Some people prefer to spend the colder months beneath blankets and oversized coats, and then there are the winter cyclists who are just built differently. Riding in the winter is a great way to stay fit and enjoy the cold weather scenery. Routes are also often quieter. Some cyclists might have no choice but to continue riding in the winter, especially if a bike is their only means of transport. Whatever the reason you’re cycling this winter, preparing your road bike for the cold conditions is vital. There are two main reasons for this: safety and maintenance. Winter riders must contend with difficult conditions, including icy roads, reduced daylight, and poor visibility. Bad weather can also affect road and terrain surfaces, creating hazards that may catch even an experienced cyclist. Rain can sweep debris onto the road surface, making it hazardous for road users. Pay Attention to Your Tyres Winter tyres provide extra traction, making navigating icy or wet roads easier. They have wider and deeper treads, allowing for a better grip. Studded tyres offer even more traction by digging into the ice and snow, helping prevent slips, but this will depend on the weather where you live. You’ll find some lively conversations about this on cycling forums and subreddits. Some riders admit to only putting them on when the overnight temperature drops below freezing. Checking your tyres after a ride is essential. You should look for any debris stuck in the tread and remove any dirt. Check Tire Pressure in Cold Weather Cold weather can lower tyre pressure, which will affect traction and control. This is why checking the pressure before you ride is so important. Conversely, slightly reducing tyre pressure can actually help improve traction, but don’t go too low, as this can create problems like pinch flats. Lubricate Your Chain Winter conditions expose your bike to grit, water and salt. This is why picking the proper lubricant for your chain is important: it helps keep the chain working correctly. Wet lubes are thicker and will keep off rain and snow for longer, but using lubricant will mean you’ll have to clean the bike more regularly. Upgrade your brakes Brake performance is likely to be negatively impacted in cold and wet weather. Essentially, it’s going to take you longer to stop. Disc brakes perform better in cold conditions, so it may be beneficial to upgrade to these from rim brakes. Of course, you’ll also need to adjust your brake pads to ensure they’re gripping sufficiently. You should also check your brake cables, as they can freeze and become less responsive in the winter. Check Your Gears When moisture gets into a bike’s gears it can cause issues with shifting, making it sluggish or allowing it to fail altogether. Regularly lubricating and maintaining your cables will help them function more smoothly. Lighting and Visibility Regardless of the weather, cyclists are vulnerable, especially in winter, when visibility can be significantly reduced. Make sure other road or pavement users can see you. You’ll need good front and rear lights, with a general recommendation of at least 500 lumens. A rear flashing light will also help, as will reflective clothing. Add Mudgards to Your Bike Mudguards help keep road spray, grit and moisture off your bike, which reduces the risk of corrosion. They can also help keep you and other road users dry. Full-coverage fenders are probably the best protection in the winter. Keep Salt off the Frame Add a wax-based protectant to your bike frame before riding to keep salt at bay. You should also clean your frame with water and gentle detergent to remove salt residue. Optimise your Pedals for Winter Riding Flat pedals are one option, and cyclists often find they provide extra traction. Clipless pedals can be used, but it’s important to wear the appropriate winter cycling shoes. You want to keep the pedals free of ice so the foot doesn’t slip off. Insulated and waterproof footwear can also help keep feet and toes more comfortable. Why not bring it indoors! Winter weather doesn’t have to put a stop to your training routine. You can easily adapt by switching to indoor training, whilst being sustainable – Yes, you read that correctly want an Electricity-generating smart indoor cycling bike? The electricity-generating RE:GEN provides a seamless indoor cycling experience with digital resistance and measures your FTP (Functional Threshold Power), giving outdoor riders the data they need to track progress. Plus, it’s fully compatible with Zwift, so you can stay motivated with virtual rides and races all winter. Make sure you find out more about the RE:GEN (including how it generates clean electricity)! Wear Warm Clothing When it comes to winter cycling, layering is key. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to pull sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating mid-layer like fleece to trap heat, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer to protect against the elements. It’s better to have several thin layers to adjust than one bulky coat, which might restrict your movement. Don’t forget cold-weather gloves, thermal socks, and a cycling cap under your helmet to keep your extremities warm. Winter Bike Bags and Storage Solutions Cycling Plus magazine writes that punctures are more common in the winter, so you must carry the items you’ll need to fix one. You can buy saddlebags or bike backpacks, which should help ensure that you’re prepared for anything the cold weather throws at you. 31% of adults don’t get enough exercise, so it’s important that people have the choice to cycle even in the cold weather. In this post, we’ve shared tips for staying active and safe while riding in winter, including how to make the most of indoor training with the electricity-generating RE:GEN. 🥶 Winter is coming (and so is the RE:GEN). Train indoors AND generate electricity —join our newsletter now for pre-order updates 🥶