Guide To Winter Cycling

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With the rain setting in and the temperature dropping, cycling at this time of year can seem like a chore. Soggy shoes, messed up hair and numb fingers are just the tip of the iceberg – but if you make sure you’re prepared for the worst of it, cycling in the winter doesn’t need to be so punishing.

We’ve put together a guide to help you get ready for the onslaught of bad weather – adopting just a few of the measures will help to make your journey far more pleasant.

Start from the top

Having a cold head is one of the worst things about winter – especially if you cycle. Make sure you wrap up well with a special hat, like this one which is designed to fit perfectly under a helmet (and keeps your ears warm, too!). If you want waterproof protection then think about getting a helmet cover. They protect you from the rain, and most are windproof with reflective strips for added visibility.

Keeping warm

The importance of a good baselayer when cycling in the winter is often underestimated. With temperatures reaching as low as -3c, coupled with strong wind-chills, a good quality baselayer will provide you with thermal protection from the elements. As they are usually stretchy, wearing one doesn’t restrict your movements and the majority of them have moisture wicking properties – as well as being anti-bacterial and odour resistant. So the chances of showing up in the office smelling like King Kong with a hangover are greatly reduced!

Keeping your fingers warm is almost as important as a baselayer. Most cycle-junkies know the value of a good set of gloves – without them your hands can go numb, ache like crazy and your fingers can freeze – making braking reaction slower. So this winter, whatever you do, make sure you get yourself some made specifically for cycling. They contain special gel pockets to reduce the pressure on your palms, and will also protect your skin if you have an accident.

Stay dry

Rain has to be the nemesis of the cyclist (well… rain and lorries). It’s just miserable. If you take steps to waterproof your gear, your journey will be much more enjoyable, and you’ll be a lot more comfortable afterwards. There’s nothing worse that spending most of the day damp!

Overshoes are a good idea if you’re going to be cycling in the rain – they’ll keep your feet dry, your shoes protected AND they provide added grip, without restricting your movements.

Match those with a good set of waterproofs and you’ll be well-protected from the elements. It has to be said that when it comes to waterproofs you really get what you pay for, so it’s worth saving up a bit. Prices for trousers start at around £30 and can reach well over £100, a good mid-ground pair would be these from Alutra Attack.

Waterproofs should protect you from the worst of the weather, but with rain comes mud. Mud guards are pretty essential if you’re going to be cycling through the winter – without them you’ll look like you’ve just tried the latest David Blaine stunt and had a bout of diarrhoea. They aren’t very expensive and are well worth the money.

Be seen

In the winter months the hours of daylight shorten dramatically. This means that if you cycle to work, you will no doubt leave home in darkness and arrive in the same way. Making yourself known to traffic is essential to your overall safety, so make sure you arm yourself with some sort of reflective clothing. It doesn’t have to be a bright yellow builder’s vest, either – you can pick up a nifty reflective sash like this one which you can slip over anything you wear.

In the hours of darkness, good lights are essential. If you haven’t got a decent set yet, make sure you invest in some. It’s illegal to cycle without them, and good quality ones could save your life.