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Why would anyone cycle in winter? It’s cold, it’s icy, there are fewer hours of daylight, and it’s certainly not as pleasant as cycling in summer. But there are plenty of reasons to cycle through the winter months; if you know how to dress properly and take precautions, cycling North Wales can be just as enjoyable then as it is during the summer months. To help you get started with winter cycling, here are some tips to ensure that your first rides out after the cold sets in go smoothly.

1) Choosing the right clothes

When dressing for a ride in cold weather, you want clothes that will insulate your body. Synthetic fabrics will wick moisture away from your skin and keep you warm when they’re wet—so wear synthetics on cold rides when you’re likely to sweat. Wool is another good material: It’s soft and comfortable, but it traps heat and offers excellent insulation. Merino wool is especially popular with cyclists because it doesn’t itch, resists odor buildup, and breathes well. Merino also offers excellent moisture-wicking properties while keeping its insulating abilities even when wet.

2) Choose Lights

Cyclists don’t have to stop riding when it gets dark out. However, when you cycle at night, you need to be visible so that cars and pedestrians can see you. That’s why cyclists should wear brightly colored clothing or add a reflective vest or armband so drivers can see them from a distance. It’s also a good idea to have a headlight and taillight set up on your bike so drivers can see you coming. If it is super cold out, then turn up your lights even more so that they produce more light than normal.

3) Keep your hands warm

There are lots of products that help keep your hands warm, but some strategies are free. First off, always wear insulated winter gloves with a separate liner that you can remove to operate touch screens. If you’re riding without these devices on your handlebars, though, you might want to try wearing some thin glove liners under heavier mittens—they’ll keep your fingers toasty while still allowing for dexterity. Also, consider tucking hand warmers into your pockets or taping them up along either side of your handlebars—you can use them as needed throughout your ride.  Hand-warmers also work well inside bike shoes, which is an option if you don’t plan on stopping and need more warmth and protection than just gloves can provide. 

4) Clean your bike before riding

Even if you live somewhere that has relatively mild winters, it’s important to remove grit and grime from your bike before riding. Not only will a dirty drivetrain and wheels slow you down, but it can also damage your components over time. Before heading out, check all of your cables and housing to make sure they aren’t rusted or frayed, then give everything a good wipe-down with a rag. Also, consider adding some grease to areas where water might penetrate—like around cable junctions or gear shifters—to keep them from freezing up. You can even buy specialized products that prevent rust and ice build-up.