Are you ready for cycling this winter? If you haven’t prepared for the change in weather, here’s a quick check list of the most important things you’ll most likely need for a great winter cycling:
1. Lights on bike and visible clothing
Make sure you’re visible and can be seen when cycling in winter. Choose bright clothing over blues and black outfits. And, take a spare set batteries with you to work for lights. Make sure lights work and don’t ride if they don’t.
Top tips for cycling in the winter
2. Rain gear
You’ll need an outer shell protective rain/ windproof. A tip is to wear your rain/windproof coat for winter rides even when not raining to keep the damp, cold windchill off your chest.
3. Prepared to opt for alternative transport due to bad weather
Don’t be a foolhardy – When the weather turns nasty be prepared to drop cycling for other options to get to work before the weather picks up again. The change will do you good too!
4. Get warm gloves
No two ways about it – you need warm gloves and overshoes. Look for thick padded full length gloves rather than ‘waterproof’ thin gloves. Even if it rains, if there’s enough padded protection from the outside elements your hands will stay warm.
5. Overshoes
You’ll need overshoe ‘booty covers’ for this winter or your feet will freeze quickly. A tip is to go for ‘neoprene’ material. This wetsuit material will help keep your feet warm even if they get wet – it’s almost impossible to keep feet 100% dry when cycling in winter…
Be prepared to get wet and muddy during the winter season!
6. Get mudguards
An absolute must in winter because roads are more wet than in summer time. You want to avoid getting a wet bum and chest or you risk getting very cold on the bike. Also if you plan to do some club runs this winter, it’s ‘good etiquette’ to have mudguards fixed so you don’t splash others behind you in the face!
7. Wear long cycling tights
Essential to keep your legs warm when cycling. I see a few cyclists braving the Scottish winters with just shorts on – it’s an absolute NO-NO! It really isn’t necessary to train a cold injury of some sort so dress wisely and invest in a good set of long cycling winter tights.
8. Layer your clothes for extra warmth
Make sure you layer up your clothes to keep dry and warm choosing many thin layers over a few thick layers. The rule is to use a thin base layer, then a mid-layer (usually thermal fleece lined), then an outer layer (usually a double lined windproof) – that’s three layers in total.
9. Change your event wheels for winter training wheels
Ok, this is a racing tip – but if you’ve bought those top-end summer event/race wheels and still got them on your bike for winter – do remember to change these over to a cheaper set! Ideally, you shouldn’t be
training on event/race wheels anyway, but if you are, it’s imperative to get that winter bike set up, including changing to sturdier tyres.
The Twin Bike Locker from Asgard is suitable for secure bicycle storage all year round.
10. Store your Cycle in a Bike Shed
If you regularly commute to work, it’s worth investing a suitable cycle storage shed – such as the Twin Bike Locker from Asgard. A bike shed like this installed in your garden provides easy access as and when required as well as keeping the cycle in great condition. See the full range of secure bike storage units from Asgard here.
(Article Source: Easycycling Website)
Filed under: Bike Locker, cycle storage, Storing your bike, twin bike locker | Tagged: Bike storage, Cycle locks, cycle storage, cycling in the winter, storing your bike in the winter, winter bike storage | Leave a Comment »
