As the winter months begin, riding in the dark, wet, and cold becomes less unusual, especially if you are based in Northern Europe. Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to live in southern Spain, which provides smooth roads and great riding weather throughout the winter. In this article, we will discuss our five most crucial tips for riding in the winter. Whether that concerns your hydration or clothing, the most important thing will always be safety.
Winter Cycling Clothing Guide
It’s easy to get it wrong, but our most important tip when it comes to clothing is layers. You can always remove layers if you get too hot, but you can’t put on clothes if you don’t have any more. If you’re concerned about space, you can store clothes down the back of your jersey, as you often see professionals do in races.
Packable rain jackets are vital in wet conditions. It can be difficult to have much fun when you are completely soaked, especially when it’s eight degrees. That’s why we believe it’s always important to carry a packable rain jacket in your back pocket.
When shopping for winter clothes, consider visibility. It’s crucial to be seen while riding in the darker months, and a high-visibility jacket will always be the safer option.
Don’t Forget Mud Guards
Keeping your feet warm can always be a challenge; however, mudguards make a huge difference, protecting not just your feet but also your back. When paired with good overshoes, you will feel a noticeable difference.
Bike Lights
To be as safe as possible, it’s always a great idea to ride with lights, especially during the winter. Generally, darker days, as well as rain, can make it harder to be seen while cycling on the road, so make sure to always have both a front and a rear light.
Winter Bike Maintenance
For a safe and hassle-free winter riding experience, get one step ahead by ensuring your bike is in great condition and maybe make some adaptations.
Tyres – Consider using tubeless tyres, which can be run at lower pressure for increased comfort and grip. This will also reduce the chances of having to stop on the side of the road to change an inner tube, which can become quite common during the winter. If your bike allows, consider going wider, with 28-32mm wide tires. Depending on the condition of your tires, it might be a good idea to get a fresh set of winter tyres for added puncture resistance.
Brakes – Braking is more crucial on wet roads, so make sure they are in good condition. If they are not, consider changing the brake cables, bleeding your disc brakes, and replacing the brake pads if necessary.
Drivetrain – It’s a good idea to check for any worn-out parts and replace them if necessary.
Cycling Fuelling Strategy
Often overlooked, hydration is crucial for your long weekend rides. It can be challenging to consume a lot of fluids in the cold, but it’s equally important to maintain the regime of 500ml per hour. Hydration tablets can be used to maintain your sodium levels.
Eating is just as important. Depending on whether you are doing a coffee ride, a chain gang, or a solo ride with intervals, you should aim for around 50g-120g of carbs per hour. Whether you consume bars, gels, or energy powder, it’s easy to determine how many carbs you’re consuming; just look at the back of the packet.
Combine these five tips this winter to stay drier, warmer, and safer. This will enable you to ride longer with your friends and make the most of the gloomier days outside. Summer is great, but riding in the winter also has its special moments, so enjoy it!
written by
Guy Tucker
A freelance writer with a number of years’ experience writing on all things cycling. After competing internationally as a triathlete, he then moved onto cycling, working his way up the French amateur ranks. Guy has recently decided to step away from racing and focus on writing, as well as having fun on two wheels. The years spent heavily involved in sport have given him great insight and valuable knowledge, which is demonstrated in his work.
