Winter Cycling

Cycling through winter can seem like a daunting idea, even for those who have ridden in the colder months many times before.

Although motivation is more difficult there’s still a lot of enjoyment to be had from winter riding – let alone the benefits of keeping your legs turning, and getting fresh air.

Here are 10 key points to consider when facing a winter of cycling.

  1. Clothing

The most important factor in winter weather riding is, of course, clothing. The right windproof, thermal and waterproof gear can keep you dry and warm on rides so that you barely notice how cold it is.

A full set of winter clothing can at first seem like a large expense, but choosing carefully and layering up can give you a range of clothing to suit a range of temperatures.

There’s a temptation to throw on thick fleeces and waterproofs to stave off the cold, but ensure you are not too warm as sweat can accumulate under your clothes to make you feel uncomfortable.

Good quality winter/windproof gloves and overshoes will keep your extremities warm – these are the most susceptible areas to getting cold first.

If you are not sure whether you have enough clothes on or too many then go outside before your ride and see how it feels. Remember that the effort of riding will warm you up a bit.

Lightly tinted glasses are a good idea to protect your eyes and avoid the glare of low winter sun.

Winter clothing essentials: waterproof jacket, thermal bib tights, thermal/wicking undervest, windproof gilet/jersey, overshoes, windproof/thermal gloves, glasses.

Winter clothing optional: thermal socks, under-helmet cap/headband, scarf, winter-specific shoes/boots

  1. Punctures

Punctures are part of winter riding, so don’t forget your tubes and pump

Often the worse the weather, the more likely you are to get a puncture. Wet and icy road conditions result in gritting which can contain shards of glass and sharp pieces of flint to puncture your tyre and inner tube.

This usually happens at the most inconvenient point of the ride.

Make sure that you have at least two tubes and a working pump. Some people swear by CO2 cartridges to inflate their tyres, but be aware that these run out after only one or two inflations.

In addition, when you operate them in low temperatures, the gas can cause the head of the canister to freeze, including to your gloves or fingers. We say this from bitter experience.

If you are riding in a group, make sure before you set out that between you, you have enough tubes and pumps.

  1. Food and drink

Eating enough before and during a ride is as important in winter as it is at any other time of year. Be aware that some energy bars can become very hard during low temperatures, so either keep them somewhere warm (e.g. a jersey back pocket) or opt for a softer product, such as gels.

Keep drinking regularly too. It may not be obvious that you are sweating under all that clothing, but fluid loss happens when cycling at any temperature.

If the temperature is really cold, then mix your drink with hot or warm water to stave off the chilling effect, at least for a while.

Of course, a café stop on longer rides is even more essential during winter, giving you a chance to have a hot drink and a snack. Make sure you stay warm and don’t cool off too much when you stop.

  1. Lights

More and more riders are using lights all year round in daylight as a way of highlighting their presence to other road users. In winter, this is arguably more important as it can get very gloomy on overcast winter days when the sun is at its weakest.

Small, light and very bright rechargeable LED lights can be commonly found and won’t break the bank.

Having lights with you at all times also relieves the worry that you will get caught in the dark during shorter days.

Make sure that your lights are charged (or you have fresh batteries) before every ride.

  1. Tyres

Wider tyres are great for winter riding, but keep an eye on wear and tear and try to opt for tyres that offer a degree of puncture protection and are harder wearing. Continental Gatorskins are a perennial favorite for winter riding, but many other tyre manufacturers offer similar models. They don’t stop all punctures, but every little helps.

tubeless tyres and solid tyres are also an option, those these are currently slightly more expensive and more fiddly to install than regular tyres and tubes.

  1. Mudguards

Use mudguards – your backside and the rider behind will thank you for it.

As any cycling club member knows, mudguards are a must in the winter. The spray and grunge kicked up as you ride along can land directly into your face, water bottle, up your back and soak your backside in a highly uncomfortable way.

Anyone who has ever tried to ride directly behind someone who doesn’t have mudguards in the wet will know exactly how much water is sprayed up by a rotating bike tyre

  1. Maintenance

You should keep your bike in tip-top condition at all times, of course, but in winter you’ll need to pay particular attention to moving parts, such as your chain, gears, cables, hubs and bottom bracket.

Give your bike a regular look over, and try and wash off the accumulated grime regularly. Check for wear on rims and brake blocks, as wet weather can be particularly harsh on these areas.

Keep your chain oiled regularly, and make sure that your cables are in good shape. Salty water off gritted roads can play havoc with components, and water getting into exposed cables can cause havoc with shifting.

By keeping on top of your bike’s maintenance you can minimise the number of mechanical mishaps you may have when out riding. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded at the side of a very cold road.

  1. Winter bike

An aluminium-framed road bike with mudguards, puncture-resistant tyres and lights makes the perfect winter machine

As winter can be harsh on bikes, some people keep a specific bike just for winter. Usually, they are equipped with cheaper parts, mudguards, wider tyres and lights, and perhaps have lower gears to cope with a slower winter pace.

Many keep hold of an old bike when they buy a new one, and turn it into a winter machine. Others will go out and specifically buy a bike for the purpose: cyclocross bikes are popular as winter bikes, as are cheaper aluminium-framed road bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes with slicks.

Your winter bike may be heavy, and you can reasonably expect to see your average speed drop, but you’ll be flying when you switch back to your ‘best’ bike in the spring.

 

  1. Be prepared

Check the weather before you leave, and be prepared for the worst

You may have specific requirements for the ride you are going on. Make sure you plan a sensible route to match the predicted weather forecast, take a (charged) phone with you, some money in case of emergencies and take heed of the advice listed above.

Think of the worst possibility and be prepared.

  1. If all else fails… stay in and get on the turbo trainer

But only if you have to!!