The essential equipment for cycling in winter

To shield yourself from the cold while cycling, it's best to layer up with suitable clothing.

• First layer: Opt for a base layer that wicks away sweat and keeps you dry. Make sure it fits snugly. Choose synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or merino wool.
• Second layer: Wear a long-sleeved jersey or jacket that traps heat to keep you warm. Prefer an insulating material like fleece, down, or synthetic. Ensure your garment is snug to avoid cold drafts.
• Third layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket to resist the elements.

These layers will allow you to wick away sweat while retaining warmth and protecting yourself from the weather. It's a good foundation for staying comfortable while cycling this winter, whether commuting or going on a weekend ride.

In harsh or rainy weather, you can protect the lower part of your body with a rain skirt or rain pants.

Once your torso is properly protected from the cold, think about ensuring the same comfort for your extremities.

🙂Your head: You can choose a beanie, a balaclava, or an under-helmet cap to protect your head from the cold. A helmet with a visor is a useful and effective accessory to shield your face in rainy weather. To protect your neck, opt for a neck gaiter, and avoid scarves that are too long, as they could be dangerous if caught in your rear wheel.

🧤Your hands: Invest in a good pair of winter gloves to protect your hands from the cold when cycling. You can add liner gloves for better heat retention. There are hand warmers to slip into gloves, practical for keeping your fingers warm. For the harshest weather, choose handlebar muffs to maximize protection from the cold for your extremities.

🧦Your feet: To protect your feet from the cold, wear warm and breathable socks. You can add technical liner socks as the first layer. If the weather is harsh, using shoe covers can further keep your feet warm and dry during your bike rides.

And what about the children?

Many of you transport your children on a bike, either with a child seat or a cargo bike. To protect your children from the cold when cycling, we recommend using a winter cover suitable for transport, warm and waterproof.

Protecting yourself from the cold while cycling is not just about equipment! Here are some good practices to optimize your winter bike rides.

💡 Equip your bike with lights! Front and rear position lights are mandatory, but it's recommended to add extra lights to be more visible. You can opt for a light on your helmet, jacket, or bag!

🤸 Do a short warm-up before your departure to prepare your muscles.

🌊 Stay hydrated! The cold makes us less aware of the need to hydrate, but whether in summer or winter, your body sweats and dehydrates. Always carry a water bottle with you. You can also opt for an infusion or tea to help warm up.

⛈️ Check the weather before you go! If conditions don't permit, don't take risks! And don't forget to activate weather notifications in your Geovelo app!