INONI Official Guide · Layering System
How to Dress for Cycling: The Complete INONI Layering System
There's no such thing as bad weather—only bad layering. Learn about cycling's microclimate engineering, check out the clothing selection matrix for temperatures from scorching hot to freezing, and learn how to train in complete comfort year-round.
What to wear? Check the temperature outside
Cycling is a unique sport: your body generates a tremendous amount of heat, but the airflow mercilessly cools you down. The matrix below suggests a proven setup for every season.
Maximum thermoregulation and UV protection
Set: Sleeveless mesh sweatshirt (wicks sweat away before the jersey sticks to your body) + ultralight road or gravel jersey (e.g., Pro Tour 217/282 ) + 555/573 cycling shorts with a 7h+ pad. A sleeveless sweatshirt is a must – it prevents chest chills on descents.
Short sleeve + windproof vest in pocket
The set: Carbon polyamide sweatshirt + Pro Tour short-sleeved jersey + cycling shorts. The key piece: the V85 2.0 Windy wind vest , rolled up in the back pocket. You put it on in the morning, take it off in full sun, and throw it on on long descents.
Base + Cycling Jersey + Joint Protection
Set: Short or long sleeve sweatshirt + fitted Pro Tour 260.16 + cycling shorts with knee/leg warmers (or transitional tights) + V85 vest. Remember: knee joints below 15°C require protection against synovial fluid!
Thermal sweatshirt + sweatshirt + windproof jacket
Set: Primaloft or Merino thermal sweatshirt + 260.16 thermal sweatshirt + 301 Windy or 317 Classic outer jacket with Zero Wind membrane + long insulated trousers with insert + light shoe covers and long-fingered gloves.
Winter armor: Merino + Zero Wind Membrane + SuperRoubaix
Set: 100% Merino INONI expedition underwear + thermal sweatshirt + 390 2.0 Night Rider winter jacket (with 360° reflectors) or 327 2.0 SuperRoubaix + insulated winter pants with a windproof membrane on the thighs + winter gloves, merino neck warmer and neoprene shoe covers.
4 Iron Rules of Cycling Clothing
The difference between amateur freezing and professional riding lies in understanding the laws of physics and thermodynamics of the body.
The First 10 Minute Rule
When you leave home for training, you should be slightly chilly. While cycling, a cyclist's working muscles generate 600-800 watts of heat. If you're comfortably warm outside, after 15 minutes of road riding, you'll be completely drenched in sweat, which will lead to immediate hypothermia on the first descent.
Windchill Factor
A cyclist creates their own wind. Riding at 30 km/h at 10°C means your chest only feels about 4°C. Therefore, a tight wind barrier (V85 vest or membrane) on the front of your body is more important than the thickest fleece.
Onion vs One Thick Jacket
Micro-layers of trapped air between the garments provide the ultimate thermal insulator. Furthermore, the layering system allows for complete flexibility: unzip the jacket for a climb, and zip it up at the summit and throw on the vest for a descent.
ZERO Underwear Under Shorts
A cardinal rule of cycling: padded shorts should only be worn directly on the bare skin. Regular underwear rides up, its thick seams dig into the groin, and cotton traps moisture—a guarantee of painful chafing after just the first hour in the saddle.
Explore the Individual Layers of the System
Proper cycling clothing is a precise engineering process: from rapid moisture wicking, through aerodynamics and microclimate control, to an armored shield against rain and wind. Click on the individual levels to learn the order and purpose of each element.
Base Layers & Sweatshirts
The first line of contact with the skin. It wicks moisture away before the jersey can stick to the body. A comparison of summer mesh, polyamide with carbon fiber (Carbon), Primaloft, and Merino.
Underwear Guide (Layer 1) →
INONI Cycling Pads
Worn directly onto the skin only (no underwear). The heart of every short and the key to eliminating numbness on 100+ km runs. A review of firmness, hydrophobicity, and SMARRR cream.
3D Insert Guide →
Cycling Jerseys
A cyclist's second skin. From ultralight mesh jerseys for hot weather to Pro Tour cuts with ribbed aero sleeves. Learn how to pair a jersey with a sweatshirt and a vest for descents.
T-Shirt Guide (Layer 2) →
Cycling Shorts (Short)
The most important element for comfort in the saddle. Anatomical compression panels reduce muscle vibration, while silicone micro-mesh cuffs hold the leg in place without digging into the thigh.
Shorts Guide (Layer 2b) →
Long Cycling Pants
Protect your knees below 15°C. Three advanced technologies: DWR Teflon insulation for rain and cold, a ZeroWind winter shield for frost, and the 699 Gravel series with spacious cargo pockets.
Guide to Long Pants →
Cycling Sweatshirts & Longsleeves
A key piece for the transitional season (spring/fall). Featuring the bestselling Pro Tour 260.16 2.0 hoodie, luxurious Pro Sands fabric, and Aqua Shield models. Warmth without the sauna effect.
Sweatshirt Guide (Layer 2.5) →
Cycling Jackets & Vests
The ultimate shield against the elements. The flagship 307 2.0 rain jacket with eVent® membrane, the armored 390 2.0 Night Rider winter jackets, and the ultralight V85 packable vest.
Jacket Guide (Layer 3) →
Cycling Accessories
The periphery of the body loses heat the fastest. ZeroWind helmet hats, A26/A28 insulated arm warmers, AirTunel anatomical shoe covers, multifunctional scarves, and Viva El Ciclismo towels.
Accessories Guide →
