Even though winter hasn’t officially started, much of North America has already experienced some very winter-like conditions. For many riders, winter officially spells the end of their riding season, and bikes get relegated to the basement or garage. There are other options, though. You can drive to the gym and ride a stationary or spin bike, or maybe set up a trainer in your own personal pain cave. Then there’s the third option–actually riding your bike outside in the cold and dark.
While the concept may seem novel, winter cycling is as old as the bicycle itself. Riding a bike in bad weather ain’t rocket science, but it does take a little extra preparation and planning. Living in Colorado for over fifteen years has taught me a thing or two about riding in harsh weather. Because I detest being cold when I ride, I usually err on the side of caution when it comes to choosing winter cycling gear. As such, I’ve learned to take clothing companies’ recommended temperature ranges with a grain of salt. In other words, what works for me might end up being too warm for more cold-tolerant riders. That said, the following items have served me well for utility and recreational riding.
