18 Tips for Cycling in Winter

The cycling environment in winter is indeed somewhat challenging. The weather is cold, the days are short, and the sun is at a low angle throughout the day, which can easily affect the vision of cyclists and other vehicles. Coupled with frost, road salt, and snow accumulation, the difficulty of riding has also increased a lot.

Advice on Bicycles

Many cycling enthusiasts have several different bicycles. In winter, it is recommended to put away those more expensive and more delicate road bikes and switch to an entry-level or older road bike, or even a mountain bike. After all, the roads in winter have snow melt, dirt, and potholes, which makes riding less painful. If you only have one car, then make some adjustments according to the following suggestions.

1. Use wider tires: In winter, you can consider changing to 28mm or 32mm wide tires, which can increase grip. Although wider tires may increase the weight of the car slightly, they can greatly improve the stability and safety when riding, especially on slippery or potholes.

2. Use low-pressure tires: In summer, road bike tire pressure may reach 110-120psi or even higher, but in winter, especially in wet weather, tire pressure should be reduced by 25-30 psi. However, it should not be too low, which may cause tire blowouts and tire deformation when turning.

3. Use lights: In winter, the days are short and the light is poor at night, so other road users may find it difficult to see you. Therefore, when riding at night, be sure to install bicycle warning lights and front and rear lights, which can increase your chances of being seen in the dark and ensure safety. Warning lights should include a static light and a flashing light, which can better alert pedestrians and vehicles around you to notice you. As for headlights, please pay special attention to their lumens and illumination range. When using, it is best to illuminate the ground 2-4 meters ahead, slightly to the side you are traveling, and avoid using the high beam function to avoid affecting other people or cars on the road.

4. Add reflective aids: Reflective aids allow other road users to see you and increase the safety of riding at night. It can be added to the front and back of the bicycle frame, spokes, pedals, helmets, backpacks, camel bags, and clothes.

5. Clean your bicycle: Dirt, dust, snow melting agents, etc. will damage your bicycle, so regular cleaning will help you ride smoothly. In winter, it is necessary to quickly rinse the dirty chain and dirty parts of the bicycle with water and cleaning products after each ride.

6. Check the brakes: Rain and snow will cause the bicycle to have a longer braking distance. Generally speaking, it takes twice as long to brake on wetland as on dry land, and the brake pads wear faster. As the brake pads wear, adjust the bicycle's brakes in time to ensure effective braking distance.

Recommendations on cycling clothing

7. Wear multiple layers of clothing: Wearing multiple layers of clothing will block warm air between the layers, which helps keep warm. But there is no need to wear a thick and heavy coat, just consider wearing one or two more layers.

8. Wear tights: Cycling pants made of elastic material can effectively wrap the thigh and buttocks muscles, and can effectively preserve muscle memory; at the same time, it can effectively reduce the friction between the thigh and the body, and effectively protect the thigh; in addition, the inner pad design can help reduce shock, disperse the pressure, and reduce the pressure and discomfort during riding.

9. Wear full-finger gloves: When the temperature drops, the body instinctively protects the core, causing our toes and fingertips to feel cold. Full-finger gloves are made of windproof and warm materials, which can keep the hands warm, ensure that the rider can hold the handlebars firmly, and control the rider's bicycle well.

10. Use shoe covers: Just like full-finger gloves protect fingers, shoe covers can also protect people's toes. When the temperature drops below 10 degrees, it is recommended to wear winter thick socks and shoe covers, which are very effective in keeping warm in actual riding.

11. Wear earmuffs: Our limbs can feel the cold more than the core of the body, and the ears are no exception. Earmuffs can help protect the skin on the sides of our heads that may be a little cold.

Suggestions on Cycling Techniques

In addition to bicycles, clothing, and equipment, riders should also pay more attention to winter cycling. How to ride, when to ride, and where to ride, you should know in your mind. Let's continue to look at winter cycling techniques.

12. Warm up before riding: Many people think that riding slowly can achieve the effect of warming up, but this is not the case. In winter riding, muscles need longer to reach the optimal temperature. Therefore, you can use a high cadence to ride quickly for 10-15 minutes before starting to ride to achieve the purpose of warming up.

13. Ride slower: Winter roads and weather conditions are usually not as good as summer roads and weather conditions and are more unpredictable, so consider riding more carefully. When riding, try to ride slower to prevent falls and injuries.

14. Ride less: In summer, short rides of 3-4 hours are not uncommon for many riders, but this may not be a good choice in winter, especially in wet and cold weather. In this case, it is recommended that 1-2 hours of outdoor riding is sufficient.

15. Brake early: Slippery roads will increase the braking distance. Studies have shown that braking on slippery roads is more than twice the braking distance on normal roads. Therefore, you should brake earlier than usual in winter to avoid accidents.

Recommendations on cycling diet

Dry air in winter is conducive to the survival and spread of bacteria. Riders should pay attention to a balanced diet, enhance their body immunity, and ensure winter riding.

16. Eat well: Exercising in cold weather will consume more calories. To maintain body temperature, eat more slow-release carbohydrates before riding. After riding, replenish foods such as milk, bananas, eggs, etc. in time.

17. Drink more water: The fact that it is not hot in winter does not mean that cyclists do not need to drink more water. Before and after riding, pay attention to water replenishment, but do not consume too much at a time.


18. Drink a hot drink: Stop and rest for a while in the cold winter. If you happen to pass by a cafe or a milk tea shop, you might as well have a cup of coffee and a dessert, but don't stay too long. You should set off again before getting used to the temperature of the cafe.

 

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