Beating the Early Morning Chill

There is a special kind of discipline required for the 5am bunch ride. You walk out the front door into the biting morning air, and every instinct tells you to go back inside. But by the time the sun is up and you are halfway through the main set, the temperature has climbed ten degrees and you are suddenly overdressed.

The secret to surviving the early start without overheating later is the art of technical layering. At Caffeine and Cranks, we have designed a specific range of accessories that allow you to adapt your kit on the fly, stay warm when it matters, and shed layers as the day heats up.

The Layering Foundation: The Gilet

If there is one piece of kit every Australian rider needs, it is a high-quality wind vest. Our Men's Core Gilet and Women's Core Gilet are designed to be your primary defense against the morning chill. We use windproof front panels to block the cold air from hitting your chest, paired with a highly breathable mesh back to ensure you do not overheat as your heart rate rises. They are lightweight enough to pack down into a jersey pocket once the sun stays high.

Adapting Your Extremities: Arm and Leg Warmers

Your arms and legs are the most exposed to the elements during those early kilometers. Instead of committing to a long-sleeve jersey or heavy tights, warmers give you the flexibility to choose.

Thermal Arm Warmers

Our Thermal Arm Warmers are made from premium Italian technical fabrics with a soft, brushed interior. They provide instant warmth and integrated grippers to ensure they stay put regardless of how hard you are working. When the temperature rises, simply roll them down or stash them in a pocket.

Thermal Leg Warmers

For those single-digit mornings, our Thermal Leg Warmers provide critical protection for your knees and joints. We have integrated high-quality ankle zippers, making them easy to remove even while you are wearing your cycling shoes – a must-have for the mid-ride transition.

Closing the Gaps: Neck and Ear Protection

Cold air hitting your neck and ears is a sure way to feel miserable. Our C&C Neck Warmers provide a simple but effective barrier. They are lightweight, breathable, and versatile enough to be worn as a neck gaiter or pulled up over your ears during the coldest descents.

How to Build Your Early Morning System

1. Start Warm

Layer a gilet over your jersey and add arm and leg warmers. This "encapsulates" your core and limbs in technical thermal fabrics that trap a layer of warm air against your skin.

2. Monitor Your Temperature

As you warm up, use your full-length YKK zippers – standard on all our jerseys – to regulate airflow. If you are still too warm, remove your arm warmers first, as these are the easiest to manage while riding.

3. Transition Efficiently

Our accessories are designed to be packable. A properly folded gilet and a pair of warmers will fit comfortably in your jersey pockets without creating excessive bulk or bounce.

Year-Round Adaptability

Don't let the weather dictate when you can ride. By mastering the use of technical accessories and layering, you are extending your riding season into the coldest months while maintaining maximum comfort. Whether you are prepping for a winter epic or just a brisk coastal commute, our layering system has you covered.

Ready to build your early morning kit? Shop our full Accessories range here and take control of your comfort on every ride.