Winter bike adventures: all about travel, trail and gravel clothing
Winter and biking? Why yes! The cold season can be the perfect opportunity to experience I'm out adventures on your travel, trail or gravel bike. Brave the cold and get the most out of your ride. Here you can find out about the special features of each bike variant and how to dress for them.
Travel biking in winter: Comfort and style on long distances
Traveling by bike often means long hours in the saddle and changing weather conditions. Here it is crucial to focus on comfort and versatility. Insulating and breathable materials are a great advantage here. The same goes for clothing made from merino wool, as this fabric keeps you warm, wicks away moisture and remains odorless.
Layered clothing: As already mentioned, layering is the be-all and end-all. But make sure that each layer is light and easy to put on and take off. This allows you to react flexibly to changes in temperature. A good functional shirt as a base layer, followed by an insulating layer such as a fleece or a light down jacket, and finally a waterproof and breathable outer layer will protect you from the weather conditions.
Safety: Reflective elements on your clothing ensure that you can be seen even in poor visibility. Good lighting on your bike is also essential. Invest in high-quality front and rear lights and make sure that your equipment is always charged and ready for use.
Trail biking: robust and ready for action
Trail biking in winter is not for the faint-hearted. It involves riding through snow, mud and over hill and dale. Your equipment needs to be correspondingly robust and functional. You should therefore choose clothing with high abrasion resistance. Hardshell jackets are perfect for protecting you from thorns and branches. They are robust, water-repellent and at the same time offer the necessary freedom of movement for demanding riding maneuvers.
Safety: Protectors for knees and elbows are essential, especially on slippery trails. They provide additional protection in the event of a fall and keep your joints warm. Complement them with padded shorts or pants that absorb shocks and keep you warm at the same time.
Ventilation: Even when it's cold, you can work up a sweat when trail biking. Ventilation slits in your jacket and breathable fabrics help to regulate your body temperature. Make sure that your clothing offers sufficient ventilation options to prevent overheating.
Gravel biking: it's all in the mix
Gravel biking combines the speed of road biking with the robustness of off-road biking. Your equipment should therefore be flexible and versatile. A softshell jacket is ideal for gravel biking without overheating. As an insulating layer, you can choose a lightweight fleece jacket that adapts well to your body.
Lightweight, multifunctional equipment: Choose items of clothing that can be stowed away quickly. A windproof vest or a light rain jacket can be quickly packed into your backpack when the sun comes out. This flexibility allows you to react quickly to changes in the weather and always be optimally dressed.
Practical gadgets: A multifunctional scarf or buff can serve as a scarf or headband and is an indispensable accessory for any winter ride. In addition, waterproof pack sacks for your equipment are a good investment to keep everything dry and organized.
More than just layering: further tips for winter biking
Warmth from the inside: Warm drinks in an insulated bottle are worth their weight in gold. A hot tea or coffee will give you a boost of warmth between rides and motivate you to keep going.
- Nutrition: Your body burns more calories to keep warm. Take high-energy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit or bars with you to keep your energy up. Remember to eat small amounts regularly to keep your energy levels constant.
- Equipment care: Salt and mud can damage your bike. Rinse it off after every ride and keep the chain well oiled to prevent rust. Invest in special winter tires with good tread to stay safe on the road even in snow and ice.
- Mentality: The battle against your inner bastard starts in your head. Set yourself small goals and reward yourself for reaching milestones. A hot bath or a delicious meal after the ride can work wonders and keep your motivation high.
