Winter Cycling - What to Wear and What to Pack
Winter cycling is equally as enjoyable as riding on a beautiful spring day. To enjoy cycling in the winter you first have to be dressed properly starting out and to have with you changes in attire to use as the condition dictates. Without either of these, winter cycling can be absolutely miserable or even deadly.
Although conditions determine the length of each ride, for the purpose of this article an outing in the winter will usually be around 30 miles for recreational purposes and the temperature will be below freezing. Commuting is another subject not discussed here.
Before you consider what to wear, first consider how you are going to carry extra clothing and other essentials needed for a ride in the winter. The most logical choice here is a backpack ideal for cycling. A wise choice is a model that features an internal water bladder for drinking water. Your regular water bottle mounted to the frame is not going to be of much use in sub-freezing temperatures. What to pack will be in a few paragraphs.
For sub-freezing attire you will use a layering strategy.
The base layer next to your skin needs to be a warm lightweight moisture wicking garment. Seek out under garments made for athletes to use outdoors in the winter. Never wear a cotton garment as a base layer for winter cycling, it will not wick moisture from the skin which could lead to hypothermia.
The next layer can vary depending on the temperature. Generally it will be an insulating layer such as a wool cycling shirt, or a fleece. As the ride progresses you may find the need to either remove or change this layer therefore it should be able to compact enough to fit in the pack.
For the outer layer a windproof cycling jacket will suffice.
Prior to your ride you should spend 10 to 15 minutes outside in the clothing you think you will wear for the ride. If you are warm and not the least bit cold you are over dressed, you will be drenched in sweat shortly after the ride begins. Ideally you want to be somewhat chilly but not freezing, you will warm up as the ride progresses.
During the ride you may find it necessary to make adjustments. If your clothing has zippered vents, try them first, just be careful to not let cold air rush in on top of sweaty skin. You may also try to slow down the pace slightly to cool down. If you are cold, either speed up if possible or add another layer from the pack.
In any ride below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the following items should be packed as extras:
Extra base layer top. You will need this if your top gets too wet or if you need to add another layer for warmth. The high tech athletic versions can be rolled up very compact and are lightweight
Extra insulating layer. This also needs to be lightweight and compact. A good quality winter cycling shirt is perfect for this purpose. You will want to use this also if you stop for any breaks or have to make a stop for repairs.
Extra helmet liner. You will change this out as they do get wet.
Extra riding gloves.
Balaclava if you did not start out with one.
Chemical warmers. Get both the hand and foot versions. These are cheap and they work. If you have to repair a chain when it is 10 degrees out you will be glad you had these in your pack.
On a final note, educate yourself on the causes of, the effects of, and the treatment of hypothermia. It is a very dangerous unavoidable part of cycling in the winter. Winter riding is fun, winter riders need to be safe.
Although conditions determine the length of each ride, for the purpose of this article an outing in the winter will usually be around 30 miles for recreational purposes and the temperature will be below freezing. Commuting is another subject not discussed here.
Before you consider what to wear, first consider how you are going to carry extra clothing and other essentials needed for a ride in the winter. The most logical choice here is a backpack ideal for cycling. A wise choice is a model that features an internal water bladder for drinking water. Your regular water bottle mounted to the frame is not going to be of much use in sub-freezing temperatures. What to pack will be in a few paragraphs.
For sub-freezing attire you will use a layering strategy.
The base layer next to your skin needs to be a warm lightweight moisture wicking garment. Seek out under garments made for athletes to use outdoors in the winter. Never wear a cotton garment as a base layer for winter cycling, it will not wick moisture from the skin which could lead to hypothermia.
The next layer can vary depending on the temperature. Generally it will be an insulating layer such as a wool cycling shirt, or a fleece. As the ride progresses you may find the need to either remove or change this layer therefore it should be able to compact enough to fit in the pack.
For the outer layer a windproof cycling jacket will suffice.
Prior to your ride you should spend 10 to 15 minutes outside in the clothing you think you will wear for the ride. If you are warm and not the least bit cold you are over dressed, you will be drenched in sweat shortly after the ride begins. Ideally you want to be somewhat chilly but not freezing, you will warm up as the ride progresses.
During the ride you may find it necessary to make adjustments. If your clothing has zippered vents, try them first, just be careful to not let cold air rush in on top of sweaty skin. You may also try to slow down the pace slightly to cool down. If you are cold, either speed up if possible or add another layer from the pack.
In any ride below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the following items should be packed as extras:
Extra base layer top. You will need this if your top gets too wet or if you need to add another layer for warmth. The high tech athletic versions can be rolled up very compact and are lightweight
Extra insulating layer. This also needs to be lightweight and compact. A good quality winter cycling shirt is perfect for this purpose. You will want to use this also if you stop for any breaks or have to make a stop for repairs.
Extra helmet liner. You will change this out as they do get wet.
Extra riding gloves.
Balaclava if you did not start out with one.
Chemical warmers. Get both the hand and foot versions. These are cheap and they work. If you have to repair a chain when it is 10 degrees out you will be glad you had these in your pack.
On a final note, educate yourself on the causes of, the effects of, and the treatment of hypothermia. It is a very dangerous unavoidable part of cycling in the winter. Winter riding is fun, winter riders need to be safe.
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