Cycling Kit by Temperature: What to Wear from 0°C to 30°C

It's the question before every ride: what do I wear today? Get it wrong and you either overheat on the climb or shiver on the descent.

This guide maps the VELOR range to every temperature range, from freezing winter rides to 30°C summer days.

In short: above 22°C, short sleeves and bib shorts. From 15 to 22°C, add a gilet in your pocket. From 10 to 15°C, arm warmers or long sleeves. From 5 to 10°C, bib tights and a gilet. Below 5°C, a winter jacket, bib tights, and NOMAD for very long days. See the selection →

~4 min read · Jump to: Above 22°C · 15 to 22°C · 10 to 15°C · 5 to 10°C · 0 to 5°C · Chart · FAQ · Shop

Above 22°C: Hot Weather

When it's above 22°C, less is more. Your body needs to breathe, sweat needs to evaporate fast, and air needs to reach your skin. A light short sleeve jersey and bib shorts are all you need.

Tip: light colours reflect heat. Dunes and Sand are made for hot days.

Cyclist in a VELOR Dunes recycled jersey on a hot day

15 to 22°C: Ideal Conditions

The sweet spot for most riders: warm enough for short sleeves, cool enough not to overheat. A short sleeve jersey is still the right call, but slip a gilet into your pocket for descents or unexpected cloud.

10 to 15°C: The Layering Zone

This is where layering earns its keep. You might start cold and warm up fast, or the opposite. Three options:

  • Short sleeve jersey + arm warmers + gilet
  • Long sleeve jersey alone
  • Short sleeve jersey + arm warmers, off mid-ride

Our arm warmers are the perfect tool for this range: they go in a pocket when you warm up, and add real warmth when you need it. 82% recycled. For long sleeves, our thermal jerseys are brushed, stretchy and made for 3 to 12°C: men's and women's, €159.

VELOR women's thermal long sleeve cycling jersey

5 to 10°C: Thermal Territory

Below 10°C, you need thermal kit. Bib tights replace shorts, and a long sleeve jersey becomes the minimum. A windproof gilet is strongly recommended.

VELOR women's recycled thermal bib tights

From summer jersey to winter jacket, a piece for every degree.

See the Selection

0 to 5°C: Winter Riding

At these temperatures, wind becomes the real enemy. A winter jacket becomes essential, bib tights are a must, and covering your extremities (hands, feet, ears) matters as much as your core.

  • Men's and women's winter jacket: €199, over 90% recycled, brushed inside, windproof and water-resistant
  • Thermal bib tights
  • Arm warmers under the jacket sleeves for extra insulation

VELOR recycled winter cycling jacket

For very long, cold days: NOMAD

Brevet, ultra or winter bikepacking: NOMAD is our thermal cargo bib tight. Three cargo pockets, a warm water-repellent fabric, a high-density Dolomiti chamois. The women's version has detachable straps, for a break without taking off your jacket. 51% recycled nylon. Pre-order until November 15, shipping early December.

Cyclist in VELOR NOMAD long distance cargo bib tights

Quick Reference Chart

Temperature Essentials Optional
Above 22°C Short sleeve jersey + bib shorts Sun protection, light socks
15 to 22°C Short sleeve jersey + bib shorts Gilet in pocket
10 to 15°C Long sleeves, or short sleeves + arm warmers Windproof gilet
5 to 10°C Long sleeves + bib tights or leg warmers Windproof gilet
0 to 5°C Winter jacket + bib tights Thermal base layer, full gloves, NOMAD for long days

These are starting points. If you run cold, shift up one level. In the mountains, count on roughly 6°C less per 1,000 m. For more on autumn, see our layering guide, degree by degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what temperature should I wear bib tights?

Generally below 12 to 15°C for most of the ride. In between, bib shorts with leg warmers are more flexible. It's all in our winter bib tights guide.

Long sleeves or short sleeves + arm warmers?

Arm warmers if the temperature changes during the ride: you take them off as it warms up. Long sleeves if it stays cold all ride.

Do I need a winter jacket below 5°C?

Yes. Wind from your own speed drops the felt temperature: a windproof, brushed jacket makes all the difference.

Go Further

A Piece for Every Temperature

From summer jersey to winter jacket.