A cycling vest is an essential piece of clothing. It covers your torso, the area most prone to getting cold. Many cyclists start their ride wearing a vest, and once they've warmed up, they take it off and store it in the back pocket of their jersey. A vest is also very useful when riding in the mountains. During descents, it often gets cold due to the speed and the lack of pedaling. In these situations, a wind vest is crucial in keeping you warm.

You can get a wind vest that is both rain and windproof, which is often a good choice if you're using it in the spring or fall.