Cycling in the winter tips

You probably know it well. Rain, shorter days, and brown leaves on the trees. Autumn is slowly starting again! But no worries, because we Dutchies can handle this the best! That’s evident, as the majority of people keep on cycling when the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius! Some seek refuge in a warm room to hop on the Tacx, while others brave the forest trails with their mountain bikes. This blog will delve deeper into the difference between summer and winter cycling clothing. This way, you can still enjoy your cycling trips on colder days! Cycling in winter can actually be quite fun :)! We give you some tips for cycling in the winter in this blog.

When to wear winter clothing?

Opinions are divided. Personally, I prefer to wear warmer clothing when it drops below 15 degrees. This doesn’t mean I immediately put on a hat. Step 1 is the wind jacket and arm and leg warmers. Arm and leg warmers really help a lot when it gets cooler! They’re also very handy when cycling in the mountains, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly. They’re simply easy to put on and take off!

What clothing for cycling in winter and autumn?

When it gets really cold, it’s nice to have a thermal jacket and long pants. Overshoes are also not a luxury when the temperature at road level is lower than 10 degrees. Generally, the following products are recommended in the late season:

• Long winter pants (with or without padding)
• Overshoes
• Winter jacket
• Arm warmers
• Leg warmers
• Base layers
• Windstopper (body)
• Winter socks
• Winter Gloves

TD tip: I know a fellow cyclist who cycles in shorts and a short shirt in winter. What a weirdo, right? Why? Faster muscle recovery, higher fat burning, stronger focus, more efficient immune system, healthier vascular system & better insulin sensitivity. Read more about the benefits of cold via this link.

Difference in fabric

Of course, longer clothing makes a difference, but it remains incredibly important to choose the right fabric. On one hand, you want warmth to stay inside your clothing, but sweat still needs to be removed. As you know, sweat can be pretty cold. That’s why at TD, we’ve developed a special quality fabric for our winter clothing. It wicks away sweat and keeps your body warm. Additionally, you can have a thermal jacket made with a windshell. This is a lightweight polyester developed to repel wind.

You also want your clothing to stay dry during rain and snow. Wet clothing is really frustrating and makes you want to head home quickly. That’s a shame when you’re in the middle of a nice ride. The quickest solution is obviously to find a dry spot with a roof over your head. Want to keep on cycling? Then opt for a rain jacket! There are many lightweight rain jackets available that you can easily fold up and put in your back pocket.

Stay visible and prevent accidents

The days are getting shorter again, so it’s incredibly important to remain visible. Do you already cycle with lights? Nowadays, you have great little lights. You not only become visible but can also continue cycling when it’s dark. It’s also advisable to choose clothing with reflective strips. These no longer have to be “old-fashioned.” Nowadays, you have reflective strips that can be a beautiful addition to your clothing!

Are you someone who likes to persevere for a while? Or do you prefer an alternative like running or skating? Let us know in the comments! Read here for some tips for new winter activities.

At TD, we use the latest fabrics to give you the ultimate cycling experience. Are you winter-ready with these tips for cycling in the winter?