Essential Gear: for Autumn Cyclists and Riders

Dark Nights, Bright Ideas

It’s no surprise that some riders hang up their helmets once autumn arrives. Darker nights bring reduced visibility, a higher risk of bike theft, and typically wetter roads. 

That said, riding in the colder months doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Here are some ways to stay safe, seen, and protect your bike.

Rider Top Tips - Cycling

All prices mentioned are accurate as of the date of publication and may change over time.

We spoke to Cyclist Christine Geiger on Autumn favourites!

"I’m all about comfort, novelty, and fun when riding. So with the arrival of Autumn, these key factors need to be addressed, more so than ever. Maximising daylight hours and exploring the changing colours of gravel trails with my fave gadgets and gizmos galore is a true pleasure, and I hope they inspire you to embrace comfort, novelty, and fun on your next ride.

Mura Merino Turtleneck WOMEN logwood - £96 A wardrobe staple through winter, either as a base layer or statement piece.

AeroPress GO -£49.99 Riding a lot of off-road, I often seek out a quiet, scenic spot for a coffee and enjoy the ritual of making a hot drink rather than a crowded café. I think to this day I’ve made more coffees outside than I have inside.

Foam sit mat - £3.94 Who wants a cold butt, not me, I’ve always got a foam sit mat with me on the go. They pack down small and can seamlessly integrate into most bag situations. I find myself using it in my backpack to pad out my laptop sometimes.

Wizard Works Badjelly Bar Bag - £210 - £230 This bag does not leave my gravel bike. Carrying snacks, layers, or camera gear, the Badjelly bar bag is always by my side.

KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 Digital Camera - (currently out of stock) I take a lot of photos on the go, and have broken countless cameras through the not-so-delicate art of gravel riding, this Kodak has never let me down. Waterproof and up to 2m shockproof, it’s the ideal candidate to pack in a jacket pocket and snap away. 

King Cage - Stanley Oliver Cage - £23 Pure novelty and cool points for carrying a little Stanley hip flask with you to enjoy after a bikepacking trip, bonus points if there's a fireplace.

Madison DTE Isoler Waterproof Long Sock - £29.99 Underrated protection against the elements, when rain, puddles, and river crossings are unavoidable, these socks are your line of defence. Wet feet are cold feet.

Hutchinson Tundra 50x700c - Unreal grip across the board. I commute on these, I do some silly trails on these."

We also spoke to Chris, @chris_glover_rcc!

"My top tips for Autumn riding - As the road conditions change with the weather using your brakes properly can help you be safe on the roads. 

Motorcyclist Jessie aka, @r6.jessie top tips on Autumn riding. 

"SO!!

Autumn is coming, my favourite season despite it meaning less time on the bike, but it just means you have to make the most of it… I’ll be the first to admit I much prefer the fair weather side of things. But here are some of the things I always make sure of during the colder and wetter days:

1. Firstly is having good tyres underneath me, slick feeling tyres and rain on fallen leaves terrifies me, so that’s top of my checklist, the right tread just adds so much more confidence in those conditions. 
2. Secondly is my KEIS heated gloves, and a Zerofit base layer, as soon as I’m cold my enjoyment goes right down, I become stiff and it effects my riding, so I absolutely must be warm at all times."

Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate Baselayer - £59.95

"The award-winning Zerofit Heatrub Ultimate is a best-in-class baselayer that has been independently tested and proven to be five times warmer than leading competitors, keeping motorcyclists’ cosy on the road, trail or track in the coldest of conditions." - Zerofit

Zerofit Heatrub Move Baselayer - £40

"Featuring Adaptable Warmth Technology (AWT), the Move has been independently tested and proven to be twice as warm as a standard baselayer, and features a 45% polypropylene construction on the inside of the baselayer as well as a hollow polyester shell. These work in tandem to regulate body temperature, so as your ride goes on for longer, you don’t overheat in the conditions - AWT in action, the perfect option for autumn rides." - Zerofit

KEIS G901 Extreme Heated Gloves - £210

"Feature dual voltage compatibility and micro carbon-fibre heating elements that wrap around each finger for consistent warmth. With Level 1 CE certification, Superfabric® knuckle protection, and 20,000mm waterproof rating, they're designed for serious cold-weather riding. The gloves can run from motorcycle power or portable batteries, offering flexible power solutions.” - KEIS

Three Top Tips from KEIS

1. Layer Smart, Not Hard

Think of layering like building defences—base layers wick moisture, heated layers generate warmth, and your outer shell locks it all in. Get the order wrong and you're either a sweaty mess or a human icicle. Get it right and you're untouchable, even on a proper January morning. Pro tip: heated gear works best snug to the body, so size accordingly.

2. Seal the Heat Escapes

Your gear is only as warm as its weakest gap. Check cuffs, collars, and zip areas—these are where precious heat sneaks out when you're not looking. Tuck gloves under jacket sleeves, adjust collar closures, and make sure there's no daylight showing between layers. Small gaps make for cold rides.

3. Don't Forget Your Extremities

Cold hands and feet don't just ruin comfort—they compromise safety. When your fingers go numb, everything becomes harder: slower braking, clumsy throttle control, reduced reaction time. Invest in proper heated gloves and don't neglect your feet. Cold legs equal a cold core, so heated trouser liners aren't luxury—they're logic.

"3. A clear visor and waterproofs, I have been caught out already by the earlier sunsets and unpredictable clouds, my R&G waterproof backpack carries both of those for me everywhere at the moment. 

R&G offer Premium Heated grips - £75.99 which can "add months to your motorcycling season and comfort to almost any ride, with easy to install electronics wiring and 5 heat setting adjustments you can optimize the heat output to suit your needs." - R&G

4. This is probably the best time of year to invest in a trickle charger for your bikes battery overnight too, they don’t love the cold, just like me!

5. And lastly, just be extra cautious of others on the road, the glaring low sun or pouring rain, we become more difficult to spot this time of year, it’s probably best to chuck a hi-vis on to be safe!

Safe riding everyone and most importantly have fun🍂

Jessie"