More and more people are choosing to cycle year-round. With the right clothes and a few basic techniques, you could be one of them. Be sure to discover the joys of four-season cycling for yourself!
Few excerpts from these tips and advice are taken from the 2 roues, 4 saisons d’ENvironnement JEUnesse campaign.
Tip: It’s like cross-country skiing! When you go out biking for more than 10 minutes, your choice of attire depends on your tolerance for cold. Ideally, you should feel a bit chilly when you first leave and then start warming up after the first few kilometres. If you feel warm when leaving, you may find that third layer of polar fleece unnecessary after a few minutes of pedalling!
On your headSummer helmet + tuque + neck warmer: Feel like having your first winter biking experience, but don’t want to invest in all kinds of specialized clothing? Just wear a thin tuque under your helmet, along with a neck warmer!
Winter helmet + neck warmer: The ultimate! A winter helmet is the one you can also wear skiing. Equipped with integrated earmuffs and designed to accommodate your ski goggles, this helmet is perfect for braving winter on two wheels! Just remember to wear a neck warmer, since this helmet does not protect your neck… its only shortcoming!
Ski goggles: In cold or snowy weather, put on your ski goggles to prevent your eyes from freezing or block out snowflakes. A must-have for the four-season cyclist.
JacketsWaterproof, breathable jacket: (5°C and +) Ideal for a rainy fall day! The jacket protects you from wind and water and minimizes perspiration, especially if it is equipped with back vents and underarm zips!
Waterproof, breathable jacket: (-5°C to + 5°C) At this temperature, conditions are difficult to predict. The important thing is to stay dry, because being damp at -5°C is not fun, especially if the wind picks up. Always bring along a waterproof jacket which not only cuts the wind, but protects you from slush and dirt.
Winter jacket: (-5°C and under) When winter arrives with its glacial winds and swirling snowflakes, you have to protect yourself! In these conditions, a winter jacket is the best solution. A cross-country ski jacket with good ventilation is ideal, but your good old winter jacket also fits the bill. And in extreme cold? Just add a base layer.
Gloves and mittensNeoprene gloves: (5°C and +) Neoprene gloves are ideal for keeping your hands warm, even in the rain!
Split finger gloves: (-5°C to + 5°C) Choose a winter glove with three fingers for more dexterity.
Mittens: (-5°C and -) Since the extremities are the first to freeze, protect your hands with a good pair of warm mittens. If you are sensitive to the cold or if the temperature dips under -15°C, you can wear thin gloves inside your mittens.
PantsWaterproof, breathable pants: (5°C and +) In rainy weather, you will be perfectly comfortable in these pants. They can be worn over shorts in the summer and over pants when the mercury drops.
Waterproof, breathable pants: (-15°C to + 5°C) In the winter, wearing waterproof, breathable pants over your cycling outfit will keep you warm and prevent you from getting dirty.
Waterproof, breathable pants: (-30°C to -15°C) In cold weather, it is important to protect yourself from the wind and stay dry. Wearing waterproof, breathable pants over long johns or warm pants will do the trick.
FootwearRain boots: (5°C and +) Wear an old pair of rain boots to keep your feet dry over short distances. Otherwise, expect your feet to get wet… from perspiration.
Shoes + waterproof shoe covers: (-15°C to + 5°C) Slipping waterproof shoe covers over your favourite shoes will protect your feet, without compromising your style once you arrive at your destination.
Winter boots: (-30°C to -15°C) Warm winter boots are recommended, provided that your feet rest comfortably on your pedals.
