Biking in winter: How to be properly dressed even in the cold
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For extreme bikers like Richard Löwenherz, the most delicate film of sweat on the skin can become a survival problem. The adventurer from Berlin spent several weeks travelling with his bike in Arctic Siberia. At temperatures of up to minus 40 degrees. Sweating should have been the least of his problems, you would think, but his fully packed bike weighed around 100 kilos. When he had to heave it up a snow-covered climb, he paid meticulous attention to whether a bead of sweat was threatening to form on his back. Because he knew that wet clothing cools the body dangerously and also freezes so stiffly overnight in the open air that you can't pack or put it on afterwards. That's why Richard either stopped regularly during strenuous efforts to cool down to normal temperature or he simply took off one of his carefully laid-out layers of clothing.
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Cycling to the end of the world: extreme journeys in ice and snow
Richard Löwenherz lives up to his name: the "Lonely Traveller" sets off for the most remote regions of Europe and Asia, equipped only with his bike, a camera and the bare essentials. Join him on his fascinating bike journey through the Siberian wilderness and immerse yourself in a world of ice and snow! You can order the book right here->
Such extremes are of course not to be expected in our latitudes. Especially not in winter. But the example shows: The onion principle works - if you apply it correctly
and get rid of the layers that are too warm in good time. However, if you set off in full kit and only think about taking your clothes off when you're completely soaked through with sweat, you'll be freezing for the rest of the tour.
Biking in winter: The onion look warms best
And these are the optimum "onion layers": A long-sleeved functional vest should fit snugly against the skin. It absorbs moisture from the body and transports it to the outside. The second layer should allow the moisture to evaporate further to the outside and keep you warm at the same time. For example, a softshell jacket or a fleece jersey with integrated wind protection in the chest area. This is sufficient for the upper body during active riding. For longer descents, but also for wet rides in fog, you should also have a windproof or rain-repellent jacket with you.
with you. However, this is where the greatest sweating potential is hidden. You should open all the ventilation slits on your jacket, especially when riding uphill in the rain, to prevent body heat from building up.
Long trousers, which should not be too tight so that the wind doesn't blow through as sharply as with Lycra fabric, for example, are sufficient: Air provides additional insulation, of course. We find the Endura MT500 spray trousers with waterproof seat area very well thought out, so that cold spray water can't seep through in the first place.
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Optimal winter combination on the bike
- Upper body in three layersLong-sleeved functional vest (preferably with windstopper at the front), warm jersey and, depending on the weather, a windproof or rain-repellent jacket on top.
- Two layers at the bottom: shorts with padding, over long, wide trousers (rain-repellent)
- Shoes: A waterproof front area and space for thick socks are now important!
- Gloves: Make sure the outer material is windproof!
- Helmet base cap do not forget!
Here is our selection of bike clothing for winter, which we can warmly recommend
Craft Active Comfort Core Dry Longsleeve
Few seams and pleasantly soft, close-fitting Core-Dry functional material that reliably absorbs moisture from the body and allows it to evaporate to the outside. Price: 45 euros >> at Rose available.
Gore Fernflow trousers
Wind and water-repellent thanks to Gore-Tex Infinium material and Windstopper membrane in the knee, thigh and seat areas. The 4-way stretch material is robust and can cope with pretty much anything. Price: 180 euros >> available here.
45Nrth Ragnarök Tall
Waterproof winter shoe with a high Velcro neoprene shaft that prevents rain from seeping into the shoe. Runs small. Price: 270 euros. Weight: 1055 grams. Tip: Always buy winter shoes one size larger so that there is room for thicker socks!
Vaude bike cap
Sophisticated under-helmet hat with different breathable and windproof (forehead) material zones. Inside: warming fleece fabric. Quick drying. Price: 20 Euro >> available here.
Scott Trail Storm WP jacket and trousers
Stylish, new combination of breathable, waterproof 3-layer stretch
material. The jacket has glued, waterproof zips and a large hood that can be pulled over the helmet.
hood that can be pulled over the helmet. Price: 230 euros. The matching Trousers can also be ventilated via waterproof zips on the leg. 150 euros.
Smartwool merino socks
They may not be special bike socks, but they keep you warm, create a good climate in your shoes and, thanks to merino wool, don't smell as bad as other functional materials. And: they are available in many thicknesses, colours and lengths. Price: approx. 25 euros.
Northwave X-Celsius Arctic GTX shoes
The test winner in the current Winter shoe comparison by our colleagues from TOUR magazineThe Northwave shoe scored maximum points for weather protection, features and weight (960 g for size 44). Slight deductions were made for the somewhat difficult entry. Price: 250 euros.
GripGrab Leg Warmers AquaRepel
They should also be in your rucksack in summer. The leg warmers are quick to put on, have a windproof, knee-warming membrane on the front and reliably repel raindrops. And elasticated silicone cuffs, which can be pulled over the shoe, ensure that the water does not seep through to the feet. 47 euros >> available here.
Buff Original Ecostretch
The Buff multifunctional scarf for a warm neck and/or head. Some people even use the Universal made from lightweight, quick-drying and recycled material as kidney protection. Price: 19 Euro >> available here.
Fox Defend Fire AlphaVest
With the Polartec Alpha insulation, Fox wants to prove that the classic onion layers are no longer necessary in changeable temperatures. The waistcoat with its laser-perforated back automatically adapts its breathability to the surrounding climate. Price: 170 euros.
Fox hoodie Defend Thermo
Functional vest, wind shield, warming jumper and helmet liner in one. Integrated Polartec insulation ensures that moisture is wicked away and creates a dry, warm climate even on long tours. In combination with the Fox waistcoat, it is even a tip for mild winter days. Price: 130 Euro >> available here.
Endura MT500 spray shorts
The well thought-out winter features of the long Endura MT500 spray shorts also impressed us in the short version. Especially as the water and wind-repellent shorts with waterproof seat area can also be worn in bad weather in summer and combined with leg warmers in winter. 100 Euro >> available here.
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS
The absolute classic among sports vests. At least for all those who value natural products and 100 per cent merino wool. And rightly so! Because this shirt is not too bulky, keeps you warm and ensures that the unhealthy sweat bacteria don't feel too comfortable. Price: 100 Euro >> available here.
Vaude All Year Moab zip-off jacket
A hybrid softshell jacket that can really do everything: The lightly padded, wind-repellent jacket can be converted into a gilet using the zip system. A hood keeps you warm when resting on the summit. Made from environmentally friendly, sustainable materials. Price: 200 euros.
Triple 2 Men's Kapp Sub Storm Hoodie
The sales classic from the eco brand Triple 2, which has been continuously developed since 2009. The hoodie is made from lightweight merino terry for added warmth and breathability. With storm hood, reflectors and thumb loops on the cuffs. Price: 159 euros.
Glove 100% Brisker
Hallelujah, it's back! The Californian motocross brand 100% has reissued its winter classic: It is as light as a summer glove, but repels moisture and warms with softshell. Price: 34.50 euros >> available here.
