ALÉ Men’s Winter Cycling Clothing
Your Winter Breakaway
by Alex Sabin, with images by Andre Dina
As a pro level mountain bike racer, with experience competing on the roads, too, cycling kit performance and comfort is crucial to me. It has to stop the elements in winter, allow me a good degree of movement, and give me that extra security that comes with high-performance and comfortable winter cycling clothing. Thankfully, working closely with many of the world’s top cycle teams in the pro peloton, Italian brand Alé understand this, and their latest Fondo & Clima Warm range of men’s winter cycle clothing carries forward their adherence to excellence. Testing Ale is always reassuring, reminding me what good cycle clothing should be.
Alé Pragma Jacket Fondo 3.0
In terms of a winter cycle clothing choice, the Pragma Jacket Fondo 3.0, together with the Clima Warm Plus 2.0 tights and the Klimatik shoe covers, create a well-balanced winter cycling setup designed for low temperatures and variable conditions. It should be perfect for winter cycling here in Transylvania – so, let’s see!
When it comes to training, there aren’t many moments for you to catch your breath. After that well-deserved month off following a full season, comes… winter. The weather takes no prisoners, either, and you have to be dedicated – which is why good kit is critical. There are days when it’s not safe to head out on the road, but there are also days when… by having the right equipment and clothing, it makes the difference.
Ultimately, that’s why ALÉ comes with a collection designed for the cold season.
Ale Pragma Fondo 3.0 Jacket
For me, the Ale Pragma Fondo 3.0 jacket stands out through a successful combination of protection and breathability, offering enough warmth for winter rides without feeling bulky or restrictive. Well, yes that’s the technical description – but what does it feel like in real conditions and a cold winter in Romania? It actually does what it says; made from high-performance and multi-stretch fabrics, this well-cut jacket is close enough a fit to feel right, but with the benefit of allowing me freedom of movement on the bike. The fabric is not too heavy and not too light, ensuring that warmth and breathability is regulated, whilst the coating also beads a good degree of the moisture if required.
Yes, when the going gets tough, the innovative and technical membrane provide good wind protection and repels light rain, while the thermal interior helps maintain a stable body temperature even on descents or in exposed areas. All of this means that I remain smiling and comfort, helping me to maintain that all-important performance.
Finally, then, the fit of this stylish winter cycling jersey is sporty and performance-oriented, typical for Alé, sitting nicely on the bike without flapping at speed, and the eucalyptus color adds a modern and elegant look that is easy to match with other kit pieces. It has the usual 3 pockets at the back, allowing plenty of on-the-ride storage, a good high collar to keep the wind out and away from my neck, and a strong zip that seems as though it will last the test of time – always useful on winter clothing. Do I like it and did it work well – absolutely. And, it carries forward the Alé badge of quality and styling that should last you for a long time.
Alé Clima Warm Plus 2.0
The Alé Clima Warm Plus 2.0 winter bib tights perfectly complement the Pragma jacket, delivering a high level of thermal insulation for the lower body and making them ideal for long rides in cold weather – viola! When the temperatures drop here in Romania, that really is important to me; but these bibs did their job and kept me warm and comfortable.
We all know the importance of this, alongside the close but unrestricted fit, in this case due to Alé using high-quality multi-stretch fabric with good compression, and choosing the panelling in a body-mapping way. The fabric is as I mentioned, stretchy in the right way, yet still having reasonable compression. In use, the bibs feel relaxed and comfortable, adapting well to the riding position, and protecting efficiently against cold and wind without restricting movement. At the same time, the breathability is good enough to prevent overheating during sustained efforts. All good for a hard winter training ride, then!
When it comes to pads, whether you’re a pro rider or a weekend warrior, quality is the difference between a successful ride and pain. Fortunately, the material and structure used by Alé is up to expectations and I didn’t experience any issues. One thing I appreciate about all Alé pants are the braces. I have never tested a pair of pants that I didn’t like the braces on. The craftsmanship and the fact that they fit perfectly on the body are a real plus.
With the Clima Warm model, Alé managed to create perfect equipment for cold days, but he didn’t skimp on quality either, and you don’t feel like you’re overdressed.
Alé Klimatik shoe covers
The Alé Klimatik shoe covers are for me, an essential part of this winter setup, providing excellent protection against cold and moisture, and keeping the feet warm and dry even in wet or rainy conditions. In terms of the fit, they fit well over cycling shoes, feature a solid and well thought out and tough construction, and add an extra layer of safety thanks to reflective details. The zipper is always an area of weakness for overshoes. Alé have thought about this and spent time selecting a tough zipper, which works will with the stretch waterproof fabric.
Overall, this latest Alé kit is an excellent choice for those cyclists who train or ride long distances in winter. It offers you that all-important balance between comfort, protection, and a premium look, without major compromises in performance.
Is it something that I would choose myself – absolutely, and the remainder of this winter will only clarify this for me.
