6 Tips to do cycling in winter

The winter months are enough to put you off leaving your house, let alone going for a cycle. But, if you are braving the weather on two wheels, we’ve got a few tips to keep you safe on the saddle.

1. Keep your feet warm

There’s nothing worse than frosty toes or wet feet. To keep your toes toasty during your ride, we recommend a decent pair of socks and a pair of waterproof shoes (or overshoes).
Wear appropriate, non-slip footwear. Not only will your feet stay dry and warm but you’re less likely to slip on your pedals or ground when stopping

2.Wear lots of thin layers

It’s easy to get hot and sweaty when you’re riding your bike, even in winter.
Rather than chucking on your biggest puffer jacket and over-heating, wearing multiple thin layers means you can take things on and off so you don’t end up hot and bothered when you arrive at your destination.

3. Quality waterproofs

Rather than buying ‘shower-proof’ jackets, make sure that you are wearing quality waterproofs while out on your bike.
Waterproof hats, gloves, jackets and trousers will keep you dry and (relatively) warm whatever the weather.

4. Keep your bike in tip-top condition

After riding in bad weather, it’s a good idea to give your bike five minutes of TLC to keep things running smoothly.
Give it a general rinse and wipe-down to remove dirt, salt and grit. Pay particular attention to the chain, gears, brakes and wheel rims.
Dry it off with an old towel and disperse any excess water in moving parts with a spray of WD40, GT85 or something similar then add some bike oil to the chain and gear mechanism.

5. Pedal with care

Pedals get slippery in the wet too. If you’re not comfortable with clip-in pedals, invest in some with extra grip.
They’re pretty easy to fit or your local bike shop can give you a hand if you’re struggling.

6. Take it slow

It will take a while for your body, especially your joints and muscles, to warm up properly, so don’t burst into a sprint as soon as you leave your house.
Leave extra time for your body to warm up make sure that you cycle slower in wet and snowy conditions.
There’s no need to risk your safety for the sake of a few minutes.