Whether you are biking in cold weather to commute or work out, dressing appropriately improves your ride and protects your health. The key is choosing layers of clothing that allow easy body movement while keeping you warm and dry. If you are new to biking in low temperatures, make a test run in your winter gear to ensure you are comfortable and safe on longer rides.
Step 1
Wear a thin layer of wicking material against your skin and under your outer clothing to keep dry. Most cycling shops sell bicycle shorts and shirts made of synthetic materials designed to wick sweat away from your body.
Step 2
Choose a warm, insulating material to wear over your undergarments, such as sweat pants, a fleece top or other warm clothing.
Step 3
Adjust the heaviness of your second clothing layer to the temperature outside and the length of your ride, as you generate a considerable amount of body heat while cycling. Generally, if you feel warm inside, you are going to feel warm outside once you get up to speed on your bike. If you feel overheated inside, you likely are going to feel that way when riding.
Step 4
Cover your insulating layer with a weather-resistant jacket and pants if you plan to bike through rain or snow. This layer keeps your clothing and body dry.
Step 5
Protect your feet and ankles with wool socks and place a second sock layer made of windproof material over the first when the temperature dips down near 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6
Wear ear warmers and a head covering to prevent heat loss through your scalp, but make certain your helmet fits properly over any head coverings you choose.
Step 7
Add visibility vests or bands after getting dressed. These items need to be on the outside of all jackets and head coverings.
Step 8
Wear heavy, full-finger gloves to ensure proper grip and protect your hands from the cold. Your fingers are vulnerable to frostbite and may become numb quickly in near-freezing temperatures, which can increase your risk of accidents.
Things You'll Need
- Synthetic undergarments
- Fleece pullover
- Water-resistant jacket
- Wool socks
- Ear muffs
- Hat
- Helmet
- Visibility vest
- Heavy riding gloves
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