Perfect For a Fall Cycling Gear Test – A Day of Cool Weather Riding with a Trio of Terry Cycling Tops
Overcast and 44 degrees, a threat of rain showers, followed by increasing sun and a high of 49 degrees. It’s Fall in the North Country and you look at the thermometer and sigh. What to wear that will keep you warm to start, but not overheat later? We all know that layering is important, but choosing the right clothing for those layers can be difficult.
Let’s start with our core.
Terry has designed three colorful pieces of cycling gear that will make our chilly Fall rides more enjoyable. The combination of the Coolweather Jersey, Hybrid Jacket and Signature Vest makes for a comfortable and colorful riding trio.
Fall Cycling Gear Review – A Cozy Base
The Coolweather Jersey serves as a cozy first layer. Warm and toasty against the skin yet doesn’t over heat; the fabric breathes well throughout the ride. A front zipper allows for easy temperature control. A nice detail I appreciated is the small zipper garage at the neck, to keep the zipper pull from flapping around.
The ideal positioning of the two rear pockets — a bit to the side for easy reach — and a handy center zipped rear pocket, makes for a functional jersey that can also be used without additional layering. Coolweather jersey easily fits iPhone and snacks deep in the pockets.
Fall Cycling Gear Test – Protective Outer Layer
Terry’s new Hybrid Jacket adds that much needed second layer of wind protection. For anyone weary of bright yellow and neon orange, this brilliantly colored two-toned jacket makes for a colorful alternative. On a damp four hour ride recently, the Hybrid jacket kept this author dry without overheating. The transfer of moisture remained reliable and comfortable throughout the ride.
This jacket, similar to the jersey, features a couple of well placed rear pockets. They are located along the back side of the garment, making the reach for that Fig Newton or Lindt chocolate so much easier.
Fall Cycling Gear – Testing For The Best Vest
The Signature Vest rounds out our core coverage for cool weather riding. Designed specifically to keep our core warm, the vest is a wonderful addition for a multitude of outdoor activities. Having always used either a light or a heavy weight vest, I wasn’t sure about Terry’s midweight option, so I took it for a ride.
The vest provided just enough added warmth to keep my core warm, without the added bulk of fleece. I found the midweight ideal for the changing temperatures of Fall. If you aren’t a fan of stopping over and over to add and remove layers, the vest is the perfect addition. A vest allows a rider to remain toasty warm without feeling bulky and overheated.
Vests generally aren’t equipped with rear pockets, but the stylish Signature Vest comes with 3 sturdy open rear pockets. Outdoor Divas rejoice: you can easily stash cell phone, peanut butter sandwich, credit card, bandana and inner tube into the three handy rear pockets.
While Terry’s design team was mulling over this vest, they added a couple upper and lower reflective strips for visibility, and an elastic band at the base to keep that chilly air from creeping up our backsides.
For more help with choosing your ideal cycling tops, check out this helpful post: How To Choose Cycling Tops.
The Wunderground weather app is a great tool for predicting the local weather trend for a ride. And the decisions for what to wear! Up here in Alaska, every 10°F drop in temperature requires a layer choice adjustment. My ace in the hole for warmth in case I do get chilled is to carry a ThermaCare back wrap in my seat pack so it’s always there!
Hi Susan, Excellent advice! Yes, I use the Wunderground ap or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and look at temp,precipitation, and wind direction! The wrap is so reassuring to have on hand as well; thank-you!