Fall is prime riding season. The air cools, the views become colorful, and you can settle into your most comfortable layers. The key is smart layering you can add or remove as the day changes. In this guide you will learn how to dress and prep by temperature, and how to care for your gear. Stick around to the end for a secret code that adds a little extra warmth to your fall rides.
How to Dress and Prepare for Fall Cycling
65-70ºF: Light and Breathable
Early fall is kind as the sun still carries a touch of summer, the breeze is gentle, and shaded stretches are pleasant and not yet chilly. This is the best time of year as summer is still trying to hold on and let you enjoy the last few days of warmth. You can roll at an easy pace without worrying about cold hands or knees, which makes this the simplest part of the season to dress for.
Keep on a short sleeve jersey so you do not overheat, and add a light base layer if you roll out at dawn or finish at dusk. Bibs or shorts work well because moving legs create their own cooling. If you want a bit more comfort, fingerless gloves add padding without trapping heat, so your hands stay dry as the airflow picks up.
Women's Merino Wool Long Sleeve
Men's Wind Armor Hoodie
55-65ºF: Add Light Coverage
Mornings turn crisp and shade cools you quicker than you expect. You will warm on climbs and feel that chill on downhill sections, so aim for flexible layers you can tweak as the ride changes.
Keep the short sleeve jersey and add a thin mesh or merino base to pull sweat off your skin. Pair bib shorts with arm warmers, or switch to a light long sleeve jersey if you run cold. A wind vest earns its spot for rollouts and windy miles; zip up to block the breeze and unzip for breathability. Thin full finger gloves take the edge off without making your hands clammy.
Cold Weather Toe Warmers
USA Classic Leg Warmers
45-55ºF: Thermal time
Now the air has bite. Early starts and after-work spins feel cool, and descents can chill you if you stop pushing. This is the zone where a little insulation makes the whole ride smoother without adding bulk.
Reach for a thermal long sleeve jersey, or wear a regular jersey with thermal arm warmers and a midweight base so you stay warm when the pace eases. Cover your knees with knee or leg warmers to keep joints happy, or move into light padded tights if you prefer full coverage. Keep a packable wind shell in a pocket for shaded sections, and add simple toe covers to take the sting out of cold airflow at your shoes. Thin full finger gloves are usually enough here, and you can always zip or unzip layers to fine tune as the day shifts.
Men's Merino Wool Thermal Base Layer
Merino Wool Woolie Boolie Socks
35-45ºF: Full cold-weather kit
This is a real fall cold. The air feels sharp, the wind lingers, and easy spins cool you off fast. Plan for steady warmth with layers that block the breeze and seal in heat.
Go thermal on top and bottom, then add a windproof or lightly insulated jacket to stop the chill on your chest. Thermal bib tights keep muscles warm when the pace dips. Insulated full finger gloves prevent hand fatigue, and a headband or skull cap under the helmet closes off vent drafts. A neck gaiter or face cover protects exposed skin when the breeze picks up. Finish with full shoe covers to lock in comfort. Choose a jacket you can open and close so you can manage effort and temperature without stopping.
Rain in the forecast?
Cool rain amplifies wind chill, so a shell becomes essential. Use water resistant for mist or passing showers. Choose waterproof when the rain looks steady. The goal is a warm, dry core while your base and jersey handle sweat. Keep a packable shell in a pocket so you can throw it on when clouds move in and stash it as soon as the sky clears.
Lightweight Spider Grip Gloves
Men's AeroReflective Rain Coat
Small items that make a Big difference
Pack a few small pieces that change how a ride feels. Warmers turn a summer kit into a shoulder-season setup you can adjust mid-ride. A thin skull cap stops cold air sneaking through helmet vents. Toe covers buy a surprising amount of comfort without the bulk of full booties. Add bright or reflective touches for low sun and early dusk so drivers spot you sooner.
Pre-Ride Prep Checklist
- Check temperature, wind, and chance of rain, then dress for mile ten, not your driveway.
- Carry one add-or-remove layer like a wind vest or arm warmers.
- Charge front and rear lights, even for daytime rides.
- Pack a simple snack, a small pump or CO2, and ID.
- Leave a cozy change of clothes at home so recovery feels better.
Care that keeps apparel performing
Rinse off sweat and road grit soon after riding. Wash on cold with a sports detergent, and hang to dry to protect stretch. Close zippers and velcro before washing so fabrics do not snag. When water stops beading on your rain jacket, clean it and reproof it so it sheds again.
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