The season of extreme cold, wet and windy weather has all but disappeared for most of us in the northern hemisphere. The daffodils are now in full bloom and the sun has made more than one appearance in the last month, which can only mean that spring has officially sprung.
But while the worst of the weather for us in the UK has passed, there’s still the promise of April showers and the occasional frost or windy day for us riders to contend with. So how on earth do you dress for such changeable weather? In this article, we’ll look at how you can dress appropriately across multiple disciplines to make sure you’re comfortable (and dry) this spring.
When you’re on the road you’re at the most exposed on the bike – unless you’re riding through a tunnel or under a canopy of trees, of course. From moor tops to coastal roads, there’s not many places to hide from whatever the weather throws at you, so we highly recommend making the most of layers.
Depending on the session or intensity of ride you’ve got planned, you may find you get warmer or cooler than you’d expect. Baselayers are versatile bits of kit as they keep you warm when you need it, but wick sweat when you start to work. Short sleeve base layers are ideal in most temperatures, particularly if it’s not freezing.
Our Power Grid baselayer is breathable but still keeps your core warm when it needs to be. It’s available in both men’s and women’s cuts and comes in a neutral dove grey colourway. Atop a short sleeve jersey is where the layering really comes into its own. It may be warm enough for just a long sleeve jersey or short sleeve with arm warmers, or the weather might warrant a raincoat or gilet on top just to keep you safe from sudden gusts of wind or downpours. Something light and waterproof like our RBX Comp Rain Jacket is ideal for stashing away for those ‘just in case’ moments.
It may or may not be warm enough for bare legs just yet, so knee or leg warmers are ideal for the in between temperatures. Our Therminal knee warmer uses Lombardia fleece for a comfortable and warm fit and can be paired with our Therminal arm warmers for days when short sleeve jerseys aren’t quite warm enough.
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It’s easy to overdress on a mountain bike. You may not realise just how much work you do, and if you head to the trail in full winter gear, you run the risk of sweating uncomfortably and creating a boil in the bag effect. While rain gear is still important at this time of year, make sure you’re not wearing seriously thermal gear underneath (unless the temperature warrants it!)
Our men’s and women’s Trail rain jackets are ideal as a top layer for rainy days. The jacket uses 2.5-layer woven fabric which helps it to remain breathable, while also keeping you dry. For most, shorts are ideal for springtime riding. They keep you cool and don’t restrict your movement so whether you’re at the bike park or riding an all-day wilderness epic, you’ll stay comfortable. Our Trail Cargo shorts are durable and use water repellent VaporRize™ woven fabrics to keep you dry if you do get caught in a downpour.
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Going gravel riding or commuting? It can be tricky to know what to wear. For commuters, if you’re not riding to work in your work clothes, then you can take full advantage of our road gear selection. But, if you’re after something a little more casual looking but that retains our performance ethos, then our Packable Down Jacket is ideal. It comes to life in really cold weather, so perfect for those early morning or late-night commutes when the sun is down.
For sunnier or more casual rides, then a technical tee is ideal. Available in red or black and men’s and women’s cuts, our Wordmark T-shirts are great for on or off the bike wear and keep you on brand.
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No matter what you ride, spring weather can impact us all differently. So, make sure you’re kitted up and wearing the right gear to keep you warm, dry and feeling comfortable on the bike. Not sure what you need? Head to your local Specialized Concept Store and speak to our friendly staff who can help get you kitted out. Find your closest store here.
