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Aug 16, 2023

Best Cycling Gear for Spring in 2021

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Even fairweather cyclists start digging out their chamois the moment spring hits the air. But when you ride during shoulder season — that unofficial fifth period when it's technically spring but not on winter's watch — you risk contending with some fickle weather.

Quick changes in temperature, sweat-inducing workouts, and surprise rainstorms all play into how comfortable and safe you are on your ride, so it's important to have versatile pieces of clothing to layer up or down with. And since shoulder season is also commonly referred to as mud season, having the right bike accessories helps you better tackle the slippery, gushy surface to stay safe on your ride.

From local gravel loops to the 2,700-mile Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, I've ridden thousands of miles of gravel in the five years since I bought my first gravel bike. Over this time, I've biked in dozens of different cycling kits and on virtually every gravel-friendly tire size between 28mm and 2.35in. And while my kit and gear choice vary depending on the type of route I'm riding, the following apparel and accessories are my go-to choices come spring for riding everything from slushy gravel roads to hard-packed dirt.

At the end of this guide, I go into more detail about why fluctuating temperatures matter (did you know hypothermia can set in at 50℉?), what to look for when shopping for shoulder season cycling gear, and how I tested the items on this list.

It's worth noting that though this round-up focuses on gravel riding specifically — it's the best type of riding to satisfy your thirst for dirt without damaging thawing trails — the following featured gear and apparel are ultimately versatile enough to use for any style of riding during any season.

Base layers, tops, and jackets

Bottoms

Accessories

Gear

Proper moisture management starts with a good base layer. The Luxe Cropped Base from women-owned Machines For Freedom checks all of the boxes when it comes to versatility, durability, and performance when wet. The company's Better Than Skin fabric is luxuriously soft, even silky, but it has way more of a purpose than just feeling good against your skin: The stretchy fabric also quickly wicks away sweat, which will help you stay dry and comfortable in challenging weather.

Available in a sleeveless or long-sleeved version, this crop is cut so beautifully and fits so comfortably, it's hard to believe it was designed to be hidden beneath your kit.

Constructed with ultrafine merino wool, this long-sleeved base layer feels so weightless, you'll almost forget you're wearing it. That feather-light feel is what makes this ideal for year-round riding.

Breathable yet warm, lightweight yet durable, this is an anytime, anywhere, any weather kind of base layer.

If you're like me and sometimes prefer riding in something a little more casual than a bike jersey, this long-sleeved shirt brings all the technical aspects you love about merino and polyester in a really stylish henley cut. It dries extremely quickly without sacrificing durability, too.

I once rode this shirt on a bikepacking trip and wiped out on loose gravel. My skin looked like I'd taken a cheese grater to it, but the Lory came away completely unscathed. It's pricey, but you pay for quality. Use it as a layer when it's really cold or wear it on its own for cool spring rides.

Much like Velocio's line of merino base layers, this short-sleeve jersey is made with ultrafine merino wool. Soft, never itchy, this jersey is my favorite, both for its unassuming look and its versatility. The merino fabric is so thin, it's practically see-through, but that's exactly what makes this top so functional.

Wear it underneath a jacket for cold days, with some arm warmers for cool days, or by itself in the heat of summer. This is truly a three-season jersey.

This lightweight waterproof jacket is the Swiss army knife of cycling jackets. When it's moderately warm out but the skies are threatening rain, I feel confident wearing just a short-sleeved jersey and packing the Shakedry as my only extra layer. Considering this rain jacket packs down to the size of a small tennis ball, the warmth-to-weight ratio is impressive.

The Gore-Tex ShakeDry fabric is not only 100% waterproof, but it's also entirely windproof and does an incredible job of capturing precious body heat without trapping moisture. Whip it out on a windy summit, before a descent, or at the onset of a downpour. This jacket is worth its 3.4-ounce weight in gold.

There is little worse than riding when it's 34 degrees and raining, but with this softshell rain jacket, those dreary conditions feel balmy. Built with Polartec Neoshell fabric, this jacket is extremely form-fitting (seriously, size up one or two sizes) yet stretchy, breathable, warm, and of course, 100% waterproof.

Even on the coldest days, I don't need to wear much under this jacket to stay warm.

This is the emergency layer I leave stowed on the bike at all times, no matter the season. Water-resistant and windproof, this wind shell weighs only 100g and packs down small enough that I forget I've stashed it on my bike.

It won't exactly keep you dry in a downpour, but when you're caught in a storm, this little jacket makes a big difference in staying warm.

For such a supportive bib, these shorts feel like they're hardly there. The super slick PRO Transfer fabric is cut wide at the shoulder straps and left raw at the leg openings for a truly sleek and smooth next-to-skin feel.

Designed for long-distance rides, these bibs dry quickly and breathe nicely for big days in the saddle. Pair them with some knee warmers on cool spring mornings.

Thoughtfully crafted for women (by women) who like to spend all day on the bike, the Machines For Freedom Essential Cycling Short is quite literally the most comfortable bike short I've ever worn. I have ridden over 1,000 miles in the same pair with zero chafing issues or saddle sores. I credit most of that to the women's-specific chamois, which is wider than traditional chamois to accommodate most women's sit bones.

The wide "yoga-style" waistband never folds down on me and helps tuck in my stomach when I've housed too many chips to be comfortable anymore. And when it rains, or the humidity melts me, these shorts are quick to air dry.

When winter really doesn't want to relinquish its grasp, these softshell tights will keep you warm and dry. PI Dry water-shedding shell on the outside and cozy fleece on the inside, these tights don't feature a chamois, which I personally prefer since it allows me to ditch the tights mid-ride if the weather improves.

They don't exactly pack down small, so I typically reserve these for riding on exceptionally cold or nasty days.

The Recon 3.0 straddles the line between the comfort of a mountain bike shoe (even during the occasional hike-a-bike) but with the sleek fit of a road shoe. The BOA Fit System lets you make fit adjustments on the fly and performs well even in the mud and grit. At 355g, these lightweight gravel shoes will dry quickly if a passing thunderstorm soaks you mid-ride.

Read more: The best cycling shoes

Slip into a pair of these stretchy oversocks for the ultimate pairing of warmth and waterproofing. The three-layer construction on these oversocks makes them extra durable and extra waterproof, a must for riding in variable conditions. The neon yellow color is great for added visibility on dreary, grey days.

Every cyclist has felt the frustration of both sweaty hands and cold, stiff fingers — potentially even in the same ride. This four-pack of gloves from Dissent 133 lets you layer your gloves like you would your clothes. Included is a range in thickness and material, from a thin silk liner to a fully waterproof outer glove.

Pick and choose the combination of gloves that work best for the conditions you're riding. Each style of glove is touchscreen-friendly and flexible enough to not interfere with braking or shifting.

Wear this collar around your neck, as a headband, or over your mouth and nose for a few added degrees of warmth. Perfect for rides that start or end in chilly temperatures, this Merino-polyester blend collar is an easy way to help regulate your body's internal thermometer.

These knee warmers are fleece-lined, water repellent, and made with the environment in mind (thanks to PFC-free DWR treatment), which is a win-win-win in my book. No matter what time of year I'm riding, I always pack these with me.

I personally prefer the shorter mid-shin length as opposed to the full-length leg warmers. They're great for cold summits or chilly morning starts. Easy to take on or off, the leg grippers don't hurt after hours of riding in them and don't slide down.

Nothing's worse than a sweaty, stinky helmet that never dries. But with the Giant and Liv Rev Pro MIPS, those days are over. I've been using the Liv women's version of this helmet for the past year (the men's is the same and just as highly-recommended), putting it through the paces, and the moisture-wicking TransTextura Plus pad technology, lightweight feel, and ample ventilation are next level. (Giant offers the same helmet for men.)

Even after a rainy ride, the Rev Pro is dry and ready to wear the very next day.

Tired of cleaning out the mud and grime from your water bottle valve before you can even take a sip? Say goodbye to gritty sips. This new water bottle from Polar Bottle features a Muckguard cap that protects the valve from muddy gravel spray.

Riding on cloudy days doesn't mean you should forego eye protection. These cycling glasses from Smith are built for riding in low-light environments or when the lighting conditions may vary.

These versatile lenses shift from clear (85% VLT) to grey (20% VLT) when exposed to sunlight, which means you can wear the same pair of glasses whether it's sunny or cloudy.

Maxxis's first gravel-specific tire does not disappoint. The tightly patterned center tread on these tires allows you to roll quickly on dry dirt roads or pavement while the side knobs help you keep traction in loose corners and over technical terrain.

Available in a wide assortment of sizes from 700x38c to 27.5x1.5", I like the 700x40c for my style of riding, which typically includes mixing together a lot of different types of road from buttery pavement to rock-studded jeep trails.

While the product name leaves little to the imagination, if you plan to ride gravel when it's even moderately wet outside, this little rear fender will be the best $10 you ever spend in your life. Easy to attach to any double-railed saddle, this will keep your seat post (and your backside) from getting caked in mud.

Every rider needs a rear light for visibility and safety, but it's even more important to have one if you're riding on cloudy days or during rainstorms in the shoulder season. This compact blinkie comes with Lezyne's "Alert," technology, which automatically turns to a solid red when a cyclist decelerates (imagine a car brake light), helping to alert drivers that the rider is slowing down.

This light is also waterproof, provides up to 14 hours of runtime, and features an integrated USB stick for cable-free, battery-free charging.

This little roll-top handlebar bag is my favorite bike bag. It permanently lives on my gravel bike, but you can easily take it on or off thanks to the integrated Voilé Nano Straps®. The welded waterproof construction keeps everything totally dry, even in a total downpour. I've even entrusted it to carry my camera, which is saying something.

The bungee closure is easy to unlatch one-handed while riding the bike, which makes it a perfect place to stash all the riding snacks. At 4.5L in size, it's not too big, not too small, but just right.

If you're riding gravel often, you're bound to get a flat. Keep your tools, tubes, and repair items close at hand with this handy seat roll. Large enough to hold a 700x45mm gravel tire, but small enough to tuck up underneath your saddle, this nylon seat roll cinches tightly thanks to the BOA Fit System.

From warm and sunny, to cold and snowy, conditions can change even during the course of a day's ride. The temperature might be near-freezing at the start of your ride, making it tempting to don all of your warmest layers. But all it takes is a punchy hill climb and a few sunny rays to go from chilly to sweaty.

If shoulder season-riding had an enemy, it would be sweat. When temperatures are cool or skies are cloudy, the smallest amount of sweat can make or break your ride. Throw in an unexpected rain shower and you're riding in prime conditions for hypothermia. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cold-related injuries can occur in temperatures as warm as 50℉.

Successful moisture management is the key to staying comfortable during your spring rides, but it's not always easy to achieve, especially when you're gravel riding. You may feel cold riding in the shade of a north-facing road, but then get hot powering up that exposed hill. If your jersey doesn't breathe or you don't stop to shed a layer, you'll sweat, which will then sap your hard-earned warmth on the next descent when the wind hits.

Bike accessories are crucial, too. Shoulder season and mud go hand-in-hand. Run a slightly wider tire for more handling confidence on soft surfaces, and throw on a set of fenders to keep the mud splatter to a minimum.

When it comes to finding proper shoulder season cycling apparel and hardgoods, versatility is essential. Look for apparel that either keeps you dry or dries quickly, helps you stay warm when wet, and is easy to layer. Because temperatures can vary, it's best to find layers that are also lightweight and pack down small so you can stuff unneeded layers in jersey pockets or bike bags.

When you're outfitting your bike for shoulder-season gravel riding, remember that you'll likely encounter wet and muddy conditions on the road due to the freeze-thaw nature of changing seasons. Wider tires, fenders, and waterproof handlebar bags will keep you riding comfortably even in the foulest weather and on the sloppiest roads.

All products included in this round-up have seen a full season of inclement weather riding in order to judge their effectiveness in three categories: versatility, performance when wet, and durability. Here's what we looked for in each category:

Because riding conditions during shoulder season can vary from one minute to the next, we featured apparel and gear that would perform well no matter the weather. From base layers to glasses, these items exceed on rides with dreary skies and questionable weather but are versatile enough to use in the depths of winter and the heat of summer.

Be it rain or snow, you'll likely encounter some form of precipitation at some point during your shoulder season ride. When featuring layers and accessories, we selected items that keep you dry, add warmth when wet, or dry quickly once wet.

Road salt, mud, grit, and gravel are hard on gear. That's why we featured gear built to perform even in the toughest elements.

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