It’s getting to shoulder-season and that means we’re all scrambling to find the arm warmers, vests, tights and gloves to beat the chill on early-morning descents. Or perhaps it’s time to replace some of those items. Either way, cold mornings and evenings are upon us and it’s time to start stuffing our back pockets with extra layers or wearing flexible layers that can adapt to changing weather.
Arm Warmers
Castelli Nanoflex Arm Warmers
Not just any arm warmer. Castelli takes arm warmers to the next level by building these with water-resistant Nano Flex fabric to turn a short-sleeve jersey and vest combo into a weatherproof barrier. A dry rider is a warm rider. $59.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
Pearl Izumi Thermal ELITE Arm Warmers
These hot sellers are built with ELITE thermal fleece and articulated, right/left-specific construction. And, they are available in a variety of colors to better match your kit. $32.00 at REI.com
Smartwool PhD Arm Warmers
With an articulated fit and reinforcements, the Smartwool PhD arm warmers bring natural merino fibers into the spotlight as excellent weather protection and top-notch breathability. Merino is always great next-to-skin and the tight knit blocks more wind than you’d think. $25.00 at REI.com
Vests
Hincapie Arenberg Zero Vest
Coming in at the high-end of vests, the Arenberg Vest is built to handle the worst elements you’ll encounter this fall. With a concoction of 4-way stretch MTX Wind Repel fabric featuring high wind protection and water resistance, this lightly-insulated vest can span from shoulder-season into early winter. It tops things off with three generous back pockets. $150 at Hincapie.com (available end of September)
Castelli Fawesome Vest
Built based on the needs of team Garmin Cervelo riders, the Fawesome Vest features Gore Windstopper X-Lite Plus fabric for the ultimate in lightweight wind and weather protection. The fabric features a natural 4-way stretch for the most efficient (a.k.a. race) fit. No pockets, just protection. $119.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
Pearl Izumi ELITE Barrier Vest
Coming in at the lowest price point, the ELITE Barrier Vest offers weather protection at an affordable price. As both a wind and water barrier, the ELITE Barrier vest is also light and packable. This full-featured vest has a lot going for it. $47.97 at CompetitiveCyclist.com (last season’s model)
Bibs
Castelli NanoFlex Bib Knickers
Built with water-shedding and wind-protecting NanoFlex fabric that is lightweight, yet highly-protective. Coupling that with Castelli’s Kiss chamois and these cool-weather bibs will be welcomed as temps drop. $149 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
Hincapie Ghisallo Bib Knickers
The Ghisallo line is purpose-built for fall riding (road and cyclocross), so there are a variety of items that will be suitable for changing weather conditions. The Ghisallo Bibknickers feature winter-weight fleece-lined BodE Thermal Heat stretch fabric and 3/4 length for cool weather. $140 at Hincapie.com (available end of September)
Jerseys
Hincapie Ghisallo SS Jersey
An interesting find in the fall lineup is the Ghisallo SS Jersey. Built to be mated with the Ghisallo arm warmers, this jersey is built with weatherproof BodE Thermal Heat stretch fabric. As a weatherproof SS jersey, this can be worn sans vest on cold rides. $140 at Hincapie.com (available end of September)
Specialized Solar Jet Jersey
With a unique blend of both UV protection and warmth, the Solar Jet LS jersey is built to perform in cool weather. The three back pockets and zippered security pocket are built to carry extra layers and food. $110 at Specialized.com (or your local Specialized dealer)
Bontrager RXL Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
A great option for fall riding or as a base layer for winter assaults, the new RXL Thermal LS Jersey features stretchy Profila Thermal fabric for warmth and breathability. The full-length zipper allows increased breathability when conditions demand. $109.99 at Bontrager.com (or your local Trek dealer)
Gloves
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Softshell Lite Gloves
Great for cool days that don’t require full hand insulation, the P.R.O. Softshell Lite gloves feature Softshell back of hand protection with Pittards® Carbon Leather palm for optimal handlebar feel without sacrificing warmth. $54.95 at CompetitiveCyclist.com
Specialized Body Geometry Deflect Gloves
With Body Geometry construction, these feature a wind/water-resistant upper for cold rides and touchscreen-friendly Wiretap finger tips. The simple, Velcro-free cuffs will work well with jerseys, jackets and arm warmers. $40.00 at Specialized.com (or your local Specialized dealer)
Bontrager Race Windshell Gloves
Bontrager makes great gloves and the Race Windshell features Profila Softshell uppers for added wind protection combined with grippy synthetic palms. Padding is provided by InForm Fusion GelFoam for long-distance comfort. $39.99 at Bontrager.com (or your local Trek dealer)
