1. Reflective clothing.
Even during the day, light levels can be quite low. Motorists can easily miss cyclists who are dressed in dark clothes. Reflective clothing can make as much difference as lights. There are many options for purchasing reflective clothing. Usually, it is quite light weight. Also, don’t just buy a reflective top. Reflective strips on your bike trousers can make a big improvement to side visibility. Look how the cyclist with fluorescent jacket stands out.
2. Rain Proof
The only thing worse than getting wet, is getting cold and wet. Whatever the journey make sure you are prepared with a good waterproof jacket. I reviewed a few waterproof jackets here. An excellent value waterproof jacket is this Altura Night vision at only £48.99 (wiggle) It is quite warm, and best for the winter months where you want something reflective waterproof, comfortable to wear and warm.
3. Base layers.
One of the best things to buy is a good quality base layer. This should stick tight to the skin, allowing sweat to evaporate and keep the body warm. As a general rule it is better to have several thin layers than 1 or two big heavy layers. This makes it easier to take off a layer if you are too hot. Base layers I like very much these micro roubaix dhb base layers only £16.99 but comfortable and tight fitting.
4. Overshoes.
When cycling it is easy to experience cold feet. In these circumstances it is good to use a pair of overshoes. These will help keep the feet from getting cold, but, also keep your shoes clean from the winter dirt. I’ve gone through many winter overshoes as they don’t seem to last for very long (1-2 seasons) before breaking up. Winter cycling overshoes
5. Hot Pads
This is only necessary for someone who suffers from poor circulation. I can’t survive winter cycling without these. These little pads actually provide a direct heat source (upto 60 degrees) and last for 4-5 hours. Hot Pads
6. Mudguards.
Mudguards will keep the worst of the water from getting on your legs and back. They are indispensable for winter riding. If you do a lot of cycling in winter it is worth putting extensions on to your mudguards to minimise the splash from the road. (these extensions can be a simple piece of plastic from a washing up bottle. On my road bike, I use these SKS race mudguards on my road bike. The new version has a little more length. They are very light and easy to take on and off. For a winter commuting bike, you could get some more standard mudguards which take longer to put on, but offer more extensive coverage, e.g. these crud mudguards
7. Plastic Bags
A little trick I often use is to put plastic bags between my sock and shoes. I then use some garters to keep my waterproof trousers in place. When I get to work, I step out of plastic bags and your socks are dry.Otherwise water can seep into your socks from the gap between your waterproof trousers and socks.
8. Hat / cap.
A significant amount of heat is lost through the head. When the temperature goes below 5-6 degrees, I usually wear something on my had. I like this dhb skull cap (£16.99 – wiggle) because it fits snuggle under helmet and keeps ears and forehead out of the icey wind (nothing worse than starting a winter ride for ears to burn with cold)
when it’s cold, you need warmth.
9. Winter training top.
I have a couple of fleece lined winter training tops from Impsport. Note these fleece lined tops are not the waterproof ones. The biggest clothing mistake was to buy some waterproof heavy goretex type training top. Despite costing nearly £80, I never wear it because you literally sweat buckets and can get a chill from the cold. However, these zip up winter training tops. I just carry a waterproof jacket to put on when it rains.
10. Gillet.
A gillet is a light weight small jacket you can keep in back pocket. It is great for days when you get showers. Easy to put on and off. It keeps light rain showers off. In heavy rain, I wear as a second layer. Cycling Gillets
Related
- Winter Cycling Gloves – suffering from cold hands, you wouldn’t believe how many different types of winter gloves I’ve tried over the years.
- Winter Cycling training
- Best winter tyres
