Vaude Windproof Cap III
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Commuting by bike in winter? These tips might help
21/12/2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
There are many reasons not to commute on your bike in winter and to take a car or public transport instead. But with these tips against the cold, wind and wet, you’ll have fewer excuses.
Let me get one thing straight; this isn’t about how you get to the office by bike when the snowplough hasn’t even cleared the roads yet. Or how you can beat black ice thanks to spikes on your tires. It’s about «normal» winter commuting – snow-free roads, but cold temperatures.
For your head
I’m no longer the age when you walk around outside in sub-zero temperatures without a hat and think you’re cool. I’ve learnt about all the parts on your head that can freeze – from the tip of your nose to your chin to your ears. And that’s why my gear looks different in winter.
When temperatures hit below five degrees, I wear a hat under my helmet which has a brushed fabric lining. I pull it over my ears and down to my forehead. It looks a bit like I’m an astronaut waiting for my space helmet. But the aesthetic isn’t my priority here, the level of protection is.
Loop scarves are effective against draughts around your neck. You can find them in all kinds of styles on our shop. In winter, I recommend those with merino wool because they keep you warm and prevent sweating.
Gusts are horrible for your eyes in winter. If you don’t wear any protection, it won’t be long before your eyes start watering. The faster you cycle, the more they’ll stream. In winter, I swap out the visor on my helmet for my cycling goggles which cover more of the area around my eyes. They work well because they sit closer to my face and less wind can get in. When I’m out and about in the thick high fog in Zurich, on most days, I can get away with clear, category 0 glass that lets in plenty of light.
For your fingers
Having cold fingers is uncomfortable when cycling but it can also put your safety at risk. If you need to pull the brake lever quickly in a dangerous situation, it’ll be difficult with frozen fingers.
The best gloves for cycling should protect you from the wind and, ideally, from the wet. At the same time, they shouldn’t restrict your finger movement. You may also want the option to type on your smartphone, in which case they should be touchscreen-compatible. I wear a pair of Endura gloves on not-so-cold days, which have silicone on the inside for good grip and are cut nice and tight.
However, if the temperature drops below four or five degrees, thinner fabrics won’t do the trick. That’s when I get my winter gloves from Assos out. They have thicker material and better lining to keep my hands warm and still allow the flexibility I need for a good feel on the handlebars.
For your torso and legs
When the clocks go back at the end of October, the Luminum II from Vaude is the jacket for my trips to the office. Why? Firstly, because it’s neon yellow and makes me highly visible even at dusk. Secondly, because it’s waterproof and windproof, has practical pockets and is cut loose enough that I can wear a mid-layer underneath.
Sometimes a mid-layer and jacket just aren’t enough. That’s when I put a base layer on too. You’ll find a huge selection of these on our shop. I prefer those with a mixture of merino wool and synthetic fibres. For me it’s an absolute must that the top goes past my collar bone and the seams are as flat as possible. After doing a bit of research, I chose this one:
Depending on the length of your trousers, you’re ankles might freeze up. I’ve recently discovered gaiters. When autumn comes round they protect me from wet (and dirty) shoes. They also keep out the wind in winter. The great thing about the neon yellow version is that you’ll be even more visible in the dark and at dusk.
If your thighs and calves are also freezing or you’re expecting rain, a pair of trousers that you can pull on over your normal trousers will help.
Alternatively, you can just wear a pair of warm cycling trousers.
Or a Dirtsuit, like the one my editorial colleague Patrick recently tried out.
I always have the Vaude pants linked above in my backpack, just in case. Fortunately, my legs don’t tend to get as cold. So when it’s dry, a pair of slightly longer underpants from my favourite brand does the job.
For your bike
The final tip I have is for your bike. You can stay cleaner on wet roads by extending the length of your mudguards. On my bike, the rear mudguard doesn’t reach down far enough, so on wet country lanes or when riding through puddles, the splashes are sometimes as high as the rucksack on my back. The bottom half of my trousers often get wet and dirty. I’ve found small extensions for the mudguard super helpful – they’re easy to fit and easy to remove in summer.
I seem to have forgotten something. What about good lighting? You’re right. In the cold, dark months this is just as important as the clothing. So important that I’ve written my own articles on the subject in the Galaxus magazine, for example here:
Do you have any other suggestions and tips from your experiences as a bike commuter? Or any questions? I’ve tried almost all of the products linked above myself or am still using them. Feel free to use the comment function below if you’d like to know more.
Header image: Shutterstock
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.