{"id":170751,"date":"2018-09-21T07:07:30","date_gmt":"2018-09-21T07:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=170751"},"modified":"2018-09-21T07:07:30","modified_gmt":"2018-09-21T07:07:30","slug":"introduction-to-cycling-in-autumn-and-early-spring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2018\/09\/21\/introduction-to-cycling-in-autumn-and-early-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction to Cycling in Autumn and Early Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"

Autumn is coming and we all know what it means. Cold weather and rain, usually lots of it. For most people that means it\u2019s time to store the bikes away and wait until spring. But the few dedicated ones simply adapt to the new season. This article is meant to help casual cyclists learn the secrets of these persistent riders so that they can enjoy cycling for a few more months in autumn and maybe restart their commuting as early as late winter next year.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Clothing<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s go from top to bottom.<\/p>\n

Head, Ears & Neck; the keys to keeping it warm<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

For the head, the use of a traditional cycling cap, \u2018La casquette\u2019 is ideal. They look amazing and truly help to keep the head warm. In colder conditions, your ears will most likely suffer unless you protect them properly. In this case, we suggest simple ear plugs or something which covers them all together. For the neck, the easy solution is a buff scarf, which can easily be taken off and packed if you feel it\u2019s too much.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Your very own cycling rain jacket<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

In rainy weather, it is obvious that you must have a rain jacket. But not any rain jacket will do. You should buy one specially made for cyclists. Normal rain jackets are designed to protect you when walking in a vertical position. The ones made for cyclists are designed to protect you in a bike-riding position which is more horizontal thus a different design is needed, including ventilation traps and a lower cut in the back to further protect your lower back.<\/p>\n

For your torso, the name of the game is: layers – layers – layers<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The simple secret of cycling in colder and wet conditions is this \u2013 various layers of clothing. A long-sleeve synthetic jersey is a must. It\u2019s colder? Then a lightweight cycling jacket will do the trick. Colder and rainy? Put on the rain jacket and voila!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\u00a9 Rapha<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s preferable to own two different softshell jackets of various thickness: a medium thickness for chilly and dry days and a thicker and water-resistant one for chilly and rainy days. When you wear both together, you can continue riding in slightly sub-zero temperatures.<\/p>\n

Cycling gloves to make sure that you can actually brake when needed!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If you are one of those people who are not using cycling gloves in the summertime, well, this is not going to work for autumn and early spring. You need to keep your fingers warm, so that you can properly handle your bike and brake fast enough.<\/p>\n

The legs \u2013 keep it \u2018Lycra and simple\u2019<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The first advice is to stick to Lycra \/ synthetic materials. They do not retain water all that much and remain comfortable even when wet. Do not buy waterproof pants unless you go for the top quality ones made of highly breathable materials such as Gore-Tex. Anything else will make you sweat and will quickly feel uncomfortable since your legs are generating a lot of heat when riding.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\u00a9\u00a0Simon Wilkinson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two options worth looking into:<\/p>\n

– If the weather is not so cold, we suggest normal cycling shorts with knee protectors. They are cheap to buy and easy to remove if you feel you\u2019ve put on too much.<\/p>\n

– If it feels colder, our bet goes with long cycling pants. You\u2019d be surprised how warm they feel once you start pedalling.<\/p>\n

Overshoes<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Trust us, they\u2019re worth it. You see a lot of pro cyclists use them and that\u2019s because they really work. If you are not using the SPD pedal, it\u2019s not a problem, simply buy a larger size and they will fit over your normal sport shoes. For example, I wear size 43 sneakers and an XL overshoe fits me just fine. The result \u2013 my shoes stay clean and dry and my feet remain warm.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Riders wear overshoes for the rain prior the start of the 8th stage of the Giro d’Italia, May 16, 2015\u00a0\u00a9\u00a0Profimedia, AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your bike<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Because riding in wet conditions is known to be really awful for your bike\u2019s components such as your derailleur, front chainring, etc., special attention should be given to your bike.<\/p>\n

Bike greasing<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If you plan on riding in late September, full cleaning and greasing of your bike\u2019s mechanical components is a must. Including a switch to wet conditions lubricants. They protect your equipment a whole lot better than the normal dry conditions oils commonly used in summer. If you are the lazy type (like me) for when it comes to dirty work, a trip to your local bike shop will cost you a few monies. Then again, you can do it yourself as well.<\/p>\n

Bike cleaning<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, riding in autumn and early spring means a lot of dirt and sand sticking to your mechanical components. This will destroy them very quickly if you are not careful. Taking a few moments to check them out every now and then is the least you can do.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Stepping up your bike equipment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mudguards<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Putting the mudguards on is a no-brainer. If you want a few more months of riding, then don\u2019t spare money on them. There are many types to choose from. Personally, I am using two different types. In the front, it\u2019s one set attached to the downtube to protect it from getting covered with too much grub. Then I have a traditional set of mudguards covering both the front and rear wheel. The kind that goes low, not the fancy a*s savers.<\/p>\n

Bike lights<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Because the sun goes down rather quickly in autumn and early spring, they are worth the spent. Whether to go with battery-powered ones of charging lights is a personal choice.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A thermal bidon<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This one will make your ride a lot more enjoyable. Just picture this. You are riding your bike with friends on a cold and damp autumnal Saturday. What\u2019s going to cheer you up the most \u2013 a slurp of freezing water or a slightly warm sweet tea?<\/p>\n

Roads to use<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Change your road plans. Let\u2019s face it, riding in autumn is not the same as riding on clear and sunny roads. So, adapt. Use that time of the year to explore. Use an MTB if you are a roadie during the summertime. Check out the forest roads around your area.
\nOf course, if you prefer to stick to normal roads, then try to use the roads with less traffic due to the fact that darkness comes early at this time of the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Autumn is coming and we all know what it means. Cold weather and rain, usually lots of it. For most […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":146240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[329],"tags":[2307,2306],"global-categories":[],"class_list":["post-170751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-road-cycling","tag-cycling-clothing-for-autumn","tag-cycling-in-autumn"],"yoast_head":"\nIntroduction to Cycling in Autumn and Early Spring - \u0160koda We Love Cycling<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Autumn is coming and we all know what it means. Cold weather and rain, usually lots of it. 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