Cycling in colder weather

Sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to keep riding through winter. When temperatures drop, it gets dark earlier, and it rains more often. But if it’s dry and the sun is even out, it’s time for a ride! Riding all year round comes with plenty of benefits. Like maintaining your fitness during the off-season and improving your bike handling skills. Even when the warm couch indoors is tempting. Being active in nature helps improve mental health too, including fighting low moods and reducing anxiety.

To help keep your motivation up and make winter rides more enjoyable, here are 5 tips to keep you riding comfortably this season.

1. Dress in layers

Wearing multiple layers is a well-known tactic. It starts with a good base layer. Make sure your core stays nice and warm. From there, add several layers. That way, you can take them off or put them back on as you warm up or as the ride goes on. With a good base layer and jacket, you can handle almost anything.

Keep in mind that you’ll feel cold at the start. Once you begin moving, you naturally warm up. When you head outside ready to ride, you actually shouldn’t feel warm. If you do, you’re wearing too much. 

2. Wash your bike regularly

In autumn and winter, the roads are often wetter. Dirt splashes up and sticks to your bike’s components and frame. Road salt and moisture take their toll on your bike. Wash your bike after every ride, or at the very least wipe it dry as soon as you’re done riding. In this blog post, you can read how to clean your bike chain properly.

3. Listen to your body

Your hands and feet usually get cold first, because your body focuses on keeping your core warm. Keeping your extremities warm is key to an enjoyable winter ride, so it’s smart to wear a pair of warm cycling gloves.

4. Wear the right clothing

Put on cycling clothing that keeps you warm and feels comfortable. A good bib shorts should keep you warm while still offering breathability. Our bib tights is lined with soft fleece and has a water-repellent outer layer. 

But also think about bringing an extra pair of wool socks in a resealable plastic bag. For example, if you accidentally step into a puddle. 

5. Use mudguards

To prevent spray up your back, you can fit a mudguard. There are practical removable mudguards that are easy to attach to your bike.