Wondering what to wear biking in 50-degree weather? You’re not alone. You see, the problem with this particular temperature range is that it’s so unpredictable. It’s not on either end of the extreme spectrum so it can be tough to figure out what to wear in these conditions.
The general rule of thumb when it comes to mountain biking is that you should always wear cool clothes that allow you to slowly warm up and acclimate to cool weather conditions and get a good bike pouch or bicycle pannier to keep your essentials protected. But, that’s only if you’re going out in a cool climate.
Keep in mind that due to the nature of the activity, biking will naturally increase your body’s temperature. That’s why it’s recommended to avoid starting your trail with too many layers of clothes.
What to Wear Cycling in 50 Degree Weather
The good news is that you have a wide range of clothing items to choose from and we’ve got an entire list of them to help you get prepared for the next ride in 50-degree temperature weather.
1. Cycling Shorts
Is 50 degrees too cold for shorts? You want to consider the weather when buying cycling shorts.
For instance, sweat-absorbent, breathable and padded shorts are ideal for hot weather because they offer moisture transfer and will keep your seat dry no matter how many buckets you sweat.
But, what you need to look out for specifically, is that padded liner with a smooth finish that’ll help to absorb moisture while minimizing friction. This feature provides cushion so you can prevent bike chafing when you hit those bumpy parts of the ride and prevent bacterial growth at the same time.
2. Jersey
You can’t go cycling in 50-degree weather without protection from a jersey. It’ll keep you isolated so you don’t experience extreme temperatures that can be harmful to your health.
This jersey comes with a stand-up collar to protect your neck from the elements, a front zipper to help you control ventilation, and a long-cut back to protect your upper and lower back effortlessly.
3. Cycling Vest
Regardless of the temperatures, you should always either wear or take a vest with you when cycling.
They’re small enough to stuff into your pocket when it gets too hot and can help to regulate your temperature at the start of the ride, especially if you’re doing Enduro mountain biking.
When looking for what to wear biking in 50-degree weather, this is definitely a must-have, regardless of whether it’s a thermal vest or a tilted wind vest.
4. Jacket
A cycling jacket will have a cycling-specific thermal softshell construction. Plus, it has a long back that’s designed to keep your entire back warm as you acclimate to higher and higher altitudes. You need a windproof and waterproof jacket so it can pretty much handle all types of weather elements and conditions.
This type of jacket provides you with that extra layer of heat without being bulky or heavy. It’s also fitted with a zipper that you can open to let the air in whenever you start to feel especially warm or hot during your ride.
The best part is that it’s available in a variety of colors and it’s reasonably priced too, considering how well-made it is.
5. Windbreakers
Windbreakers are incredibly important when cycling in unpredictable weather, especially the water and wind resistant kind.
You never know what kind of weather you’ll encounter, especially in new trails, so this could be your ace in the hole.
Go for a hooded windbreaker jacket specifically, as this is the perfect purchase for an avid biker with a bike under 200 dollars.
6. Leggings
Bicycle pants and tights are usually made with 3D padded material which provides just the right level of comfort for those long trails.
This is in addition to quick-dry fabric that absorbs moisture to ensure increased comfort whether you’re sweating or experiencing a smattering of rain or snow. They allow you to keep focused and going no matter what.
7. Cycling Socks
If you’re going to cycle in cold weather at temperatures of 50 degrees and lower then you want to wear high-quality socks.
They’ll help to keep you comfortable while absorbing sweat, reducing friction and keeping your toes free. Ideally, opt for waterproof socks to keep your toes dry as well.
They should have a super soft cushion with impact-absorption and air circulation abilities to keep your feet pressure-free. Keep in mind that your socks are your feet’s first line of insulation defense against numbness and cold.
8. Gloves
You need very specific types of gloves when biking. Basically, they should have short-cut fingers so you can easily wash your cycling gloves and keep your hands warm without affecting your performance.
But, long-fingered gloves do come with their own benefits like the ability to protect your entire palm while reducing the amount of calluses your hands develop over time due to wear and tear. They also translate to increased friction while allowing you to achieve a tighter grip on the handlebar.
For best results, look for sweat-wicking or porous gloves so that all the extra moisture can easily escape.
9. Arm Sleeves
You’ve probably seen cyclists wearing arm sleeves, and that’s because they play a huge role in releasing pressure on the biceps, elbows, and forearms.
They can also help to reduce irritation and swelling in these areas by facilitating better blood circulation to support the muscles in your arms.
The great thing about these arm sleeves is that they’re constructed from moisture-wicking material that combines spandex and polyester. Its non-slip silicone and flat seam stitching features are a nice finishing touch.
Not only that, but the arm sleeve fabric is treated with an agent that absorbs ultraviolet light that can protect you from bug bites and harmful sun rays same as sunglasses for cycling do.
10. Bike Helmet
A stylish bike helmet is a non-negotiable cycling accessory because it’s there to protect your head in case you fall from your fixie which is very possible.
Just make sure you get the right helmet size so it’s comfortable, lightweight and robust enough to handle the impact of landing on the ground while protecting you from injury.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to wear biking in 50-degree weather, you’ll definitely have a fun and worry-free trip.
These are all the cycling items you need to put in your bike trunk bag that will come in handy during all seasons. Just make sure to invest in good quality brands to get maximum benefits while making sure that you only need to buy it once.
Happy cycling and let us know in the comments section if you have any question!