Even when the temperatures drop, bicycling can be an effective form of both transportation and cardiovascular exercise. Wearing the right combination of clothing is key when riding in the cold, and it can be trickier than it sounds. It is common for novices to overdress, but doing so leads to excessive sweating once your body warms. Such sweating in cold weather may even lead to hypothermia. The safety rule of thumb is to be slightly cold at the start of your ride.
Build Your Foundation
Layers are key to staying comfortable during your ride; you can add or remove layers to keep your body temperature at an optimal level. The base layer is responsible for soaking up your sweat, the effectiveness of which can be the difference between being comfortable or feeling wet and chilly. Merino wool is a common cycling base layer, but if you tend to sweat a lot, you may want to go for a long-sleeved top and pants or tights made from a material effective at wicking, or pulling the sweat away from your skin. Man-made fabrics such as polyester and polyethylene possess wicking properties. Natural fibers such as cotton can become soaking wet next to your skin and may cause great discomfort.
On the Outside
The outer layer is often a jacket or soft shell that fits longer in the back, to provide protection when leaning over handlebars. The outer layer should protect against all of the weather elements you may encounter, such as wind and rain; Gore-Tex is a common material used for such purposes. Some cycling shells are equipped with two-way zippers, allowing you to partially unzip from the bottom for extra air if you become too warm. A mid-layer, made of fleece or polyester, may be necessary if the temperature is particularly low, although be wary of wearing too much and overheating.
The ventilation of helmets can help to cool you off when riding in the heat, but it doesn’t do much to keep you warm in winter. Wearing a wool stocking cap under your helmet helps keep your head warm without causing your body to overheat. Make sure the cap does not interfere with the fit of your helmet. The helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment that you wear, as it protects your head in the event of a fall; wet or icy roads can increase your chances of tumbling from your bike.
Wet and cold toes and feet can quickly turn a comfortable ride into a miserable one. If you wear clipless cycling shoes, consider having a separate pair for winter that are a half-size larger than normal to allow them to fit over thick wool socks. Avoid wearing cotton socks; like cotton clothing, they can become wet and soggy. Other alternatives are to wear waterproof boots or neoprene overshoes, which keep your feet toasty and dry.
Cold hands may not be able to properly operate the shift and brake levers on the handlebars, which makes gloves an essential element in cold weather riding. Choose waterproof gloves that fit snugly yet not uncomfortably tight. Cycling gloves with gripping palms are often best, as they keep your hands warm but still functional, but any glove made for athletic activity that allows you to work the gears on the handlebars will do.
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