Cycle Commuting through the Winter months provides a significant challenge for any hardy soul and cycling enthusiast.

As a fully committed cycle commuter and someone talking from experience, I would like to share a few essential tips that will keep you out on the bike, happy, motivated and safe this winter.

There is no doubt winter is here and for the next few months at least, it is here to stay. With the sudden drop in temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, cycling during the winter months can undoubtedly put a lot of people off, with even the keenest of cyclists rethinking their plans and often opting to find another mode of transport, especially during these challenging months.

With that said, I feel the winter should never be a reason not to cycle. Some of my most enjoyable cycling experiences have been during the winter, especially out on the quieter roads and when the weather conditions tend to be more favourable.

As a result, here are some of my top tips for you to follow:

A Mindset Shift

If you wait for the perfect conditions you'll never get anything done..png

If you want to get better, faster and more efficient at cycling and save some money on your travel costs then guess what? You can't do it without getting out on the bike.

I know that it is cold and dark out there, almost every single day and the desire to get out in the cold is somewhat less appealing.

These elements, therefore, can act as a hindrance and perhaps limit our cycle use. Still, the benefits of commuting won't just happen unless you begin to change your mindset, highlight the many positives and feel happy to cycle in these harsh and sometimes challenging conditions.

I feel being cold and subsequently feeling the cold is always something that inevitably will linger in your thoughts. Still, it should not be something that should dampen your intentions or even stop you from cycling daily outside.

If you continue to acknowledge and respect the weather conditions and then start to dress appropriately, then I feel that anything is possible.

Wrap up warm

Make sure before you set off on the bike, to check the weather conditions carefully and then react by dressing appropriately.

A brilliant skull cap and well worth the money.

Nowadays there are cycling companies all over the world, selling perfectly good cycling apparel for all types of weather conditions. Those might include fully waterproof cycling jackets, windproof leggings and gloves that will keep the fingers extremely warm and dry. All you need to do is find something that will suit your needs.

To stay warm during a winter ride, make sure you continually think in terms of your head, hands, feet and torso. Most of our body heat will escape through the head, so wearing a skull cap under your helmet will undoubtedly help to keep you warm and comfortable. There are many examples of headwear available out there, including my favourite. This lightweight garment is competitively priced, warm and serves its purpose.

Sportful Bodyfit Pro Long Sleeve Base Layer a great product and really warm.

Hands are a vulnerable area and can become cold very quickly and once they are cold, they can prove to be problematic for the rest of the ride and if that does arise, then it can become very uncomfortable.

Make sure you buy and then wear either long-fingered gloves or mittens to protect your hands at all times. In a previous blog post, I reviewed the Extremities glove. These gloves are perfect and still prove to be pretty unbeatable out on my daily commute.

Your feet can also become perilously cold on those cold winter rides, so purchasing a pair of thermal socks to keep your feet warm is extremely important.

If the weather becomes too cold and drops down to freezing, it is well worth considering wearing an extra pair of socks or investing in some thermal shoe covers to help keep the cold winds and rain off your feet.

I find when I am out cycling, I need to keep my torso warm the most, so I always opt to wear several thin, lightweight layers. In my opinion, thermal jerseys are best, as they regularly provide the necessary layers of warmth before I put on the final outer jacket.

Make sure that the outer garments are both breathable and water and wind-resistant. This layering system helps a lot, especially as it traps the warmth between the skin and the outside and also doesn't let water in.

Neck Gauitors: To find perfect neck gaiters and accessories for you, check out GearHungry.

High Viz

Being visible at all times is so very important. I live in the Netherlands and have the luxury of always cycling on designated cycle paths. For the most part, it still seems pretty safe but ensuring you are visible to other road users at all times is vitally important.

Once again, there is a wealth of amazing products out there on the market that will enable you to feel safe and secure out on the bike.

From simple reflective strips that fit easily onto the bike frame to rucksacks that reflect and coats that allow you to be visible are all available from many cycling websites. When looking for something suitable, you should look at something that will offer excellent protection and keep you safe on those dark mornings and evenings.

I think the Proviz brand is an excellent option as it provides a fantastic choice for all types of cyclist. This international Multi-Award Winning Sports Brand distributes to 40 different countries, sold online globally and acknowledged as one of the most innovative sports brands in the world.

Here are one or two of their products I would choose:

Beware of the wind

The wind can always be unpredictable and can often become a danger and hindrance to all cyclists. Where I live, you are frequently battling against mother nature, as the winds usually become strong and speed across the flat landscapes.

They always say to do the first half of your ride into a headwind and return with a tailwind, but we all know that is not always possible, as the wind direction tends to change.

Be patient and try where possible to find shelter from the wind. It is not always possible, but every little can make the ride be more of a pleasurable experience.

Ideally, by tackling a headwind when you are fresh is essential and to gain the benefit of a tailwind on your way home. This is even more important during winter because it allows you to avoid an icy wind during the second half of your ride when you are sweaty and tired.

Light up

Good lights are essential and extremely important when staying visible and safe out on the bike. In recent years the battle for lighting supremacy has become rather intense, with companies competing to bring the brightest and small units out onto the market.

If you shop around you will often find something suitable for your needs and something that will enable you to be seen by others, as well as light up the road in front of you.

My favourite is Leyzyne. They are light specialists who offer a fabulous range of light systems for your bike. Like all products, they are competitively priced and the range of products cater to the needs of the cyclist.

I tend to opt for something practical as I use them twice a day during the winter months. I like something that will charge by USB and a lamp the will light up significant portions of the cycle path in front of me.

Indicators

Indik8a is an innovative design indicator and a unique product that will be increasingly used more and more out on the road. The company based in the UK have developed an excellent system for the cyclist that will hopefully ensure that they are continually visible throughout their ride.

The indicators, located on the hands are activated when the cyclist needs to turn either right or left.

Caution with Ice

Ice can be hazardous so heed the warnings and always check the up to date weather conditions on an app or internet. Most weather apps have very accurate information and even alerts can be set up to warn you of those icy patches.

Several times I have ridden in such conditions, fell off and learnt very quickly that the floor is often uncomfortable and hard. Learning the hard way is often silly and can so often be avoided, so be careful out there.

If you are persistent like me and choose to cycle under such conditions continually ride with caution. Slowing down and maintaining proper balance is paramount. Check the brakes work and if conditions are too icy, get off the bike and seek alternative plans.

How To Cycle Commute Through The Winter Months