2020 sure turned out to be the Year of the Bike. People of all ages and abilities discovered — and rediscovered — the numerous benefits of cycling during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in the spring. Bikes quickly became essential for transportation, physical fitness, mental health, family connection, and of course, plain old fashioned FUN.

As the year progressed, bikes continued to boom even as stay-at-home orders were lifted. Summer weather made it easy to choose the bike over the car, and getting around by bike was certainly safer than using public transportation or ride sharing considering the ongoing pandemic.

With cold and wet weather ahead of us, though, will the momentum continue? We know cycling is good for our health (mental, physical and emotional!), our community, and our planet no matter the season or weather. However, to many, the idea of riding in inclement weather can be quite daunting.

If you're one of these people, these tips on staying warm and dry will keep you on track and reaping the biking benefits throughout the colder months.

Stay Dry to Stay Warm

There’s an old Norweigian rhyme, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær” which translates to a saying we all know well, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

It’s so true. The right apparel choices make all the difference when cycling in the colder months. Layers in season-appropriate materials are key.

Certainly, being wet on a chilly day will quickly make you miserable. We can get wet while cycling by sweating and/or getting caught in the rain. Stay warm by staying dry! The most important body parts to pay attention to in this regard are your core, head, hands and feet.

Core

Your body considers your core (torso) its most important part, as it’s where your vital organs reside. A cold core will hoard blood to keep those organs and your brain warm. A warm core generously shares that warming blood with your hands and feet.

So, pay special attention to keeping your core happy. Keep in mind that a few light layers will warm you up better than one thick layer.

Base Layer

Start with a light-weight moisture-wicking base layer top to pull moisture (read: sweat) away from your skin and to the fabric’s exterior where it will evaporate faster.

This primary base layer should be snug but not tight. Choose quick-drying active wear made of polyester, nylon, polypropylene or even merino wool; skip anything made of cotton as that tends to soak up and hold moisture against your skin.

It’s a good idea to have long sleeve, short sleeve and sleeveless options available depending on the weather forecast and your ride ambitions for that particular day.

Middle Layer

Your second layer will serve as insulation. If your base layer has long sleeves, this middle layer could be a wool vest. Alternatively, if your base layer is sleeveless, this middle layer might be a wool long-sleeve.

Every body is different, so you’ll want to try different combinations to find your personal sweet spot. Anyway you do it, though, it’s helpful if this layer can be unzipped, either all the way or partially, for ventilation as you warm up along the way.

Jacket

Top your base layers off with a breathable jacket. Obviously, choosing a waterproof, breathable jacket/shell is crucial for a rainy ride. Some jackets are specially designed to protect you from wind; others are a hybrid, offering protection from both rain and wind.

A couple of our most popular jackets are the Bontrager Circuit Cycling Wind Jacket and the Bontrager Vella Women’s Cycling Wind Jacket.

Head

That well-vented helmet is wonderful for cooling down your head in the summer heat, but in the cold months, you’ll want to cover up with a thin cap.

The best cycling caps for cold weather cover your ears as well, such as the Bontrager Windshell Cycling Skullcap or Bontrager Thermal Cycling Cap.

A balaclava such as the Bontrager Windshell Cycling Balaclava will offer ultimate warmth and protection from the cold as it covers your head, ears, and neck and can even be pulled up to cover part of your face.

If fully covering your head is too much, a headband such as the Bontrager Thermal Cycling Headband or neck gaiter such as the Bontrager Convertible Cycling Neck Gaiter may be just the ticket.

Hands and Feet

Cold hands and feet are a common deterrent to outdoor exercise during the chilly months. As we talked about earlier, it’s important to keep your core warm which in turn keeps your extremities warm.

But that’s usually not enough. Keep your hands from going numb with cycling gloves designed especially for cold weather. Some cycling gloves even boast a special pocket for hand warmers.

For super cold rides, layer up with a liner and outer glove ... or invest in the Bontrager OMW Winter Glove with all its bells and whistles. Bar mitts are another option, giving your hands a warm shelter on your handlebars.

Layers for your feet work wonders as well. As with layering for your core, you’ll want to try different combinations of layers to find the sweet spot. Generally, you’re looking at a thin moisture-wicking base sock with a thicker layer on top.

Be sure your shoes are roomy enough and that your socks aren’t too tight. Too much snugness will restrict blood flow, and also make your feet sweat a great deal. And sweat = moisture = cold!

It’s not a bad idea to pack an extra pair of socks in case your feet do sweat. Changing out your socks can make the difference between a great ride and a miserable one.

A few more tips

REMOVe layers

It’s important to note that removing layers is just as important as layering up when it comes to staying dry and warm. Be proactive and don’t wait until you’re already sweating to peel off a layer or unzip your jacket.

Take advantage of any built-in venting features that your apparel might have, as well.

CARRYING THE LAYERS

As you shed layers, you’ll want to have a place to stash them. Conversely, if your ride starts out warm, you may want to pack extra layers for a colder finish.

Be sure to outfit your bike with a set of panniers or a basket, or wear a roomy enough backpack to fit your things.

Be organized

It also helps to keep your clothing organized at home, so it’s easily accessible when it comes time to ride.

warmers

During transition seasons, when the early part of your ride will be chilly but the day warms up fast, arm, leg and knee warmers with your normal cycling kit might be all you need. These items can be removed easily and stashed in a jersey pocket.

We carry an assortment of warmers including the Bontrager Thermal Cycling Knee Warmer, Bontrager Thermal Cycling Arm Warmer, Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Arm Warmer, Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Knee Warmer, and the Fox Knee Warmer.

Fenders

Lastly, to keep rain and mud from splashing on your back as you ride, install fenders on your bike. There are many different types of fenders to choose from; ask us about styles we carry that are designed for mountain biking, road riding, and bicycle commuting.

#GoByBike

So, keep up that momentum from the fair weather days and stick to your cycling habit all year ‘round — the benefits far outweigh the little bit of effort you’ll put into dial in your comfort.

Don’t forget that our crew is here to support your journey … give us a shout or swing by with any questions or concerns you might have.

Let’s not stop with the Year of the Bike … imagine the 20s as the DECADE of the Bike … and beyond!

Stay Warm Cycling this Fall and Winter