30.08.2023 | Reading time - 4 min(s)

Winter Cycling Tips UK

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Posted in: Safety

When winter and the cold weather rolls around, it can be tempting to leave the bike in the shed. For those that persevere, winter rides can be some of the best you can do - the clear crisp mornings will always surprise you with a stunning sunrise or some unexpected wildlife. Once you are out there, you will love it. But of course, if you would prefer to stay indoors and wait out the bad weather, then you could always have a look at turbo trainers.

We have put together this handy guide to cycling in winter to explore some of the main topics, such as: the best thermal clothes for winter, the extra maintenance required on your bike, general safety tips and the benefits of a turbo trainer if you prefer to stay indoors.

Contents and quick links

Winter Cycling Tips
Clothing
Lighting
Bike set-up
Maintenance
Turbo trainers

Winter cycling Tips

There are a few things that can make winter cycling here much more enjoyable that we will explore here.

Choosing the right clothing

One of the main factors to contend with in winter, particularly in Britain, is the cold and wet weather. It is vitally important to choose the right thermal clothing (see all Endura cycling clothing and other top brands) to keep you warm and comfortable on your ride whether you are commuting or maintaining training for the new cycling season. A great option is to buy multiple layers so you have versatility in how you dress. Adding extra layers when it gets really cold or removing them when you get some unseasonable higher temperatures (another feature of UK cycling).

Look after your hands and feet

Your extremities are some of the last parts of your body to warm up so it is vitally important to invest in some good gloves to stave off the cold until you are warmed up and, equally importantly, to invest in items to keep your feet warm - thermal socks, insulated overshoes or even a specific winter shoe that has waterproofing and breathability built in.

Eyewear

This is something people usually forget - good eyewear is not just for summer. In winter, keeping the cold breeze out of your eyes helps prevent your eyes watering profusely and stops rain/sleet/snow out of your eyes.

Be seen

Another feature of UK riding is the darkness - sometimes we feel that we don't see daylight. For this reason, a good set of lights is essential and higher visibility clothing can help other road users see you better.

Bike choice

Completing the trifecta of UK cycling characteristics is the condition of the roads or paths - they are usually wet, sometimes covered in leaves and occasionally ice. Choosing a bike (or changing your current bike) with wider tyres will give you more grip and will result in a more comfortable ride. WHile you are fitting wider tyres, consider a puncture resistant one as punctures are more common in winter time.

Bike Maintenance

It's a tough thing to keep on top of at the best of times but in winter, with all the salt and grime on the roads, it is more important to keep on top of cleaning your bike. Salt can rust through chains in no time if left to sit and this will end in you spending more on bike upkeep. Try, if you can, to clean your bike regularly in winter or consider a low-maintenance bike that has internal gears.

Move it indoors

Another option a lot of riders take is to move their training indoors where the cold, dark or ice cannot affect you is to invest in a turbo trainer to keep on top of your fitness in your own home (or garage or shed).

Next, we will look at some of the best products designed to make your winter cycling much more pleasant.

Clothing

One of the most important aspects of winter cycling is to stay warm and comfortable in the wet weather or when the temperature approaches or gets below zero. If you make sure you have a good waterproofs for cycling, you will keep toasty in the poor weather, there is no reason you can't enjoy winter riding.

We will have a look at some of the common clothing choices, including some handy tips as well as a few good options of each clothing type.

We have a blog on how to dress for cycling in the cold

Contents and Quick Links

Cycling Jackets
Base Layer
Legwear
Gloves
Footwear

Cycling Jackets

Usually the garment you will wear as your outer layer, a winter cycling jacket will keep your body heat in and will keep the worst of the rain off of you if the heavens open. Not all cycling garments are made equal and there is a great deal of technology in cycling clothing and with winter cycling jackets - the more you invest, the more windproof, waterproof and breathable these jackets are and the more comfortable you will be. A thermal cycling jersey can provide excellent warmth when the temperature drops and provide great breathability due to being water resistant and not a full waterproof jacket.

Breathability is a huge factor in these winter cycling jackets as this prevents you being drenched in sweat after your ride. The best winter cycling jackets will generally also last a lot longer than the cheaper counterparts saving money and waste in the long run.

Endura Hummvee Waterproof Jacket

This is a Humvee waterproof jacket that won't break the bank but still has all the features you'd want from a trail or a commuter jacket: Fully waterproof, breathable taped construction, underarm zipped vents for effective ventilation, zipped chest and rear pockets for safe storage and a soft microfibre collar for comfort and warmth. High visibility also never hurts when the winter nights draw in with reflective strips. A great value outer layer that, when combined with multiple layers, will see you through the cold weather conditions.

See all Endura clothing including Endura cycling shorts

Endura GV500 Waterproof Jacket Exoshell 40DR

Super lightweight, high performance packable rain jacket. The GV500 is a perfect jacket to be used over multiple layers as it is incredibly waterproof and breathable and can be taken off and packed away if you find yourself overheating on your winter cycle. Nice and bright in the paprika colour way for you to be extra visible to other road users.

Endura Women's Windchill Jacket II

Warm, winter windproof protective softshell jacket, ideal for any type of riding. The first softshell jacket on our list, the Endura WIndchill Jacket, will repel light showers but will get wet in heavier downpours. People choose a soft-shell as they tend to be very breathable and will not make you overheat. Another jacket that can be worn on its own or can be worn over base layers.

Assos Mille GT Winter Jacket Evo

The Mille GT is a winter cycling jacket - for when the temperature gets low. Worn on it's own or over a base layer, this jacket will keep you warm even when it's miserable out. An exceptional winter jacket that is warm and breathable. Cut in a relaxed road fit, this will suit a number of riders by not being a super tight fit.

Base Layer

A fast-wicking first layer is essential for making the most of your breathable top layer when cycling. The right base layer will help keep you warm and dry in winter, and cool and dry in summer. Made from advanced and lightweight fabrics, our base layers will keep you well ventilated while protecting you from the cold weather.

A good base layer can be absolutely vital in winter cycling (or most other cycling for that matter) as they are incredible at wicking the sweat away from your body and the best ones will either keep you warm when it's cold or, amazingly, keep you cool when it heats up. You can view all our base layers here but we really feel that winter riding can be drastically improved by investing in a good quality base layer to go under your mid layer or top layer.

Endura Transloft Long Sleeve Base layer

High performance insulating base layer for temperature regulation. Worn as part of a layering system so you have options for a variety of different temperatures. Base layers are actually incredible at regulating your body temperature as they act so well to wick sweat away or keep the heat in when the temperature drops.

Legwear

The question of what to wear on your legs depends on the type of bike you have and personal preference. For example, if you ride an electric bike, you may just want to invest in a pair of waterproof trousers to wear over your regular clothing but if you commute or ride on cyclocross bikes or a road bike, you will likely want some winter bib tights or bib-longs with thermal qualities. If you are mountain biking, you may want to opt for a pair of bib tights under your regular shorts. There are so many options to keep you warm during winter, you will definitely find something to suit you.

Giant Podium Bib Tights Thermal

Giant Podium Thermal Bib Tights.jpg

For everyday training or exercising, Podium thermal bib tights offer great features in muscle support and heat management. For cold days in the saddle, the full length Podium Thermal Bib Tights are constructed using ThermTexturaT fleece fabric for heat retention and insulation.

Endura Women's MT500 Spray Trouser

Waterproof, durable and stretchy. These are designed for mountain bikers but could easily double as robust winter commuter trousers. Also available in a men's version

Hump Spark Waterproof Overtrousers

For wearing over your regular clothes to keep your legs warm and dry, the Hump Spark are fully waterproof, getting you from A to B in comfort when the weather lets you down. Reflective exclamation points across the lower leg area gives great night time visibility to passing motorists. Available in mens and women's fit.

Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tights C2

This is one for the longer distance road cycling or gravel cyclists. These full length bib tights provide exceptional warmth and an amazing pad that will keep you comfortable for mile after mile. Compressive material will keep your muscles happy on those long rides too.

Gloves

This one probably goes without saying but we will cover it anyway. There is nothing worse than having cold hands on a ride and if you were to lose feeling in them it makes operating the brakes and gears harder to operate and could make you less safe on the bike. Waterproof gloves are a wise investment also to keep your hands dry and comfortable in the cold temperatures.

If you have ever tried to change a puncture with freezing cold hands, you would never leave your winter gloves at home ever again. Here are some of the best winter gloves.

A cyclist needs gloves to ward off wind chill - even on temperate days when you could comfortably stroll around glove-less. As well as protecting your hands from the elements, today's cycling gloves improve grip, absorb road shock and help cushion the ulnar nerves to help prevent your hands going numb.

Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Glove

The Pro SL Primaloft are Endura's warmest waterproof gloves. These premium hand warmers keep cyclists comfortable while winter cycling. These gloves perform down to sub-zero temperatures and keep your hands toasty and warm.

Endura Women's Strike Waterproof Glove

This Women's Strike glove is a low bulk, waterproof all-rounder with gel palm padding which doesn't compromise dexterity on or off the bike and not only do these keep your hands warm but they dilute the vibrations from road buzz with gel padding and silicon strips for enhanced grip of the handlebars. These are also available in a men's version.

Assos Ultraz Winter Gloves

This glove boasts incredible heat retention behind a breathable, weatherproof exterior. You will happily cycle through winter with these gloves as part of your winter arsenal.

100% Hydromatic Brisker Glove

100%.jpeg

Mother Nature has met her match with this low profile glove engineered to keep you going fast in cold, wet conditions. Laminated insulated shell with waterproof breathable insert blocks out the water and keeps your hands dry while maintaining exceptional dexterity and control of your bike.

Footwear

Another one that needs no introduction - keeping your feet warm in winter is as important as keeping your hands warm. Cold feet are just plain painful but there are a number of options to take care of your tootsies from a good pair of socks to some substantial winter boots with cleats (if you prefer).

Endura BaaBaa Merino Socks

One of the best buys in cycle-specific Merino Wool Socks, Endura BaaBaas are significantly thinner than wool socks of the Smart hiking variety. This makes BaaBaas all the better for slipping into narrow cycling shoes for wearing all year round. Wicking material takes the moisture away from your feet to keep your feet dry.

Endura Urban Luminite Overshoes

Endura Luminite Overshoes.jpg

Overshoes can be a great option to keep the rain off your feet and to keep your feet warm and dry.

Unlike most overshoes, Endura's Urban Luminite is designed to fit a wide variety of footwear and the open sole design ensures walking with them on is not an issue. The waterproof upper construction and simple velcro closure ensure they meet the challenge of the winter urban commute.

Shimano MW5 Dryshield SPD Shoes

And on the extreme end of the spectrum comes the waterproof and warm winter cycling shoes for cycling in winter on roads and off. These are indestructible and for serious riders who get our in all weather conditions.

Headwear

Another important factor when winter cycling is to keep your head and neck warm in cold weather. Buffs can be an excellent, versatile choice as these can be worn under your cycling helmet or neck and in summer buffs can be used to keep the bugs out of your mouth.

We hope you have enjoyed our section on clothing but there is much more to winter cycling than just what you wear. How you set up and maintain your bike is essential in keeping you happy and safe in winter. Talking of safety, being visible and seeing where you are going are vitally important.

Lighting

Lights are an essential investment for winter cycling due to the early evenings and, let's be honest, it's usually pretty dark during the day too. That is why it is so important to get your lighting game sorted. If you cycle around town, you should look for the best front and rear light that will make you as visible to other road users as possible. We even recommend more than one set of lights placed on different places on your bike and your body as then, if one set of lights runs out of batteries, you will have back up lights. Please note: to conform to British cycling legislation, one front and one rear light MUST be attached to your bicycle.

If you are a mountain biker or a commuter cyclist who cycles along unlit roads and tracks - you will likely need more powerful lights (we recommend a minimum of 800 lumens for commuters and at least 1000 lumens for mountain bikers) in order to light up the road or trail so you can see where you are going. That is why choosing the right lights for your circumstances is incredibly important.

We have an ultimate light guide here

Knog Blinder Pro Front Light

The Knog Blinder Pro is the perfect dark paths and roads light for road cyclists or gravel cycling as it offers a road specific beam to allow you to see where you are going on unlit streets and tracks.

Lezyne Mini Drive 400XL/KTV Drive+ Light Set

For commuters and cyclists who want to be visible in towns and relatively well-lit areas. A very bright rear light and a front light that is capable of 400 lumens in case you are in a poorly lit area.

Bike set up

When cycling in winter, there are some changes you can make to your bike to make yourself safer and more comfortable whether this is adding extra accessories or simply adjusting your current set-up. We are going to list here all the different set-up changes you can make to make your bike winter ready. These include tyre choice, tyre set up, extra accessories and even the bike you ride.

TYRE CHOICE

Winter is the perfect storm of cycling - the roads and paths are usually wet or have leaves on them or at times there is ice about. Choosing the correct tyres is important as you can make yourself safer by fitting a wider tyre (if you have the space) for extra grip on slippier surfaces such as manhole covers and road markings. If you are thinking about changing tyres then a puncture resistant one is usually a good shout as there is more detritus on the roads in winter that can cause punctures.

See all bicycle tyres here

TYRE SET-UP

One of the simplest changes you can make is to run your tyre pressure lower as this results in more contact area with the ground and, with that, more grip. Just be careful that you do not run the pressure too low that you will put yourself at risk of pinch flats.

The next level is to set up your bike tubeless as the benefits of this are twofold - one: you can run the tyres at a lower pressure and not have to worry about getting pinch flats and two: most punctures will seal themselves meaning no having to change tubes at the side of the road when it's cold.

Converting your wheels to tubeless in winter has many benefits such as sealing small punctures before they deflate your tyre but more importantly, tubeless tyres can be run at lower pressures without the risk of pinch flats.

CHOICE OF BIKE

Winter cycling can play havoc with groupsets - especially chains and cassettes so why not do away with each? Choosing a bike that has internal gears and even a belt drive can vastly reduce the amount of maintenance required on the bike. The internal gear and belt setup is very popular amongst electric bikes and you can still find some non-electric bikes that come with these. Now we know not everyone has either the space or the funds for a dedicated winter bike but if you are buying a bike for year round cycling, these options would be worth considering.

Many riders will use an old bike for their winter bike to save their good bike for when the roads are not covered in salt.

An amazing and relatively inexpensive option is the Genesis Flyer bicycle which is a single speed bike with mechanical disc brakes that requires very little maintenance diue to not having front or rear gears meaning much less chain wear.

EXTRA ACCESSORIES

As soon as the gritters come out to treat the roads for winter, you should really think about fitting a pair of mudguards or Giant Bike Bags and accessories as these will keep the worst of the salt water off of your bike and, more importantly, keep the salt away from your precious groupset - we have literally seen a chain rust overnight after wet winter riding which takes us nicely on to maintenance...

We have an in-depth blog on mudguards

Maintenance

We all know bike maintenance is important but when the winter weather hits, it becomes vital to keep your bike in tip top condition. Particular attention should be paid to your chain and cassette as salt will rust a chain and cassette quicker than you would think possible. If you are cycling every day - it would be worth cleaning and lubricating every 2 to 3 days.

If you decide to cycle without mudguards, it is important to check your headset bearings as they are in a prime spot for the road spray to get in under your headset and rust the bearings (if you are being extra vigilant, it would be worth checking that your bearings are well greased before winter rolls about).

Another handy tip is to keep an eye on your brake pads as these will generally wear out quicker in low temperatures and the wet.

See our blog on how to winter-proof your bike

Turbo trainers

So, having discussed everything you need to know about venturing outside in the winter months, it is now time to turn our attention indoors and to turbo trainers.

Turbo trainers are an excellent way to keep your training going in the colder months without the extra investment and maintenance of your bike (although you have to be careful that your sweat doesn't drip onto your bike and rust the vital parts).

Trainers come in various different price points with a lot of different features depending on your budget or training requirements. At the lower end of the scale are trainers that you sit your bike on and the rear wheel contacts either a magnetic or fluid drum whose resistance you can adjust to make it easier or harder to cycle. Basic but they do the job.

See our blog on Reasons to buy a cycling turbo trainer

If you would like a more immersive experience and take advantage of the many pieces of software that can simulate real rides then a smart trainer is probably for you - you mount your bike on a cassette on the trainer and the measures power, cadence etc and you can connect it to your phone, laptop or tablet and the software can simulate rides while adjusting the resistance to mark hills and downhills (and some of them even simulate gravel or cobblestones). These pieces of software can also give you tailored training programmes so you can work on specific aspects of your cycling.

Elite Novo Force Trainer

The Elite Novo Force is a magnetic flywheel trainer that has 5 levels of resistance for your cycling training. Simply mount your bike on and off you go.

Tacx Flux 2 Smart Trainer Bundle

The Tacx Flux is a smart trainer that can simulate up to 16% gradients and up to 2000 Watts of power and can be connected to mobile, laptop or tablet to give a fully immersive cycling experience. Being able to cycle simulated rides helps massively with motivation as you can choose different courses at various different difficulty levels.

Author

Ross Howieson

Content Creator

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Winter Cycling Tips UK

Winter cycling Tips

Choosing the right clothing

Look after your hands and feet

Eyewear

Be seen

Bike choice

Bike Maintenance

Move it indoors

Clothing

Cycling Jackets

Endura Hummvee Waterproof Jacket

Endura GV500 Waterproof Jacket Exoshell 40DR

Endura Women's Windchill Jacket II

Assos Mille GT Winter Jacket Evo

Base Layer

Endura Transloft Long Sleeve Base layer

Legwear

Giant Podium Bib Tights Thermal

Endura Women's MT500 Spray Trouser

Hump Spark Waterproof Overtrousers

Assos Mille GT Winter Bib Tights C2

Gloves

Endura Pro SL Primaloft Waterproof Glove

Endura Women's Strike Waterproof Glove

Assos Ultraz Winter Gloves

100% Hydromatic Brisker Glove

Footwear

Endura BaaBaa Merino Socks

Endura Urban Luminite Overshoes

Shimano MW5 Dryshield SPD Shoes

Headwear