Surviving the Cold
We reached out to several riders across the state to compile this issue’s list of must-haves to keep riding while battling the chilly temps that come with an Arkansas winter.
Fellow Carter Move Mug
The Carter Move Mug is perfect for the coffee lover, a unique way to keep you warm on your ride. It’s available in 16 colors, two sizes and fits in a bottle cage. It also comes with a snap-in splash guard to make sipping on the go a breeze. Best of all, it’ll keep your coffee hot for 12 hours. Available at fellowproducts.com.
Velocio LUXE Bib Tight
LUXE is Velocio’s top-of-the-range fabric. It’s supple and compressive. These tights feature minimal seams for comfort. Velocio offers its tights in eight sizes (XXS-4XL) for both men and women with three color options: black, navy or coffee. The women’s tights feature FlyFree, Velocio’s tech that allows bathroom stops without having to remove layers. Available at velocio.cc and The Meteor in Bentonville and Fayetteville.
Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet and Pro Team Shadow Winter Jacket
These versatile items from Rapha are a great solution for Arkansas’s temperature swings. Both pieces are wind and rain resistant and have two-way zippers (a nice bonus for digging things out from your jersey pockets). The gilet features a lightweight insulation, reflective stripes and rear zipper pocket. When the temperature climbs, you can shed the vest and pack it into a jersey pocket. The winter jacket is lined with fleece, has three rear pockets and a small zip pocket. Its logos are all made from a reflective material. Available at rapha.cc and the Rapha Clubhouse in Bentonville.
Zwift Ride Smart Frame
If it’s just too cold or nasty to get out, take a look at the Zwift Ride Smart Frame, a smart training bike made for the virtual training app Zwift. It works with several existing indoor trainers or you can buy it with a trainer included. It’s always ready to hop on and get some training in and allows you to keep your outdoor bike ready for the outdoors. It has built-in handlebar controllers and customizable virtual shifting. It’s easily adjustable, making it perfect for everyone at home. Available at zwift.com.
Pearl Izumi Transfer Merino 150 Neck Gaiter
The simple neck gaiter can be a highly versatile piece as well. Merino wool provides amazing warmth, moisture control, isn’t itchy and won’t get stinky. On cooler days, wear the gaiter just around your neck, but when the temps drop, you can pull it up to cover your face. The Pearl Izumi model is one of the cheaper Merino pieces available. Most local shops carry Pearl Izumi. Also available at pearlizumi.com.
Castelli Espresso Shoe Covers and Gloves
A good all-around shoe cover that’s windproof and water resistant. The covers feature a velcro strap on the bottom, making it easy to fit to either road or gravel shoes. The ease-of-use continues with a full-length zipper with reflective trim along the back. There’s a silicone elastic at the top to ensure the shoe covers don’t slip. The covers are made from a Polartec AirCore insulated fabric. The gloves feature the same Polartec fabric and a PrimaLoft insulation. They are windproof and waterproof with a long zipper that runs from the wrist to around the thumb for easy on and off. They’re also touch-screen compatible so you can still document your epic ride for Instagram. Available at castelli-cycling.com.
All images courtesy of vendors
