Last week, we discussed specially designed jackets that can really help keep us on our bikes through the bitter transition of winter. Once the core is taken care of, we can explore what other areas need to be considered to stay warm while riding.
How about our hands? It can be incredibly painful to steer a bike when your hands are feeling ice cold. But it can also be pretty annoying to ride with bulky winter gloves. Depending on the chill factor outside, you can opt to purchase sleek fingerless gloves made out of material that’ll allow you to pierce through the wind instead of it slowing you down. But when the chill starts dropping down to the 50s, it may be more beneficial to get full finger wind resistant gloves. And for temps that are even below that – there are full finger gloves with insulation. But always beware of the temperature and how your body reacts to it so your hands are not sweating while riding because of an excessive amount of heat.
Up next: the head. Keeping your head warm is key to help trap heat and keep it circulating throughout your body. Depending on the ranges of cold, you could select ear warmers, a skull cap, or a balaclava. Ear warmers are a good option for the early autumn days when there’s just a nip in the air. But as the chill starts to sting more, a skull cap can act like a bottle cap compressing your body heat. But when that is not enough, a balaclava mask will cover your ears, mouth, and nose and keep you toasty. The balaclava is sleek too, so it won’t slow you down or make it difficult to ride with agility.
Finally: the feet. Just like the head, making sure your feet are trapping heat is essential to your overall body warmth. Selecting socks made from merino wool or synthetic fibers can retain heat and keeps off moisture made by sweat. Over the socks – you can find some cycling booties that can accelerate your pedal shoes and insulate your ankles and feet.
There are so many options that can keep you motivated and energized as you hit the cold winds of fall while cycling. Stop by at our bike shop Rochester, NY – we would love to chat with you about bicycling and all of your fitness needs and interests. Pedal past the chills.