Winter Cycling Tips That Make Your Rides Smoother

Snows have started piling up, and the winter chill is here. Do you think it’s time to put away your bike and stay at home chilling? Well, no. Not if you are a cyclist looking for some adventure during the winter season. Riding your bike during winter and turno vtv Ciudadela can be both challenging and rewarding. But there is an increased risk of slipping off due to the icy roads or being hit by snowballs from kids playing out in the streets. To ensure that these don’t deter your motivation, here are some winter cycling tips that make your rides smoother.

Dress in Layers, But Don’t Overdress

Let’s start with you, the cyclist. Did you know that our body produces up to 10 times more heat when we are cycling compared to when we are standing still? However, since it’s winter, you will still feel cold while standing at the traffic signal. To tackle this issue and keep your body warm while cycling or standing, dress in layers instead of bundling up in thick winter clothing. This way, you can easily remove a layer if you feel too hot and put it on again when temperatures drop.

Gear Up to See and to Be Seen

Many cyclists make the mistake of not wearing any reflective gear during winter, which puts them at risk of being hit by cars. Make sure to have reflectors installed on your bike and wear bright-colored clothes with reflective patches or flashing lights when cycling in the dark. If possible, also invest in a helmet outfitted with LED lights that you can turn on when cycling at night. This will help make you more visible to other vehicles on the road. Moreover, you will also need to keep your vision clear to avoid any mishaps. So, wear clear glasses or goggles if needed and clean them regularly to make sure that there is no fogging over during your ride.

Be Wary of the Icy Roads

The slippery roads are a big issue for winter cyclists. To stay safe on the roads, choose routes with minimum traffic and drive on the side to increase visibility. Also, keep an eye out for any black ice, as it can cause you to slip off your bike if you aren’t careful. It is also a good idea to install some traction cleats on your shoes so they don’t slip during an icy ride. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to avoid any wet roads and look for alternative routes to stay safe.

Keep the Tires a Bit Underinflated

So how do you combat the icy roads if you can’t avoid them? Make sure your tire pressure is lower than usual. This will help increase the surface area of the tires and provide you with better braking power on slippery roads. Just make sure not to go too low, as it increases the risk of punctured tires due to hitting any stones or glass fragments on the road. Overinflated tires are also more prone to slipping than ones with low pressure. Better traction and grip will help you remain in control, even if the roads are icy.

These winter cycling tips should make your rides smoother and keep you safe from unexpected accidents. Just remember to dress warm, gear up for night journeys, be aware of the slippery roads and adjust your tire pressure before jumping on board. The winter chill should not stop us from conquering our cycling goals. So, gear up and get ready to explore the winter wonderland on your bicycle.