As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures drop, cyclists across disciplines—whether it’s road, gravel, mountain biking, touring, or commuting—must adapt their gear to handle the cooler weather. Layering is the most effective strategy to ensure comfort, breathability, and protection from the elements. Having the right layers allows you to easily adjust to fluctuating temperatures, ensuring that you're neither too cold nor too hot during your ride. In this guide, we'll explore how to layer for fall cycling with a focus on men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

Fall weather can be unpredictable. Mornings may start with a chill, warm up in the afternoon, and then cool down again by evening. Rain and wind can appear suddenly, leaving you exposed to the elements if you're not prepared. For cyclists, this means wearing layers that provide warmth, are easily adjustable, and offer protection from wind and rain.

The key to effective layering is the three-layer system : a base layer for moisture management, a mid-layer for insulation, and an outer layer for protection from wind, rain, and cold. Below, we’ll break down how to apply this system to different types of cycling.

Different cycling disciplines require specific approaches to layering based on effort levels, terrain, and exposure to the elements. Let’s break down the strategies for each type of fall cycling, along with specific product recommendations.

Base Layer

When you're cycling on the road, especially in the cooler months, regulating sweat is essential. A good base layer keeps you dry by wicking away moisture, preventing your body from cooling down too much during those long rides.

Gorewear Base Layer Long Sleeve (Men’s & Women’s) : Lightweight and breathable, this long-sleeve base layer efficiently wicks sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry during high-intensity efforts. Its slim fit ensures it doesn’t add bulk, while its fast-drying material makes it perfect for long rides.

Mid-Layer

A mid-layer provides insulation to keep your core warm, without causing you to overheat. A cycling-specific jersey is often the best choice.

• Salsa Arctica Men's Long Sleeve Jersey: This long-sleeve cycling jersey lets you take on cool-weather rides or layer up for colder days. It’ll keep you warm and dry through three-season riding and comes loaded with features you’ll appreciate on the bike.

• Salsa Women's Terrazzo Long Sleeve Jersey : When you need a little extra coverage for brisk rides, this feature-filled long-sleeve cycling jersey does the job comfortably.

Outer Layer

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so having a packable windproof and water-resistant jacket is essential for road cycling.

• Gorewear C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry Jacket (Unisex) : A top performer in weather protection, this jacket is windproof, waterproof, and extremely lightweight. Its packable design makes it easy to stow in a jersey pocket when not needed, and its breathability ensures you don’t overheat during long rides.

Accessories

• 45NRTH Risor Gloves (Unisex) : These merino wool gloves are designed to keep your hands warm without compromising on dexterity, perfect for handling chilly fall air.

• Gorewear Shield Knee Warmers : Great for early mornings, knee warmers can be easily removed once the day warms up.

Gravel cycling presents unique challenges in the fall. The off-road terrain, coupled with the fluctuating weather conditions, requires layers that provide flexibility, warmth, and protection from the elements.

Base Layer

A merino wool base layer is a good choice for gravel riding, offering excellent moisture-wicking and temperature regulation.

• 45NRTH Grunnur Wool Base Layer (Men’s & Women’s) : Made from merino wool, this base layer is soft, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor-resistant. It works exceptionally well for gravel rides where both intense efforts and slower climbs can make managing body heat and moisture critical.

Mid-Layer

A mid-layer that provides warmth without limiting mobility is ideal for gravel riding.

Gorewear C3 Thermo Jersey (Men’s) & Progress Thermo Jersey (Women’s) : With their ergonomic fit, these jerseys are warm but breathable, providing insulation without restricting movement. They are versatile pieces that can be worn as a mid-layer on colder days or as an outer layer on milder fall days.

Outer Layer

A jacket that can handle unexpected rain and wind is a must for gravel cyclists who often find themselves far from immediate shelter.

Gorewear Lupra Hooded Jacket: Designed with rugged outdoor use in mind, this jacket is windproof, waterproof, and durable enough to withstand gravel and trail conditions. Its hood fits comfortably over a helmet, offering extra protection on windy, rainy days.

Accessories

Gravel riding also demands strong protection for hands and feet.

• 45NRTH Sturmfist 4 Gloves (Unisex) : These heavy-duty gloves are windproof and water-resistant, ensuring your hands stay warm and dry even on rough gravel adventures.

• Lizard Skins Dry Fiant Toe Covers : When the temperatures drop, these  toe covers help keep your feet warm, especially on long gravel rides.

Mountain biking in the fall is exhilarating, but the mix of shade, sun, and unpredictable weather means that layering is key to comfort. Mountain bikers need clothing that provides protection from the elements and the inevitable mud, while allowing freedom of movement.

Base Layer

Mountain biking often generates more body heat due to intense climbs, so a lightweight, breathable base layer that wicks away sweat is essential.

• Gorewear Base Layer Long Sleeve (Men’s & Women’s) : This base layer is designed to provide warmth without overheating, making it perfect for mountain biking in cooler weather. It fits snugly under your jersey and wicks moisture away, even during high-intensity climbs.

Mid-Layer

Mountain biking requires more rugged clothing due to the physical demands and potential exposure to dirt and debris.

• 45NRTH Naughtvind Jacket (Men’s & Women’s) : Made for active cold-weather riding, this jacket provides warmth and mobility. It’s durable enough to withstand brushes with branches and falls, yet breathable enough to avoid overheating on steep climbs.

Outer Layer

When the wind picks up or a light drizzle falls, having an outer layer that blocks wind and sheds light moisture can be a lifesaver.

Gorewear Endure Jacket  : Windproof and water-resistant, this jacket is perfect for mountain biking. It’s durable enough to handle the rugged demands of the trail, and its articulated fit ensures freedom of movement on technical terrain.

Accessories

Mountain bikers need solid gloves and gear to handle cooler temps without sacrificing grip or control.

• 45NRTH Draugenklaw Pogies : These handlebar pogies offer a unique way to keep hands warm in cold conditions while maintaining easy access to controls.

• Gorewear Windstopper Gloves (Unisex) : For those cooler fall rides, these gloves block wind and keep your hands warm, while still allowing for excellent grip and handlebar feel.

Touring in the fall often means long days on the bike with fluctuating temperatures. Your layering system should focus on comfort and adaptability, as you’ll need to be prepared for a range of weather conditions throughout the day.

Base Layer

A merino wool base layer provides comfort and moisture control, two things every touring cyclist values.

• 45NRTH Grunnur Wool Base Layer (Men’s & Women’s) : The wool material helps regulate body temperature, keeping you warm when needed and preventing overheating during long rides. Its natural properties also prevent odors, which is a great advantage for multi-day rides.

Mid-Layer

Your mid-layer should be insulating and breathable, capable of keeping you warm in cooler conditions.

• Gorewear C3 Thermo Jersey (Men’s) & Progress Thermo Jersey (Women’s) : With their ergonomic fit, these jerseys are warm but breathable, providing insulation without restricting movement. They are versatile pieces that can be worn as a mid-layer on colder days or as an outer layer on milder fall days.

Outer Layer

A touring cyclist’s outer layer needs to be easily packable yet highly protective against rain and wind.

• Gorewear Paclite Jacket (Unisex) :The GORE GORE-TEX Paclite Jacket is an extremely light weight and packable wet weather jacket. Durably waterproof and extremely breathable, so you stay dry even when riding hard. Reflective front zip for night time visibility. For those determined to ride in every condition who need to carry wet weather protection where space is critical.

Accessories

Comfort is key for long-distance touring, so accessories that add warmth and protection without bulk are essential.

• Defeet Wooleator Socks (Unisex) : The Wooleator is a thin, low-bulk sock in USA Merino wool and is moisture-resistant and naturally antibacterial. The Wooleator is equally comfortable for 4-season cycling or casual wear.

• Craft Storm Balance Tights: These tights provide extra warmth for touring cyclists who need full-leg coverage during colder days.

Commuting by bike in the fall means starting your day in the chilly morning air and often returning home in a much warmer afternoon. Versatility and comfort are essential, along with a professional appearance for the office.

Base Layer

A quick-drying, lightweight base layer is ideal for commuters who want to stay comfortable and dry during their ride.

• Gorewear Base Layer Long Sleeve (Men’s & Women’s) : This lightweight base layer is perfect for commuting. It wicks moisture away, ensuring that you arrive at work dry and comfortable, ready to slip into your work clothes without needing a complete change.

Mid-Layer

A casual yet technical mid-layer is perfect for commuters who want to stay warm during the ride but don’t want to look too “athletic” at the office.

• Muc-Off Riders LS Jersey : This long-sleeve shirt offers warmth and comfort while still looking stylish enough for casual office environments. It can easily be layered over a base layer for extra warmth during your commute.

Outer Layer

A waterproof, windproof jacket is crucial for commuters who have to brave the elements on their way to and from work.

• Gorewear Lupra Hooded Jacket  (Men's and Women's) : Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable, this jacket offers full protection from the elements without being overly bulky. It’s ideal for commuters who need a jacket that looks good off the bike as well.

Accessories

Commuters also need a few key accessories to stay warm and protected.

• Gorewear C5 Gore Tex Infinium Gloves (Unisex) : These gloves are warm and windproof, perfect for chilly morning commutes without being too bulky.

• 45NRTH Greazy Cycling Cap (Unisex) : Enjoy the eye and ear coverage of Greazy. With double-layer Merino wool blend fabric and flat-lock stitching, it fits comfortable under a helmet. The flexible brim keeps eyes shaded and doesn't crease when crumpled into a pocket for storage.