How to Use Your Bike in Winter

Clothing , equipment, maintenance: these are the three things we must pay attention to if we do not want to waste the pleasure of ride a bicycle also in the autumn and winter months. Three things that mean traveling safely and without suffering from the cold.

No laziness and no reckless choices. La bicycle it can be used safely even in winter, and indeed it is precisely in this season that we experience, while pedaling, some pleasant and particular benefits to breathing and body tone. This does not mean, obviously, ignoring the low temperatures, and also the greater risks for the condition of the cycle paths and the routes we take. This is why in the winter months, to avoid wasting the pleasures and savings of cycling, both the correct clothing and, above all, particular attention to bike maintenance become crucial. Knowing that in the cold, and even more so in the rain, a good cyclist must always ensure he stays dry and feels comfortable in terms of body heat.

The many men and women in Sweden, Norway or Holland who use bicycles even in the coldest months are proof that with a little care you can cycle all year roundBelow you will find a series of tips to help you get convinced to get on the saddle for reach the place of work, go shopping o meet friends even in the winter season.

Index of topics

Clothing

The first piece of advice definitely concerns theclothing. To ride during the coldest season, you need to feel warm and stay dry. To protect yourself from the cold you need to carefully consider which are the most suitable clothes to wear. In any case, however, they must guarantee the right transpiration ed evaporation of sweat, correct comfort and the constant thermoregulation. Here, item by item, what to choose:

Shoes. In fact of footwear it is good to adopt a shoe that protect from wind and water. The more technical itemsi, for those who also use the bike for excursions and sports, are made in water-repellent material, and boast a coating capable of providing the right heat in the footThe inside must be perfectly breathable, to prevent humidity from stagnating and excessive heat, but at the same time they are structured in such a way that the cold does not enter.
socksThe more technical ones have a structure that allows them to adequately compress certain parts of the foot and ankle, and they are perfectly breathable and thermoregulating. 'Everyday' cyclists may be inclined towards merino wool socks, which do not retain sweat, or perhaps opt for the classic tights of wool.

Aside from shoes and gloves, other accessories are essential to keeping your body at the right temperature while cycling.

Gloves and headgear. The advice is to buy gloves Winter equipped with a layer warm but at the same time breathable interiorIt's useful that they are also windproof and waterproof. But for those who use them every day they can also be worn wool or fleece glovesSimilar rules apply to hats, although wool is less suitable because it is less windproof.

Breathable clothingThe cyclist who travels in the city must make a precise choice: to dress in layers using clothing that consists of fabrics that keep you warm and that they are a perfect cold air barrier, but at the same time also breathableFor sportsmen the market guarantees a whole series of technical garments from sweaters jackets passing through overalls e pants.

Where to find these items. Today, in addition to specialized shops, we can find everything we need online. Some of the best sites for researching and purchasing technical equipment are: mudandsnow.it, bikeinn.com e store.bicycle-line.com

Training for cycling in winter

Many people who are used to long allenamenti Those who cycle in spring and summer don't intend to give up this healthy habit with the arrival of the fall and winter months. They're right. However, they must pay attention to a few simple precautions to avoid catching the flu or something worse.

It is preferable, for training, choose a central time slot during the morningBetween 11am and 14pm. During this time, temperatures are generally milder and more suitable for cycling.
Don't overdo the training durationTwo hours of cycling in the sun in summer or spring are one thing, but the effort required in the cold, windy, and rainy weather is another. In any case, cycling time in the cooler months should be reduced.
Trails don't always have to be too challengingSo, avoid climbing mountains and choose descents with better exposure to the sun. When it arrives. Be extremely careful when cycling in shaded areas, which may be icy in winter.
Don't feel like a world champion in training, and In winter, the number of breaks planned along the route is increased.

Winter equipment

Equipping your two-wheeler is a crucial aspect for move with extreme of your digital ecosystem. Even in the winter. Let's take a closer look at what equipment to bring:

FendersIt's important to place them on your bike: they're very useful because they prevent water and dirt from rising too much from the ground and staining your clothes.
Winter tires. They are an essential element if you use the bike for sport, but they can also be useful in other daily situations.
Chassis. In specialized shops you can buy specific paints to spray on the frame to make it more resistant to water and mud.
Luci (TV serie)It's a good idea to constantly check your lights to make sure they're working properly. This is important because they allow you to signal your presence even on the gloomiest and darkest days, especially in the evening.
ChainIf you ride your bike frequently in winter, or if you live in an area where it rains and snows frequently, then the chain should be cleaned and oiled at least once a week. Before oiling, clean it thoroughly with a wire brush.
Studded tires. There are places where, during the winter, it's essential, primarily for safety reasons, to change tires and use studded ones. They provide greater grip in snow, ice, and rain. This makes the bike more stable and easier to control, even in the worst weather conditions.

Cycling safety during the winter

Once you've sorted out your clothing and gear, pay attention to these few things to make cycling in winter enjoyable and safe:

If the terrain is icy or snowy, reduce your speed and increase your braking distance. In these cases, sudden braking can cause you to lose traction.
Avoid riding on roads or trails with thin ice or deep snow, which could cause falls or difficulty controlling the bike.
If possible, choose paved paths that are more easily treated against ice (salting or sanding).
Check the condition of your brake pads frequently, especially in wet or muddy conditions, as they may wear more quickly.
Protect the frame and mechanical parts of your bike with anti-rust products, as humidity and road salt can damage them.

Bike maintenance in winter

La bicycle It must be checked regularly to ensure maximum performance, especially in colder weather conditions. Brakes and chain they must always be the center of attention.

BrakesThey must be used with care, especially on wet roads, and it is essential that they respond perfectly to the command: so don't forget to adjust and balance them.

ChainLubrication must be done regularly and monitored with due consistency.

What to eat when cycling in winter

In winter, before heading out on your bike, your body needs to be nourished, without weighing it down. A good breakfast with fruit, whole grains, and yogurt is ideal. Don't overdo it. While you're cycling, however, it's a good idea to eat something every thirty minutes. Small sandwiches, avoiding fat and favoring natural foods like homemade jam, nut bars, or protein bars.

What to drink when cycling in winter

What, and how much, can we drink while cycling in winter? Water. Hydration remains important, even though the cold in winter slows, if not eliminates, thirst. Water should be drunk every ten to fifteen minutes of pedaling, in small sips, and above all, not cold, but at room temperature. The only thing to add to the water, using another water bottle, are mineral salts, in small but necessary quantities.

How to ride a bike in winter