# kitcheck.cc — what to wear cycling, full guide

> Free, brand-neutral cycling kit calculator for road cyclists (https://kitcheck.cc/). It turns the hourly forecast for a ride (feels-like temperature, wind, rain) into a kit list for head, upper body, hands, legs and feet, adjusted for effort and how warm the rider runs. No app or account. Updated 2026-10-17.

All kit lists below are for a moderate (endurance) pace, light wind and no rain unless stated otherwise. Temperatures are the feels-like temperature from the forecast. Riding harder makes it feel warmer on the bike; hands, feet and head benefit much less from effort than the body does.

## What to wear cycling by temperature

### -5°C (23°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-minus-5-degrees/

Minus five is full winter kit with nothing left out: thermal skull cap, a thermal base layer, winter jersey and an insulated jacket, the warmest thermal gloves and thermal overshoes. If it's wet as well, switch to waterproof gloves and overshoes. The bigger risk at this temperature isn't the cold but the road: black ice on shaded corners, bridges and wet patches. Ride a route you know, keep it shorter, and stay closer to home than you would in spring.

Short answer: Thermal skull cap, thermal long-sleeve base layer, winter jersey, insulated jacket, thermal winter gloves, thermal bib tights, thermal overshoes and thermal socks.

- Head: Thermal skull cap
- Upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket
- Hands: Thermal winter gloves
- Legs: Thermal bib tights
- Feet: Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): no change
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): no change
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket, Wind gilet (optional)
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket, Rain jacket (waterproof); hands: Waterproof winter gloves; feet: Waterproof winter overshoes, Thermal socks
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): no change
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell

### 0°C (32°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-0-degrees/

Zero degrees is proper winter riding. The cold itself is manageable; it's the wind you make by riding that bites, especially on your hands and feet. Layer up fully, accept feeling a bit cold for the first ten minutes, and keep the pace steady so you don't soak your base layer on the first climb.

Short answer: Cycling cap, thermal base layer, winter jersey or softshell, thermal winter gloves, thermal bib tights, thermal overshoes and thermal socks.

- Head: Cycling cap
- Upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell
- Hands: Thermal winter gloves
- Legs: Thermal bib tights
- Feet: Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): no change
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): head: Thermal skull cap; upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): head: Thermal skull cap; upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket, Wind gilet (optional)
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell, Rain jacket (waterproof); hands: Waterproof winter gloves; feet: Waterproof winter overshoes, Thermal socks
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): head: Thermal skull cap; upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): upper body: Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional); legs: Bib tights

### 5°C (41°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-5-degrees/

At 5°C it's still winter kit, but regular bib tights are enough on the legs. Hands and feet decide whether this is a good ride or a long count back home: thermal gloves and overshoes matter more here than an extra layer on your chest.

Short answer: Cycling cap, thermal base layer, winter jersey or softshell, thermal winter gloves, bib tights, thermal overshoes and thermal socks.

- Head: Cycling cap
- Upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell
- Hands: Thermal winter gloves
- Legs: Bib tights
- Feet: Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers; hands: Light cycling gloves; legs: Bib shorts, Leg warmers; feet: Light overshoes or toe covers
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): no change
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell, Wind gilet (optional)
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell, Rain jacket (waterproof); hands: Waterproof winter gloves; feet: Waterproof winter overshoes, Thermal socks
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): upper body: Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket; legs: Thermal bib tights
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): head: Light cap (optional); upper body: Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional); hands: Light cycling gloves; legs: Bib shorts, Leg warmers; feet: Light overshoes or toe covers

### 10°C (50°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-10-degrees/

Ten degrees is the trickiest temperature in cycling: cold at the start, warm on the first climb. A long-sleeve jersey with leg warmers gives you room to adjust, and this is where effort changes the most. Ride hard and you'll drop a layer; go easy and the optional base layer earns its place.

Short answer: Long-sleeve jersey, light cycling gloves, bib shorts, leg warmers and light overshoes or toe covers. Optional: light cap and base layer.

- Head: Light cap (optional)
- Upper body: Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional)
- Hands: Light cycling gloves
- Legs: Bib shorts, Leg warmers
- Feet: Light overshoes or toe covers

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers (optional); hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Thin full-finger gloves (optional); legs: Bib shorts, Knee warmers (optional); feet: Regular cycling socks, Toe covers (optional)
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): no change
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): upper body: Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional), Wind gilet (optional)
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional), Rain jacket (waterproof); feet: Waterproof overshoes
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): head: Cycling cap; upper body: Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell; legs: Bib tights
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers (optional); hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Thin full-finger gloves (optional); legs: Bib shorts, Knee warmers (optional); feet: Regular cycling socks, Toe covers (optional)

### 15°C (59°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-15-degrees/

Fifteen degrees is the sweet spot. A normal jersey and bib shorts do the job, with arm and knee warmers as cheap insurance for the first half hour or a long descent. Once you're warm they roll down and disappear into a back pocket.

Short answer: Jersey, bib shorts and regular cycling socks. Optional: arm warmers, fingerless gloves and knee warmers.

- Head: helmet only
- Upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers (optional)
- Hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves (optional)
- Legs: Bib shorts, Knee warmers (optional)
- Feet: Regular cycling socks

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): upper body: Summer jersey; legs: Bib shorts
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers; legs: Bib shorts, Knee warmers
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): head: Light cap (optional); upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers, Wind gilet (optional); hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Thin full-finger gloves (optional); legs: Bib shorts, Knee warmers; feet: Regular cycling socks, Toe covers (optional)
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers (optional), Packable rain jacket; hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Light full-finger gloves (optional); feet: Regular cycling socks, Light rain overshoes (optional)
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): head: Light cap (optional); upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers; hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Thin full-finger gloves (optional); legs: Bib shorts, Leg warmers; feet: Regular cycling socks, Toe covers (optional)
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): upper body: Summer jersey; hands: No gloves or fingerless gloves; legs: Bib shorts

### 20°C (68°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-20-degrees/

At 20°C it's summer kit, plain and simple: summer jersey, bib shorts, gloves only if you like the grip. The things to think about at this temperature aren't clothes: sunscreen and a second bottle.

Short answer: Summer jersey, bib shorts and regular cycling socks. Optional: fingerless gloves.

- Head: helmet only
- Upper body: Summer jersey
- Hands: No gloves or fingerless gloves
- Legs: Bib shorts
- Feet: Regular cycling socks

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): upper body: Lightweight summer jersey
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): no change
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): no change
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Summer jersey, Packable rain jacket; feet: Regular cycling socks, Light rain overshoes (optional)
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): upper body: Jersey, Arm warmers (optional); hands: Fingerless gloves or no gloves (optional); legs: Bib shorts, Knee warmers (optional)
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): upper body: Lightweight summer jersey

### 25°C (77°F)
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-25-degrees/

From 25°C the question isn't what to wear but how little. The lightest jersey you own and bib shorts, and the rest is about heat: ride early or late, drink more than you think you need, and don't forget sunscreen on the back of your neck.

Short answer: Lightweight summer jersey, bib shorts and regular cycling socks. Optional: fingerless gloves.

- Head: helmet only
- Upper body: Lightweight summer jersey
- Hands: No gloves or fingerless gloves
- Legs: Bib shorts
- Feet: Regular cycling socks

- Riding hard or racing (Race pace or a fast group ride): no change
- Easy or recovery pace (Coffee ride, recovery spin): no change
- Strong wind (35 km/h, 22 mph): no change
- Rain likely (60% chance or higher): upper body: Lightweight summer jersey, Packable rain jacket (optional)
- You always run cold (Warmth tendency: always cold): upper body: Summer jersey
- You always run warm (Warmth tendency: always warm): no change

## When to wear each piece of kit

### When to wear arm and knee warmers cycling
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/when-to-wear-arm-and-knee-warmers/

At a moderate pace, wear arm and knee warmers when the feels-like temperature is 11–14°C (52–57°F). At 14–18°C (57–64°F) they're optional. Ride harder and the range moves colder; ride easier and it moves warmer.

- arm and knee warmers, easy pace: 12–16°C (54–61°F); optional 16–19°C (61–66°F)
- arm and knee warmers, moderate pace: 11–14°C (52–57°F); optional 14–18°C (57–64°F)
- arm and knee warmers, hard pace: 7–11°C (45–52°F); optional 11–14°C (52–57°F)
- arm and knee warmers, race pace: 5–9°C (41–48°F); optional 9–13°C (48–55°F)

Arm and knee warmers turn summer kit into spring kit. You start with them on, and when the sun comes through or the road goes up, you push them down or take them off and put them in a back pocket. That makes them the most useful pieces of kit for the in-between months.
They come in together: the temperature where your arms want cover is about where your knees do too. Knees have almost no muscle or fat around them, which is why many riders keep them covered on cool days. Below this range, a long-sleeve jersey and leg warmers take over.

- Push arm warmers down to your wrists before taking them off. Pulling them over your gloves while riding is how they end up in the road.
- Put knee warmers on before your bib shorts and pull the shorts over the top, so the grippers stay put.
- Thermal (fleece-backed) warmers for cold mornings, thin Lycra ones for summer mornings and long descents.

Q: Arm warmers or a long-sleeve jersey?
A: A long-sleeve jersey is warmer and more comfortable when it stays cold all ride. Arm warmers win when the temperature changes: a cold start that warms up, or a ride with a long climb and descent. If you expect to take something off during the ride, take arm warmers.

Q: Knee warmers or leg warmers?
A: Leg warmers for the colder end, knee warmers when it is mild. Leg warmers cover the whole leg and are the step before bib tights; knee warmers are the step before bare legs.

Q: Do I need warmers if I ride hard?
A: Less often. A hard effort makes it feel several degrees warmer on the bike, so the range moves to colder temperatures. The ranges on this page show how much.

### Bib tights, leg warmers or bib shorts?
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/bib-tights-or-bib-shorts/

At a moderate pace, wear bib tights when the feels-like temperature is below 8°C (46°F). Ride harder and the range moves colder; ride easier and it moves warmer.

- bib tights, easy pace: below 10°C (50°F)
- bib tights, moderate pace: below 8°C (46°F)
- bib tights, hard pace: below 3°C (37°F)
- bib tights, race pace: below 2°C (36°F)

At a moderate pace, wear leg warmers when the feels-like temperature is 8–11°C (46–52°F). Ride harder and the range moves colder; ride easier and it moves warmer.

- leg warmers, easy pace: 10–13°C (50–55°F)
- leg warmers, moderate pace: 8–11°C (46–52°F)
- leg warmers, hard pace: 3–8°C (37–46°F)
- leg warmers, race pace: 2–6°C (36–43°F)

Your legs go through three steps as it gets colder: bib shorts, then bib shorts with leg warmers, then bib tights. Leg warmers are the flexible middle step: full coverage on a cool morning, and you can take them off if it warms up, as long as you can get them over your shoes.
Bib tights are the default for winter: no gap at the thigh, and usually a fleece-backed fabric that holds heat. Thermal bib tights go a step further for the coldest days, sometimes with windproof panels on the front.

- Take leg warmers off before you get properly warm: pulling them over cycling shoes on the side of the road only gets harder when you are sweating.
- Tights without a chamois can go over your summer bib shorts, which is cheaper if you already own good shorts.
- On the warm end of the tights range, bib shorts with leg warmers give you a way out.

Q: Leg warmers or bib tights?
A: Bib tights when it stays cold the whole ride, leg warmers when it might warm up. Tights are warmer and more comfortable; leg warmers give you the option to take them off.

Q: Thermal bib tights or regular bib tights?
A: Thermal bib tights for the coldest days, roughly around freezing and below at a moderate pace. Regular, fleece-backed bib tights cover the rest of the cold range.

Q: Can I wear bib tights over bib shorts?
A: Yes, if the tights have no chamois. Two chamois on top of each other is uncomfortable; tights without a pad over your normal bib shorts work well.

### When to wear a base layer cycling
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/when-to-wear-a-base-layer-cycling/

At a moderate pace, wear a base layer when the feels-like temperature is below 6°C (43°F). At 6–11°C (43–52°F) it's optional. Ride harder and the range moves colder; ride easier and it moves warmer.

- a base layer, easy pace: below 8°C (46°F); optional 8–12°C (46–54°F)
- a base layer, moderate pace: below 6°C (43°F); optional 6–11°C (43–52°F)
- a base layer, hard pace: below 2°C (36°F); optional 2–7°C (36–45°F)
- a base layer, race pace: below 2°C (36°F); optional 2–5°C (36–41°F)

A base layer does two jobs: it keeps a thin layer of warm air against your skin, and it moves sweat away from you so you don't get cold when you slow down. That second job is why many riders wear a thin base layer all year, even under a summer jersey.
In kitcheck.cc's recommendations, a base layer is listed when it adds meaningful warmth: required in the cold, optional in the cool range where it depends on how warm you run.

- Merino stays warm when wet and smells less; synthetic dries faster. Both work.
- Long-sleeve thermal base layers are for real winter; short-sleeve or sleeveless ones are enough under a long-sleeve jersey.
- If you sweat a lot, a base layer under your jersey usually keeps you warmer than a thicker jacket over it.

Q: Should I wear a base layer in summer?
A: A thin mesh base layer in summer is about moving sweat, not warmth, and it is a personal choice. kitcheck.cc only lists a base layer when you need it for warmth.

Q: Thermal base layer or regular base layer?
A: A thermal (thicker, often long-sleeve) base layer for proper winter riding, a regular one for cool days. The ranges above show when each is recommended.

### When to wear overshoes cycling
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/when-to-wear-overshoes-cycling/

At a moderate pace, wear overshoes when the feels-like temperature is below 11°C (52°F). At 11–14°C (52–57°F) they're optional. Ride harder and the range moves colder; ride easier and it moves warmer.

- overshoes, easy pace: below 11°C (52°F); optional 11–15°C (52–59°F)
- overshoes, moderate pace: below 11°C (52°F); optional 11–14°C (52–57°F)
- overshoes, hard pace: below 10°C (50°F); optional 10–13°C (50–55°F)
- overshoes, race pace: below 9°C (48°F); optional 9–13°C (48–55°F)

Cycling shoes are built to let air through, which is great in summer and terrible in the cold. Your feet barely move, sit right in the wind and warm up much less from effort than your body does. That makes overshoes one of the most important pieces of cold-weather kit.
There are three kinds, and the temperature decides which: toe covers for cool mornings, light overshoes for the cool range, and thermal or waterproof neoprene overshoes for winter and cold rain.

- Put overshoes on before you leave, and wear them all ride. Nobody wants to stop and pull them on halfway, and you only have one pair with you.
- In mild rain, light rain overshoes keep your shoes and socks dry. That counts double on a multi-day trip.
- Thermal socks inside the shoe plus overshoes outside is warmer than very thick socks in a tight shoe.

Q: Toe covers or full overshoes?
A: Toe covers for cool, dry rides where only your toes get cold; full thermal or waterproof overshoes when it is cold or wet. kitcheck.cc lists toe covers as optional on the warm edge of the range, light overshoes or toe covers below that, and thermal overshoes from about 6°C (43°F) down.

Q: Do I need overshoes when I ride hard?
A: Usually yes. Effort warms your body, but your feet benefit only a little, so the overshoe range shifts much less with intensity than the range for jackets or arm warmers.

### When to wear winter cycling gloves
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/when-to-wear-winter-cycling-gloves/

At a moderate pace, wear winter gloves when the feels-like temperature is below 6°C (43°F). Ride harder and the range moves colder; ride easier and it moves warmer.

- winter gloves, easy pace: below 7°C (45°F)
- winter gloves, moderate pace: below 6°C (43°F)
- winter gloves, hard pace: below 4°C (39°F)
- winter gloves, race pace: below 4°C (39°F)

Hands are the first thing to go numb on a cold ride. They're in the wind the whole time, you barely move them, and riding hard barely warms them. Cold fingers also make braking and shifting harder, which is a safety problem, not just a comfort one.
kitcheck.cc uses three steps for full-finger gloves: light cycling gloves for the cool range, thermal winter gloves when it's cold (even well below freezing, if it's dry), and waterproof winter gloves when it's cold and wet.

- Gloves stay on all ride. If the ride gets colder later on, start in the warmer pair: you only have one pair with you.
- Thin liner gloves under winter gloves add warmth without the bulk of lobster gloves.
- Put your gloves on inside, where your hands are still warm. Warming up cold hands inside cold gloves takes a long time.

Q: At what temperature do I need full-finger gloves?
A: Light full-finger gloves come in a few degrees above the winter glove range, in the cool band where fingerless gloves let too much wind through. The calculator shows the right pair for your ride.

Q: Waterproof or thermal winter gloves?
A: Waterproof winter gloves when rain is likely in the cold: wet hands lose heat very fast. Thermal gloves for cold, dry rides, even below freezing.

## Weather

### What to wear cycling in the rain
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-in-the-rain/

How much rain kit you need depends mostly on the temperature. Cold rain is the most dangerous weather for a road cyclist: wet hands and feet go numb fast, and a soaked jersey keeps cooling you down. Warm rain is mostly a nuisance. So the question isn't just "will it rain?" but "how cold will it be when I'm wet?"

Rain kit by temperature. Rain likely (60% chance or more), moderate pace, light wind.

- 0°C (32°F): Cycling cap; Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell, Rain jacket (waterproof); Waterproof winter gloves; Thermal bib tights; Waterproof winter overshoes, Thermal socks
- 5°C (41°F): Cycling cap; Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell, Rain jacket (waterproof); Waterproof winter gloves; Bib tights; Waterproof winter overshoes, Thermal socks
- 10°C (50°F): Light cap (optional); Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional), Rain jacket (waterproof); Light cycling gloves; Bib shorts, Leg warmers; Waterproof overshoes
- 15°C (59°F): Jersey, Arm warmers (optional), Packable rain jacket; Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Light full-finger gloves (optional); Bib shorts, Knee warmers (optional); Regular cycling socks, Light rain overshoes (optional)
- 20°C (68°F): Summer jersey, Packable rain jacket; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks, Light rain overshoes (optional)
- 25°C (77°F): Lightweight summer jersey, Packable rain jacket (optional); No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks

#### Cold rain: waterproof everything
When it is cold and rain is likely, you want a proper waterproof jacket, waterproof winter gloves and waterproof overshoes. Keeping your hands and feet dry matters most: once they are wet and cold, they stay that way for the rest of the ride.
Mudguards (fenders) do as much for your comfort as any piece of clothing: they keep the spray off your back and feet, and your riding partners will thank you.

#### Mild rain: a packable jacket
In the mild range, a packable rain jacket is enough. It is lighter and breathes better than a winter rain jacket, and fits in a jersey pocket when the rain stops. Thin rain overshoes keep your shoes and socks dry.

#### Warm rain: optional
When it is warm, many riders skip the jacket entirely and accept getting wet: you warm up quickly and a wet summer jersey dries fast. Take a packable jacket in your pocket anyway for descents or if the temperature drops.

#### Chance of showers
When the forecast gives a moderate chance of rain (40–59%), kitcheck.cc lists a packable rain jacket as optional. From a 60% chance, it treats rain as likely and adds the full rain kit for the temperature. With a GPX route, the calculator also tells you if the rain arrives or stops during your ride.

Q: Do I need a waterproof jacket or is a packable one enough?
A: A waterproof jacket when it is cold, a packable rain jacket when it is mild, and optional when it is warm. The table on this page shows the switch points for a moderate pace.

Q: How do I keep my feet dry cycling in the rain?
A: Waterproof overshoes over your shoes, and mudguards on the bike. In mild rain, thin rain overshoes are enough; in warm rain most riders accept wet feet. Nothing keeps feet dry for hours in heavy rain, so in the cold add thermal socks: warm and wet is better than cold and wet.

Q: Should I ride in the rain at all?
A: In warm rain, there is little reason not to. In cold rain, keep the ride shorter and closer to home, and be careful on painted lines, metal covers and the first wet minutes after a dry spell, when roads are slippery.

### What to wear cycling in the wind
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/what-to-wear-cycling-in-wind/

Wind makes a ride feel colder in two ways. The forecast's feels-like temperature already includes wind chill, but on a bike you also ride into it: a headwind adds your own speed to the wind speed. That's why a windy 15°C (59°F) can feel like a cool spring morning.

Kit in strong wind by temperature. Wind 35 km/h (22 mph), moderate pace, no rain.

- 0°C (32°F): Thermal skull cap; Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket, Wind gilet (optional); Thermal winter gloves; Thermal bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- 5°C (41°F): Cycling cap; Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell, Wind gilet (optional); Thermal winter gloves; Bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- 10°C (50°F): Light cap (optional); Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional), Wind gilet (optional); Light cycling gloves; Bib shorts, Leg warmers; Light overshoes or toe covers
- 15°C (59°F): Light cap (optional); Jersey, Arm warmers, Wind gilet (optional); Fingerless gloves or no gloves, Thin full-finger gloves (optional); Bib shorts, Knee warmers; Regular cycling socks, Toe covers (optional)
- 20°C (68°F): Summer jersey; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks

#### What changes in the wind
kitcheck.cc uses the forecast's feels-like temperature and then adds a small extra penalty for strong wind, for the airflow of riding into it. In practice it feels a few degrees colder: kit close to a switch point goes a step warmer, and a wind gilet becomes an option when the wind is strong.
With a GPX route, the calculator goes further: it compares the wind direction with your riding direction along the route. A headwind counts fully, a tailwind barely, and the longest headwind stretch shows up in the notes.

#### A gilet or windproof jacket
The single most useful thing on a windy day is a windproof layer on your chest: a gilet when it is mild, a windproof jacket or softshell when it is cold. Your arms and legs matter less, because they are moving.

#### Plan the route around the wind
Ride out into the wind and home with it behind you. You get the hard part done while you are fresh, and you do not get cold on the way back when you are tired and slower.

Q: How much colder does wind make a bike ride feel?
A: It depends on the temperature and wind speed, and the forecast's feels-like temperature already accounts for most of it. On the bike, riding into a strong headwind adds a few degrees on top. On a windy day, if you are between two kit choices, take the warmer one.

Q: Gilet or rain jacket?
A: A gilet for wind, a rain jacket for rain. A gilet is not waterproof and does nothing for your arms in the rain. If showers are possible, a packable rain jacket in your pocket does both jobs, just less breathably.

Q: Should I ride into the wind first?
A: Yes, if you can. Start into the wind and finish with it behind you, so you are not fighting a headwind when you are tired and riding slower.

### Winter cycling clothing: what to wear in the cold
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/winter-cycling-clothing/

Winter riding is all about layers and extremities. Your body stays warm if you dress it right and keep moving; your hands, feet and ears are what decide how long you can stay out. Here is what to wear from the cool end of winter down to freezing.

Winter kit by temperature. Moderate pace, light wind, no rain.

- -10°C (14°F): Thermal skull cap; Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket; Thermal winter gloves; Thermal bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- -5°C (23°F): Thermal skull cap; Thermal long-sleeve base layer, Winter jersey, Insulated jacket; Thermal winter gloves; Thermal bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- 0°C (32°F): Cycling cap; Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell; Thermal winter gloves; Thermal bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- 3°C (37°F): Cycling cap; Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell; Thermal winter gloves; Bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- 5°C (41°F): Cycling cap; Thermal base layer, Winter jersey or softshell; Thermal winter gloves; Bib tights; Thermal overshoes, Thermal socks
- 8°C (46°F): Light cap (optional); Long-sleeve jersey, Base layer (optional); Light cycling gloves; Bib shorts, Leg warmers; Light overshoes or toe covers

#### Layering your upper body
Below freezing, three layers is the classic setup: a thermal base layer that moves sweat away from your skin, a winter jersey for insulation, and an insulated jacket on top. When it is a bit milder, two layers do it: a thermal base layer under a winter jersey or a softshell.
Do not overdress. If you are warm when you walk out of the door, you will be sweating ten minutes into the ride, and wet layers get cold on the first descent.

#### Hands, feet and head
Effort warms your body, but your hands and feet barely benefit from it. That is why, when you ride hard or run warm, kitcheck.cc lightens your body layers but keeps the gloves and overshoes warm.
A thermal skull cap or cycling cap under your helmet covers your ears and forehead. Gloves and overshoes go on before you leave and stay on: if the ride gets colder later, start with the warmer pair.

#### Ice and short days
Below freezing, the road is the bigger risk: black ice on shaded corners, bridges and wet patches. Ride routes you know, use lights even during the day, and keep winter rides shorter and closer to home.

Q: What should I wear cycling below freezing?
A: Below 0°C (32°F) at a moderate pace: a thermal skull cap, a thermal long-sleeve base layer, a winter jersey and an insulated jacket, thermal winter gloves, thermal bib tights, and thermal overshoes over thermal socks (waterproof gloves and overshoes if rain is likely). At around 0°C a cycling cap, a thermal base layer under a winter jersey or softshell and thermal gloves and overshoes are enough. The table on this page shows the full kit per temperature.

Q: How do I keep my hands and feet warm cycling in winter?
A: Choose gloves and overshoes for the coldest part of the ride and put them on before you leave. Thin liner gloves and thermal socks add warmth without making things tight; tight shoes and gloves cut off circulation and make it worse.

Q: How many layers should I wear cycling in winter?
A: Below freezing, three on your upper body: a thermal base layer, a winter jersey and an insulated jacket. In milder winter weather, two layers (a thermal base layer under a winter jersey or softshell) are enough.

### Summer cycling clothing: what to wear in the heat
Source: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/summer-cycling-clothing/

Summer kit is simple; the choices are at the edges. On a fresh morning, arm and knee warmers are still worth taking. Once it is properly warm, it is the lightest jersey you own and bib shorts, and what makes or breaks the ride is everything around the kit: when you ride, what you drink and how you deal with the sun.

Summer kit by temperature. Moderate pace, light wind, no rain.

- 15°C (59°F): Jersey, Arm warmers (optional); Fingerless gloves or no gloves (optional); Bib shorts, Knee warmers (optional); Regular cycling socks
- 18°C (64°F): Summer jersey; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks
- 20°C (68°F): Summer jersey; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks
- 22°C (72°F): Lightweight summer jersey; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks
- 25°C (77°F): Lightweight summer jersey; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks
- 30°C (86°F): Lightweight summer jersey; No gloves or fingerless gloves; Bib shorts; Regular cycling socks

#### Fresh mornings and long descents
At the cool end of summer, a normal jersey with arm and knee warmers is the most flexible setup: they come off once you are warm and fit in a back pocket. On an Alpine descent or an early start, a gilet or packable jacket does the same job for your chest.

#### Kit for the heat
The lightest, thinnest jersey you own, ideally light-coloured and with a full-length zip so you can open it on climbs. Bib shorts, summer socks, and fingerless gloves only if you like them for grip. A thin cycling cap under the helmet keeps sun off your head and sweat out of your eyes.

#### Drink and plan
From a feels-like temperature of 27°C (81°F), kitcheck.cc adds a heat note: take an extra bottle and put on sunscreen. Put electrolytes in at least one bottle, plan a café or water stop on longer rides, and start early in the morning or ride late in the afternoon, when it's cooler.
Ride a notch easier than usual on the climbs. Your body has to work harder to cool down, and pushing your normal pace in the heat costs more than it gives.

#### Sun and summer rain
Sunscreen on your arms, legs, neck and the backs of your knees, and reapply it on long rides. Sunglasses help against glare and keep insects out of your eyes.
A summer shower needs no more than a packable rain jacket, and once it is properly warm kitcheck.cc lists even that as optional: you warm up quickly and a wet summer jersey dries fast.

Q: Do I need arm warmers in summer?
A: On fresh mornings and long descents, yes. At a moderate pace kitcheck.cc lists arm and knee warmers as optional up to about 18°C (64°F); above that, a summer jersey and bib shorts are enough.

Q: What is too hot for cycling?
A: There is no single limit, and it depends on humidity, how used you are to the heat and how hard you ride. Above about 30°C (86°F), ride early, shorten the route, plan water stops and stop if you feel dizzy or stop sweating.

Q: Should I wear a base layer in hot weather?
A: Some riders like a thin mesh base layer in the heat because it moves sweat away from the skin. It is a personal choice; kitcheck.cc does not list one when it is warm.

## Method

How kitcheck.cc decides: https://kitcheck.cc/how-it-works/
Interactive temperature chart: https://kitcheck.cc/guide/cycling-temperature-chart/