Winter Cycling Clothing and Equipment

If you don’t want to move your cycling indoors for the winter, make sure you are prepared for some cold rides. The right winter cycling clothes and equipment can make all the difference on rides during the colder months. It is important to dress warmly, but also to not weigh yourself down with unnecessary clothing. This can be difficult to accomplish. At Utah’s Bicycle Lawyers, we hope to contribute to better and safer cycling throughout the state, and clothing and equipment can play an important role in that. This post identifies some of the best ways to stay warm during winter riding.

Choosing Winter Cycling Clothing

As we mentioned above, dressing well for winter cycling has a lot to do with balance. You should dress to stay warm, but not too warm. If you pile on too many long-sleeve shirts and jackets, you may lose too much sweat and become dehydrated once you are well into your ride.

• Tops and Jackets

Look for a moisture-wicking material to help you stay dry. Lots of athletic wear nowadays utilizes these types of materials. For the bottom-most layer, a long-sleeved, moisture-wicking shirt is a good choice. If you want to wear a jacket, a light windbreaker is often effective. Waterproof material is also helpful in possibly rainy or snowy conditions.

• Hats, Beanies, and Gloves

You may have heard the statement, “you lose 95% of your body heat through your head.” This exact percentage may not be accurate, but the sentiment is true. Wearing a stocking cap or a beanie can go a long way towards keeping you warm while riding.

The same can be said for gloves. Look for waterproof gloves with a grip material on the palms, so that you can keep hold of your handlebars in cold and wet conditions.

• Socks

Thick, warm socks are another potentially important part of winter cycling clothing. Avoid cotton, as it will absorb moisture and possibly make your feet even colder.

We hope these suggestions help you plan your winter riding wardrobe. Keep these suggestions in mind while you tailor your clothing and equipment choices to your specific needs.

Other Winter Cycling Equipment

Bike maintenance is especially important in winter. Slush, rain, and cold weather put stress on your bike’s gears and other parts. Be sure to wash and lubricate your drivetrain often.

Mountain bike tires may also help your bike grip the road more effectively.

Utah Bicycle Lawyers

Cycling is great at all times of the year, but it can also be more dangerous when the cold sets in. If you choose to keep riding in the winter, we hope you stay safe while doing so. Wearing the right winter cycling clothing can help your body stay warm and protect against injury.

If you are ever injured in a bike accident, we can help you. As Utah’s Bicycle Lawyers, we have the legal expertise and the cycling knowledge to understand and win your case. Please contact us for a free consultation today!