Preparing for Cycling During the Winter

So you’ve recently caught the cycling bug. You’ve ridden to work all through summer and now you want to do the same for winter. But the cold has started to bite, and you’re not sure that just wrapping up and covering your face in scarves is going to keep the chill winds out. Even though the exercise of the bike will keep your muscles warm, you still need to protect areas like your hands, feet and face from getting frostbite. Here are some top tips to wrap up warmly for some festive winter cycling.

1. Take note of the material
It is all very well wrapping up in several layers to keep warm, but materials such as cotton will absorb the sweat from your body easily, making the material wet. Body heat then passes through it easily, leaving your body exposed to the cold. Cold, wet shirt = risk of hypothermia. For a better warmth sealer, merino wool is becoming more popular.

2. Dress for the gloomy weather
Woollen clothes and fluffy jackets are great for keeping warm, but with the cold weather comes ice and damp and rain. A thin waterproof jacket and a pair of waterproof over shorts really helps, and if you become too hot wearing it you can simply take them off and store them in your backpack.

3. Sleeves, the longer the better.

When riding, normal sleeves are pulled upwards which leaves the skin of your wrists exposed. If you wear riding shirts or arm warmers, go for a longer sleeve and make sure that the sleeves fit tightly enough around the wrist not to allow bunching or rolling. You can always wear longer sleeves and then put on riding gloves if you suffer particularly from the cold

4. Accessories.
This part is essential especially if you suffer from bad circulation. Thick gloves are essential, and although woollen fingerless gloves can seem to provide more grip; it is better to invest in a slightly more expensive pair of professional riding gloves if you are exercising regularly in the winter. Wear insulated or waterproof socks underneath mountain boots, particularly if you enjoy mountain biking. We lose a lot of head from our heads, so a warm hat is also essential.

Another tip for mountain bikers is that if your eyes water a lot from cold trails and harsh winds, it is useful to invest in a pair of ski goggles. It is well worth the odd strange look you’ll receive at your ‘daring’ choice of fashion.

5.       Scarf Alternatives

Scarves can be bulky, itchy, and hard to move in and can take some adjusting until you are wearing it comfortably. This is all right for a brief walk up the town, but you don’t want to be constantly fiddling with your scarf while riding. Use a winter collar as an alternative, or wear a high necked jacked, as protecting the neck is extremely important during the cold weather.

Whether you are a new beginner looking to cycle with a group of friends or an expert in the summer looking to try a new thing, follow these tips for choosing a decent cycling outfit in winter, and you can’t go wrong.

About the Author

Kelly Simon is a keen cyclist who has contributed this post on behalf of Summit Different, the online store for unique and distinctive cycle jerseys