Spring is a wonderful time of year as the weather starts to improve, leaving hints as to what is to come with better weather and more daylight. For many cyclists it marks the time when the ‘nice’ bike can emerge glistening from storage as training for bigger summer rides ramps up.
This season is arguably the hardest to dress for after being wrapped up in bib-tights and windbreakers for so many months, and in the same breath eagerly anticipating the first ride when you can strip down to summer clothing. It is really hard to get the balance right so here we have a handy list of kit essentials to make the transition from winter to summer a little easier.
Overshoes
£32.99
A good pair of overshoes can be your best friend in three out of the four seasons. If your feet are warm and dry, you will be happier, faster and you’ll protect your nice shiny cycling shoes from road rubbish. If full overshoes are a step too far as it warms up a bit, consider toe covers which just cover the lower half of your foot.
Take a look at our selection of overshoes here.
While we’re focusing on the feet, spring is never as warm as we would like it to be, so sticking to well-insulated socks for a few weeks longer can make the difference between enjoyment and frozen toes. We’ve got a few different options in the store too.
Knee warmers
The first ride in bib-shorts nearly always comes too soon as we tell ourselves it is warming up faster than it is. Make the transition easier by investing in a pair of knee warmers and slowly introducing your legs to the year! Knee warmers can easily be taken off if you find you’re getting a little too warm and they’ll pack neatly into a jersey pocket. This pair from Castelli are guaranteed to keep you toasty.
Base layer
£34.99
save 14%
The humble base layer is a vital part of your spring kit. Swapping long for short-sleeves will likely be the first thing you want to do coming into spring, but make sure not to go too far towards the mesh summer base layer before you are ready! The long-sleeve Endura Frontline is a great transitional base, while the Castelli Core Mesh is a full-on hot weather choice.
Rain cape/gilet
We were all taught as children that spring is when it rains a lot. Whether or not that turns out to be true all the time, a showerproof jacket and or a gilet, which can be tightly wrapped up in your jersey pocket is crucial, particularly if you have stowed the winter windbreaker back in the drawer. This piece of kit will provide peace of mind, rain protection and an extra layer if you get caught wearing too little.
Good gloves
A good glove choice is important, particularly if you are an early morning rider. Something in between the many-layered, water-resistant, insulated winter variety and your favourite aero summer mitts will be a valuable edition to your lycra drawer. Go for lightweight, but avoid fingerless until you are 100% confident you won’t lose all ability to use your hands in the cold wind. There’s nothing worse than barrelling down a descent and realising you can no longer move your fingers to pull the brakes! Check out our selection of gloves here.
Headwear
Never underestimate spring’s biting wind and protect your neck and head. We lose more heat through our head than anywhere else so wear a cap under your helmet and a neckwarmer to prevent the cold wind from sneaking into your jersey. Both items can be easily stowed mid-ride if you get too warm – shop our selection of cycling headwear now.
Actual sunglasses
This is one of the best moments of the early season; changing your clear or orange lenses for the polarised ones, fresh from their winter’s hibernation. There is not much that makes you feel cooler or more optimistic for summer than putting on your proper sunglasses. We stock a range of cycling sunglasses by top brands such as Tifosi and Bianchi .
If you have all these pieces of kit in your kit collection you’ll find yourself much better prepared to enjoy the spring as the season rolls towards better weather and longer rides. Stay warm, stay safe, and bring on the summer!
