Riding your bike all year round is one of the best ways to beat those winter blues. With the right kit, getting out into the fresh air helps you make the most of the daylight hours – and getting out early could even make you a happier person. If you’re looking to replace or upgrade your bike, we’ll cover a few top tips in the following guide.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced rider, there’s always a few things to learn about your bike. Read on to make sure you’ve got everything you need before hitting the roads, tracks or ramps.
The basics
If you’re just getting started, there could be a lot of ground to cover to make you as comfortable as possible on the bike. It’s important to be kitted out with all the essentials, and these include:
Comfortable kit – padded shorts or tights will improve long hours in the saddle
A good helmet – preferably one with MIPS for improved rotational impact protection
A saddle bag containing a pump, inner tubes, or puncture repair kit
Snacks for the ride
Front and rear lights
Bottle cages and water bottles
Riding through winter
The colder months pose additional hazards for cyclists and most other road users. With freezing temperatures causing icy surfaces, you won’t have as much grip on the roads. Furthermore, rain, snow, and fog can limit visibility, so it’s a good idea to wear bright colours and use your lights even during the day.
It’s also sensible to invest in a bike insurance policy to make sure you and your bike are protected. Doing so should give you peace of mind that in the event of a crash, accidental damage, or theft, you’ll be able to repair or replace your bike.
Check your route
Luckily, there are loads of apps available to help you plan routes. Apps including Strava, Komoot, and Ride with GPS allow users to create their own custom routes or use other functions to pass through specific landmarks or locations.
If you’re using a road bike or a gravel bike for longer adventures, a GPS navigation device is almost essential. Not only could a bike computer like a Garmin Edge help you track your speed, distance, and overall progress on the bike, but you’ll be able to use it in the same way as a sat-nav, following a pre-planned route with your live GPS location.
With these preparations, riding your bike should be a thrill all year round – so get out there!
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