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8 best men’s autumn cycling tops, from jerseys to gilets

We’ve found the kit that is versatile enough for the unpredictable season

Andrew Griffin
Thursday 15 October 2020 11:24 BST
We were on a mission to find the layers that would make sure you’re not too hot or too cold and neither wet nor sweaty
We were on a mission to find the layers that would make sure you’re not too hot or too cold and neither wet nor sweaty (The Independent)

Autumn can be the perfect cycling weather: crisp mornings, orange sunlight and the crinkle of leaves under wheel.

But it can also be miserably wet, painfully cold and dreadfully dark. As the nights draw in, and the conditions turn wintry, riding can become tougher, especially with summer weather fresh in the memory.

Often, autumn can be a mixture of both, all in the same ride. Fresh, clear mornings can crumble into frigid, biting afternoons, and good rides can be very quickly turn bad.

Dressing strategically can be the key to stop that from happening. A good cycling top can keep the cold and wet from seeping into your bones, and at the same time make sure that an unexpectedly warm day doesn't leave you damp with sweat.

From jerseys to gilets, read on for our review of the top performing cycling tops to wear this season.

You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

The verdict: Men’s cycling tops 

Rapha’s insulated gilet embodies autumn cycling kit. The changing and unpredictable nature of the season requires versatility, and the gilet does that perfectly, making it our best buy. If you’d prefer to keep the warmth in your jersey – or just add more warmth – then the Rapha classic long sleeve jersey II will do a great job.

To keep your hands warm in cold weather, read our review of the best winter cycling gloves 

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