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"There is no such thing as bad weather, there is only unsuitable clothing." This popular saying by Johannes von Müller, a Swiss historian and publicist (1752-1809), is now more than 200 years old. However, its meaning has not changed to this day. If you are wrapped up weatherproof, you can (almost) always go outside, for example to ride a bike. Unless the wind is blowing at force eight or higher, the snow is falling in fluffy flakes or hailstones the size of golf balls are pelting down from the sky, winter weather is not a major problem. On the contrary: exercise in the fresh air has a positive effect even in winter. It strengthens the immune system and gets the circulation going.
What to wear in winter?
If you don't know exactly how to dress in winter, you can make use of a traditional idea, the ever popular onion principle. The model from nature is quite simple: you dress in several layers and can thus compensate for weather and temperature fluctuations in winter and in the transitional period by putting on or taking off a layer - both in everyday life and during sporting activities.
As a rule, you wear three, sometimes even four layers on top of each other, depending on how cold you feel:
- The first layer (baselayer) e.g. as a functional vest and pants directly on the skin,
- The second layer (midlayer) provides warmth as an insulating layer, for example in the form of a long-sleeved shirt and/or fleece jumper or an insulating waistcoat,
- The third layer (The outer shell provides weather protection, for example in the form of a softshell jacket, rain or insulation jacket and softshell or rain trousers.
Sebastian Grospitz, racing bike coach U19: "20 years ago, we wrapped our feet in aluminium foil or plastic bags. Fortunately, today we have merino socks and overshoes."
The function of the layering principle
Important to know for cyclists who are on the move: If you work up a sweat in winter, you should make sure that the individual layers store as little moisture as possible and transfer it to the outside. This still works best with clothing made from synthetic fibres, such as polyester and polypropylene (preferably recycled). The popular cotton T-shirt next to the skin only makes sense for cyclists who practically never break a sweat. It should be taboo for others. This is because cotton retains a lot of moisture and dries quite slowly. That's why you quickly start to feel cold in winter with a wet, sweaty T-shirt on your skin.
Wool (merino) also absorbs a lot of moisture. However, it has the advantage that it retains body heat up to a certain level of moisture, meaning that it doesn't start to cool down until much later. Here's another tip: The performance of a functional vest is not only determined by the textile fibres used and the shape of the knit, but also by the fit. The first layer on the skin must fit as close to the skin as possible without constricting, so that perspiration can be passed on to the next layer. This is because the skin should remain as "dry" as possible, especially in the cooler months of the year.
Wind and waterproof membranes, such as Gore-Tex and Sympatex, have become an integral part of modern weatherproof jackets. The argument that you sweat a lot in them is becoming increasingly invalidated. This is because the latest membranes are much more breathable and the lower temperatures in winter also help. In order for moisture to be transported away at all, there needs to be a temperature difference of at least 15 degrees between the inside and outside. Only then can the water vapour (sweat) diffuse. At higher temperatures above 20 degrees or with too many insulating layers of clothing, moisture transport comes to a standstill.
When considering which clothing is best to keep you warm and dry, one aspect should not be forgotten: Winter also means darkness and poorer visibility. Cyclists should therefore always be clearly visible. This is where Reflectors on helmets and clothing, plus small aids such as reflective trousers and armbands as well as neon-coloured helmet covers and rucksack covers.
No sport with infections
If you have a cold or other infection, sport is prohibited. If you get on your bike even though you are ill, firstly you risk making the infection worse. Secondly, the pathogen can attach itself to the heart valves and cause a life-threatening inflammation of the heart muscle. Exercise is not effective when you are ill anyway. So it's better to rest and get back on the pedals a few days later!
Winter clothing for 3 types of bike
Type 1: The cycle commuter
Which winter? Cycle commuters always ride - all year round - in wind and weather, rain and snow. Most of them get on their bikes every morning well prepared.
Helmet cover: Vaude Helmet Raincover
The helmet cover is an inexpensive weather protection for the head. It fits almost all helmets, is wind and waterproof and has reflective elements. Available in three colours. Price: 13 Euro >> available here.
Underhelmet cap: Shimano Windbreak Skull Cap
The brushed inside combined with a windproof, water-repellent fabric provides good thermal insulation, especially on the forehead and ears. Price: 27.95 euros.
Overshoes: Löffler Cycling Overshoes GTX Active:
The waterproof and windproof protection for your feet with a breathable Gore-Tex membrane. Simply slip over your everyday shoes and close the zip. Price: 89.99 euros.
Gloves in a double pack: Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Fusion Control + Merino Liner Glove
Waterproof cycling gloves are usually also windproof and warm. If it does get very icy, thin woollen under-gloves can help. Price: 95 Euro >> available here and 12 Euro >> available here.
Wool socks: Woolpower Skilled 400
Wool warms the feet best. The good old woollen sock in a modern knitted form comes from the traditional wool experts in Sweden. With a little polyamide for better durability. Price: 32,95 Euro >> available here.
Wool insoles: DM Balea merino wool insoles
There's no cheaper way to create cosy warmth in your shoes than with a merino insole. Available in different sizes. Price: 3.45 euros.
Insulation jacket: Bergans Roros Light Insulated Jacket
Modern insulating jackets offer impressive warmth in relation to their low weight. As a result, they hardly get in the way, even when cycling at a brisk pace. Available in five sizes and eight colours. Price: 200 Euro >> available here.
Thermal overtrousers: Vaude Bike Padded Chaps
The practical solution for bike commuters who don't want to wear softshell or rain trousers. The padded, waterproof overtrousers can be quickly and easily pulled over your everyday trousers in dirty weather. Available in three sizes. Price: 85 Euro >> available here.
Health risks in the freezing cold
Attention, frostbite!
Chilblains are painful cold damage to the skin that often occurs in high humidity and cold temperatures in combination with clothing that is too thin. The cushion-like, bluish swellings, which often first appear on the fingers or toes, are technically known as "perniones". If the affected hands and feet are warmed up again, the bumps burn and itch and take on a bright red colour. Compared to frostbite, perniones are rather harmless and usually heal on their own within a few weeks. However, they should still be taken seriously, especially if the symptoms recur frequently. Unlike frostbite, frostbite causes tiny ice crystals to form in the tissue and can lead to the death of limbs.
Raynaud's syndrome
Up to 20 per cent of adults, women four times more often than men, suffer from Raynaud's syndrome. This is a circulatory disorder, particularly in the fingers, which suddenly turn pale and numb in the cold and only regain their usual colour after a while. The disease, which was first described by the French doctor Maurice Raynaud, is colloquially known as "white finger disease" or simply "corpse fingers". The underlying cause is presumably a dysregulation of nerve function, which causes the blood vessels to contract spasmodically in response to a cold stimulus. The attacks can occur at temperatures just below ten degrees or rapid changes in temperature. Those affected should not smoke, avoid damp cold and improve their blood circulation with regular finger training.
Source: German Society for Angiology
Type 2: The pleasure biker
Despite the cold, you can feel completely comfortable on a winter bike tour. Fortunately, there are cosy accessories, from merino underwear and warmly padded jackets to helmets with winter padding.
Helmet with winter kit: Abus Pedelec 2.0
A tip for the winter: For the classic e-bike helmet, there is a warm inner bonnet or attachable earmuffs. Price: 109,95 + 14,95 + 18,90 Euro >> available here.
Padded gloves: Roeckl Villach 2
Good winter gloves are water-repellent and windproof, keep your fingers warm and at the same time offer good grip on the handlebars. Price: 69,95 Euro >> available here.
Padded jacket: Vaude Mineo Padded Jacket
High collar and warmly lined with recycled polyester material, but not too thick so that you can still cycle comfortably. Price: 220 Euro >> available here.
4) Merino underwear: Devold Lauparen
Cosy warmth on the skin - only fine merino wool, as processed by the Norwegian wool specialist Devold, can achieve this. Available in many colours. Price: 90 Euro (shirt) >> available here + 90 Euro (trousers) >> available here.
Bike jeans: Gonso Floralett 2 cycling trousers
Comfortable softshell trousers in a denim cut. They are warm, wind and water repellent and feature a number of reflective elements. Price: 139.95 euros.
6) Merino multifunctional scarf: Devold 190 multifunctional scarf
The lightweight, warm woollen tube to always have with you, e.g. as a scarf, face mask or under-helmet cap. Price: 30 euros.
Multifunctional shoes: Ecco MX W
A mid-cut, comfortable outdoor shoe with a waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex membrane - ideal for biking and hiking. Price: 149 Euro .
Checklist: Cycling in winter
- One Good route planning is particularly important in winter - because nobody wants to get lost in the twilight and be on the road longer than planned in the cold. >> 4 route planning apps in comparison
- Without a Check the weather forecast or the weather app you shouldn't set off: How cold is it? Which way is the wind blowing? Will there be precipitation today? And when will it get dark? Don't forget UV protection (at least 30+) if the sun is shining!
- The Cycling clothing should be as conspicuous as possible, i.e. not just black on black. Reflective or luminous accessories such as trouser bands, snap-on wristbands, clip-on lamps, reflective helmets, helmet covers and rucksack covers help. Overshoes keep your feet warm, a cap under your helmet keeps your head warm. A thin pair of gloves under the thicker ones works wonders. The tried and tested onion principle applies: the colder, the more layers!
- In the Cycling bottle - preferably an insulated one - comes with a hot drink, for example sweetened tea. Some cyclists swear by chunks of fresh ginger in it, because the spiciness feels warming from the inside.
Type 3: Sports cyclists
Function is at the forefront for the fast winter round. The clothing is relatively light and cut close to the body. In addition, the right layering principle ensures that sweat is quickly wicked away from the skin even in cold weather.
Face mask/balaclava: Löffler Ski Mask Transtex Warm
The lightweight, skin-friendly balaclava protects the face and head from frostbite. Price: 19.99 euros.
Winter cycling shoes: Shimano SH-MW7
The mid-height cycling shoe is robust and provides reliable protection from the wet and cold, even with cleats on the sole. Price: 229,95 Euro >> available here.
Underhelmet cap: Montane Windjammer Windproof Helmet Liner
Windstopper material from Gore-Tex and a microfleece lining make the hat windproof, warm and breathable. Price: 30 euros.
Hybrid iso jacket: Löffler M-Bike Iso-Jacket Hotbond PL60
Sporty, lightweight warm jacket with Primaloft padding and good breathability. It is windproof and water-repellent. Available in many colours and sizes. Price: 209,99 Euro >> available here.
Softshell gloves: Gore Windstopper thermal gloves
The windproof membrane and light padding protect the fingers against the cold wind. Price: 70 Euro >> available here.
Functional underwear: Odlo Performance Warm
The classic, tried-and-tested functional underwear for winter sports enthusiasts, from cyclists to cross-country skiers, made from a predominantly recycled polyamide/polyester mix. Price: 79.95 euros each >> available here.
Winter socks: Gore Wear M Thermo Long Socks
In winter, cycling socks can be a little longer, like these ones made of wool (28%), polyacrylic (28%) and polyamide (44%). Price: 27.95 euros.
Softshell trousers: Rose Wind Softshell II trousers
Soft fleece on the inside, wind and water-repellent softshell on the outside. The sporty winter trousers also feature reflective elements, zip pockets and leg width adjustment. Price: 89,95 Euro >> available here.
Dr Milan Dinic, sports physician from Munich: "Deep mouth breathing should be avoided in cold weather to protect the bronchial tubes. So don't exert yourself too intensively outside so that you can still breathe through your nose.
