This is fun
It’s the time of the year, when we begin to think how much to cycle over the winter. On a balmy sunny day, the weather almost beckons you to jump on the bike, and if you’re stuck in an office, it’s frustrating to say the least. But, when winter weather starts, it suddenly becomes a lot more easy to think of good excuses to ‘have a day off’ and before you know it, the winter has become a very long ‘rest’ period off the bike.
But, winter Can be Good. I often end up doing my longest rides over winter. You can get some decent days in these months.
A beautiful crisp day in Richmond Park, winter
Commuting in Winter
Ice
- After coming off in ice, you become more wary. Dangerous areas are moving from sunny spots to shade. Suddenly a clear road becomes an ice rink, and before you can turn 2 degrees, you’re on the deck. Unfortunately, cycle paths are often untreated so you are forced to look for busier bits of road. Last year, the long cold spell encouraged me to get a mountain bike. Not infallible on ice, but, a better chance than 23″ road tyres.
With regard to training, my number one criteria is don’t spend all winter on crutches. Give me a day off rather than risk anything like coming off on ice – even if it means – riding on A roads, riding on turbo or doing nothing.
Best Clothes.
I’ve tried many combinations of clothes and generally find the best combination, is light wicking layers on the bottom and fleece style winter training jackets. Goretex layers tend to be uncomfortably sweaty, leaving you alternatively hot and cold. Staying dry is essential, cold and wet don’t make a good combination. The real secret to winter commuting is to have the right gear. If you can wrap up well and have good waterproofs when needed, you can pretty much ride in anything above freezing. If you can avoid ice, you can even go out below freezing.
Warm Hands and Feet
As a sufferer of Reynolds, I suffer like anything from cold hands and cold feet. I used to only be able to manage 1.5 hours max on a bike, before getting off and defrosting in a cafe. These days, I just buy a huge packet of ‘hot pads’ and put them down my shoes. A bit expensive perhaps, but, money well spent as far as I’m concerned. There’s nothing worse than cycling home without any feeling in your toes, wondering if you are going to get chill blains or worse.
In really cold weather, I have to put them between two layers of gloves.
Head.
A large proportion of heat is lost from your head, so a thin hat (skull cap) you can wear under your helmet is a good idea. I’ve seen some people put cling film on helmet holes though I don’t know how effective that is.
Mudguards.
Another drawback of winter cycling is the inevitable mud. Mudguards help protect clothes, other riders and your bike. They are essential for any social riding. The other big dilemma is how often to clean the bike. Is there any point in cleaning it, when you know it is going to get just as trashed the next day? Before you know it, you haven’t cleaned your bike for two months…
Discipline to Ride.
To ride over winter does need a bit more discipline. From a centrally heated house, it can look unappetising to go out. But, often once you actually get on the bike, you often realise it’s not as bad as you imagine. Even in quite cold weather, it can still be very enjoyable riding a bike. Plus you will be burning lots of calories and creating room for a few more mince pies. Riding with others can be a good way of maintaining inspiration.
Related
I did a 13 mile commute through several winters. For most conditions I used a long-sleeved thermal vest under a Windstopper jacket and heavyweight Tracksters. The jacket (Karrimor) was nearly waterproof and the Tracksters keep legs warm even when wet. Need somewhere to dry wet clothes at work! Below freezing I added thermal long-johns and a thin balaclava.
You want breathable clothing to let sweat evaporate and not accumulate.
Remember Wet sheep experiement in school science classes? reason for that!
Anyway I use a base layer, jersey and a jacket for for 0-14 degrees.
Recently just a base layer, thin jersey and a wind stopper Gillet for 14-19 degree C.
Get some thermal tights too and look after your knees.
Winter – an excuse to use my tank of a commuter-mtb with the fenders, panniers and slicks and hill climbing ratio with marathon plus tyres lol looks dorky in summer but a tank go anywhere in winter!
Thanks loads for answering the query I put in a recent post. I went out early Tuesday morning (Lancashire) and it was freezing. I gas on a light asda Lycra t-shirt, thermal jumper, and summer cycling jersey. Tights and shorts too. I sweated and froze. I wasn’t sure what to go for in terms of layers and if I should look for thicker thermals or what. I don’t suppose you have ideas about budget layers?