Ah, autumn in Ireland. There you are again! Possibly one of the most beautiful times to be a cyclist. But.
One minute you're leaving the house in glorious sunshine, the next you're wondering if you should have packed a raincoat, a woolly hat and possibly a small tent.
If you're a cyclist in Ireland, you'll know that dressing for autumn cycling can sometimes feel like a bit of a guessing game. The temperature might say 12°C, but add a strong breeze and it can feel considerably colder. Then the sun comes out, you start climbing and suddenly you're wondering why you put on so many layers!
So, what should you actually wear?
Long-sleeve jersey, gilet or jacket?
The answer, as is often the case with cycling, is: it depends. But don't worry. We're here to help you work it out.
Autumn cycling in Ireland is all about layers
If there's one thing we've learned from years of cycling around Ireland, it's that layers are your best friend.
Irish weather is famously changeable, and autumn is no exception. You can leave home on a crisp morning, cycle through sunshine, encounter a shower, battle a headwind and then finish the ride sitting outside a café wondering where the summer went. This is why we don't think you need to find one magical piece of cycling clothing that will cope with everything. Instead, build your outfit in layers. Start with a base layer. Add your long-sleeve jersey. Then decide whether you need a gilet or a jacket over the top. Simple enough, isn't it?
Well... mostly!
When should I wear a long-sleeve cycling jersey?
A long-sleeve jersey is a brilliant starting point for autumn cycling.
It's warmer than your summer jersey but still gives you the breathability you want when you're actually putting the legs to work. For a cool, dry autumn day, a long-sleeve jersey with a suitable base layer underneath can be all you need. It's particularly useful when you're expecting to be moving at a reasonable pace and don't want to overheat. And this is an important point: don't dress for how you feel standing beside your bike. Dress for how you'll feel after 30 minutes of cycling. We've all made that mistake.
You step outside before your ride and think, “Oh, it's absolutely baltic. I'll need everything.”
Twenty minutes later you're halfway up a hill, sweating profusely and regretting every single layer you've put on. A long-sleeve jersey gives you a nice middle ground for those cooler days when it's not quite jacket weather.
When should I wear a gilet?
Now we're getting to one of our FAVE pieces of autumn cycling kit.
The humble cycling gilet doesn't always get the attention it deserves, but for Irish cycling, a windproof gilet can be incredibly useful. A windproof gilet gives you an extra layer of protection over your chest and torso without the bulk of a full jacket.
It's ideal when:
- It's cool but not particularly cold
- There's a noticeable wind
- You're heading out early in the morning
- You're cycling somewhere exposed
- You expect temperatures to rise during your ride
- You want something you can easily take off and put in your jersey pocket
You might be working hard on a climb, feeling perfectly comfortable in your long-sleeve jersey, and then suddenly you're flying downhill with the wind hitting you. A gilet can make that difference between “Lovely descent!” and “f**** it’s freezing!”
One thing to remember, though: a windproof gilet isn't designed to keep you dry in persistent rain - think of them as your wind protection layer!
When should I wear a cycling jacket?
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it's time to reach for the jacket.
A jacket gives you more protection than a gilet and is the obvious choice when conditions are colder, wetter or particularly windy.
But even here, there are different types of jackets for different conditions. A windproof cycling jacket is useful when your main enemy is the wind and cold air. For genuinely cold days, you'll want something warmer. This is when a cold-weather option such as our Carrick Coat earns its place in your cycling wardrobe.
And if rain is forecast? That's when you need to think about waterproofing rather than simply warmth. This is worth remembering because warm and waterproof are not necessarily the same thing. A beautifully warm jacket won't necessarily keep you dry in a heavy Irish downpour, just as a lightweight waterproof shell isn't necessarily the warmest thing you'll ever wear. Think about what the weather is actually doing before you decide what to put on.
Don't forget your legs......
It's easy to concentrate on what you're wearing on top and forget that your legs are also going to be exposed to the Irish elements.
As autumn progresses, bib tights become an increasingly useful addition to your cycling wardrobe. They're particularly handy for early starts, longer rides and those days when the temperature has definitely moved beyond “shorts weather”. Again, it's about layering and adapting rather than having a strict rule about what you must wear at a particular temperature. Some cyclists will be perfectly happy in shorts when others have already reached for their bib tights. There is no right answer.
And then there's the neck warmer...(is there no end to the pieces of kit to think about!!!)
A neck warmer might be one of the smallest pieces of kit in your cycling wardrobe, but don't underestimate it. When there's a chill in the air, keeping your neck covered can make a surprising difference to your overall comfort. And because it's easy to pull down or remove if you get too warm, it's another brilliant little tool for managing those changeable autumn conditions. Basically, if you've got room in your pocket, stick it in.
What about the coffee stop?
We couldn't write a blog post about autumn cycling without mentioning the coffee stop because let's be honest, a lot of us aren't simply cycling from A to B. We're cycling from A to B, having coffee and cake, chatting about the route, possibly having a second coffee and then cycling home.
And this matters when choosing your clothing.
You'll cool down quickly once you stop exercising, particularly if you're sitting outside in the autumn air. A layer that seemed unnecessary while you were climbing might suddenly become your best friend while you're enjoying that well-earned coffee. So don't just think about the temperature while you're cycling. Think about the whole day.
So... what should I wear?
There isn't a magic temperature where everyone needs to swap their jersey for a gilet or jacket. Your pace, the wind, the rain, the route, the length of your ride and — importantly — whether you're someone who feels the cold will all make a difference.
As a starting point, though:
Cool + dry: Long-sleeve jersey
Cool + windy: Long-sleeve jersey + windproof gilet
Cold: Long-sleeve jersey + warmer jacket
Windy + cold: Long-sleeve jersey + windproof jacket
Wet: Long-sleeve jersey + suitable waterproof jacket
Very changeable: Layers you can easily remove and stash away
And if you're still not sure?
Bring the extra layer. You'll never regret having a gilet tucked into your pocket when the wind picks up halfway through your ride.
The most important rule? Be comfortable.
We sometimes get caught up in what we should be wearing as cyclists. Should I be wearing this? Is everyone else wearing that? Am I too warm? Am I going to look ridiculous in three different layers? Honestly?
Forget all that.
The best cycling clothes are the ones that allow you to enjoy your ride. At VeloFlamingo, we're passionate about women's cycling clothing because we know that women come in all shapes and sizes, ride for all sorts of reasons and have very different ideas about what makes a great day on the bike.
Some of us are chasing a PB.
Some of us are out with the club.
Some of us are catching up with friends.
And some of us are primarily motivated by the promise of delicious carrot cake and coffee at the end.
We're all cyclists.
So this autumn, layer up, check the forecast, pack the gilet and don't be afraid of a little bit of Irish weather. Because there really is no such thing as bad cycling weather. Just the wrong kit.
See you on the road, friends... X
