Road cycling socks, overshoes and accessories

Why take care over your road cycling accessories?

On a road bike, the wind of your own speed chills your extremities first: feet still on the pedals, and exposed ears, neck and forearms. These are also the areas where a small accessory makes the biggest difference, for minimal bulk. A pair of arm warmers, a neck warmer and toe covers slipped into a jersey pocket let you set off fresh in the morning and stow everything away when the sun climbs. In winter, thermal socks, overshoes and a thin hat under your helmet turn a tough ride into an enjoyable one.

Road cycling socks: material, length, season

A cycling sock is thinner than a standard sports sock, so as not to squeeze your foot inside a stiff, close-fitting shoe. Its seams are flat or absent around the toes, and its ventilated zones wick sweat away. As for materials, synthetic fibres dry quickly and suit summer rides; merino wool regulates temperature better, stays warm when wet and hardly holds on to odours, which makes it the go-to choice for spring, autumn and winter. For rain and intense cold, a waterproof sock slips a waterproof, breathable membrane into the heart of its knit.

Cuff length is a matter of taste and season: mid and high cuffs dominate on the road, with taller cuffs also protecting the ankle from the cold. Choose your size by shoe size range and look for good support under the arch.

Cycling overshoes, shoe covers and toe covers

Road shoes are ventilated and let in cold air as well as water. Overshoes wrap over them and leave the cleat and heel exposed underneath:

• Neoprene or thermal fabric for dry cold, often fleece-lined.
• Waterproof, with taped seams, for rain.
• Toe covers, which only cover the front of the foot, for cool spring and autumn mornings.
• Aero, in smooth, thin fabric, for time trials and triathlon.

Choose the size according to your shoe size, taking into account the volume of your shoe: an overshoe that is too tight pulls on the sole and wears quickly from contact with the ground.

Cap, hat, neck warmer and arm warmers

The cycling cap, in cotton or technical fabric, is worn under the helmet: its small peak keeps off rain and low sun, and it absorbs sweat from your forehead. In winter, a thin hat designed for cycling takes its place, sometimes with ear protection, or a simple ear-warmer headband when it is just cool. The multifunctional neck warmer is worn as a collar, pulls up over your nose in very cold weather or turns into a hat. Finally, arm warmers extend a short-sleeved jersey: thermal in spring, UV-protective in high summer.

Completing your road cycling kit

These accessories go with road cycling shoes, whose page also features insoles and laces, as well as jerseys and road cycling bib shorts. For winter, a road cycling jacket and gloves complete the outfit. Mountain bikers will find their selection in MTB clothing accessories.

Which cycling accessory brands to choose?

Gist is known for its cycling caps, including the Equipe Vintage series in the colours of historic teams and champions, and also offers neoprene overshoes and winter headbands.

Wind x-treme offers the multifunctional neck warmer in merino wool, fleece or cashmere, as well as the Coolcap cap, also in a children's size.

Mavic, the wheel and rim brand, also dresses cyclists' feet with its Essential socks, in wool, thermal or high-visibility versions, and its thermal overshoes.

Shimano extends its range of shoes with S-Phyre socks and thermal or waterproof overshoes cut for its road models.

Giro, a cycling and winter sports brand, offers the Proof and Xnetic H2O overshoes, the Chrono UV arm sleeves and HRC merino socks.

Dexshell, a specialist in waterproof gear, tests its products one by one for waterproofing; its Hytherm Pro, Thermlite or Ultra Thin socks keep your feet dry in the rain.

Cycling socks and accessories on sale

Replaced colours and models move to our road clothing clearance, ideal for building up a stock of socks; recent accessories are featured in new arrivals. Overshoes and hats benefit particularly from the winter sales.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need special socks for cycling?

It is not compulsory, but a cycling sock, thinner and without thick seams, avoids pressure points and chafing in a close-fitting shoe. It also wicks sweat away better than a cotton sock.

Which socks should you wear for cycling in cold weather?

A merino or thermal sock, thin enough not to squeeze your foot, combined with overshoes. In wet weather, a waterproof sock keeps your feet dry even if water gets into the shoe.

How do you choose the size of cycling overshoes?

Your shoe size gives the starting size in the manufacturer's chart; then look at the shape of your shoes: models with a dial or a bulky buckle sometimes need the next size up. The opening under the sole must leave the cleat and heel completely clear.

Can you wear a hat under a bike helmet?

Yes, provided it is thin: a cycling hat does not change the position of the helmet. Tighten the adjustment dial so the helmet stays stable, and avoid thick wool hats, which shift the helmet on your head.

Arm warmers or a long-sleeved jersey?

Arm warmers offer more flexibility: you can take them off while riding when the temperature rises and they fit in a pocket. A long-sleeved jersey remains more comfortable for a ride that is cold from start to finish.