Riding inside sucks. There, I said it.
The trainer has its place, but staring at a wall while sweating buckets doesn’t compare to the freedom of the open road. But when the mercury drops, that freedom usually comes with a hefty price tag: freezing fingers, numb toes, and a core that just won’t warm up.
I recently received a complete winter outfit from Lameda, and I was determined to test it properly. I took this gear out in 30°F weather—conditions that usually send cyclists running for their indoor smart trainers.
Spoiler alert: It worked out great.
Shield Women’s Jacket: The Fortress Against Frost
The outermost layer is your first line of defense, and the Shield Women’s Jacket takes that job seriously.
Riding in 30°F weather requires windproofing above all else. This jacket features a 3-layer composite fabric that effectively blocks biting wind. I noticed immediately that while the wind was cutting, it wasn’t cutting through me.
Why I loved it:
- Windproof & Water-Repellent: It handled the cold gusts perfectly. While I didn’t ride in the rain, the fabric feels robust enough to handle road spray and light moisture.
- Fleece-Lined Warmth: The interior has a thermal layer that traps heat. It felt cozy the moment I put it on, not stiff or plasticky like some wind shells.
- Smart Ventilation: The back and under-sleeve areas use a stretch fleece fabric. This is crucial because even in freezing temperatures, you sweat when you climb. This design lets the excess heat escape, so I didn’t get clammy.
- Secure Storage: The back pockets are roomy enough for snacks and a phone, and the elastic band cover keeps things from bouncing out over rough pavement.
Colorful Unisex Fleeced Thermal Jersey: The Cozy Core
Underneath the jacket, I wore the Colorful Unisex Fleeced Thermal Jersey (size Large). This isn’t just a base layer; it’s a proper thermal jersey that stands on its own in milder temps (40-50°F), but works perfectly as a mid-layer in the deep freeze.
The “Rainbow” colorway is vibrant, which is a huge plus for winter riding when visibility is often low due to grey skies.
Key Features:
- Brushed Inner Fabric: Soft against the skin and incredibly warm. It creates that essential pocket of warm air next to your body.
- High Collar: The collar stands up nicely to protect your neck from drafts, which is often a weak point in winter kits.
- Grip Dot Hem: Nothing is worse than a jersey riding up and exposing your lower back to cold air. The 4.5cm grip hem kept this jersey locked in place for the entire ride.
20th Anniversary Special Thermal Women’s Bib Tights
Finding good winter tights is notoriously difficult. They are often too bulky, restricting movement, or too thin, leaving your knees freezing. The 20th Anniversary Special Thermal Women’s Bib Tights (Size M) hit the sweet spot.
These are normally designed for 5-15°C (41-59°F), but paired with the intensity of my ride, they held up beautifully in the colder 30°F air.
Performance notes:
- Elastic Interface® Chamois: This high-end pad is designed for long-distance comfort (6+ hours). It stayed comfortable and supportive without feeling like a diaper.
- Plush Fleece Lining: The interior is brushed fleece that locks in warmth. My legs felt protected immediately.
- Seamless Feel: Despite being thermal, they offer four-way stretch. I didn’t feel restricted at the knees or hips while pedaling.
- Side Pockets: A game-changer for winter tights. Having easy access to a gel or my phone on my thigh meant I didn’t have to fumble around behind my back while wearing thick gloves.
6066 Fleeced Bike Gloves: Dexterity Meets Warmth
Hands are usually the first thing to freeze. I wore the 6066 Fleeced Bike Gloves (Medium), and I was pleasantly surprised.
Bulky winter gloves often make shifting gears or braking feel clumsy. These gloves maintain a slim profile while providing surprising warmth. They are rated for 5-15°C, but my hands stayed functional and pain-free at 30°F.
- Touchscreen Compatible: Fingertips work on screens. I could check my map without exposing my skin to the freezing air.
- Full-Palm Silicone Grip: The bars felt secure in my hands, even when my hands were damp.
- Long Cuffs: The cuffs are long enough to tuck securely under the jacket sleeves, keeping the wrist area covered.
Thermal Beanie for Under Helmet: The Unsung Hero
You lose a significant amount of heat through your head. The Thermal Beanie was the final piece of the puzzle. It fits snugly under the helmet without creating pressure points.
It completely covers the ears—a non-negotiable feature for me. The jacquard fabric wicked sweat away efficiently, so my head stayed warm but dry. It’s lightweight, recycled, and absolutely essential for sub-freezing rides.
Final Verdict
This Lameda winter outfit proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get high-quality, technical cycling gear that actually works. The layering system was perfect. I never felt overheated on the climbs or frozen on the descents.
If you are looking to extend your riding season and escape the indoor trainer, I highly recommend checking out this kit.
Ready to ride outside?
You can grab this entire outfit on the Lameda website. Use my discount code HILARY25 at checkout to save 25% on your winter cycling gear. This code is only good through December 25. After that, use code Hilary 20 for 20% off.
- Jersey: Colorful Unisex Fleeced Thermal Jersey
- Tights: 20th Anniv Special Thermal Women’s Bib Tights
- Jacket: Shield Women’s Jacket
- Gloves: 6066 Fleeced Bike Gloves
- Beanie: Thermal Cap Beanie