The Best Winter Cycling Gear of 2020
You want to ride your bike. You know you do. So get out there.
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Northwave Himalaya Shoes ($280)
Surprisingly toasty despite the trim silhouette, the Himalaya has a lining of 400-gram Thinsulate combined with a thermal insole that blocks the cold and reflects body heat. We loved the speed-lace slider, which allowed for one-handed tightening and loosening, even in bulky mittens. The lugged, Michelin-rubber sole provided excellent grip on slick ground and flat pedals (though there’s a recessed cleat mount if that’s how you roll).
Gore M Windstopper Insulated Beanie and Gloves ($50 and $100)
The PrimaLoft Gold insulation in Gore’s windproof, water-repellent beanie and gloves is low-profile yet warm enough for riding even in Arctic conditions. On milder winter days, we keep them tucked in a frame bag for rest breaks and emergency stops.
Bontrager Velocis Soft Shell and Bibs ($149 and $169)
The chest, shoulders, and arms on the shell are wind- and water-resistant, taking the sting out of nasty weather, while lighter back and underarm panels add stretch and breathability. The matching bibs have the same weather resistance in the front and high-output material in the rear, with thin straps to reduce bulk and a squishy pad for comfort.
Enve M685 Wheels ($2,550)
Not only are the M685s the sexiest fat hoops you can buy, but the 85-millimeter internal rim width helps spread tires for a grippy footprint. The V-shaped profile sloughs snow better than any other wheel we’ve tried.
Terrene Cake Eater Light Tires ($120)
We paired the Enves with these 4.6-inch tires. Their low-profile, siped center knobs and meaty external lugs provide as much grip and float as any cyclist can reasonably hope for.
Knog PWR Mountain Kit and Bigger Cobber Light ($230 and $90)
Twist-front operation and 2,000 lumens make the Mountain Kit (with included extension and helmet mounts) one of the most covetable lights we’ve used. The Bigger Cobber provides a floodlight of red out back.
Revelate Designs Ranger Frame Bag ($150)
This bag is a cut above, with connection points on all three sides for easy installation and a ballistic-nylon shell that’s virtually impenetrable.