Tag: Riding Vest

Once the weather turns cooler, you might add-on to your current cycling kit of a jersey and bib shorts. You’ll probably add knee or leg warmers and arm warmers or a long-sleeved jersey. Sometimes, those add-ons aren’t enough, though, to shield you from a cold wind. That’s when a riding vest comes in handy.

What’s the Purpose of a Cycling/ Riding Vest?

A cycling vest is perfect for a day that is breezy and cool. Its primary function is to add an extra layer against the cold. It works best when temperatures are in the 50s and low 60s.

A riding vest is basically a jersey minus the sleeves. It still zips fully and has three stash pockets in the back like a regular jersey. That way you can carry stuff in your jersey pockets and your vest pockets. 

A riding vest slips over your jersey like a jacket because, basically, that’s what it is. With the zipper (and because it’s not really a jacket), you can regulate your heating and cooling more easily. 

I tend to use mine with arm warmers and a neck gaiter to keep the cold wind from going down the front and back of my jersey. On a cold descent, I can count on the vest to keep me insulated.

Types of Cycling/ Riding Vests

Cycling/ Riding vests come in a couple different configurations. There is the typical “wind vest,” which is pictured above. It is very lightweight and made to be breathable but block the wind.

Mine has a mesh back. You would be more prone to wear this on a moderately cool day just to keep the wind off. Its thin makeup allows you not to get overheated while riding.

Then there is the thermal riding vest for days when temperatures are cooler. It’s made to keep the wind off and to keep you insulated against the cold. You would probably pair this with a long-sleeved jersey, a long-sleeved base layer, and thermal tights. 

The zipper, as mentioned already, helps you to regulate your temperature. Some riders even prefer a thermal riding vest in the winter versus a riding jacket for that purpose.

Sizing, Price, and Where to Buy a Riding Vest

Riding vests are sized items. They wear and fit like a jersey. So, if you wear a large cycling jersey, a large vest should fit you perfectly. They typically look like the ones shown here on the Gorewear site or here on the Hincapie website.

Unfortunately, cycling/ riding vests have become quite expensive. The vests shown on the two websites above go for $120.00. The good news is unless you break a zipper or crash while wearing it, a cycling vest is a piece of kit you really only need to buy once. I bought mine years ago and they were on sale.

Other than finding a cycling/ Riding vest at your local sporting goods or local bike shop, there are several places online that sell them. The unfortunate truth is that the presence of bike shops seems to be diminishing, so cyclists have no other option but to buy online.

My suggestion, unless the need is immediate, wait for a sale. Hincapie currently has a wind vest on sale for $82.00. That’s a $40.00 drop off the retail price, so if you’re in need of a cycling vest, I’d go grab it.

Last Thoughts

A cycling/ riding vest is an essential part of your cycling wardrobe. It can be used in the spring, fall, and early winter. They come in different configurations to work with your body type. If you like to start warm and stay warm throughout a ride, choose a thermal wind vest to provide extra insulation.

If you just want to be comfortable in the wind but without extra insulation, choose a basic cycling/ riding vest. It all comes down to the conditions you ride in and your overall tolerance to wind and cold. 

Fortunately, because of the high price point, this is a garment you only need to buy once. So, stay warm, keep the wind off, and ride comfortably. You can’t go wrong with investing in a wind vest.