5 Things you need to know about cycling in the winter
We all love cycling in the summer months. Lazy days spent freewheeling through the park, the sun on you back and the cooling wind gently ruffling your hair. Then there’s winter: with its bitter arctic wind, sideways sleet and treacherous roads.
In truth, none of us enjoy getting sodden in the saddle but that doesn’t mean that with a bit of extra care and attention you can’t still get from A to B on your two-wheeled form of transport. Here are our top 5 tips for those hardy enough to take on the winter commute:
1. Winter Warmers
Anyone who’s ever tried flicking through the gears or squeezing frozen brake levers with bare hands will tell you that a pair of gloves is an essential kit at this time of year. And a couple of soakings from icy rain is usually enough to initiate the purchase of a good quality waterproof jacket. Choose the wrong kit and you’ll not only find yourself coming down with more than your fair share of illnesses, your reaction times will also be affected. Not great when the vehicles around you are also sliding around in the inclement conditions. Avoid a cycle accident by dressing for the weather.
TIP: Proper cycling jackets are designed to be waterproof but breathable. Otherwise you’ll find yourself sweating like you’ve been tied up inside a bin-liner. Cycling jackets also feature high visibility elements so you won’t be missed by other road users.
2. Get a Regular Service
Yes, it does involve money and that will mean a couple fewer pints this month. But keeping a bike in good nick could mean the difference between getting safely to your destination and a winter of discontent – especially if you end up injured or with a broken machine on your hands.
TIP: There are plenty of guides out there to help you if you’d prefer to take on your own bike servicing. And some bike shops even run free courses so you can learn from the pros.
3. Shed Some Light
Even during the daytime winter can bring dark conditions at any point. A thick grey cloud in the wrong place and soon other vehicles on the road find it hard to spot cyclists. Prepare for the worst and leave both front and rear lights on your vehicle at all times during this time of year
TIP: Light fingered members of society won’t think twice about pinching such handy items as lights. If you can, go for lights that are easily detachable so you can take them with you when you lock your machine up.
4. Get To Grips With Things
The road, pedals, handlebars, brake levers, pretty much everything turns into a bar of soap when ice and rain combine. Choosing grippy tyres, gloves and pedals is a must under these circumstances to keep you safe on the roads.
TIP: Clip-in cycling shoes are even better if your budget will stretch to it.
5. Show Some Love
Getting a bike serviced is one thing, but general bike maintenance should be an ongoing thing in bad weather conditions. Salty water from the roads is corrosive and damaging to bikes, so washing and re-oiling a machine can keep it in constant working order.
TIP: Build this into your routine. Often the last thing you want to do after a long commute is fetch the scrubbing brush. So put some time aside later to give your bike the TLC it deserves.
(image courtesy of cbenjasuwan/ freedigitalphotos.net)
Category: Featured
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