If Cycling in winter is new to you, then you’re wondering what Winter cycling clothing do I need, what winter cycling gloves should I get, and which winter cycling jacket is best for me?
Longer road rides benefit from layering and having compact options to stuff in a jersey pocket or saddlebag.
We’ve got a great range of clothing and accessories to keep you warm, safe, and dry and lots of guidance to help you make the right decision for your ride.
Firstly, we need to talk about bike lights. Check out The best bike lights 2021 blog it covers all you need to know about choosing the right lights for your ride.
Headwear
Depending on how much you feel the cold you may just want something to keep the breeze off your head you may want a simple cotton cycling hat. If you suffer from the cold on your head, then we recommend a skull cap to wear under your helmet often waterproof, windproof or both they will keep you warm throughout winter.
Neck warmers also sometimes called neck gaiters are great for stopping the wind going down the neck of your jacket they can also sometimes be used to protect your face if they are large enough.
Base layers
Base layers are great to pop under any top. Adding an extra layer to protect your clothes and add warmth. It also gives you more options to suit the weather.
Long sleeve jersey
If you get changed at work, then a long sleeve jersey is a great choice. Alternatively, you could add arm warmers to a short sleeve jersey.
Gilets
Gilets are often paired with a long sleeve jersey or arm warmers instead of a jacket or under one when very cold.
Jackets
Road riding Jackets tend to be used to protect you from wet weather and most have the technology to help others see you in the dark or low light. You may need a jacket that can pack down relatively small whilst keeping you dry, check out our large selection.
Gloves
Gloves similarly, to jackets have varying qualities wind/ rainproof different levels of padding and reflective details for visibility. If you are planning to ride throughout winter, you will undoubtedly want a winter glove or add a glove liner to water and/or windproof gloves you already own.
Tights
Tights are a great way to keep your legs warm and dry during the winter months. Available without bibs and with, bibs are great if you’re shorts tend to slip down when you ride.
Feet
A big thing you will experience trouble with is keeping your feet warm. A good pair of warm socks and overshoes will solve the problem and give you layering options based on how cold it is most overshoes are waterproof, so there’s another option for keeping your feet warm and dry.
Bike cleaning
keeping your bike well through winter is as essential and keeping yourself safe, warm, and dry. Your bike will pick up a lot more mud and grit during the winter months, especially your brakes and chain which can affect your gears if left for an extended period. We’ve got a great selection of products that take a lot of effort out of cleaning your bike.
The Finish line Pro chain cleaner kit makes a difficult job so much simpler and less time-consuming. This set includes the cleaning tool, degreaser, and lubricant. You can buy the cleaning tool on its own. Don’t forget to lubricate your chain after cleaning it. There are several types of bike lubricant to choose from:
- Ceramic/wax: provides a protective layer on your chain
- Dry: will attract less dust.
- Wet: is wet on the chain, best for muddy conditions.
A gear cleaning brush will get into those hard to reach parts coupled with a degreaser to clean up any grit and dirt that has transferred onto your gears.
If your gears are dirty, your disc brakes are likely to be gritty too which can make them noisy and slightly less effective disc brake cleaner. Finally keeping your bike looking as good in February as it did when you brought it. Giving your bike a wash with water and a bike cleaner makes the processes less time consuming and easier.
