There’s no better feeling than riding your bike out in the lanes on a gloriously sunny day. Sadly, living in the UK, those days can seem few and far between - at some times of the year, if you don’t ride in bad weather, you might not ride at all. So how do you make the best of days that are less than perfect?
Clothing
It’s often said that there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad choices of clothing. While whoever coined the phrase had perhaps never tried riding in floods or hurricanes, there’s something in it. A few key changes in clothing can make bad conditions a lot more tolerable.
Keeping the bits of you that aren’t working hard completely dry isn’t always possible, but staying warm and protected by the wind is the next best thing, so look for insulated and windproof clothing in whichever combination works best for you.
A good pair of overshoes will keep the wind off your toes whilst keeping the warm in (and your shoes in good nick). An extra little trick is to wrap your toes in cling film or foil before putting your shoes on, if you’re happy to put up with your feet getting a bit more sweaty than usual.
It’s also worthwhile investing in a pair of legwarmers as well as a set of fleece lined bib tights for when the mercury gets to single digits or lower. Cold muscles are inefficient muscles - and there are no points available for impressing people when you’re frozen solid. According to the latest research you could get less fitness benefit from your ride and even damage your muscles by neglecting to insulate properly.
All that layering up means you’re also able to adjust your clothing once you’re out by peeling off layers, so you don’t have to stay too hot all the way to the cafe.
{:35620 }
The right gloves for the day can be a real help. A thicker pair for the worst days, and a lighter pair for when it’s not so bad can make a real difference. Plus, being able to tuck a lighter pair away in a jersey pocket to put on when it dries out on a long, soggy ride can improve your mood no end.
Lastly, a trusty cycling cap worn underneath your helmet can help keep your head a bit warmer as well as keeping the spray and rain out of your eyes.
Equipment
They might not be the most stylish components to grace your bike, but a set of mudguards are essential for a good autumn or winter ride.
Not only will whoever’s riding behind you thank you for not filling their face with muck, but you’ll also keep road spray away from your feet and clothing, keeping you dry for just that bit longer, and you can always find a pair to fit, even if your frame doesn’t come with eyelets.
{:36446 }
If you can fit bigger tyres on your bike that’s often a big help too. You won’t give too much away in raw speed, and you’ll get a definite boost both in comfort and in grip, which is always welcome on greasier roads.
Home trainer
However well prepared you are for riding in the cold and rain, if there’s enough snow and ice to make you worried about crashing, riding isn’t going to be any fun at all on a regular road bike. Aside from being a fantastic training tool in its own right, a good home trainer will help you hold on to or improve your fitness so you’re ready to make the most when the weather makes a turn for the better.
{:41744 }
This handy list will serve as a good starting point for your winter wardrobe and should keep you on the bike whatever the weather (almost). With the right kit and equipment, you will most certainly earn all those mince pies and glasses of mulled wine that come with the festive season, so get wrapped up and tuck in!
