Have you just received a beautiful bicycle as a Christmas present and are you struggling with the first problems related to winter clothing?
Well, if in summer the imperative is to use very breathable and light clothes, in winter things get slightly more complicated.
One of the first two problems we might encounter while indoors are cold and humidity. Depending on where we live, clothing must be appropriate, but not only, also based on the time of our outings.
For example, if you live in the plains in the north, temperatures can fluctuate from 0 degrees in the morning to 12 degrees in the early afternoon, a nice temperature range that can completely change the way you dress.
But what are the most critical points to repair from the cold?
Hands, feet and neck.
Let’s take a closer look at some tips on how to dress and protect yourself from the cold for a winter bike ride.
- No to covering up too much, less is more. A good sign is feeling slightly cold during the first kilometers of the road. Otherwise we could find ourselves too sweaty as the training continues, increasing the sensation of cold on our body.
- Thermal shirt. Avoid a jersey with a windstopper if you use a jacket also equipped with the same material. The negative effect will be excessive sweating.
- Neck warmer. If you are a person who gets sick often, the neck is the part to protect. A neck warmer in fleece or technical material will serve to protect you well from the cold.
- Overshoes. There are different types, from those in waterproof neoprene to the lighter ones in technical material to overshoes equipped with windstoppers for the coldest and windiest days. Feet are another crucial element to warm up well.
- Socks. A good merino wool sock can make all the difference. The foot is one of the parts of the body together with the hands to keep warm to reduce the perception of cold.
- Winter shoes. For some time some brands have been offering technical winter shoes in their catalogue. Practical and very comfortable to wear. Suitable for those who do not like wearing a shoe cover.
- Gloves. Also in this case there are different types on the market in technical material or in neoprene. One recommendation we can give you is to buy a pair that has silicone (or other material with a certain grip) on the fingers. The winter glove is generally very thick and for those with small hands it can be very difficult to reach the brake lever. An additional grip on the fingers can make all the difference.
- Choice of clothing. Many of the major clothing brands insert the temperature range in which it can be worn on the website next to the technical garment. Before buying, also keep in mind your physical characteristics or if you are a person who is sensitive to the cold. Before buying a technical shirt or dungarees, find out well what temperatures are best suited to.
- Experience. As you become more experienced you will be able to choose the correct garment without problems. Your body will also get used to a winter training by decreasing the perception of cold.
- Another piece of advice that we give you that goes beyond winter technical clothing for cycling is to stay hydrated, even in winter. It is a mistake that is often made. In cold weather, thirst will be less felt but sweat is still present, always drink small sips during your winter training to always keep your body well hydrated.
