The Warm Toe Cyclist’s Guide: What to wear cycling in 50 degree weather

One of the greatest thing about cycling in the bay area is that you can cycle year round. The weather is great, inviting and we rarely have any rain or snow to keep you inside. In the winter, when it does get a little colder, many do wonder what to wear cycling in 50 degree weather. This will be especially useful if you enjoy rides by the beach, at higher elevation or at hawk hill where the temperature drops 10-15 degrees within 1 mile while descending the backside into the valley. There are many options to keep warm while riding through the bay, and other areas with similar 50 degree weather and we’re here to help.

Invest in your knowledge:

These pieces of reading may be interesting to you:

• How Long Do Cycling Bibs Last?
• Are Cycling Jerseys Supposed to Be Tight?
• How to Wear Cycling Shorts Properly?
• Best Wool Cycling Shorts

What to wear cycling in 50 degree weather: [Press links for my thoughts on all items]

1. Cycling Cap (Base Layer)
2. Headband (Neck and Ears)
3. Coldwear Jersey Top
4. Neoprene Cycling Gloves
5. Coldwear Cycling Bottoms
6. Merino Wool Socks
7. Cycling Foot Covers

In this post we will go from head to toe and discuss the different things that I use to keep warm when it gets cold or rainy outside. 

Cycling in 50 degree Weather Must-Have List

We are going to go over every piece of clothing that we feel that you need. However, if you have only 30 seconds and absolutely need to know what to get, here is a list of must haves. For optional and nice to haves, read on below.

1. Merino Wool Socks
2. Cycling Foot Covers 
3. Neoprene Wind-Resistant Cycling Gloves
4. Headband

If you want more detail, here is our head to toe guide for you:

Detailed List

Head:

It is good to have a base layer for yourself. What that means is something to keep you hot when it is cold and cold when it is hot. Two items that are very useful are a cycling cap, and a headband bandana. I really wish I knew the name, but I have a ton in my closet.

Cycling Cap (Base Layer)

This is great to wear to keep you warm. The brim is also nice because it helps with aerodynamics, and also allowing the wind to not get caught in your glasses and forehead during descents. I have 3 pairs, but when it gets cold, I like to go for classic black because I am hoping that the black absorbs color better.

• Cycling Cap (Base Layer) [See Price] 

Headband (Neck and Ears)

These are so helpful because you can wear them on just your neck, over your ears, covering your head, ears and neck or even just your head. They’re incredibly versatile. The cheaper the price the better because that means that they’re all a synthetic material that will wick sweat, and be light weight. I have maybe 10 and all in a ton of different colors which makes them even more fun.

• Headband (Neck and Ears) [See Price] 

Chest:

Coldwear Jersey Top

A long sleeve winter jersey is a must-have. The shorter jerseys are perfect for the warm days, but when it’s rainy, dark and damp in Muir woods, I am always happy to have the extra layer for sleeves. Typically I and others lose feeling first in hands, and then second to go is the very front part of the forearms. My cold weather jersey also is a tad thicker than my normal jersey. They tend to be on the costlier side, but the reinforced stitching I feel is worth it and I also simply know that I will be warm when I step outside. Of course, every brand has their own cold gear, so any option is a good option.

• Coldwear Jersey Top [See Price] 

Hands:

Neoprene Wind-Resistant Cycling Gloves

Typical gloves don’t block the wind very well or keep out water. To set the record straight, neoprene is not waterproof. So if you get caught in one of those 2-week long storms that we have been having, it will not be a good time for your fingers. However, for what to wear cycling in 50 degree weather, neoprene cycling gloves are perfect. I even use them down to low 40’s and misting as long as there is no heavy rain and they’re very toasty.

Note on Hand warmers: A lot of people ask me about handwarmers. I don’t recommend them because it gets in the way of handling the bars correctly. The gloves are enough for me, and if it does get below 50 degrees for cycling, then I like to layer liner gloves rather than get one bulkier glove.

• Neoprene Wind-Resistant Cycling Gloves (Outer Layer) [See Price] 
• Liner Gloves (Inner Layer) [See Price] 

Legs:

Coldwear Cycling Bottoms

You have two options here, you can go with the jersey where there is the pullover to keep your pants raised or what I do is use my running tights. Because they’re pants, I don’t deal with the same issue of them falling down as I would with my jersey shorts. These are warm enough to go down even lower temperatures, though I haven’t tested them. Your other option is a full jersey pant. I haven’t been sold on the idea because my pants stay up while riding though I still am waiting for someone to convince me.

• Men’s Cycling Bib Pant [See Price] 
• Under Armor ColdGear Pant [See Price]

Feet and Toe Cover

Merino Wool Socks

These are excellent. Even when I was not using cycling shoes, I was able to keep warm in my shoes that had venting around the toes. Always look to make sure that the socks are majority merino wool. These are 80%. Typically I found in that they can range when I was looking for my pair to be anywhere from 15%-80% merino wool. [See Price]

• Merino Wool Socks [See Price] 

Cycling Foot Covers

To seal your toes off, your body will be happy with feet covers. This is the most important to know what to wear when cycling in 50 degree weather. Once you have these you can start riding even colder and you will remain comfortable. I have two pairs of in shoe-foot covers and over shoes. For the in-shoe foot covers I really like them because you can get 2 pairs of 1.5 mm thickness and decide based on the day if you want to double them or not. The over shoes are great too if I am choosing to cycle for performance that day and need to feel my feet directly against the cycling shoe.

• In Shoe Toe Covers [See Price] 
• Over Shoe Toe Covers [See Price] 
• Full Waterproof Shoe Cover [See Price] 

Conclusion

You should be all set to ride in the cold mornings and evenings. Another great idea is to check the dew point. 50 degrees with a high dew point (high humidity) will feel far colder than a 50 degree day with a low dew point (low humidity). Enjoy your day and get pedaling.