Winter cycling tips

During the winter months, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get out on your bike. Here are eight tips from ourat Lang Toun Cycles Community Bike Shop to help you make the most of your commute or leisure rides and stay safe while the road and light conditions are more challenging.

1. Keeping your feet warm

There is nothing worse than cold toes or wet feet on a bike ride. Treat yourself to some good thermal socks and consider waterproof footwear (or over shoes) that will help to keep the cold and frost at bay

2. Waterproof gloves / headwear

A warm pair of gloves that are thermal/windproof and waterproof will make a huge difference. Check your local bike shop for specific gloves that allow you to control your bike and change gears without overheating.

Keep your head and ears warm with a thermal/windproof helmet liner hat. A Merino neck tube/neck warmer keeps your neck cosy and the Merino wicks away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable. 

3. Check the weather and be prepared

Modern weather apps are a great way to check the forecast and can really help you decide when the best time of day to go for a social ride or if you’re a hardy commuter it lets you dress accordingly.

4. Layering up Wearing thin layers

During a ride you can easily warm up or the temperature can increase or decrease. We recommend using a selection of thin clothing layers (start with a wicking base layer) instead of one very warm thermal jacket. This allows you to remove a layer when you start to get too hot and you can put it back on when you need it. 

5. Waterproof / windproof jackets and trousers

A versatile jacket/ trousers that are made of waterproof & windproof fabrics work well to keep you dry from rain or snow and keeps the windchill off. These garments are lightweight, breathable and allow free movement whilst riding. 

6. Bike preparation

Some basic maintenance can keep your bike moving well in cold and wet conditions. Wash your bike down with clean water to wash the salt off, apply a GT85 water displacing spray to the chain and gear components followed by some chain lubricant (avoid brake surfaces as this will diminish performance). Make sure to keep your tyres inflated.

Before you go out on your bike performing an M-Check gives you peace of mind that your bike is safe to ride.

7. Grippier pedals or clipping in

When you get the soles of your shoes wet or covered in snow/mud it can cause your feet to slip on your pedals. This can be avoided by fitting a set of pedals with a bigger grippier platform or considering getting clip-in pedals that use a specific shoe with a cleat in the sole that clips into the pedal. 

8. Allow time to warm up

It will take longer for your muscles and core temperature to warm up. Ride in a lower gear at the start of your ride with a higher cadence to help you warm up and reduce the stress on your cold joints. It will give you a good Cardio workout too! 

We hope this guide helps you to feel more confident riding in the winter and throughout the rest of the year. If you need to get started with any of the tools, supplies or clothing recommended in this blog, visit Lang Toun Cycles at 245 High Street, Kirkcaldy. 

Lang Toun Cycles also offer bicycle servicing to suit your needs and run free basic bike maintenance classes. 2025 classes start from 11th January. Check out upcoming dates and book now.

Happy Trails!

Michael Harman,

Workshop and Retail Coordinator, Lang Toun Cycles