If you want to update your cycling gear this fall, the items on this list are a great place to start.
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POC AVIP SOFTSHELL
$275
A versatile jacket is a must. This windproof, water-resistant option from POC provides ideal protection against the elements, keeping you warm and toasty thanks to its four-way stretch fabric that’s brushed inside. Two of our favorite features, though, are the large reflective print on the back of the jacket that adds visibility for early morning and evening commutes, and the oversized rear pockets that make it simple to store extra arm warmers.
LIZARD SKINS ARAMUS CLASSIC
$39
Known for making some of the most comfortable and durable bar tape around, the Lizard Skins Aramus Classic glove is the perfect companion to dampen road vibration and reduce fatigue on rougher surfaces. Combining genuine sheepskin leather with a generous amount of gel padding in the palm, these gloves are stylish, extremely comfortable and built to take a beating. While some fall weather conditions may call for full-finger coverage, the Aramus gloves are thick enough to be an option when you aren’t ready to cover up completely.
LIZARD SKINS CACHE SADDLE BAG
$24.99
Falling right in the middle of Lizard Skins small and large saddle bags, the Cache is just the right size to hold each of your roadside repair essentials. While one saddle bag might not look all that different from another, we like this one because of its tough 1000D water-resistant material and YKK zipper, which seem like they’ll last forever. The angled straps also make it really easy to adjust to the rails of your saddle and achieve a secure, low-profile fit.
RUDY PROJECT BOOST 01
$349
One of the good things about aero road helmets is they’re perfect for fall riding. The reduced number of vents helps keep your head warmer and drier during the occasional fall shower. For those of you thinking about doing a Fall Gran Fondo, the new Boost 01 from Rudy Project is one of the fastest road helmets you’ll find, reducing wind drag by 12% from a standard road helmet across multiple angles — meaning it’ll be just as fast in crosswinds as in the sprint to the line. The Rudy Project retention system makes it easy to adjustment your fit while on the bike and evenly distributes pressure along the back of the head. If you want to take things a step further, you can also purchase this helmet with Rudy Project’s high-quality sun shield that attaches to the front of the helmet via magnets for an even bigger aerodynamic advantage.
RUDY PROJECT TRAYLX XL
$274
The new XL version of the popular Traylx sunglasses provides more coverage and face protection than the previous model. In addition, the updated lens was engineered to expand depth of vision to help you see what’s up ahead in greater clarity. This model is also really good at preventing fogging during the heat of activity thanks to numerous vents on the lens and frame. The 360-degree adjustable temples and nosepiece make it super easy to customize fit on almost any face shape.
PEARL IZUMI DRY ELITE THERMAL ARM/LEG WARMERS
$35/$55
What we really like about the new PI Dry technology is the hydrophobic treatment used to repel water off knit and woven fabrics doesn’t affect the garment’s breathability, which, unlike most other waterproof materials, is excellent for preventing overheating when you’re riding hard. This feature makes the Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal arm and leg warmers stand out from others for its versatility, as they are a suitable option for layering in colder conditions or to carry in your jersey pocket for emergency rain gear.
UNDER ARMOUR HEATGEAR COMPRESSION SHIRT
$34
The key to staying warm in the cold is layering. This base layer from Under Armour breathes extremely well and wicks away moisture to keep you dry beneath your jacket or long-sleeve jersey. It also features compression properties to improve comfort and blood circulation and is made with anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of smelly microbes that are hard to get rid of in the washing machine.
KNOGG BLINDER MINI CHIPPY
$29
As the amount of daylight decreases, you’ll need a good pair of lights to stay visible. This compact rear light from Knogg places chips on board LEDs to increase the brightness for visibility from more than 500 meters away. The reflected face, rechargeable lithium polymer battery and five flash modes are other key features.
MAVIC SEQUENCE ELITE SHOE
$159
This women’s specific road shoe from Mavic is a good option for anyone looking for a high-quality training shoe that’s plenty suitable for the occasional weekend race. The carbon composite outsole provides good stiffness to transfer your power efficiently without sacrificing comfort — thanks in large part to the Ergo Dial closure and the Endofit Tongue, which make it easy to micro adjust your fit and keep your foot in place during the pedal stroke. The updated color schemes and lined graphic print also make it one of the more stylish options available.
LOUIS GARNEAU LEMMON L/S JERSEY
$64
For those in between days when it’s too warm for a jacket but too brisk to wear short sleeves, the affordable Lemmon long sleeve jersey from Louis Garneau is the perfect solution. It’s extremely well ventilated and, thanks to the AirFit 2 fabric, it does a great job wicking away moisture when you do start to heat up. During the winter, the jersey is light enough to be layered with a jacket without fear of overheating. By itself, we’d recommend this jersey for temperatures in the 60–70° range.
ASSOS TIBURU KNICKER
$170
Knickers really are the perfect solution to fall cycling. The extra knee coverage keeps you from getting cold without having to deal with overheating issues from long tights. We like the new Tiburu model from Assos because of the softness of the material, which breathes well despite the extra insulation and is made from water-repellant RX fabric. As you find with all of Assos chamois, the S7 insert is one of the most comfortable you will ever use and the least likely to cause a saddle sore because of friction due to it’s free-float design. Without a doubt, these will become a go-to piece in your fall cycling collection.
LOUIS GARNEAU OPTIMUM MAT TIGHTS
$59
While winter tights are probably only suitable when temps dip below the 50s, these lightweight tights from Louis Garneau provide a thin layer to keep your knees warm in moderately cool conditions. Ventilated panels on the side of the legs and back of the knees do a good job of keeping you from getting too hot while still taking most of the chill out of the air. The Optimum mat tights don’t have a chamois insert, so they can be worn over your cycling shorts and are just as suitable for the occasional fall run.
