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Wind can make temperatures much more uncomfortable than they actually are. Even zero degrees at a wind speed of 20 kilometres per hour - which is equivalent to a light breeze and wind force three to four - feels like minus five degrees. This is called the "wind chill effect". However, it is important to always keep warm and dry when cycling, says sports physician Dr Milan Dinic: "A warm body performs better. If you are not dressed warmly enough, you not only need a lot of energy to maintain your body temperature. It also reduces the blood supply to the arms and legs in order to keep the heat in the centre of the body as a precaution and thus protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs." The result is ice-cold, numb hands and feet and therefore less control over the bike: "Braking and shifting gears in particular becomes more difficult with cold hands - and the risk of falls and accidents increases."
Cycling clothing for the winter: Motto onion principle
Winter cyclists should therefore "make sure they have the right equipment or dress accordingly", says the doctor: with a thin Under cap under a windproof helmet, Overshoes and Gloves and a Scarf or tube scarf to protect the neck from the cold. Dinic advises a Sports glasses with clear, yellow-tinted or photochromatic lenses to protect the eyes from icy draughts, and in very cold weather to protect the eyes from the cold. Face mask. Otherwise, the onion principle applies: two layers on the legs, three on the upper body. "An vest made of breathable and antibacterial merino wool keeps you warm and dry, and the jacket as the outermost layer should be windproof." If you work up a sweat on the bike, you should quickly change back into dry clothes afterwards to prevent chilling.
High visibility for more visibility
For better visibility in road traffic, it makes sense to wear winter clothing that is not too dark and is equipped with reflective elements. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC) recommends a reflective band for the ankle: on the one hand, this protects the trousers from the chain, and on the other, approaching motorists can immediately recognise the up and down movement of the light strip as belonging to a person on a bicycle.
