After a month of extreme weather, we look at keeping warm on those winter rides. It’s been a winter wonderland, and our primary concern for cyclists is layering up with our warmest clothing and maybe even taking a flask – a cafe visit is essential wherever possible.
This month, I looked at what is ideal for consumers in these freezing conditions and technology aimed at female riders, including Crankbrothers’ dropper post range, which offers a shorter length to accommodate a smaller frame size. I also looked at a couple of very cosy, warm baselayers ideal for the winter months and Marin’s women-specific trail MTB.
- Women’s bike vs unisex bike – understanding the differences
- Types of mountain bike trail
- Gravel cycling: experiencing a women’s bikepacking event
Crankbrothers Highline 3 Dropper Post
If you lean towards a smaller frame size, you may encounter a problem when adding a dropper post to the mix. Many dropper posts tend to be long, with the smallest measuring 100mm. Sometimes, the post may not be able to be pushed deep into the frame if there is a designer kink. An example of this is the Trek Remedy in size small. The seat tube has a bend in the frame halfway down, making it difficult to push the dropper post low enough down. Sometimes, if pushed too deep, it can affect dropper performance and cause it not to work. The other issue is that the dropper post reaches a full limit at a height too high for the rider.
Crankbrothers has an 80mm dropper option in its Highline 3 lineup. It is cable-operated and ideal for XC riders looking for a short-travel dropper seatpost. It costs £199.99 and it comes in sizes 30.9 and 31.6 in diameter. Here is the Crankbrothers Highline 11 Dropper post we reviewed for more information.
Marin’s women-specific trail mountain bike
Most brands these days, due to modern progression, don’t differentiate between male and female bikes. They are called gender-neutral or unisex. But, of course, some women gravitate towards a bike that considers the female anatomy. Minor tweaks can be made such as narrow bars for narrow shoulders, a shorter top tube and length, a lower standover for a shorter torso and inside leg length and, sometimes, even a shaped saddle to fit the female form of the hips.
The Marin ticks all of those boxes to accommodate such needs. The Marin Wildcat Trail 2 features a women’s fit geometry and is paired with components like a women-specific saddle, narrow bars and adjustable reach brake levers. A 27.5-inch wheel makes the bike lightweight and more responsive. The bike is a bargain at £629 and comes in colours to suit every taste. Sizes run from XS to fit rider height 146-157cm to an XL for height up to 188cm.
You can read more about these differences in our Women’s bike vs unisex bike feature.
High support for Luca’s Signature Sports Bra range
Women’s cycling clothing brand Luca focuses on women-specific fits often found missing on the shelves. The founder, Luca Kuhn, saw a market dominated by gear usually designed with men in mind, leaving women’s fit and needs as an afterthought. The brand is going one step further, and by partnership and donations, they support organisations providing bikes, training, and education to women and girls in underserved communities.
Although Luca is leaning towards providing clothing and accessories to Tarmac enthusiasts, the products can cross over to gravel and training. We love the sports bra signature selection within their range. Designed to be snug, secure and ultimately a sweat-free experience. Offering high-support wicking materials and a mesh back for comfort and breathability. A zip on the front makes things even more convenient. The Women’s Signature Sports Bra is £65 and comes in three colours.
Women’s Merino Baselayer by PEdALED
Pedaled’s Women’s Merino Base Layer will enhance your cycling experience with the expertly crafted natural performance of merino wool paired with technical fibres for exceptional durability and shape retention. Designed for breathability and quick drying, it ensures comfort on every ride.
Priced at £72, it’s available in sophisticated Dark Navy and versatile Grey with sizes ranging from XXS to XL to suit every cyclist.
Deep winter warmth with Le Col’s Base Layer
With wintery weather still looming over us, our go-to attire for heading out the door for a pedal will involve a layering system. It’s crucial to get the right combination for ultimate comfort on cold, frosty but unpredictable, sunny intervals the UK throws at us during a bike ride. Getting a decent baselayer is a must.
Le Col’s Women’s Deep Winter Base Layer is worth a look at if only for its pure warmth and nigh turtle neck design and fleecy Polartec Alpha zones across the core and upper back for supreme targeted insulation.
Polartec Power Grip features across the arms and lower back to trap warm air and ensure breathability. This is the ultimate baselayer for frosty winter bike rides.
Vana Women’s Trail Pants in longer leg length
Based in Australia, women’s cycling clothing brand, Vana, began its journey with a mission to create a company with fun designs and comfortable cuts tailored to women’s bodies. Since then, it has grown and has an impressive clothing collection.
The Women’s Trail Pants are great for winter with water-resistant, stretchy fabric to protect you from the mud and puddles you typically find on trails. They have features such as a zipped phone pocket and articulated knee design for knee pads – and they come in both regular and long leg lengths.
There is an array of sizes from XS to XXL. Pricing is pegged at £109 and can be bought directly from the website.
