Tips for cycling in winter

Cycling in winter without cold feet

Continuing to cycle in the winter is good for your health, but how do you keep it comfortable? We have listed the best tips for cold prevention for you. This way you will never get cold feet on the bike again!

Cycling in winter is healthy

Cycling is healthy, but it can be a challenge to keep logging miles in winter. And while it is so good for your respiratory tract, due to the large intake of fresh air. Oxygen is also important for your brain, blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, you lose weight faster by exercising in the cold, because your body has to work harder to stay warm. With the right precautions you can continue cycling all year round. 

Cycling clothing in winter

Good clothing is number one. Warm and waterproof gloves with anti-slip, nice thick socks, waterproof shoes and well-lined wind- and waterproof trousers and jacket. Think in layers, that insulates best. Thermal clothing should be worn as close to the skin as possible, so that moisture is transported to the next layer. The outer layer must be windproof and waterproof, but breathable so that moisture can escape. Reflective stripes make you visible to drivers, which is very safe. You can wear leg warmers with your tight pants for an extra layer of warmth. By the way, make sure you are not too hot when you get on the bike, you also need to be able to lose some heat. You automatically feel warm because of the movement.

Cold hands and feet on the bike

Do you often suffer from cold hands and feet on the bike? Put on winter walking shoes and stick a foot warmer under your sock, which will provide warmth for hours. Also put loose hand warmers in your pockets, so that you can regularly warm your hands while on the road. Bring a thermos of tea or coffee and a loose enamel mug, which conducts heat well. A piece of dark chocolate or a handful of nuts will quickly give you energy again and help you maintain your temperature. If you don't want to take off your gloves to operate your smartphone on the go, choose touchscreen gloves. Those who are really cold benefit from good ski gloves. Always take an extra pair of gloves and socks with you in case of an emergency.

Also think about your head

You lose a lot of heat through your head, so always wear a hat when cycling in the winter. Is that too hot for you? A headband to keep your ears warm makes a big difference.

Grease yourself well

Look for a good moisturizer to always take with you on your bike. Vaseline is nice for your lips, but it is made from petroleum and hermetically seals your skin. There are plenty of lip balms on the market with sustainable, natural ingredients that nourish the skin. You can also find nice oily creams for your hands and face without harmful substances. Your sunglasses remain in your bicycle bag in the winter: they are ideal against the bright low winter sun, but also against watery eyes due to the wind.   

Safe cycling with the correct tire pressure

Another thing to keep an eye on when cycling in winter: slippery conditions. Fortunately, that can also be dealt with. With the right tire pressure you will be a lot safer on the road, read more about this in our blog post tips for the correct tire pressure . If you go out with an e-bike, keep in mind that your battery drains more quickly at low temperatures. More winter tips for the e-bike can be found in the article tips for a bike ride on an electric bike in winter . Would you like to try a new route? Then read our blog post about it how to create a cycling route with Google Maps .