"HOW TO PREPARE FOR WINTER CYCLING
"How to Prepare for Winter Cycling
Bicycle is an environmentally friendly form of transport. Despite the fact that most people are more accustomed to riding a bicycle in the warm season, many people do not deny themselves trips in winter.
Driving in falling snow is much more pleasant than in spring or autumn rain.
Frost is easier to bear than summer heat, and to keep warm you need the right equipment and a confident speed.
On soft snow, tires wear out less than on asphalt, and everything that can puncture wheels in the summer (glass, nails, etc.) will be hidden under the ice.
The probability of falling even on ice is lower for a cyclist than for a pedestrian, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. A person walking on a slippery surface falls forward or backward, since the supporting leg loses grip during movement. The bicycle is constantly in a state of dynamic equilibrium. You can only fall sideways, for example, by braking sharply or turning to the side, i.e. by violating driving rules.
Cycling in winter is good for your health. It is a great way to toughen up and strengthen your immune system, keep your figure in shape and your body in good shape.
We'll tell you what you need for cycling in winter, how to dress, and what rules to follow when going on a bike ride.
Winter is the best time to train, hone and improve your riding skills. Extreme conditions will require more skill, but at the end of the season you can safely call yourself a pro.
Clothing for cycling in winter
Properly selected clothing is an important condition for comfortable and safe cycling in the cold season. Clothing should meet the following requirements:
be windproof and waterproof;
do not restrict movement or reduce visibility;
have optimal thermal insulation properties;
be visible to drivers and pedestrians.
The best option is to dress in layers. The principle of three-layer equipment is followed by professional cyclists who train in the cold season. But it is easy to implement for amateurs, adapting it to city conditions.
1. Thermal underwear.
This is the most important functional layer, which is responsible for removing moisture from the body, maintaining heat and allowing the skin to breathe.
If you wear the wrong underwear, even branded outerwear will be useless.
For winter cycling, universal everyday or sports thermal underwear made of thin merino wool is suitable, as well as special sports models of hybrid composition, designed for increased loads and intended for professionals.
For moving around in the city, the first option is sufficient: thermal underwear made of merino wool effectively wicks away moisture while remaining dry, reduces heat loss and prevents hypothermia.
The thermoregulatory properties of wool help maintain temperature balance and prevent overheating in the room.
The thermoregulatory properties of wool help maintain temperature balance and prevent overheating in the room.
2. Insulating layer.
The best option would be a fleece undergarment - a lightweight, wear-resistant material with excellent thermal insulation properties, good moisture wicking and breathability.
3. Top layer.
This is a waterproof, windproof jacket that will provide protection from wind and snow. It should not be too warm or bulky.
If you're wearing a wool turtleneck and your jacket is fleece lined, there's no need for an insulating layer.
This is a waterproof, windproof jacket that will provide protection from wind and snow. It should not be too warm or bulky.
Down jackets, leather jackets, long coats, and wool jackets are not suitable.
For comfortable cycling and high-quality insulation of all parts of the body in winter, you will need the following clothing.
Trousers. It is best to use cross-country ski trousers – they are narrow, waterproof and windproof, dry quickly and are easy to clean from dirt. Or semi-overalls made of water-resistant fabric. If you are riding an iron horse to the office, you should not ride in trousers or jeans – they can get dirty, tangled and torn, leading to a fall. It is better to change upon arrival. An alternative solution is to carefully roll up the trousers 2-3 turns. In this case, you will need thermal socks with a high shaft, almost to the knee.
Footwear. Warm trekking boots are good for riding. You can also ride in regular everyday boots if they are warm, fit snugly on your foot and have a sole with a protector. For additional protection, you can buy special neoprene cycling overshoes. While riding, your feet are practically motionless and can freeze. Therefore, be sure to wear thermal socks that will protect you from hypothermia outside and will not let your feet sweat indoors.