Our top tips for riding in autumn and winter

So if you think the end of the summer means the end of cycling, then you could not be more wrong!

Is it safe to ride a bike in the winter? How do you cycle in the winter? How cold is too cold to ride my bike? Autumn and Winter offers a completely new challenge which, trust us, you’ll thrive under and it’s a shame to let all that good work over the year, go to seed! So if you want to join the Fat Lads and be a badass, then here are our top tips to keep you cycling through Autumn and Winter.

What should I wear to cycle in autumn and winter?

Lads windproof long-sleeve wind and water proof cycling jersey

There's a saying in cycling that goes "There's no bad weather, just bad kit". You’ll need to wrap up warm for early morning and evening rides and you’ll need the correct thermal, windproof and waterproof layers the rest of the time.

It's not just as easy as throwing on an extra jumper, you need gear that wicks away sweat or you’ll feel the cold and damp. You'll also need to make sure you are visible, especially at night, with bright colours, high visibility and reflectivity. Most of our gear has reflective elements and we do a lot in hi-vis colours. Check out our hi-vis orange cycling jacket.

Hi-Vis Orange Horizon Wind and Water Resistant Cycling Jacket

Get something in the diary

This is essential for getting you out of the house and onto the bike. If you don’t get it written down and organised you’ll just keep putting it off because of a bit of cold weather.

Bright light                                                                                                     

The stronger and brighter the better. These will help other road users notice you and make sure you can see the road and what’s coming. Don’t leave it until it's dark to turn on your lights, as soon as the light starts to fade, light up! Good front and back lights are expensive but they will potentially save your life, so do your research and invest wisely. Always make sure you have spare set of batteries with you. Remember that it's not just about being seen, it's also about being able to see! There is a lot of confidence and comfort to be gained from being able to see as much from your bike as you could from a car.

Mudguards

A mudguard is a must for comfort and general cycling etiquette. You’re going to be riding in wet and potentially muddy conditions, if you don’t have a mudguard, dirt is going to spray up all over your back and soak your backside and possibly even worse (depending on how much you like the person behind you), it’s also going to cover them in the same mess. This is never good in the infamous British weather and definitely makes the experience much less enjoyable.

Cycling in Autumn and Winter doesn't have to be a terrible experience. The best thing to do is embrace the weather as much as possible but these tips should hopefully help make it a more enjoyable experience for you.