Bags mean options
First of all, changeable weather means you need options, above all else. And options mean storage. If you’re on your commute or out on a tour, you can take a bag and stash what you’re not currently wearing in there.
I’m a fan of the Berghaus Freeflow rucksack range, primarily because it keeps the weight resting on your hips and shoulders and is arched away from your back – stopping that awful swampy back-sweat feeling. Also, in a crosswind, there’s a gap for the sideways wind to move through, resulting in less push and pull when you’re powering forward.
Classic merino
I highly recommend checking out Soigneur’s range of cycling jerseys. The New Zealand-based company use the most versatile of cycling jersey materials – merino. Merino is basically magic wool, keeping you warm when it’s cold and keeping the worst of the sun off you when it’s hot.
Merino also only retains up to 30 % of its weight in moisture – far lower than the 80 % that cotton or even the best synthetic materials can absorb. The rest of the moisture it just repels. Best of all, no matter how much you sweat, you can hop off your bike and hobble into the coffee shop without fear of stinking out the joint. Merino’s naturally high lanolin content is anti-bacterial. Avoid the polyester whiff…
Tights
Mountain bikers look away now, us road-ladies are going to talk tights. Personally, I’ve never found tights too warm to wear on a ride. I’ve found bib-tights where the back or front of the torso section is too warm but I’ve never regretted having hot legs.
Warm legs are less prone to strain or injury and if you do get too hot – slow down! Cost down a couple of hills and spin leisurely up the next. Actually, you know what? I’m going to come clean. I wear tights on the trail. I also wear socks and sandals. You’re not the boss of me! What clothing choices are you making on the trail this autumn – and what keeps you comfy out on the road? Let us know in the comments.
