Combat Cycling Cabin Fever

When you are just itching to get out riding, suit up in the best clothes for challenging conditions

Cold out? No problem. The Q36.5 Adventure winter jacket is a feature-rich item that can handle tough conditions. The outer shell has a threelayer waterproof fabric. Beneath that, the soft inner layer provides insulation, as it also ships out moisture. The collar, cuffs and waist make for some excellent seals. Q36.5 says the Adventure is 30 per cent lighter than its Termica jacket, but works well within the same temperature range: about -5 C to 8 C.

CWith the Gobik Winter Tundra 2.0 rain gloves it’s as if paddle sports are helping out on the bike. The gloves are made with 4-mm thick neoprene, which will keep your hands warm in the soggiest of conditions.

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Alpha ROS 2 jacket is almost two jackets in one. Fully zipped up, it will hold off the elements with its Gore-tex panels. If you start getting too warm on a long climb, you can unzip the outer jacket, to expose the inner insulation layer, which is like a sewn-in vest. It also has a zipper for temperature regulation.

Castelli

If you face cold and dry conditions, cover your legs with the Castelli Entrata bib tights They’re made with the company’s Thermoflex fabric and its Kiss Air2 chamois. Zippers at the ankles help you get these tights on and off with ease.

BA zipper across the back of each Castelli Mortirolo glove makes it easy to seal in warmth. Gore-tex material protects your digits from the cold and wet. The gloves are officially rated for 7 to 15 C, but you, hardy Canadian, will find they work well at 0 C and even slightly colder.

Warm and snug, the Difesa thermal cap fits well under your helmet. A wool-blend wrap covers your ears: the traditional material complementing the classic look of the cap.

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CADB

When there’s still some chill in the air, maybe some moisture, too, a top like the Giordana G-shield jersey

lets you enjoy your time on the bike without having to bulk up with more layers. The treated Super Roubaix fabric gets water to slide off the jersey. At the left sleeve – on the passing-car side – the reflective Pixel material boosts your visibility. To boost the warmth of the jersey, sport the Giordana G-shield arm warmers

that bring the features of the Super Roubaix fabric right down to your wrists. The Giordana G-shield bib shorts are built with the Cirro S chamois, which is 14 mm at its thickest points and is infused with aloe vera to hinder the growth of bacteria.

HCriterium jacket before you head off on your local loops in spring. It fits well, but not so snug that you can’t fit a layer or two beneath. Behind the full-length zipper, a strip of material prevents cold air from seeping in. There are three open pockets at the back. An additional zipper pocket will hold your keys.

Put on the Biemme

JIG