FALL CYCLING CLOTHES

THE COOLER MONTHS TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR DON’T NEED TO SIGNAL THE END OF YOUR OUTDOOR RIDING. IN FACT, FALL CYCLING CAN BE SOME OF THE BEST RIDING YOU’LL ENJOY ALL YEAR. THAT’S ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN YOU HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR. WE HAD A LOOK AT SOME JACKETS AND TIGHTS THAT WILL SERVE YOU WELL AS YOU ENJOY THE FALL COLOURS AND COOLER TEMPERATURES.

Garneau Torrent RTR Jacket

$225 There’s nothing worse than heading out in nice weather and suddenly having some rain clouds roll in overhead. That scenario doesn’t have to be nearly as bad as it can be, though, if you split Garneau’s RTR jacket in your back pocket. The fourway stretchable fabric in this waterproof jacket breathes nicely so you’ll stay dry. It’s windproof, too, so it’s also an option as an extra warm layer if the temperature drops and the wind picks up during your ride. The sealed seams and full-length waterproof zipper keep the rain out, while the silicone zipper at the back stops it from riding up, even when you’re down in an aero tuck.

Castelli Espresso 4 Jacket

$430 The folks at Castelli pride themselves on riding year-round and the Espresso 4 Jacket will get you through the coldest mornings or evenings. Gore Windstopper construction keeps you warm while also providing lots of breathability. There are chest ventilation zippers that open things up, too, providing a bit of cooling for those days where you start cold and warm up as the sun gets higher in the sky. The specially designed neck and wrist closures keep air out while keeping things super comfortable. The stretch inserts in the shoulder are perfect for moving down to the aero position. Three rear pockets provide lots of storage area for your gear, while the reflective piping ensures you’ll be visible.

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier Light Jacket

$160 Perfect as a backup jacket in case you’re worried the weather might turn during your ride, the Barrier Light Jacket packs easily into a back pocket. You get wind protection and a bit of rain protection in this jacket that uses softshell panels to give you a snug, comfortable fit. It has a full-length zipper along with an elastic hem and cuffs to ensure you’ll get maximum coverage, along with reflective elements to provide some safety.

Scott RC Pro W/O Pad Tights

$160 We like the fact that Scott’s RC Pro tights are available without a pad – it means you can wear your favourite cycling or tri shorts underneath these warm tights. The anatomical fit ensures you’ll be comfortable in a riding position, while the silicone grippers ensure nothing slips down or rides up. The fabric breathes nicely and there are mesh inserts that help with ventilation so you won’t feel clammy if things heat up during your ride. A small back pocket provides some room for a key or some cash as a backup for the ride and the reflective print helps keep you visible.

Sportful Giro 2 Tight

$125 Sportful is a brand renowned for great value and the Giro 2 Tight is a perfect example of that. While the company isn’t very well known here in Canada (yet), it has been making clothes since 1945 and got into the cycling market in 1985. These tights are very comfortable and feature a Comfort Pro seat pad, flatlock stitching and reflective inserts, ensuring you’ll be comfortable and warm as the temperatures drop.—km