small enough to stuff in a jersey pocket. If rain is in the forecast, go with a waterproof jacket instead.

What cycling kit do I need for riding in rain?

A proper waterproof jacket, not just something water-resistant. Your hands and feet get cold fast when wet, so waterproof gloves and overshoes are worth it. A peaked cap under your helmet keeps the rain out of your eyes. kitcheck.cc picks this up from the forecast and adds the right layers for you.

Does ride intensity affect what cycling kit I need?

Yes, a lot. Going hard warms you up fast and you'll quickly overheat in kit that felt fine at the start. Set your intensity in the calculator (easy through to race pace) and it adjusts the recommendation so you're not stopping to strip layers halfway through.

Should I wear bib shorts or bib tights?

Most people switch somewhere around 12 to 14°C. Below that your legs get cold fast, especially on longer rides. Above it bib shorts are usually fine, maybe with knee warmers if it feels fresh. Wind and rain both push that threshold up. kitcheck.cc picks the right option based on your conditions.

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