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The 2027 selection of premium winter cycling kit
CyclistThe 2027 selection of premium winter cycling kitUnlike the simplicity of summer lightweight jersey, bibshorts, done winter kit has always had its work cut out. An early start thats dark and bitter might morph into a windy and rainy mid-morning, which gives over to sunny spells by early afternoon.Luckily technical fabric development continues apace, and this seasons garments are more proficient than ever at keeping the rider dry, warm and comfortable now that summer is officially over.Items such as Assoss Mille GT Spring Fall and Enduras AllTrack long-sleeve jerseys look ideal for clement rides where breathability takes priority. When the conditions take a turn for the worse, there are options such as the Sphere Gore-Tex Jacket from Portal and Universal Colours three-layer Mono Rain Jacket. Visibility-boosting bibtights from Kostme and specialist shoes from Lake ensure your lower half is well catered for as well, so read on to find out more about this winters best kit.Winter kit brands in this guide Assos Kostme GripGrab Endura Lake Portal Universal Colours Santini Bioracer PactimoAssosHimAssos Mille GT Spring Fall Jersey S11, 165, buy now at assos.comAssos Mille GT Spring Fall Bibtights S11, 185, buy now at assos.comAssos Spring Fall Gloves P1, 75, buy now at assos.comWith an updated fit to allow more room across the chest for the more upright position adopted for endurance rides, the Mille GT Jersey is the perfect companion on cooler rides. Other clever details include Assoss zeroPressure waist, to keep the Mille GT in place without constricting the stomach area, and Triple Ramp Pockets, where flexible panels create a lid-style closure to keep contents secure and protect against the elements. Like the bibtights, the Mille GT Jersey is designed to work down to around 12C.That mid-weight insulation comes from RX fabric on the body and arms, which offers good insulation, is fast-drying and very breathable, Assos says. The close, supportive cut also means the Mille layers up really well with our windproof and waterproof shells for maximum protection.HerAssos Mille GT Spring Fall Jersey S11, 165, buy now at assos.comAssos Womens Skin Layer P1 Short Sleeve Base Layer, 75, buy now at assos.comAssos Uma GT Spring Fall Bibtights S11, 185, buy now at assos.comAssos Spring Fall Gloves P1, 75, buy now at assos.comAssoss take on spring-autumn endurance kit is simple: make it warm, comfortable and streamlined.Its designed for superior comfort on training rides and sustained efforts on long rides in cooler conditions, Assos tells us. The seatpad in the Uma GT tights is super-comfortable on long distances thanks to 12mm high-density foam and anatomy-specific shaping to reduce chafing, and uses Assoss goldenGate 2.0 stitching, where the pad isnt stitched along the sides to allow it to better move with the body when pedalling.Then theres the fabrics. We use a new textile from Polar, which has a thermoregulating warp knit that offers mid-weight insulation down to 12C breathability and a four-way stretch for targeted muscle support, but is made from over 50% recycled polyamide.KostmeHimKostme Signature Unisex Ponytail Cap, 35, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Signature Neck Warmer, 30, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Windproof Cargo Gilet, 155, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Winter Long-Sleeve Cargo Jersey, 175, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Signature Sleeveless Base Layer, 40, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Deep Winter Bibshorts, 230, buy now at kostume.ccIf the words indoor training fill you with dread, then Kostmes Deep Winter Bibshorts might be just the ticket.They can deal with sustained downpours as well as freezing temperatures thanks to a sturdy Italian two-layer softshell thats fully waterproof, breathable and PFAS-free. Down below, the four-layer chamois pad uses memory foam to ensure you stay both comfortable and dry, and it is also layered with an aloe-infused microfibre surface that performs a similar role to chamois cream.They borrow the same membrane fabric as our winter tights, meaning they are totally weatherproof, says Ed Bartlett, Kostmes founder. They are absolutely perfect for those chilly wet and windy days when tights would be too much but normal bibs would not be enough, and they will literally not wet out.HerKostme Signature Unisex Ponytail Cap, 35, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Signature Neck Warmer, 30, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Windproof Cargo Gilet, 155, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Winter Long-Sleeve Cargo Jersey, 175, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Signature Long-Sleeve Base Layer, 65, buy now at kostume.ccKostme Deep Winter Bibtight, 285, buy now at kostume.ccAs proof of concepts go, having a world record breaker wear your jersey from one end of a continent to the other isnt half bad. Ultra-rider Sarah Ruggins did just that when she rode from the bottom of Spain to the top of Norway 6,000km in just under 14 days, using Kostme products including the Winter Long-sleeve Cargo Jersey for much of the ride.The fine-gauge Italian double-knit fabric gives it natural wind-stopping capability and very good venting, says Bartlett. The jersey has brushed-back sleeves so you can wear it with a sleeveless base layer in milder weather or switch to a long-sleeve base layer and our Cargo Gilet when its really cold.Kostme operates a pre-order model that cuts waste, meaning you can only buy this collection from 25th September until 11th October.GripGrabHimGripGrab PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey, 126, buy now at gripgrab.comGripGrab PACR Thermal Bibtights, 160, buy now at gripgrab.comGripGrab Winter Seamless Long Sleeve Base Layer, 75, buy now at gripgrab.comAvailable in six autumnal colours, the PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey sits in the sweet spot between performance and comfort.The whole PACR line is for people who want to feel fast, says Sophie Goetz, senior product developer for GripGrab. Its a race fit, and for warmth and insulation we use a microfleece fabric that uses a really tight knit that gives you a certain amount of wind protection. On the inside the microfleece is really soft, and the brushed surface gives you a warm feeling. On the outside theres a DWR treatment to give you some protection from damp maybe not rain but spray from the road.The neat fit means it can be used as a mid-layer for when its really cold Below 0C I wear it with a winter jacket over the top, says Goetz or on its own with a base layer on autumn days when temperatures are around 7-14C.HerGripGrab PACR Winter Jacket, 200, buy now at gripgrab.comGripGrab PACR Thermal Bibtights, 160, buy now at gripgrab.comGripGrab Womens Merino Blend Thermal Long Sleeve Base Layer, 70, buy now at gripgrab.comDesigned for temperatures down to 0C, GripGrabs PACR (pronounced pacer) Thermal Bibtights use a Superroubaix fabric that offers a lot of stretch.This provides a soft compression that gives great comfort but also plenty of freedom of movement, says Goetz. When you put them on they just feel great.As well as excellent breathability, the bibs have a DWR coating for protection, and the right leg has a side pocket that can store a phone or other essentials.It uses a really strong woven fabric so you can put a lot of things in it, says Goetz, but when its not in use it sits so flat you dont even know its there.On the inside is an Elastic Interface pad with women-specific shaping and a dense foam for long-term comfort.EnduraHimEndura FS260 Mips Helmet, 120, buy now at endurasport.comEndura Mens AllTrack Ride Long-Sleeve Jersey, 115, buy now at endurasport.comEndura Mens FS260 Thermo Bibtights II, 120, buy now at endurasport.comEndura SingleTrack Windproof Gloves, 36, buy now at endurasport.comAs the name suggests, the AllTrack Ride Jersey is made to take on all tracks, for riders combining road and gravel in changeable conditions something we Brits know all too well.Its for any terrain, with the focus mainly on gravel, says Ilma Barbaroviciute, UK community manager for Endura. In the cycling world its described as a relaxed fit, so not as aero as a road jersey but not super-baggy like mountain bike kit.The main body of the jersey is a merino blend fabric for comfort and temperature regulation, while the sleeves are made from a stretchy rip-stop fabric for ease of movement and protection from scratches and scrapes.Endura gear is built to last, says Barbaroviciute, so you can buy it in the knowledge that you wont have to replace it after a season. The watch words are durability and relaxability if thats even a word. It is now.HerEndura Womens AllTrack Ride Long-Sleeve Jersey, 115, buy now at endurasport.comEndura Womens Pro SL Bibtights, 200, buy now at endurasport.comEndura SingleTrack Windproof Gloves, 36, buy now at endurasport.comEndura describes its Pro SL Bibtights as the most technically advanced bibtights we have ever produced. The main leg panels are four-way stretch, windproof, water-repellent, breathable and come with a soft, brushed inner face for warmth and comfort. The front section around the torso is a panel of high-wicking material that is more supportive and comfortable than straps, while a cunning overlap at the knee allows for unrestricted articulation.The insert is Enduras top-of-the-range 800-Series pad. This includes a medical grade elastomer, as used in prosthetics, to offer greater protection in sensitive areas.But probably my favourite feature is the DropSeat, says Barbaroviciute, as it makes stopping for a nature break easy without taking off the bibs.LakeLake MXZ21, 250, buy now at lakecycling.comLake boasts high-performance winter-specific options for off-road as well.The MXZ21s carbon midsole makes it well suited to performance-oriented riding where stiffness and power transfer remain important, but additional protection from cold and wet conditions is needed, says Christian Van Asten, Lakes owner. The real-rubber outsole also makes it practical when you need to get off the bike on wet or slippery surfaces.The MXZ21 forgoes a Boa closure in favour of speed laces: They complement the shoes approach. Rather than needing several small adjustments, one pull cinches the upper around the foot, making entry and removal quick and straightforward when your hands are cold. It also helps make the shoe the lightest winter option in our range, says Van Asten.Lake CX146, 225, buy now at lakecycling.comThe benefits of dedicated winter shoes are well known. Versus a summer shoe and overshoe combo, they offer more consistent weather protection and insulation.One of the biggest advantages of the CX146, though, is fit choice, says Van Asten. Its available in both regular and wide a winter shoe thats too tight can restrict circulation and make cold feet worse. By offering different options we allow enough space for an appropriate winter sock without sacrificing foot security.The CX146 has a low bulk construction, so together with the stiff nylon sole and three-bolt cleat pattern, it retains the feel of a cycling shoe.The Boa M4 closure is another key detail, says Van Asten. It has been designed to be large enough to operate while wearing gloves.PortalHimPortal Trade Winds Helmet, 260, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Sphere Gore-Tex Jacket, 395, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Range Light Jersey, 145, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Realm Cargo Short 2.0, 265, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Drift Merino Gaitor, 40, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Drift Merino Gloves, 50, buy now at portal-brand.comPortals Sphere Gore-Tex Jacket is designed to be versatile for wearing on or off the bike, and uses technical materials to achieve a light 173g weight and a waterproof layer that can also breathe.After Gore-Texs Shakedry was discontinued we didnt think this material could compete, but it does, says Portals co-founder John Roberts. Weve tested it extensively and theres a noticeable difference in breathability compared to other three-layer materials on the market.Gore-Tex innovates in performance and sustainability, and we were delighted to get a licence to use its PFAS-free material.To maximise adjustability theres a drawstring hem and a pleat at the rear to allow space for a cargo vest to be worn underneath plus it stuffs neatly into a concealed zipped pocket that doubles as a stash for valuables.HerPortal Trade Winds Helmet, 260, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Range Light Jersey, 145, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Sphere Gore-Tex Jacket, 395, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Realm Cargo 2.0 Bibshorts, 265, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Drift Merino Gaitor, 40, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Drift Merino Gloves, 50, buy now at portal-brand.comPortal Pattern Active Socks, 20, buy now at portal-brand.comStorage, durability and comfort are three key components of the Portal Realm Cargo 2.0 Bibshorts. As well as thigh storage there are five other pockets dotted around the waist area to free up your jersey, plus Portal uses abrasion-resistant Dyneema yarns to make them extra-sturdy.This second generation takes everything we loved about the first version pockets, integrated thigh gripper and honeycomb fabric on the thighs for wicking while improving the fit and making the short nearly twice as light, says Roberts.The chamois is more minimal, theres a lightweight stretch woven fabric in the main body and a lighter-weight Dyneema weave in the thigh and stomach pockets. Once youve used the stomach pockets on a bibshort its hard to go back to a pair without them.Universal ColoursHimUniversal Colours Mono Rain Jacket, 220, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Mens Mono Bibtights, 165, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Mens Mono Long-Sleeve Jersey, 125, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Mens Mono Sleeveless Base Layer, 45, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Merino Winter Socks, 20, buy now at universalcolours.comIf theres one item riders will be packing on most winter rides, its a rain shell. Handily, Universal Colours Mono Rain Jacket not only packs down easily into a jersey pocket but packs a performance punch too.Weve used a premium Japanese PU membrane and a PFAS-free DWR coating to deliver fully waterproof and breathable protection, says Tom Webb, creative lead at Universal Colours.It has a three-layer construction with taped seams and a two-way Aquaguard zip to create a really reliable weather barrier.The Mono jacket is available in a choice of six colours, and has been designed with a svelte, shorter cut to keep everything neat and aerodynamicwhile riding, so it wont slow you down while its keeping you dry.HerUniversal Colours Mono Rain Jacket, 220, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Womens Mono Bibtights, 165, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Womens Mono Long-Sleeve Jersey, 125, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours Mens Mono Sleeveless Base Layer, 45, buy now at universalcolours.comUniversal Colours uses a highly stretchy recycled Italian nylon to maximise freedom of movement in its bibtights, which the brand says are warm enough to ride down to 3C. There are separate designs for men and women, with anatomically specific chamois pads to ensure that riders can stay comfortable for longer. A rear zip on the womens bibs also help with nature breaks.We partnered with Elastic Interface and fitted a women-specific multi-density pad with perforated 13mm thick foam for high levels of vibration damping, says Webb.The nylon we chose as our main material has a brushed back for comfort and warmth, plus it has a PFAS-free plant-based DWR coating to repel moisture.SantiniHimSantini RTR Jacket, 160, buy now at santinicycling.comSantini Dry LS Base Layer, 60, buy now at santinicycling.comSantini RTR Bibtights, 130, buy now at santinicycling.comSantini Puro Socks, 16, buy now at santinicycling.comSantinis Ready To Ride collection focuses on simplicity and quality, and the RTR Jacket is a good example of the kits approach.The brands latest winter product uses a three-layer membrane to protect against all but the worst weather yet combines that with fleece inserts to ensure the garment provides comfort and freedom of movement.The jacket has a high collar for extra protection, triple rear pockets and reflective details, so can be used in grotty weather between -5C and +5C, says Santinis co-owner and marketing director Paola Santini.Importantly, the jacket uses a dyed garment technique, whereby its produced in white and then dyed afterwards, which helps improve the vibrancy and durability of the colour, helping the rider stand out in winter conditions for an extra layer of safety.HerSantini RTR Jacket, 160, buy now at santinicycling.comSantini Dry LS Base Layer, 60, buy now at santinicycling.comSantini RTR Bibtights, 130, buy now at santinicycling.comThough garment styling and colours are mirrored between male and female options in the Ready To Ride collection, there are several gender-specific pieces.The RTR womens bibtights use a Woman Foam Bio pad, says Paola Santini. The Foam Bio pad offers extra cushioning for womens sit bones and an anti-bacterial microfibre top layer is finished with seamless, zero friction edges to minimise the risk of irritation.The body fabric supports the comfort of the pad because its a light thermal fleece, says Santini. Its durable, stretchy and lightly compressive, so the rider should forget theyre wearing them, but still offers lots of protection from the cold. The bibstraps extend seamlessly up from the legs using the same piece of fabric, again ensuring zero irritation in use.BioracerHimBioracer Wind Gilet, 72, buy now at bioracer.comBioracer Tempest Light Jacket, 94, buy now at bioracer.comBioracer Tempest Light Bibtights, 86, buy now at bioracer.comIf the Tempest Light Jacket looks familiar, thats because its a staple of Bioracers winter line, though the jacket itself has been heavily changed for 2026, with the main material switching from polyester to polyamide.Polyamide feels softer and smoother against the skin while offering more stretch and flexibility. This creates a comfortable, close-to-body fit and greater freedom of movement, says Britt Raskin, Bioracers collection strategist. It also allows Bioracer to dye the fabric rather than having to print on it, so the design and colour options can be richer.The overall remit of the jacket remains similar, though, being suitable for fast-paced, more intense riding in colder conditions or the milder months of autumn and spring due to its focus on breathability and light insulation rather than all-out weather protection.HerBioracer Wind Gilet, 72, buy now at bioracer.comBioracer Tempest Light Jacket, 94, buy now at bioracer.comBioracer Tempest Light Bibtights, 86, buy now at bioracer.comBioracers Tempest Light Bibtights are a totally new garment.We wanted to provide something that offers the same characteristics as the Tempest Light Jacket, because winter kit that offers high breathability and comfort over bulky insulation and protection is only getting more relevant as the seasons become milder and more riders choose to ride indoors during the worst weather, says Raskin.In comparison to the Tempest bibtights, the Tempest Light uses a lighter fabric and weve dropped the pixelated, reflective calf panels to prioritise breathability.The bibtights, like all Bioracer products, are gender-specific, so that means the use of a Vaper Women chamois that uses a structure and shape suited to the female physiology.PactimoHimPactimo Vertex WX-D Jacket, 210, buy now at pactimo.comPactimo Alpine Thermal Bibtights, 152, buy now at pactimo.comPactimos Vertex WX-D jacket is designed for harsh winter conditions without being bulky or rigid thanks to the use of the brands Storm+ softshell laminate.Its a combination of lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking knit fabrics bonded to either side of a high-stretch membrane, says Ryan White, Pactimos head of product. It creates a soft-against-the-skin fabric thats fully waterproof, but soft and stretchable.The Vertex adds insulation to the mix thanks to the inclusion of Polartecs Alpha Direct fabric: Weve added it in select areas so the jacket can be used through winters harshest conditions without having to think about layering up. Its designed to sit directly against skin or base layers with no backing fabric needed. Alpha is a low-density, high-pile knit with an open structure that transfers moisture freely while trapping your body heat.HerPactimo Alpine Thermal LS Jersey, 125, buy now at pactimo.comPactimo Alpine Thermal Bibtights, 152, buy now at pactimo.comThey might look understated but the Alpine Thermal bibtights have undergone extensive refinement in the tough conditions of Colorados Rocky Mountains.The high-loft fleece we use in them provides warmth, breathability and excellent stretch, says White. That combination of attributes is even more impressive when its considered that Pactimo achieved them using recycled fabric.Can we use recycled materials? is always our first question these days when it comes to designing kit, says White. The nylon we use in the Alpine tights comes from fishing nets. Increasingly, recycled fabric offers the performance of virgin fabric, so it becomes a cost decision. Were happy to take the small impact on our margin in order to use it.Elastic Interfaces women-specific Paris chamois sits at the heart of the Alpine tights, which also feature a zippered thigh pocket and reflective details.The post The 2027 selection of premium winter cycling kit appeared first on Cyclist.
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