How to wear for the bike in autumn and winter?
Real cyclists know that the cycling season never ends. It is enough to reach for the appropriate clothes and you can enjoy the ride even in low temperatures or in the rain.
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Cycling gloves for fall and winter
Let me start with the palm of your hand because it is usually in the early autumn that they are bothered by low temperatures in the first place. At the same time, keeping your fingers warm is a priority because of the greatest risk of frostbite. So how do you protect them?
There are winter cycling gloves on the market, which are usually a good compromise between warmth and the comfort of holding the handlebars. They are also usually distinguished by water resistance.
How to choose gloves for the temperature? Unfortunately, there is no clear answer to this question, because the tendency to freeze hands varies greatly from person to person. However, it can be assumed that slightly thinner gloves with a neoprene back, resembling cross-country gloves, are intended for slightly milder conditions (5–10 degrees above zero).
In frosts, thick models will be necessary, which slightly complicate the operation of handles and grips, but still, perform better in this respect than similar ski/snowboard gloves at first glance.
For people with particularly sensitive hands, consider the three-finger models — the index and middle fingers, as well as the ring and little fingers, are ‘packed’ together to help keep you warm.
How to take care of warm feet by bike?
The toes are also a very sensitive part of the body to frostbite, especially since in autumn and winter the shoes are exposed not only to low temperature, but also to splashing water.
Warm and waterproof winter cycling shoes cost several hundred zlotys, which is why pads worn over summer shoes are a frequently used solution . It is the most cost-effective solution for people who ride clipless pedals.
Platform enthusiasts should look in the direction of insulated trekking shoes . Waterproof socks are also a very good complement — thanks to them, even after wetting the shoes, the feet will remain dry for a few hours, which is at least half the success in caring for thermal comfort.
Winter cycling jacket or layering?
We’ve covered the key limbs, let’s move on to the torso. Schools are different here, but everyone agrees that cotton clothes are not allowed in low temperatures. It has a tendency to soak up water, which greatly accelerates the cooling down of the body and may end up fatally! Instead of an old T-shirt, choose good-quality thermal underwear (the largest selection is offered by ski brands) or natural Merino wool, which keeps you warm even when wet.
As for the rest of the outfit, I personally prefer to wear layered, which is a greater number of thinner layers:
- thermal underwear ( base layer );
- thin cycling jersey with long sleeves;
- thicker padded cycling blouse or vest;
- a thin jacket that protects against wind and rain.
Such a set will allow you to ride in very unfavorable conditions, but nothing prevents you from giving up, for example, an insulated sweatshirt or an outer jacket in milder weather. This way of dressing makes it easier to adjust the garment to changing weather conditions.
The second school involves the use of a thicker cycling or softshell jacket that combines all functions (wind and water protection, sweat evacuation, and insulation). Such simplicity and efficiency sound attractive, but not that flexible. It also requires a large one-off expense for a high-end jacket.
Long pants or underpants and socks?
Similar opportunities are associated with pants. A simple choice seems to be just long, waterproof pants in combination with additional knee warmers (worth it!) And warm boxer shorts with optional additional wind protection.
But there is also a second school, offering riding in shorts and underpants/leggings, and the aforementioned waterproof socks (preferably in an extended version). Here, a lot depends on personal preferences — taking into account the costs and versatility, both solutions are similar.
Dress with a (warm) head — what under a helmet?
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The icing on the cake of winter cycling clothing is head protection — it makes us lose the most heat. But that doesn’t mean you should wrap your head with a woolen cap! A closed, poorly ventilated ski helmet is also a bad idea. Thermoregulation must be maintained to avoid overheating.
Therefore, a thin cap worn under the helmet is a better choice, and in milder temperatures — the earband itself. People who are very sensitive to face freezing may consider wearing a balaclava, although it will significantly limit the freedom of breathing.
The so-called chimney, which can be put under the helmet, both in the form of a cap and a band, and also put on the neck as additional protection against the wind. In the case of driving snow, it can also be put over the face instead of a balaclava.
Dressing for a bike in autumn and winter — summary
Chilled fingers are not a reason to hide your bike in the basement for the winter! The use of appropriate clothing will significantly extend the season. When selecting clothes, it is worth remembering a few rules: do not use cotton, wear onion rings and pay special attention to the protection of hands and feet. A final tip: remember that you should feel cool right after you leave the house. Thanks to this, after your body goes to higher revolutions, you will not overheat and sweat. And know that sweat is the worst enemy of winter cycling!