WINTER RIDING You Have Been Doing It All Wrong

[@manuelcalleja92]

Australian deep winter is like late spring in Canada.

[@cybersurfr22]

I mean good context is winter in AUS IS 3-11C . That’s spring in Canada . Or a cool summer day .

[@Cyclingchoice]

For Sydney weather Castelli Gabba/Perfetto is a good choice.

[@JonFairhurst]

Agreed. A great, technical jacket and scaled base layer gets you most of the way there. Add a shake dry rain jacket if there is risk of a downpour. To make this work, the main jacket shouldn’t be bulky, so the rain layer can fit over it. The soft shell jacket can handle light rain fine, but unless you maintain the DWR, it has limits. For the lower body, thick tights are great at the lowest temps, otherwise leg warmers are fine, though hips can get cold with summer bibs. I’m not a big layering fan. I prefer riding to messing with kit! Oh, one additional tip - a sweat band in summer and moderately low temps and a skull/ear cap in the cold. Makes a huge difference.

[@CarbonRider1]

I would agree. I live in California, US, so the weather in the morning to the afternoon can differ by 15-20° F. With this said, have 3 sets of ride fall, winter, and spring: vest, Castelli Gabba (arms come off and usually works well even in fall and spring) that is typically worn without a base layer unless it will be cold most of the ride. This typically works for everything, other than knee warmers get work more than leg warmers, but with temps that go from 40° to 60° in a single ride, they usually come off. I have a thick thermal Castelli jacket that never gets worn because when I have worn it, I end up sweating the entire ride. I don’t wear overshoes, I wear wool socks, which allow my feet to breath and stay warm. He is correct about the rain, with overshoes your feet end up sweating and you still get wet from the rain and your feet are worse off.

[@MrJwmurph]

In Ireland I find what works best for me are the Assos Winter jacket (waterproof and insulated) with 3 varying warmth base layers gets me through winter. I use the Assos Spring / Autumn for those changeable seasons with the same 3 baselayers as winter. I combine those with either 3/4 length or full length tights depending on temperature. I've just got my first Rapha jerseys and they're fantastic, so comfortable. Only complaint is the pockets could be deeper. I'll be buying more, I haven't tried the Rapha shorts / tights yet but on the next replacement cycle I'll give them a go.

[@Simbostyle]

You've come to a very similar conclusion as I have. I'm in the UK, and ride mostly outside all winter. I will put 2 base layers and a long sleeve jersey under a jacket depending on temperature on top, at often around freezing point. A balaclava when it's really cold and windy, otherwise just 2 buffs, 1 for the neck and 1 on my head. If I'm getting too hot, I can pull of the 1 on my head from under my helmet. Thermal bib tights that have some waterproofing is enough, and winter boots, not over shoes. Water can still get up and through the shoes soles, so over shoes covers are a waste of time. My winter boots are thermal and waterproof. The only down side is in heavy rain, the water runs down your leg into the boot and sits there as they're like buckets. For me, a gellet is for summer rain, to keep it off my back. There's no point trying to keep my arms dry as they sweat under a rain jacket and it defeats the object of keeping me dry.

[@MW-vt6ec]

I thought he recommended against what you're doing. Just one base layer and one jacket. Change the thickness of the base layer depending on the temperature.

[@zedgee4514]

neck warmers and good good quality base layers tape your shoe vents

[@timdixo]

Long climbs complicate the heavier jacket option…guaranteed overheating. Technical gilets all the way for me,zipped down on the way up. Keep a light,scrunchable jacket for the long descents.

[@benglover6019]

100%, a good gilet is the quintessential piece of kit for sydney riding, lightly brushed long sleeve, base layer and gilet

[@sandles003]

"Hey Google, what's the temperature" This is the first thing I do before getting dressed in my kit. 8 yrs of commuting and yep gotta agree with the base layer and one good jacket. I have 3 different base layers of different thickness to choose from. In Qld I wear a jacket with the perfect amount of insulation for our temps. Jacket is from Neo Pro. This is a Brisbane based cycling company that makes great quality kit for our climate. No such thing as bad weather. Just Bad clothing choice 😁

[@zodgzod]

In the UK winter, I reside with a merino base layer (also used for skiing), a Rapha or Café du Cycliste jersey in a medium or heavy weight and a Rapha waterproof and windproof shell that I keep in a back pocket until I need it. With winter bib tights, proper gloves and overshoes, I never get cold. Asyou say, zips, as they do in summer, cool you by the simple act of opening them.

[@ketle369]

Cross country skiing pants that wind proof on the front and stretch on the back is great for extra protection over the bib on the very cold days. It’s also cheap.

[@JamesBoz]

100% agree! I ride in Japan which gets into the low negatives (-3 ish) and doesn't get out of the low single figures. I have a good jacket (Perfetto) and a selection of base layers. Turtle neck merino for my coldest of days but it's easy to overheat in this. Need to invest in quality clothing including gloves and overshoes. Pro tip: Wear shoes loose not to restrict blood flow to the tootsies!

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Hi James. Thanks for that comment. Great tip about the shoes I’ll try that one next winter

[@gvs7630]

Agreed. Use real feel/feels like instead of just temp. It takes some time to figure out what works for you

[@craiggreen4388]

I'm from the UK, not mega cold but we do get below zero on occasion in winter. People I know from much colder countries find our winter in the UK very cold, perhaps due to the moisture in our weather. But what I'm saying is that the temperature alone is not the only factor. I will agree that the One-good jacket method makes sense. I just got a Santini Vega jacket, with a long sleeve jersey it's suitable to below zero temps. I love toe covers for their simple-effectiveness also.

[@swites]

Probably a bit colder here in Sth Island NZ. Need some full length leg warmers, wind proof ( at least rain resistant good) warm jacket and a baselayer of your choice. Overshoes are a must as otherwise feet can get too painful after finishing a ride if sub 8C and wet or -4 to 2C in the mornings. I take thin polyprop gloves which are easy to store in pockets and good for most conditions, but have some mittens if really cold to go over the top.

[@321bytor]

August in the UK - 'winter' clothing is a must

[@magicknight8412]

Regarding shoe covers, sure they don't keep out the rain but they do keep the wind off your feet and keep your feet warmer. Pain in the arse to fit over your shoes though, so i got some winter shoes and they do the job.

[@DEXVD]

As a Canadian that rides year round, I find dressing for temps below 5 degrees celsius easy. However, in the Spring-Summer-Fall when its above 15 degrees celsius and rainy I really struggle. I find even with the Endura Race Cape over a jersey I end up boiling, which seems ridiculous but I always end up just taking it off. Have thought about trying something like the Sportful Fiandre Light no rain short sleeve or Castelli Perfetto ROS Light short sleeve, which from what I understand are both lighter than the Gaba. Thinking they may not keep me as dry as a rain cape or the Gaba. But if they can provide more rain protection than a jersey and not overheat me than it would be an improvement. Would love to be able to go above zone 1 or 2 in the wet. Any thoughts on the Perfetto ROS Light SS or Fiandre Light No Rain SS?

[@DEXVD]

@Abe Lincon Because that offers absolutely no protection from the rain?

[@ketle369]

Technical cross country skiing pants are also great for cycling on the cold days. Wind proof in front and stretch in back. I wear my all the time.

[@renethoen1084]

The message a good technical jacket combine with good quality baselayer is the way to go. One type jacket for all winterconditions in my place is illusion. I have three jackets for three different temperature ranges. Very cold, cold and moderate. Depended on weather I make the choice which to use. This way layering isnot necessary. For gloves, I have same strategy, heated gloves, good isolate gloves and gloves for moderate temperature. Wintershoes is another item I use. When is very cold even use real wintersocks and overshoes together with wintershoes. Most ride only good wintershoes is enough. Indeed good quality technical clothes are making my rides comfortable independed the temperature or wind conditions. Only for rain I have a problem. I hate to start riding when is raining. But when I am riding and start during the ride raining does bother me so much.

[@melbournecyclingsegments7510]

Wear as little as possible, use pedals and hills to regulate temperature

[@ketle369]

Here’s a super amateur tip: Cross country skiing pants that wind proof on the front and stretch on the backside are both great and cheap for cycling. Just wear it over bib.

[@spennysailor]

Minimum riding temp of -38c... don't think those Rapha jackets are made for Canadian winters lol

[@richcole3931]

Rapha's Brevet Insulated jacket covers a range of lower temps. I ride in it below zero in Canada for road and fat bike.

[@carloscastro8390]

Spot on, the gilet is not warming. What's your best jacket? I'm out there like the Michelin man in my layers, zip up zip down😒. The neck warmer is essential, I also cover my ears with it.

[@openwheelracing88]

I always wondered who wears 3/4 knickers... I might give it a try.

[@davidnicholson6680]

As a native of Chicago, I think I can safely ignore "winter" cycling tips from an Australian.

[@sundayeightpm]

Yep, nailed it. What Chris said. For some reason , I suffer form the dreaded chillblain here in Sydney...so glad wrap on my toes (under the socks) = FTW.

[@rhysashpole]

I feel your pain. Wife affectionately let's me know that my feet look like they belong on a corpse.... 🙄

[@mynewcolour]

I suffered from cold feet for years. Everything else was possible to keep warm but rides over 3hrs in deep winter were agony. Last winter I gave up on endless overshoes and finally bought some winter boots. No regrets and comfortable feet down to freezing.

[@dh7314]

I sort of agree with the layering. Base later and a decent outer

[@jdizane]

When you unzip the jacket, what's your strategy on ensuring your phone or anything else is secure in your pockets?

[@kimwalton2873]

I think your are right mostly but in the USA we get much colder than Australia in our winter. Here it comes down to face, feet, hands. If those are warm you will stay warm.

[@ThatJohnJohnson]

Top tip from a amateur. Do not ever be tempted to throw in a extra base layer made of cotton, just don’t 🙈

[@jacovdmnz]

I bought my first Rapha jersey earlier this week. I had been using cheap jerseys before. A few minutes into my first ride with my new Rapha kit I was thinking to myself why tf did I wait so long to buy this? Seriously, just spend the money. It is worth it! Well, that was my lesson from the experience anyway.

[@ecky23q]

Hi Chris, which current Rapha jacket would you recommend for these Sydney winter mornings?

[@caponyx]

what brand do you suggest for bigger riders. most popular brands barely accommodate a 48in chest.

[@Junior6502001]

Thanks for the tips, make perfect sense and match our personal experience.

[@DanTuber]

Every location is different. A Melb winter is different to a Sydney winter. And everyone feels cold differently. Once saw a rider in shorts and a t-shirt when it was 2 degrees. Unbelievable!

[@waynedoherty7758]

In Melbourne it could be 2 in the morning and 25 by noon. That kind of range pushes you towards layers. Or decent climbs with hot early ascents and freezing descents.

[@nick_velokicks]

I'm not getting past first 20 seconds, winter dressing for anyone north of the Murray. LOL! And hell yes you better believe I'm first!

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

Slick new intro 🤙🤙 Easy to show a link.... Nero promo code ;)

[@derekcravenPT]

Wow, that Jay Vine is continuing to show how well Nero got him into pro racing!

[@christopherphillips5608]

Rapha looks superb theres no denying that, but I do not find it as technical or as durable as the likes of Castelli/Assos. Imo.

[@monrezee]

Excellent advice. I love a good-right for the condition's base layer. Also find a pair of bib knickers you like and you can thank me later.

[@OldDavo1950]

Me 3 base layers, one Long sleeve jersey, and a jacket. Good Gloves, Long knicks as well But I am a cold fish. Hate the cold. As an ex Yorkshireman I have got soft. I wear the lot in winter on a ride.

[@mrwhiteshorts]

how cold does it get in Sydney? is your winters 15degs and a bit of rain?

[@chrismadge7292]

No overshoes? Seriously? Just try that on a UK winter ride and get back to me on that opinion.

[@BobMcAllan]

ohh.. neck warmer is a buff (!!!) Snood ?

[@wendysuperfan1014]

Very informative Chris. I now have some info to pass on to the younger riders at our club. Thanks Coop!! Dylan's suggestion...well... if only

[@shanewest8941]

Where might I find a ‘Zipper’ jacket?? Ha ha great start to my Saturday morning love ya work!!

[@davidtyler5129]

Very informative Chris.Thanks. I do have a set of Rapha Pro Team bibs in Med (not as happy as I would like to be with these), but I’m thinking perhaps I’m better fitted to the small. Trying out some black sheep gear at present as well. As always your content is great and the BS non existent. cheers 🚴‍♂️

[@rayF4rio]

Does it get cold in Australia??? Asking from Minnesota.

[@scottwatson8834]

Yep, keeping it simple. Who've thought. Nice vid- easy to hear and good reasoning. Merino in Tassie, everyday! Thanks Chris.

[@sylvainbernaers]

when merino gets wet, it stays wet and dries stubborn rubbish for belgium

[@nicnac4239]

Chris does your preferred jacket have pockets and hence why you don’t suggest wearing a jersey and only a base layer? Or is that because you use you handlebar bag for the things that normally go in your pockets?

[@paulwilliams4990]

Depends where you live to what you wear but I get your ideas.

[@mj162]

What did you wear for your nocturnal 100s Chris? We’re you sponsored by Hestra back then?

[@photomotor]

uuuhm do you guys have winter in Australia?

[@BrettKelly74]

Skull cap or not?

[@dylan_mckenna98]

I’m a big fan of the cycling cap under the helmet in really cold or wet weather

[@brucefishing]

Yes for me on early morning rides in Sydney.

[@quentinpollard5173]

Loving the content, thanks for the upload.

[@garylugg9860]

@chris miller.... can you tell us about the Rapha shake dry waterproof jecket that you have been using in Berry / El Tape i want to buy a shake dry jacket .. Gore Wear or Rapha but still the $ scares me off if it is all just hype. thanks

[@1cig1]

I’ve been wearing the Gore Shakedry for four years … still currently one of my most important pieces of kit I have .. when it’s cold, I wear a Rapha insulated gilet under .. warm up, put jacket in gilet pocket

[@SuperTaylor68]

Totally agree Chris 👍

[@robertgale8694]

Spot on with the best quality gear!! 🤙

[@kalijasin]

Thick clothing can be counter productive. Especially when cycling.

[@NewPolishScientist]

Lol winter in Australia 😂. Come to Scotland 100mph wind + pissing down for 6 months and no bloody light

[@AandA697]

I sold my Rapha pro team Winter jacket. Not worth the money, very disappointing

[@BammBamm21]

Should wear the cat while riding. Would make a sweet neck warmer!

[@richcole3931]

Gabbas are overrated. There I said it. Unless you're in the rain. Then they're amazing. For every other weather condition they're about the least comfortable jacket option out there.

[@thomasgrein4666]

Really rate this video Chris, thanks.

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Thanks Thomas

[@troycollett8540]

Nothing worse than cold hands and feet

[@benjaminwolf9801]

Best kit for winter riding (under 50*F/10*C to me) is a summer kit....as I will be riding zwift 🤣

[@blakegillmer]

Great video im here to read the comments. So glad Sayers said 3/4 kicks there great for Sydney winter. Great work Chris hope there keyboard worries are kind to you lol 😆

[@fotoamigo8187]

It's not even close to winter :-) Winter start from -5C and under.

[@thedownunderverse]

Lost me at Merino baselayers Chris. Merino is up there with cotton as THE WORST material in existence for a baselayer. When merino gets wet it holds in that wetness because the fibre isn't hollow. Synthetic baselayers are light years better specifically because the fibres are hollow, hence they dry extremely quickly. The baselayer (aka next to skin layer) is not meant to insulate at all. It's meant to transfer moisture from the skin towards the outside of the system, keeping you dry in the process. The insulation happens at the next layer. Cyclists only need *one* baselayer to keep their skin dry in all seasons.

[@bokeh9594]

It’s probably personal preference and maybe how much you sweat. But I’ll take a high quality merino wool over a high tech synthetic base layer everyday every time. I’ve used both and merino works better for me. Although merino wool doesn’t dry as quick it’s still pretty fast. Also I find it to be quite comfortable even when damp. Damp synthetics are very uncomfortable and I get that sweaty cold feeling fast. And as a bonus, if you’re really pressed for time, you can use merino wool 2-3 times before a wash and it won’t stink.

[@thedownunderverse]

@@bokeh9594 only if you’re not doing anything too intense. If you’re working hard, synthetic trumps merino every day of the week at keeping you dry. Damp is damp, regardless of whether you “feel” warm. The minute you stop, you’ll chill. Good synthetic baselayers come out of the wash practically dry. Will be fully dry in short order when hung up. Damp merino on a washing line will be damp a day later at room temp. Its simply not a high performance fibre.

[@waynosfotos]

Chris, I realise you are pushing Rapha, but that is just incorrect. Every 3 degrees you need to adjust your dress. Get it wrong and you are to hot or to cold. There is also head gear and hand gear. It just is not that simple.

[@waynosfotos]

@Abe Lincon shots fired, harden the F up, well I don't like my teeth chattering, dentist bills are higher than carbon bikes! 🤣

[@edsassler]

You’re not getting the science of layering. Each layer has a specific job. The base layer keeps the body dry by moving moisture away from the skin. The base layer is not thermal insulation. Capillary action doesn’t work across significant temperature drop. The marketing that clothing companies put out about breathable jackets is bullshit. You will never see salt from perspiration built up on the outside of a jacket in cold weather. That means the base layer will eventually saturate. The thickness of the base layer is based on time on the bike. The thermal layer is based on temperature, it’s dead air space that works the same as R value in insulating a house. The jacket is what I call an isolating layer, it’s the barrier between the outside world and your layering system. Yes, the jacket can have insulation built in, but on days when there is a 20 degree rise in temperature during the ride, that could be a mistake. If you ever find yourself in the Boston area in the winter, join me for a ride. I probably won’t look as pro as you at the coffee shop, but...

[@paulsanchez4141]

Thanks as always very helpful

[@glennrodgers6826]

Go and spend a winter in Canberra and ride in -5

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

Haha! It was a winter so good it created our first every Zwift professional 😂😂

[@glennrodgers6826]

@@ChrisMillerCycling don’t forget Australian first roubaix winner ,

[@cliffordchaperon6795]

you are spot on

[@brucefishing]

Love my Rapha gear!

[@PTAguy2010]

I like my feet warm so I wear over shoes. It's that simple

[@goldenretriever6261]

Aussie winter is cute.

[@BikeLife154]

It’s SUMMER!

[@richardhutchings1980]

Excellent video. The clothing technology has evolved a lot. Your approach makes a lot of sense. Cold feet and the pain of showering after a ride...ouch

[@wtfiscycling6501]

Never trust anyone who wears the Kato

[@quenar]

merino is overrated. I know cause I use it. For static activities. Poliester (plastic shiet) dries much faster and you stay drier. Period.

[@brucefishing]

Toe warmers all the way!

[@BurtsCram]

a southern hemisphere expert on winter cycling ?

[@ChrisMillerCycling]

worse then that ... I guy living in low temps of 13 degrees Celsius 🙄

[@mickelkobeck7376]

Dress in layers, Don't start out riding in the wet, keep your bike clean, Don't ride outdoors if the temp is below freezing.

[@marcolgyrubish9498]

When you have the balls to say GCN is bad for cycling, and put out the same trite clickbait titles with brain dead thumbnail, you've reached peak marketing. Congrats, you've brought nothing new to the table

[@Fresh79999]

Fuck all of it. I stay in bed for 3 months.

[@plantpoweredhealth9383]

3/4 length for girls in the gym...

[@nadsim154]

This guy sounds like a joke that is just about money... !

[@adammckinney6850]

I will never support Rapha because they made one of their athletes retract her statement praising Trump.