When it comes to cycling in winter, there’s a lot you need to know. Winter clothes are tricky because they’re designed for an activity that involves being outside and moving around – but now we’re not moving as much! That means the clothes either insulate us too much or not enough. And if your clothes don’t fit right, then you’ll be even colder than before! Not only that, but cold air is really drying out our skin – so what should we do? Well, this article will show you how to stay warm while cycling during the winter months.
Dressing up your upper body
While you’re cycling, there are a few different ways for you to dress up your upper body so that you stay warm too. The best thing to do would be to put on some type of outerwear like a wind-blocking shell with venting or a waterproof jacket. Remember, it’s winter, so you’ll need something to keep your upper body warm. The key with this layer is that it needs to breathe well enough for your perspiration (sweat) to escape. This helps your clothes stay dry instead of wet and heavy, making you colder in the long run. You can choose between a lightweight jacket with a fleece lining or a heavier jacket with more insulation for really cold days. You can also put on some gilet packs to keep your core warm with the help of body heat. On top of that, you’ll need some gloves – preferably cycling gloves that are windproof and waterproof!
What to wear on your legs
You should also make sure you have an appropriate pair of trousers for winter cycling, like bike pants. These pants are specially designed to be appropriate for winter cyclists, with their insulated padding to keep you warm and comfortable during the colder months. You’ll still want to make sure you have room for your legs to move, so these pants will often have an elasticity band at the top that can be tightened around your waist. The best thing about bike pants is that they’re not only appropriate for cycling – they’re also fashionable! Cycling in winter is a fun and environmentally friendly way to get around. You should wear long underwear as your first layer to keep you warm against the wind and cold air. Some people choose to wear tights but this can be uncomfortable if you’re cycling for a long time because they restrict leg movement. Others opt for leggings under their regular pants instead. If you choose a lighter colour for your long underwear, it will reflect more heat than dark colours. If you’re using tights, you should also wear knee warmers over your tights to keep your knees warm during the winter months.
What to wear under your clothes
Underneath your clothes, you’ll need some type of base layer. This helps to keep the heat sealed in where it’s needed most – your core. Base layers are most often made out of merino wool or silk. It’s helpful to wear something that wicks moisture away from your skin to avoid overheating too quickly. The first thing you should start with is underwear or tights. A lot of people are able to stay warm during winter cycling by wearing thermals underneath their clothes. If you’re concerned about appearance, you can wear them under your trousers so they won’t show at the top. It’s also worth trying some wool tights if they’re in season; wool provides an excellent layer for insulation against both cold and moisture.
What to wear on your feet
Clinging onto your pedals, there are times where it can feel like the wind is about to slice through your shoes and ankles – this shouldn’t be happening! It’s important that you’re wearing cycling boots that fit well so that the wind won’t get in. Cycling shoes are designed to fit tightly around your feet, so you’ll want to make sure that your boot fits well without leaving any room for cold air to get through.
What not to do during the winter
While cycling during this time of year isn’t too bad – there are some things that you should keep in mind. One mistake many cyclists make is wearing the same clothes they wear when walking around town. This is because winter clothes are much different than summer clothes. You don’t want to wear any type of tight, thin materials because this will make your body heat escape more quickly. It’s much better to wear thicker, waterproof, windproof materials like woollen coats, jackets, trousers, and professional cycling shoes.
What to wear on your head when cycling in the winter
It’s often not factored in, but the head is also an important part of the body to keep warm when cycling during winter. The first step is wearing a cycling helmet. The next best thing you can do is put on a woollen hat or something similar to it so that there are no gaps for heat to escape. You can also put on some type of thermal headband if it’s too cold – but they’re most often thicker and warmer than normal hats. Remember to cover your ears with any type of earmuffs too!
Winter cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay fit during these cold winter days. Follow our guide on how to dress for success, what not to do while out on your bike, and some of the most important things you’ll need in order to make sure that this pastime stays fun all year long!
