Are you addicted to cycling and the cold temperatures don’t stop you?
We are not going to discourage you: sports practice in winter is full of virtues.
However, to enjoy your outings and ride safely, it is better to be well prepared. This is why we have listed for you the essential winter equipment for you and your bike.
From lights to warm clothes and the right things to do, discover our advice for your bike rides in the cold.
On your marks, get set, pedal!
Prepare your bike well before winter
Before facing the great cold, a small revision of the mechanics is essential.
Winter conditions tend to put more strain on your mount. So as not to risk falling, think of going around the complete beast, checking in particular:
- The condition of the tires. Track down the possible presence of cracks or cracks which accelerate punctures in cold weather.
- The braking system, essential for your safety, especially when driving on slippery ground.
- Cables. Remember to replace the cables and the worn sheaths. This precaution will allow your bike to pass the winter without any problem.
- Chain. In case of hard points or if you derail frequently, take advantage of this small revision to replace it. In order to protect your chain from bad weather, we advise you to use a “wet” type oil, which is more adherent and therefore more resistant. This oil also has the advantage of protecting your chain from rust. A popular feature if bad weather doesn’t discourage you from going out.
- The transmission. Check the chain, but also the state of wear of the sprockets and chainrings and replace one or more elements if necessary. During the winter, also remember to regularly lubricate the front and rear pivots of your derailleur with a liquid lubricant. A useful reflex to limit the formation of rust and offer you fluidity in the transmission system.
Who says winter, also says snow, wet road and therefore splashing water.
To pedal in style and avoid getting your buttocks muddy, consider installing a mudguard. The latter limits the accumulation of snow and allows you to return clean as a whistle (well almost)!
The references are numerous. When you buy, check that the equipment is well suited to your bike.
Winter equipment: visibility above all!
Shorter days, lower light, fog: in winter, visibility is limited, especially outside cities.
To avoid the risk of being run over by a reckless motorist, bet on bright and reflective accessories.
You will find all kinds of them on the market to equip you and your bike:
- Fluorescent yellow technical jacket with reflective bands;
- Rechargeable or battery-powered lamps;
- Reflective armbands;
- Reflective spacers;
- etc.
Don’t be afraid to turn your mount into a real Christmas tree! Fixed or flashing lights, red, white or multicolored, the important thing is to be seen.
Riding in cold weather: make way for warm clothes
Our choice
Why these gloves:
- 6 hours of battery life
- 37° on the back of the hands and in the fingers
- Tactile gloves
Good news for cyclists: today, technical clothing replaced the famous sheets of newspaper slipped under the shirt (they will however still work very well in the shoes).
New technologies have thus made it possible to develop clothing that is comfortable, breathable and warm.
Widely used by manufacturers, materials such as merino wool and polyester offer anti-odor and antibacterial equipment, extremely effective in restoring body heat.
When the temperatures drop, dressing well is essential to enjoy a pleasant moment in the great outdoors.
For the top, first put on an undershirt that will keep you warm while allowing perspiration to escape.
Then opt for a long-sleeved jersey, then a water-repellent windbreaker jacket, ideal for insulating you from the cold, especially in the event of rain or snow.
For the bottom, equip yourself with long tights that will prevent the cold from penetrating through the clothes.
Opt for a model covering from the bottom of the ankles to the back so as not to have an unpleasant passage of air, which would have the effect of cooling you down quickly.
Very sensitive to the cold, the extremities also require special attention. Warm gloves, membrane socks and overshoes are therefore a must!
Finally, you can complete this basic paraphernalia with:
- A hood
- Sun glasses
- A choker
- A helmet liner
- Muffs placed directly on your bike.
We grant you, it will take you some time to prepare, but believe us, it is worth it!
Because nothing is more unpleasant than pedaling when you are cold and your outings might quickly turn into a real ordeal. For pedal enthusiasts, investing in suitable clothing is a must.
The right things to do for cycling in winter
Winter bike rides tend to put more strain on your body. In order to get through the season without jeopardizing your health, we invite you to follow these few basic tips:
- Warm up before getting on your bike. A few stretching exercises before departure will protect your muscles from possible injuries.
- During exercise, remember to contract and release your toes and fingers regularly to fight once morest the numbness of the extremities caused by the cold.
- Adopt an appropriate diet. We see you coming: pedaling in the snow is not synonymous with all-you-can-eat raclette! On the contrary, favor a healthy and balanced diet that will cover your energy needs. Be sure to have a sufficient intake of starches and proteins (dairy products, white meat, etc.) in order to preserve your muscles and benefit from sufficient energy to face the cold. Also consider foods rich in vitamin C such as clementines, oranges and kiwis to boost your immune system and fight winter viruses.
- Have a hot drink before you go. Even if you will have to plan a pee break during your outing, it will warm you up for the first few kilometers before the natural heat produced by the effort takes over. Also drink regularly during your outing. The cold tends to delay the feeling of thirst, but we must not forget that we sweat as much in summer as in winter.
- Bring snacks. Producing an effort when temperatures are low increases calorie expenditure. Take with you one or two energy bars that you can consume in the event of a drop in diet.
- Check the weather. When the thermometer reads -10°C, the humidity is at its maximum and the fog thick, it is better to postpone your trip. Stay under the duvet and watch a good movie, we assure you, you will certainly have a better time!
To conclude
Well dressed, well satiated and your bike serviced, you are ready to pedal throughout the winter season!
All you have to do is enjoy the fresh air and the snow-covered landscapes, in the silence and beauty of winter.
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