Winter Riding

Essential Gear for Winter Riding

With the right gear and a bit of planning, you can keep riding comfortably through the winter months. Staying warm and dry is a challenge. I have been an all-weather rider for many years and have tried so many different jackets, suits, and layers, most end up getting sold the following spring as they were not as good as I expected. What I learned along the way is the most expensive is not necessarily the best, maybe the best at keeping you warm and dry but so stiff you can’t ride the bike comfortably.

So, here’s a laid-back guide to gearing up for winter riding.

Helmets and Visors

A full-face helmet is your best friend when it comes to battling cold winds and rain. To keep your visor from fogging up, try a Pinlock insert. A dab of rain repellent or even silicone polish on the outside can also help keep those raindrops from sticking.

Neck Warmers

Your neck is super vulnerable to the cold, so a good neck warmer is a must. Take my advice for the winter get one made of Merino wool, however, be aware if the fit is too tight it will create more fogging. On really cold days I wear a Merino balaclava.

Layer Up

Layering is the secret to staying warm. Start with a thermal base layer made from Merino wool. Avoid cotton, as it tends to hold onto moisture. Add a mid-layer for extra warmth and top it all off with a waterproof and windproof jacket. For the real cold days, I do break out the Keiss heated under jacket.

Hands and Feet

This is the one that makes all the difference, cold hands can really put a damper on your ride. Waterproof winter gloves with a warm lining like Thinsulate or Outlast are a solid choice, Gore-Tex for waterproofing for extra warmth, consider heated gloves or grips. Be aware though, and I found this out by experience, if you have Gore-Tex gloves and use heated grips, the gloves think it’s summer and opens the pores, you will get wet hands. Don’t forget your feet! Thermal socks and good waterproof boots will keep your toes happy. Don’t do as I did once and tuck my trousers in the boots, your boots will fill with water if it rains.

Jackets and Trousers

When it comes to jackets and trousers, if they are a good fit and waterproof (that’s a whole article about laminated or not), and you are layering up then you will be fine. You may want to consider a complete outer waterproof cover like the ones made by Scott. I find the extra outer layer a little slippery to wear but it’s always on the bike in the winter just in case.

So don’t mothball the bike, enjoy winter riding, I know the days are short, can have cold mornings. My one big rule though if there is ice or even a chance of snow, these will even make me reach for the car keys.

Article courtesy of ELAM