5 Top Tips to Stay Warm Whilst Cycling
If you’ve been thinking how you can keep yourself warm whilst cycling this winter you are not the only one! No doubt you’ll be freezing your proverbials off as it gets colder. With all our “learnings” we have put together 5 top tips for staying warm whilst on your bike.
Tip 1 – Keep your ears, feet and hands warm
Cold ears, feet and hands are one of the quickest ways to ruin a nice winter ride. A simple headband will keep your ears toasty and fit under your helmet comfortably.
A good pair of thick socks will keep your feet warmer. However, if you wear cycling shoes you will notice the effect of a pair of overshoes immediately.
Gloves are a bit tricky. A good fit is essential and I don’t want so much insulation that my grip on the levers is compromised.
Tip 2 – Stay dry
Getting really wet is the final nail in the coffin for me when it comes to cold weather cycling. A drenched bum or a soaked through jacket can take away a lot of a ride’s fun.
A simple rear mud guard can make a big difference. There are plenty on the market and, with a bit of creativity you can even create your own with an old water bottle!
A great waterproof jacket is essential.
Tip 3 – Keep your core warm
Keep the core of your body warm by putting on an extra layer. This can be another t-shirt or ordinary vest but will ideally be a cycling specific vest.
For me (rather peculiarly!) wearing a cycling vest makes me feel like a pro cyclist. I think it is something to do with seeing professionals slog up Tour de France mountains with their jersey open and their vest showing.
Anyway, they are perfect for summer or winter so I would recommend you have one regardless of whether it makes you feel professional.
Tip 4 – Stop for regular warm drinks
The age-old answer to cold cycling conditions is to stop more frequently and have more hot drinks (and cake!). Coffee and cycling are natural bed fellows, and cold winter rides can be made far more enjoyable/bearable with the addition of an extra stop or two.
Tip 5 – Pedal faster and harder
You might not like me for this final suggestion! A sure fire way to heat yourself up is to pedal harder and faster.
Although, with a moment of weakness, I recently considered that going faster would in fact be colder, pedalling harder will really warm you up.
In fact, unless you decide to get on your bike in full skiing kit, you probably need to pedal hard in addition to wearing proper kit in order to stay warm when the temperature plunges!