Cycling seems like a seasonal activity. But that is not necessarily the truth. You can ride a bike all year round, but to do it, you need some specialized knowledge and a dash of planning. Why would you cycle in the winter? Because of the many rewards this activity brings. You remain in shape, avoid traffic and are more eco-friendly. To help you out on your way, here are a few ideas for winter cycling outdoors. 

The right bike 

Everything else might be important, but the bike you ride in winter is essential. It needs to provide a level of safety and be ready for whatever the weather wants to bring. Optimal bike size is something you should start with. To find your optimal size, please look on-line for calculators that will determine what size is right for your silhouette. Other than that, it seems that the best bike for year-round cycling is a hybrid bike. It is a safe and comfortable option for bikers who want to ride their bike no matter the circumstances. 

Winter tires 

Bikebrave consider fat tire bikes a worthwhile investment for winter cycling as their added traction and stability is useful in slippery conditions. Just like with your car, your bike can also benefit from changing the tires for winter. Colder months of the year mean rain, snow or slush, and your bike should be ready to ride through them. It would be best if you gained better traction. But what tires to choose? Well, you shouldn’t go for the mountain bike tires. They are wider and thicker and make your riding harder. You should opt for a skinny tire or studded tires that will work in any condition. They will help you cycle in snow or rain, but won’t make it extra tiring, and riding a bike should be a pleasurable experience, right? 

Light up 

In winter, daylight is a pleasure that we get only for a few hours every day. It is an absolute necessity for your bike to have lights. But not just any lights. If you can, equip your bike with three LED lights, two white in the front, and one red on the back. Installing proper lights will make you see the road correctly and increase your safety by making you visible in the darkness. Another tip is always to check the batteries in your lights before the winter, they might need some replacing. 

The perfect armour

Now that you have your bike ready for the winter, it is time to prepare your body for the ride. A must-have when it comes to winter cycling is a pair of gloves. Your hands against that wind and cold will not make it, so to protect them purchase waterproof gloves with grippy fingers and palms. You can go for a thicker glove if you like, but make sure you can operate the breaks with them on your hands. Next thing you should have on the ready is a hat. The amount of heat that leaves a body through the head is astonishing. Stay warm, always wear a hat. Also, make sure you have a waterproof change of clothes for the winter. Not only a coat but socks and trousers as well. Last by not least, have a pair of sunglasses in your pocket. In the winter, the sun gets pretty low and might make you blind for seconds sometimes, seconds that can cause injuries. 

Seasonal riding skills

In winter cycling perhaps the most dangerous situation you can find yourself in is riding a bike up next to a curb. However, you can eliminate part of the danger by using lane positioning. This will limit the probability of accidents on the road while you cycle. And when it comes to your body, try to stay calm with your knees and elbows locked, and everything will be just fine. 

Post-ride care

With all the rain, snow and dirty roads, your bike will need some winter maintenance. To solve all these problems, what you need is only an old toothbrush, a small cloth and a chain cleaner. Parts that need frequent cleaning are the chain, wheel rims and brakes. Keep in mind that it is best for your bike and your safety to clean sand off your bike after each ride. That being said, if you can do it from time to time, that should do the trick. 

Remember, when winter arrives, the cycling season is far from over. Cycling is fun no matter the time of the year. It is an excellent exercise to the body, and it keeps you energized. Not to mention the environmental advantages of using a bike. Do not stop caring about yourself and the world just because it is a colder time. With these six ways for outdoor winter cyclingr, you should be more than ready to cycle your way up to spring. Enjoy the ride!