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Winter cycling requires proper preparation, care and the right equipment. Cycling in the colder months can involve several challenges: intense cold, the risk of meeting slippery surfaces such as ice or snow, but also poor visibility due to shorter days or fog. Wearing the right clothing is essential to protect you from cold and ensure you comfort and good performance, avoiding possible muscle problems or pain that could lower concentration and compromise health and safety.
To cycle in cold weather and adapt to any temperature changes you will have to equip yourself with technical, thermal and protective garments, but at the same time breathable, following the good rule of "layering". The first layer must be breathable, to keep the skin dry and prevent sweat from cooling on the skin; the second layer, insulating, should retain body heat, while the last layer, waterproof and windproof, It is essential to reduce the intake of air and protect you from the elements. Accessories such as thermal gloves, overshoes, neck warmer or balaclava are also essential to complete the equipment and guarantee you more comfort and warmth.
Let’s see some useful tips for winter cycling and how to choose the most suitable garments and accessories to ride in maximum comfort, even on colder days.
Winter cycling requires special attention to safety, personal preparation and the bike. First of all, it is essential to check that the bike is in perfect condition. The brakes must be responsive, as wet or icy surfaces can prolong braking times. The tires, then, play a crucial role: in the colder months it is advisable to opt for wider models, with marked tread, to improve grip. Maintenance of the chain and mechanical parts is another aspect not to be underestimated: in winter, cold and humidity can cause rust or blockages, so the use of specific lubricants for low temperatures is particularly important.
In general, to preserve the bike in the winter months it is advisable to keep it always clean and smear a gloss on the frame before each ride.
It should be considered that in winter the days are shorter and difficult weather conditions such as rain, clouds or fog can reduce visual perception. It is better to use powerful and visible front and rear lights, and wear reflective clothing to make yourself stand out, especially at dusk or during the evening hours.
Before an exit it is also advisable to plan the route well, choosing if possible well-lit roads, with no traffic, snow or ice.
Paying attention to safety also means adapting your driving style by trying to maintain a moderate and constant speed, avoiding sudden braking or sudden changes of direction, and driving with particular caution on icy or snowy stretches. Following these simple steps and equipping yourself with the right equipment you can face the cold season and enjoy the rides in total safety.
Choosing the ideal winter bike clothing requires attention to several factors related to comfort, protection and safety. Every cyclist faces winter differently and may have specific needs depending on the weather conditions, the type of route to be taken, and their own preparation and tolerance for cold. The main aspects to consider when choosing are:
As we have seen, every cyclist can react differently to the cold and may have specific preferences and needs regarding winter clothing. There are, however, some essential items that, if chosen carefully, will allow you to face even the harshest days, regardless of the type of bike you use or your training level. These include the following:
Technical underwear is the first layer in contact with the skin and it is essential to keep the body dry. Cycling underwear is made of technical fabrics that have the function of absorbing sweat and promoting its evaporation, preventing it from cooling on the skin. The breathability of this layer is particularly important because it allows you to maintain a stable body temperature even during the most intense efforts.
Depending on your needs and your perception of the cold you can choose an underwear shirt with short sleeves or long sleeves, such as the Seamless Tech LS shirt by Nalini, perfect to wear as a first layer, or directly under the jacket. Made of polyamide yarn covered by polypropylene externally, it is highly breathable and protective thanks to the reinforcements with 3D structure in strategic areas and lighter zones for better ventilation. In addition to absorbing excess moisture, it has antibacterial properties and prevents bad odors.
The cycling jersey is the intermediate layer and has the function of isolating the body from the cold by retaining the body heat. This garment, made of thermal fabrics or advanced synthetic materials, should ensure an excellent balance between insulation and lightness. The mesh should be snug to avoid heat loss, but still comfortable and flexible enough so as not to restrict movement.
The HP Ergo XWARM jersey by Nalini perfectly combines these characteristics thanks to the textured fabric with a 3D surface, used in the upper part of the body and sleeves, and the elastic with gripping silicone on the bottom. It is also water-repellent, so ideal as an outdoor garment on warmer days. The thermal fabric used in the rest of the body is elastic and plush: this makes the mesh particularly soft and comfortable to wear.
The cycling jacket is the garment that provides the main protection against wind, cold and moisture. It must be made with waterproof and windproof technical fabrics to ensure maximum resistance to the elements. At the same time, it is essential that it is breathable, to avoid the accumulation of heat and humidity during activity. A good winter cycling jacket should also have an anatomical cut, as well as useful details such as back pockets for storing items and reflective inserts to improve visibility in low light conditions.
Thanks to the special three-layer fabric structure, the new HP ERGO Warm winter jacket is specifically designed to ensure high protection from cold, wind and moisture. The inner insulating layer is soft, warm and three-dimensional, and facilitates breathability, also thanks to strategic openings (two with flap and internal mesh on the back and two with zip and internal net in the underarm area) that increase ventilation and consequently the drying and perspiration of sweat. Depending on the conditions, the jacket can be worn either with an intermediate layer or over technical underwear and is ideal for temperatures ranging from -3°C to 5°C.
Cycling tights in thermal fabric, essential to protect the legs from cold and wind. An excellent tights should ensure good insulation without sacrificing breathability, and adhere perfectly to the legs to prevent the entry of cold air while maintaining a good freedom of movement. To ensure greater ventilation, some models - such as the New Adventures bib tight by Nalini - can be equipped with openings and micro-holes in the fabric for increased breathability. This ergonomic tights is also made with a 3D structured fabric, which ensures thermal protection, comfort and high visibility, and has a resistant water-repellent treatment that makes it particularly suitable for wet winter days.
The New Ergo XWARM tight is perfect for those looking for a garment that ensures maximum comfort even on colder days. Thanks to the three-dimensional and well-structured three-layer fabric, it is even more protective, ensuring thermal insulation at the abdomen and on the hips, wind and water protection at the front, full elasticity at the glutes and back of the legs, stain and water resistance in the lower part.
When cycling in winter, accessories also play a key role in providing protection and comfort, especially for the most exposed parts of the body such as hands, feet, neck and head. Among the essential winter bike accessories there are definitely thermal gloves, essential to protect your hands, which are particularly sensitive to cold. Made of wind and waterproof materials, cycling gloves should ensure a firm grip on the handlebar and keep your hands warm even during long rides. The presence of internal padding helps to insulate from the cold, without sacrificing the mobility of your fingers. In general, it is important that they are fitted but not too tight to allow good movement and freedom of movement.
The feet also need attention, being constantly exposed to wind and water splashes. Winter overshoes are designed to keep feet dry and warm thanks to the use of waterproof and insulating materials. Some models, such as the Bow 3D Winter shoe cover by Nalini, can provide more protection thanks to the structure with fabric multi-layer membrane and DWR treatment for external inserts. Shoe covers must be carefully chosen to fit perfectly with cycling shoes, ensuring full coverage and preventing cold air from entering.
The balaclava is another versatile and indispensable accessory to protect the neck and part of the face from cold and wind. It is designed to be worn under the helmet without compromising its fit, so perfect for the coldest days. The models made of thermal fabrics and equipped with breathable ventilation holes, such as the winter Logo balaclava, are the most suitable because they guarantee excellent insulation, while promoting the escape of moisture and sweat.
Do you need more advice on choosing the right clothing or accessories for your winter rides?
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