Winter equipment for commuters: Making the journey to work fun even in winter

As a cycle commuter, should I also use my bike in winter? Yes, of course! is the answer. Because there are numerous advantages to choosing to cycle in the cold season. Firstly, you stay physically active and even strengthen your immune system - an important point for getting through the cold season in good health.

You may also be able to avoid public transport with people coughing and sneezing. Apart from that, cycling is often the fastest and most flexible way to get around the city, regardless of traffic jams. Cycling is also the better ecological choice, as it produces no emissions.

And finally, commuting by bike can simply be cheaper compared to other modes of transport and therefore easier on the wallet. The little bit of bike maintenance in between will practically take care of itself, won't it?

Arm yourself against adverse weather - here's how

As we don't usually live on Fuerteventura, cycling in winter also has weather-related disadvantages. Cold, rain, snow and icy conditions can make cycling a challenge. Low temperatures and wind chill make for cold ears and fingers, while rain and snow can impair visibility and riding safety.

The risk of falling increases considerably in icy conditions, especially on frozen or snow-covered roads. Darkness in the winter months also requires increased attention in road traffic, as cyclists are often less visible than in summer.

The right equipment is crucial to arm yourself against these weather conditions. One Good winter jacket that is waterproof and windproofkeeps the body warm and dry. Thermal underwear can provide an additional layer of warmth. Special cycling gloves that are windproof and insulated prevent your fingers from cooling down. Warm and water-repellent shoes and thick (woollen) socks keep your feet warm.

A scarf or bandana will protect your neck and a cycle helmet with a cap underneath will keep your head warm. Reflective clothing and good lighting on your bike are also important to ensure that you are visible and safe on the road in the darker months. With the right preparation, nothing stands in the way of cycling in winter and you can fully enjoy the benefits and freedom of cycling even in the cold season.

We have selected a range of products for different areas, especially for cycling to work in winter - from everyday rain jackets to gear cleaners.

Clothing

When cycling in winter, the right layering of clothing plays a key role in staying warm and dry. The base layer, also known as the baselayer, is crucial as it is worn directly on the skin and ensures that perspiration - should it occur on the way to work - is efficiently wicked away.

Baselayers keep the body warm by wicking moisture away from the skin and preventing chilling. An insulating layer is placed on top to store heat. The outer layer is the jacket and trousers, which should be windproof and waterproof. This layer protects against the elements by keeping out cold wind, rain and snow.

• Thermal underwear: Gore Wear M Windstopper Base Layer >> available here
• or the favourable variant: Van Rysel underwear functional shirt >> available here
• Everyday rain jacketVaude Comyou Pro Rain Jacket >> available here
• Softshell jacket: Gore Wear Infinium Thermo Jacket >> available here
• Winter jacketVaude Posta Insulation Jacket >> available here
• Rain trousersGonso Save Thermo rain trousers >> available here
• or as an alternative: Vaude Fluid Pants >> available here
• Trekking cycling shoes: Shimano XM900 shoes >> available here
• GlovesChiba City Liner >> available here

>> Buying advice for rainwear: Jackets, trousers & more: Cycling clothing for rainy weather

Helmet, buff, cap & goggles

When cycling in winter, a scarf, hat and goggles are important pieces of equipment that offer both protection and comfort. The helmet - which is always with you when cycling anyway - should be compatible with winter accessories: a thin hat or a special helmet liner made from a warm, breathable material fits well under most helmets and keeps your head warm. The scarf or a tube scarf (e.g. from Buff) made of windproof material protects the neck and can be pulled over the mouth and nose if necessary to keep out cold air.

A good pair of cycling goggles with clear, slightly tinted or preferably self-tinting lenses protects the eyes from wind, snow and falling rain and improves vision in different light conditions - even in the dark. It is important that the goggles fit well and do not fog up to ensure unrestricted vision. We have found the following products as examples.

• MTB bike helmetPoc Axion >> available here
• City bike helmetAbus Pedelec 2.0 >> available here
• Multifunctional scarfBuff Dryflx >> available here
• Photochromic sunglassesOakley Sutro >> available here
• Underhelmet capVaude Bike Windproof >> available here

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Be seen

In winter, visibility on the road is particularly important for cyclists, as the days are shorter and weather conditions such as fog, rain or snow can impair visibility. To be clearly visible, you should wear bright, reflective clothing and accessories. Reflectors on jackets, trousers and shoes significantly increase your visibility in the dark.

Powerful front and rear lights on the bike are also essential, ideally with different light modes to be able to react to changing lighting conditions. Flashing lights can also attract the attention of other road users. These measures can significantly increase your own safety and allow you to enjoy cycling safely even in the darker months of the year.

• HeadlightsB + M Lumotec IQ-XM E-Bike LED >> available here
• Rear light: Lezyne Strip Drive LED >> available here
• Safety light for rucksack or helmet coverWowow Magnetlight >> available here
• Reflex cuffVaude Reflective Cuff >> available here
• Reflective waistcoatCraft Visibility Vest reflective waistcoat >> available here
• or the favourable variant: Löffler Reflex Vest >> available here

>> Visibility in road traffic: Reflective high-visibility clothing and parts

>> Best of Test: The best battery and dynamo headlights from the 2024 tests

Care for the bike

Bike maintenance is particularly important in winter to ensure its functionality and longevity. Wetness, salt and dirt, which are often found on the roads, put a lot of strain on the material.

Regular cleaning is therefore essential in order to Corrosion and wear to prevent rust. In particular, you should make sure that you clean the bike chain well and then lubricate it with a suitable chain oil or wax to prevent rust from forming.

The brakes also require regular checks and care, as salt and dirt can impair their effectiveness. If you can, place your bike in a dry area after use to further reduce the surface area for rust.

Bike maintenance in winter is a certain cost factor, as cleaning and lubrication should be carried out much more often than in summer. But here are a few offers.

• Brush setMuc-Off 3x Brush Set >> available here
• Bicycle cleanerMuc Off Bike Cleaner >> available here
• LubricantF100 dry lubricant >> available here
• Chain wax: Squirt Dry Lube chain wax >> available here
• Mudguard: SKS Germany SKS Velo 42 Urban >> available here

>> 16 chain waxes tested: Clean, fast & gentle on the material

>> Rainproof: MTB tips for bad weather - cleaning your bike and clothing

>> Noises on your bike: How they arise & how to fix them

Waterproof bags & rucksack

Waterproof bags and rucksacks are indispensable companions for winter cycling to work, as they reliably protect the contents from moisture and dirt. Whether it's a laptop, work documents or a change of clothes - everything stays dry in a waterproof bag, even in heavy rain or snowfall.

These bags are usually made of special materials, such as coated nylon or PVC, which repel water and are robust enough to withstand the daily challenges of commuting.

Another advantage is that many of these bags are equipped with reflective elements, which further increase visibility in road traffic. With a waterproof rucksack or bag, you remain flexible and well prepared in winter without having to worry about your luggage.

• BackpackDeuter Xberg 25 Daypack >> available here
• as an alternative: Vaude Proof 22 >> available here
• Backpack pannier: Ortlieb Vario 26l >> available here
• Luggage carrier bagVaude Aqua Back >> available here
• Waterproof bag for your mobile phoneKlickfix PhoneBag >> available here

>> Ortlieb Vario PS test: From rucksack to pannier in seconds

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