Every year I find myself writing again about how to stay comfortable riding in cold weather, but first you may ask, why do it? Isn’t it the off season? While many seem to think there is an off season, I beg to differ. Cycling in the winter can be great. The trails are not crowded. It’s not hot. It’s fun to see winter decorations and animal life, including tracks. Being out in the fresh air exercising puts you in a better mood. There are innumerable articles and blogs out there dealing with how to do it, but the writers obviously do not all live in the same state. Some claim winter conditions that barely make it down into the 30’s and others understand it to mean 0 degrees. Then there’s the wind. Wind chill is real and should be taken into consideration. We had better have a wind-proof layer in the mix, and take wind seepage into consideration. Icy fingers up the ankles, waist, wrists and neck can definitely make it harder to get comfortable. Your face will probably be happier with a (breathable) balaclava and ski goggles along with your thin cap on very cold days. I’ve seen people with balaclavas on when it’s barely dipped below 50, but if that’s what it takes to be comfortable, hey, I won’t judge. The wind won’t dry out your skin as much. It’s also nice to warm the breath a little before going straight into the lungs. Be aware your exhalation may quickly fog your glasses if you don’t have fog-resistant goggles. As far as how cold to dress for, it can make a difference how long you’ll be riding. A commute around town of a half hour or 45 minutes is not the same as an expedition into the countryside. A rule of thumb is to dress for 15 0r 20 degrees warmer than it is, or for 15 minutes into the ride, to avoid becoming sweaty and then chilled.
Then there’s the challenge of keeping the hands and feet happy. This is when old tricks like putting your feet in plastic bags or aluminum foil and your hands in plastic surgical gloves (hands will get wet but probably not cold in this case) under your regular cold weather gear can really make a difference. the point is to create a wind barrier. Some believe winter cycling shoes do the trick for them, others, shoe covers, or it your feet are really cold, a combination of both. Don’t be tempted to layer your (wool) socks. That will make your shoes tighter and feet colder rather than warmer. The same goes for gloves. Bring an extra pair of dry gloves and socks for a mid-ride swap-out if you’re one of those whose hands and feet start getting damp, especially after a mid-ride stop. We’re all different. Some of us love our handlebar pogies and lobster claws, others hate them.
You don’t need cycling specific layers. Use base layers, thermal layers, and outer shells you have already from other outdoor activities will work for cycling. For legs while commuting, I find wind pants over my clothes to be enough. If out on a longer ride, its thermal cycling tights. Just remember- no cotton or other fabrics that will hold moisture next to your body. Use fabrics that will wick away sweat. Many prefer merino wool because it can get wet but still insulates. Dress any warmer and you will soon be sweaty. If your commute is only 15 minutes, do what you will, but you had better have a place for your clothes to dry out before your trip home.
As for your bike, you’ll want to keep that snirt and muck from the road surface off of your bike and back-side, so do use fenders of some sort. There are clip on styles if you don’t want to bolt them on. Use a heavier weather-resistant chain lube, and keep that chain wiped off.
To keep your water from freezing, start with hot water in an insulated bottle, or a hydration bladder under your outer layer. Water can still freeze in the tubing if not insulated.
People are resourceful and come up with DIY tricks for many of the challenging aspects of cold-weather commuting. Who knew that getting large, insulated water-resistant socks from a farm supply store, cutting spd-sized holes in the bottom, and wearing them over cycling shoes for warmth would be a good hack? Or hand warmers made of rice tied into an old tube sock and heated in the microwave (next to a cup of water) and then put in your Bar Mitts could keep your hands warm long enough to get to work when the wind chill is 40 below zero? Putting many Zip ties around your tires, as long as you have disc brakes, can give you traction if the streets have turned icy and you don’t have studded tires. Have you discovered any good strategies that you’d like to share? Let us know.