It is one of the hobbies of the moment. It was to lift the strictest confinement in the past month of May and the cyclists appeared even under the stones. Faced with the difficulties of traveling and the problems of being overweight and anxiety generated by the quarantine, many Spaniards decided to buy a bicycle and start riding.
But a few months have passed, temperatures have dropped and new-fangled cyclists are discovering that they have to make a new investment to adapt their equipment to the rigors of winter: thicker, full-leg shorts, long-sleeved jerseys... Anyone who has tried to do a route in the month of February knows that in these months it is too cold to go down slopes at 40 km/h without covering up properly. In addition, cycling in winter is not the same as doing it in summer and a series of guidelines should be taken into account.
1- MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE. It is important at any time of the year, but especially in winter, since there are fewer hours of light and it is less powerful. Thus, being visible to cars is vital. It is advisable to have headlights and taillights and to wear reflective clothing, especially if you go out after dark or first thing in the morning. Do not worry because they are very affordable accessories.
2- WRAP UP. We mentioned it at the beginning, wearing the right clothes is essential. The ideal is to follow the rule of three layers: a first composed of thermal and easy-drying clothing, which is important so that sweat does not wet everything; a second one that lets you breathe, like a fleece or something cotton; and a third that protects us from the wind, the rain, the cold... For example, a windbreaker, a raincoat... Try to make all the garments long so that they cover the lower part of the back and you do not have to be aware to adjust it every two by three.
3- A HELMET IS NOT ENOUGH. Many times we focus on wearing the best coat and forget about our hands or our heads. Although the urban legend that 80% of body heat is lost through the head is not true, it does represent 10% of the surface of our body and is usually highly exposed during cycling. Yes, we wear the helmet, but the helmet has openings designed precisely to cool the head in summer. Openings that become avenues through which the polar cold sneaks in in winter to the point of making it unfeasible to advance on the bike without covering up. Good gloves are also essential.
4- SETTING UP THE BIKE. It seems obvious, but it is worth remembering. Make sure the brakes are in good working order and check the wheels as well. The pressure varies according to temperature and in winter they will be in contact with cold, slippery or even icy pavement.
5- HOW TO BRAKE. If the road is wet, it has snowed or there is ice, you should avoid braking or turning abruptly, especially if you are going through an area with signage markings, such as a zebra crossing. It is advisable to gradually stop pedaling and then use the rear brake carefully, since the front brake could cause the front wheel to skid, thus losing control. As with the car, it is important to calculate the safe distance and reduce speed.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
With these tips as an advance, now it's time to think about clothes. And it is not enough to cover yourself with the first sweater that is at home or with an old jacket. If technical garments capable of retaining heat without limiting mobility, that expel moisture and repel water are not used, the remedy will be worse than the disease. In general, cycling fans are increasingly aware of the importance of having good equipment, even if it is white label if you are going to ride a bike from time to time.
And as we have mentioned before, the head is a great forgotten that should be protected. So, indeed, it is convenient to wear a thermal fabric cap between the helmet and your head. But which? Choosing the wrong fabric can make wearing it more of an ordeal than a relief if it does not meet any of the following characteristics:
- THERMAL. The hat will not fulfill its basic function if it fails to retain part of the heat that your head emanates to keep it at a temperature that is close to body temperature: about 37 degrees Celsius.
- BREATHABLE. If it is important that the fabric retains heat, it is no less important that it be able to evacuate sweat so that it does not end up soaking the hat, with the discomfort that this entails, as well as the risk of catching a cold when all that humidity cools.
- WATER-REPELLENT. In addition to being breathable and allowing sweat to escape, it is interesting that the fabric of your hat repels water to make it more comfortable if you ride a bike in the rain.
- WINDPROOF. If the wind is able to penetrate under your clothes, especially when it blows strongly, it may happen that your wind chill is greater than the theoretical temperature indicated by the thermometer, making your bike route more unpleasant. Therefore, it is advisable to get a hat made with a windproof fabric.
Based on these basic features that any good bike riding hat must have, three types of fabrics can be distinguished that provide them without practically affecting your sports performance:
- POLYESTER. These fabrics are made from fibers derived from petroleum. It is a cheap fabric, it holds up well to humidity and dries quickly; It is wrinkle-resistant, flexible, and resistant to discoloration and high temperatures. Of course, it is warm and pleasant to the touch, making it perfect for this type of garment.
-THERMOLITE. It is a type of fabric that is characterized by imitating the fur of polar bears. As with the latter, the fibers of Thermolite are hollow, so it expels sweat 20% faster than other insulation fabrics and 50% faster than cotton. For the rest, it is also quite light, warm and comfortable.
- ACRYLIC. It is the most similar synthetic fabric to wool and has similar qualities, such as softness and the ability to retain heat, but its cost and maintenance complexity are much lower. Likewise, its resistance is greater than that of wool, but less than that of other synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Its breathability and ability to wick away moisture are also quite good.
Based on these keys, you can now find the hat that best suits your needs, taking into account the small details. For example, the color, how much it covers the ears or the neck, if it includes holes to insert the temples of the sunglasses to avoid hurting your ears... Here is a selection of the bike riding hats that you can find on Amazon, perhaps one of them is the one you are looking for.
PEAKED
One of the options that you can find when looking for a hat to wear under the helmet is the possibility of incorporating a visor. Precisely, if the design of your helmet does not include it, you may be interested in the hat having it to avoid reflections from the sun or that the glasses get permanently wet if you ride in the rain, limiting your visibility.
This model from the Catena brand, made of polyester with a fleece interior, is one size fits all for a head circumference between 45 and 49 centimeters, covers the ears and has flat seams so as not to cause discomfort when rubbing against the head. In addition, it is not only suitable for cycling, but also for running, skiing, hiking, snowboarding, camping...
You can buy it here for 16.99 euros.
WITH HOLES FOR GLASSES
Although bike riding hats are a very basic garment that does not allow great differentiation, some models include small details in their design that make certain differences. For example, this Lemego brand hat includes two holes above the ears through which the temples of the glasses can be inserted, avoiding chafing due to the pressure of the glasses on the ears. In addition, it covers the latter almost completely to protect them from the cold.
Otherwise, this beanie is made from wool, but its outer layer is made of breathable nylon spandex with a waterproof coating, making it resistant to water, snow and wind and capable of keeping heat inside. It is one size fits all for head circumferences between 45 and 60 centimeters and is not only suitable for running, but also for skiing, walking, jogging and even working.
You can buy it here for 10.99 euros.
PIRATE STYLE
A different design for this type of hat is the one that imitates the classic pirate scarf tied around the neck. It is a more common design in scarves and bandanas that are usually worn in summer under the helmet to absorb sweat from the head. The drawback, unlike other models, is that this one does not cover the ears.
In this case, it is incorporated in this winter hat from the LuTuo brand, which is made of microknit, a mixture of cotton, elastane and polyamide that provides the same features that have been mentioned in this article: breathability, heat retention, design anatomical and the possibility of using it in other sports during the winter.
You can buy it here for 14.07 euros.
WOOL AND LYCRA
This other model of the Ruzer brand is made from two layers: an upper layer of lycra that makes it elastic and waterproof to light rain and that includes seams to prevent the hat from tearing when stretching the fabric; and a second inner layer of wool. In this second case, it has no seams and the material is water-repellent and breathable to retain heat while expelling moisture and sweat towards the outer layer.
This hat is designed in such a way that the ears are covered under the hat and designed for a head circumference of 59 centimeters and the optimum outside temperature against which the manufacturer recommends wearing this hat is between 7 and 10 degrees. centigrade
You can buy it here for 9.87 euros.
IN TWO COLORS
Color is the differential element of this hat from the Brisk brand. The model in the photo is in red and black, but there are other combinations, such as pink and black or white and black. And in all cases, it includes two quite visible seams.
For the rest, the hat is made of polyester and includes G-Core pore technology, small perforations in the fabric that allow air to enter the interior and slightly ventilate the head while keeping heat inside. In addition, the manufacturer points out that "this hat is very light and has a clear style with antimicrobial and anti-odor properties."
You can buy it here for 6.99 euros.
ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTI-ODOR
Available in up to four different colors (pink, blue, green and black), this model of hat from the Meteor brand is presented as a unisex hat with a sober design in the style of a balaclava. It is made of 92% Clariant polyester and 8% elastane. "The structure of the material results in a good fit, keeping you warm in cold weather and keeping you cool in hot weather. The inside of the hat is very soft and pleasant to the touch," says the manufacturer, who also highlights that it is very soft and pleasant to the touch.
For the rest, one of the most outstanding details of this model is that it includes Silver Plus technology, which means that it has been sprayed with silver ions and disinfected with an antibacterial preparation that keeps bad odors and the development of bacteria at bay. mold.
You can buy it here for 12.99 euros.
IN YELLOW
The hat is supposed to be placed under the helmet and therefore not usually visible, beyond the part that protrudes below to cover the ears and neck. Even so, you may want a model that puts a more striking color note like this one from the Vaude brand.
Its composition is similar to that of the previous hat: 94% polyamide and 6% elastane. Her CARACTERISTICS? Very similar to those that have been presented throughout this article: warm, breathable, quick-drying. The manufacturer underlines an extra virtue that sets it apart from the rest and that will be appreciated by lovers of sustainability: it has the Vaude Green Shape label, so it can be considered "an environmentally friendly and functional product made of materials sustainable".
You can buy it here for 17 euros.
BEYOND THE HATS
Beyond the hats, here is a complete list of winter clothing to ride a bicycle without getting cold at all.
BICYCLE PANTS
Cycling is one of the most demanding sports disciplines. The physical capacity that must be printed to travel kilometers and kilometers on a bicycle exhausts even those who are watching it. And one of the areas that, in addition to the legs, suffer the most, is the gluteal area due to its almost constant contact with the saddle.
To counteract grazers that can even ruin a round if you are not careful, pants or culottes come in handy with a comfortable pad and up to 80 vents to isolate the area from possible bacteria. It is unisex, it also absorbs sweat and can also be used in spinning classes.
Buy it here for 16.99 euros.
DOWNHILL T-SHIRT
We would like the entire route to be flat and to have no more setbacks than a few branches along the way. However, what really makes this sport attractive is the cyclist's ability to overcome the orography of the road, with all the fortuitous vicissitudes that always appear when he moves forward.
So, in the same way that you have to be careful in very demanding sections when facing a steep ascent, we must also protect ourselves in a fast descent, in which the currents can make us catch cold. Hence, it is necessary to have garments that, in addition to being breathable, maximize ventilation and are made with a light material, as a garment indicated for MTB routes.
Buy it here from 9.10 euros.
CYCLING JERSEY
How many times have we felt Indurain crossing the finish line in yellow in Paris, or like the pirate Pantani crowning some cycling summit in green... However, doing it in a tracksuit is not the same as being properly uniformed, is it not? In addition to clothing, you have to keep up appearances and act as if that port with a drop of 6% has meant almost nothing for our legs.
In our case, the color doesn't matter, the important thing is to put on a jersey that is good enough to be like a second skin for us. This X-Tiger model, for example, has a padded gel pad, essential for spending hours on top of a saddle. It's moisture wicking, light and strong in equal measure, and features three back pockets with elastic closures.
Buy it here for 33.99 euros.
UNDER ARMOR LEGGINGS
Bad weather is coming and, for all those who need to be agile in their legs to face their sports routines, these compression tights will come in handy. Because in addition to warming up, they will have your muscles controlled in case you exert an accidental overexertion on them.
In particular, this model from the sports brand Under Armor offers strategic ventilation, as it is made of 87% polyester and 13% elastane. Plus, it features an elastic waistband to fit your build.
Buy it here for 30.73 euros now that it is 23% off.
From Under Armor is also this long-sleeved shirt that dries very quickly and protects you from the sun's rays. All thanks to the innovative fabric that the brand uses in all its garments. You have it available in various colors.
You can buy it here for 32.87 euros and take advantage of its 6% discount.
OVERALLS WITH STRAPS
The cold takes its toll on bodies. Especially if our sports practice is outdoors. But if we have an irremediable fondness for diving into the asphalt regardless of the time of year we are in, we need a bib so as not to freeze in the attempt.
This Gore Wear signature model has a specific cut for cycling and a slim fit. It is highly breathable and wicks away sweat whenever necessary. It has a support structure with mesh material.
Buy it here reduced by 81.30 euros. It has a discount of 19%.
GLOVES
We tend to think that the legs are the limbs that suffer the most during cycling. And we would not be wrong, since they are the ones that suffer the most from the orography of the road. However, there are other areas of the body that must be taken care of, beyond the hair removal that each one performs to improve hygiene and avoid infections if we have a fall.
When it gets cold, it is necessary to wear sufficiently technical gloves so that, in addition to protecting our hands, they avoid unnecessary stiffening and respond on top of a handlebar if we have to turn quickly, brake or get up from the saddle. This thermal model is non-slip and breathable. It has the fingers in the air and protects the palm of the hand from the handlebar grip, to grab it without fear of slipping and providing security.
Buy them here for 12.99 euros.
If you prefer to take your fingers under cover, which is usual as we enter winter. it is best to opt for complete ones like these. Despite being closed they are very breathable and have spandex particles on the back of the hand and a thin mesh between the fingers. Thus, they are very comfortable to ride on the bike. Its non-slip coating effectively absorbs impact, reduces numbness and relieves fatigue.
Its skin-friendly fabric on the thumb helps you easily wipe away sweat while you exercise.
You can buy them here for 15.99 euros. You have them available in blue (in the image), black and red. In addition, there are sizes from S to XL.
HYDRATION BACKPACK
Today, we want more. It is no longer enough to flatten on the asphalt, we want to climb a mountain. But neither is doing a few kilometers: we want adventures that live up to our expectations, which always go hand in hand with the resolute desire to excel of many human beings. "Come on, now a little more." With this simple sentence we went from going through the entire Paseo de la Castellana to facing the ascent to La Morcuera... Although at this point it is not known which feat of the two is more daring.
Whether one or the other, drinking water or any other liquid that replenishes our strength and our mineral salts is essential, as in any other sport that requires a minimum of physical resistance. Hence, this type of hydration backpack is very functional on medium and long distance routes. With a capacity of five litres, it is made up of a porous mesh and a comfortable cellular cushion that releases pressure on the back.
Buy it here for 21.98 euros.
BIKE LIGHT
One of the things to keep in mind when riding on wheels is the overwhelming need to see and be seen. Especially at night, when, as they say, all cats are brown. And if you go out by bike and use the asphalt, even more so, because, whether you like it or not, you run the risk of having an accident if you don't tell other drivers that you are there.
For this reason, it is necessary to mount on your bike a lighting device like this one from the Omeril brand, which consists of a waterproof front and rear flashlight, both with LED light and various utility modes, to be safe at night. It is easy to install, rechargeable via USB
Buy it here for 18.99 euros.
POLARIZED GLASSES
At first glance, it might seem that wearing glasses when it's cloudy is absurd. However, when you must always have an attentive view and that the sharpness and clarity are constant to prevent any element that we do not have from causing some kind of accident.
In that case, it is key to have polarized glasses like this model from RockBros, which has up to five types of lenses of different colors. They are extremely light, adjustable and have a very practical pad for the nose area.
Buy them here for 18.97 euros
MTB JERSEY
Sometimes, if we are regulars to ride the bike, we must have a closet attached to the street clothes to store the equipment for each time of year. However, there are cases in which we can save money and space, since there are jersey models that can be used at different times, such as this one from the Feilaxleer firm.
It is ideal for autumn, winter and even spring. It consists of two pieces, an exterior (100% polyester) and pants (80% polyester fiber, 20% lycra fabric). The area of the shorts has a silicone gel cushion. It is available in various sizes and shades.
Buy it here for 34.39 euros.
Another option is this 100% polyester cycling jersey. Moisture wicking and breathable. Its design is ergonomic and they have a personalized silicone gel cushion with bamboo charcoal fabric, with shock absorption and breathability. It has three pockets on the back and two high-gloss reflective strips to protect you if you ride in low light. It also has a wide non-slip strip on the pant legs to prevent slipping.
You can buy it here for 38.99 euros.
SHORT PANTS
This X-Tiger shorts jersey is not the best for winter, but if you do indoor cycling it will be great. You have it available in different colors and sizes.
You can buy it here for 35.99 euros.
WINDPROOF
For cycling, running, walking... This windbreaker is highly breathable and has a reflective strip on the chest and on the side of the pants. If you buy the set with the pants, you will also have a padded cushion and a special design on the knees to make it very comfortable to get on and off the bike. It has three pockets at the back.
Buy it here from 35.99 euros. You also have it in red and you can choose the size and if you want just the windbreaker or the complete combination.
WINDPROOF VEST
Autumn brings with it climatic instability. The same is cold, like heat, like it rains or the sun comes out. The wind, depending on where we are, can be a can or even something that can cause us to catch cold if we are doing physical activity, for example, on a bicycle.
In order to substantially alleviate the effect caused by strong wind blowing, there is nothing better than wearing a windbreaker like this one from Gore Wear. It has a high neck, various pockets both on the front and back and is made of 100% polyester.
Buy it here from 81.30 euros.
HELMET WITH VISOR
As in almost any sports scenario, the head is one of the most fragile bodily elements that we have and that we are exposed to any type of accident. Let's not forget that any physical activity, carried out without common sense, carries risks for you and those around you. And as in the case of motorcycles, we must protect our heads with a helmet because, in the event of any critical impact, they can save our lives. Take this data as a reference: 80 cyclists who lost their lives on Spanish roads in 2019.
Although its use is mandatory in all cases for those under 16, and only on intercity roads for adults, if we go out into the mountains it is more than necessary to wear it, even if it is not in due compliance. In his case, it is key that it fulfills a double function: that it be light and firm as a rock, in addition to protecting the maximum possible area.
In addition to having a rear position light to warn those behind you of your presence, it fits perfectly to the head circumference, thanks to the chin strap. The visor blocks the sun and is available in various colors.
Buy it here for 41.99 euros.
COMPRESSION SOCKS
This model of compression socks or stockings have a functionality that serves more than one person to recharge their legs more quickly than the rest. After all, the circulation of blood must be fluid as well as the flow of oxygen throughout this lower extremity.
This Physix Gear Sport model, which you can also use if you are one of those who also goes for a run, or even does a triathlon, reduces fatigue and swelling in the calves, according to the manufacturer. In addition, they absorb moisture and prevent feet from sweating.
Buy them here for 17.90 euros.
THERMAL BOOTS
At a low-intermediate user level, we are used to the usual pedals. You push yourself with your foot to go forward, rest on it when you want to stay at cruising speed... so far everything is correct, but what if you need your foot not to separate from the pedal because your objective and main challenge is none other than than to considerably increase your pedaling power?
Automatic pedals and their corresponding shoes with cleats revolutionized cycling, first professional cycling and then riding at home, which each day looks more like the previous one. If you want to be safer and make your impulses more effective, get a model like this one that has a built-in boot cover, made of flexible neoprene and with a 3M reflective reinforcement.
Buy them here for 27.40 euros.
THERMAL SHIRT
If you are not one to go with a jersey because it overwhelms you to have a garment that is absolutely tight to the body, there are other types of garments that, even adjusting to your structure, warm the wearer without suffocating.
A simple thermal shirt is enough to insulate against the cold and humidity on those already untimely mornings in which we get up to ride a bicycle with some hesitation because when we raise the blind it is still night. But, as they say, scabies gladly does not itch. This model of simple lines but highly technological: according to the manufacturer it is capable of balancing the balance of moisture dispersion and retaining heat at the same time.
Buy one here for 16.99 euros or two pieces for 29.90 euros.
NECKWEAR
The neck can be one of the most unprotected and also vulnerable areas of the body if we are surprised by a storm in the middle of a bike ride. For this reason, it is always very practical to carry with us some type of garment that, if necessary, insulates us from inclement weather, whether it is wind or cold.
These types of panties are extremely versatile regardless of whether or not we are on a bicycle. Available in multiple prints, it is made of 100% premium polyester fiber, a fabric that offers great breathability. In the pack, six units come.
Buy them here for 12.99 euros.
If you want to know which are the best windbreakers to do sports and enjoy nature, take a look at this article with the most recommended options from big brands like Helly Hansen, Nike or Under Armor and at very affordable prices.
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