Cycling in Winter: 10 Tips to Keep Safe and Warm

Winter brings short days and low temperatures. Does this mean that you have to stop cycling? Not at all, cycling in winter is not only very possible but also very enjoyable. The air in winter is amazingly fresh and crisp and cycling in the cold is very invigorating. Make sure you read these 10 essential tips to stay safe and warm.

1. Warming up

   The key to being warm in winter is to keep going. Don’t be put off by the temperature, just jump on your bike and do your thing – your inbuilt central heating system will take care of the rest. In addition to that you need the right clothes to keep the heat in and you will be absolutely fine.  Importantly, remember that it’s ok to feel slightly chilly when you get going – you’ll soon warm up. Also, your legs are doing the most of the work and will be the warmest. Because of this you will often see me with shorts and long sleeved tops in winter.

2. Frozen finger alert

   Whatever else you do, you are going to need gloves when cycling in winter. Your fingers don’t move much while cycling (well, not enough to keep warm) and tend to bear the full brunt of the wind. When I was a child, I cycled to school in winter without gloves and ended up pulling and tugging my jacket to protect my frozen fingers – not so effective!
   Recommended Gloves:  Endura Strike Winter Cycling Gloves

3. Make sure you have good strong lights

   The onset of winter means that days are getting shorter and shorter. If you’re commuting by bicycle then chances are you’ll be cycling to and from work in the dark or even dim light. If this is the case, you’ll need good strong rear and front lights so that you are seen by traffic and fellow cyclists. If you are cycling in complete darkness then you will need stronger lights. LED lights are strong, long lasting and reliable so you generally won’t have to worry about flat batteries.
   Read my review of Cateye’s EL135/LD130 LED Bicycle Lights
   and check out the new Knog Frog LED lights.

4. Look after your feet

   Sadly, there are not too many specialist winter cycling shoes. Many cyclists who usually wear clip shoes revert to toe straps on their pedals in order to wear warmer/ waterproof shoes. If you don’t want to do that, a pair of thick fluffy slippers waiting for you at the end of your ride will also do the trick

5. Make sure you have mudguards

   Chances are, that if you’re cycling in winter it’s going to be raining or even snowing at some point. Even if you’re cycling when it isn’t, there may still be slush and puddles to navigate. Mud guards will protect you from getting the infamous skunk’s stripe up your back and will make your journey much more pleasant. It will also keep you from having to wipe caked mud off of your cycle gear as often.

6. Wear a wicking base layer

   Wear a layer close to the skin that wicks away the sweat. This will keep you nice and dry, while moving the sweat to the outside layers where it can evaporate – or possibly freeze depending on how cold it is. Either way, you stay warm and dry where it counts.

7. Having a long sleeve jersey can be a lifesaver

   Wearing a long sleeve cycling jersey over your base layer will usually be enough to keep you toasty warm.

8. Fend off the wind and rain

   I personally wear either a jacket over my base layer or over a base layer and long sleeve as part of a layering system if I’m heading out on an epic journey. You can buy special windproof jackets, however I find that buying a waterproof jacket is enough to keep me both warm and dry, and it’s cheaper than having two jackets.
   Recommended Jacket:dhb Amberley waterproof jacket

9. Keep your legs covered

   Having waterproof trousers is really a huge benefit especially when it rains or snows as your legs will be protected from the chilly conditions and can prevent cramps. However, a good pair of lycra leg warmers are generally enough for cold and dry cycling conditions.

10. Protect your chain

    Your cycle chain will take a lot of grief with winter cycling, especially if you’re cycling in snow, or through lots of water. Using a thick oil on your chain will protect it from the worst of it. I find the best is
    White Lightning Wet-Ride

These tips are great for everyday cycling during the winter months. If you are planning on doing some serious snow biking, you might want to look for additional advice.

Happy Cycling!