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Beginner mistakes when riding bikes in winter
7 mistakes you've probably already made.
Winter riding is awesome, right? Clear blue skies, crisp trails and… hands so cold you can’t feel them, pouring rain, snow and mud holes so deep you think you and your bike might never look the same again. Whether you’re into mountain bikes, gravel or road bikes, riding in winter definitely means dodging a few curveballs. But no need to worry, we’ve listed some of the most common mistakes so that you don’t have to learn them the hard way. Or maybe you already have?
1. Wearing too little
Keeping your hands warm is always a little tricky.
© Denis Klero/Red Bull Content Pool
Yep, it probably comes as no surprise that you can wear too little in winter. The main problem tends to be extremities like cold hands, ears and feet. But the body, especially the chest, can also get really cold and is worth protecting with an extra layer. How many layers you need depends on what kind of ride you’re doing: if you’re going to be in a forest the trees will protect you from wind, rain and generally keep you a lot warmer than if you’re riding out on an open road or hillside, where you have no protection from the elements.
SOLUTION: So, what to do? Well, start off by trying out the good old layer-on-layer technique. It still works like magic, making it easy to add or take off layers as you go. Invest in proper winter riding gloves and shoes/socks. If you live in a cold place, invest in warm technical gear and if you live in a wet place, invest in waterproofs to keep the wetness out. And always bring a thin hat/headband to wear under your helmet as well as a buff to pull up over your face if the wind gets too cold. Works wonders!
Extra tip: If it rains a lot, why not try a pair of waterproof socks to keep your feet nice and dry. But remember, they don’t tend to keep your feet very warm, just dry.
2. Wearing too much
You don't need down jackets on the ride. Just in between rides.
© Alex Broadway / Red Bull Content Pool
After the point above, this one might sound a little silly. But it is actually very possible to wear too much, and it will make your ride miserable. The problem isn’t only that you’ll feel uncomfortable as you will get too warm, it can in fact also make you colder. How? Well, when you dress too warm you will sweat, and when you stop moving the moisture on your clothes and body will cool your body down and make you cold, very cold.
SOLUTION: Wear layers so that you can take them on and off depending on how cold/warm you get. Also, invest in proper technical materials that have breathable, quick-drying and insulating properties. They are made to exercise in outside and will help you stay both warm and dry when you need too.
3. Phone dying due to the cold
Ever been looking for directions on a map, Strava or Trailforks in the middle of the woods when your phone suddenly dies. The cold and damp can make it go from 60% battery straight to zero in seconds. And even if you don’t rely on your phone for directions, it's always a good idea to have it handy in case of an emergency. Also, you don't want to miss those epic photo opportunities.
SOLUTION: Most phones are getting more and more resistant to cold temperatures and moisture, but the battery still drains alot quicker when it's cold and wet. Have your phone in a small plastic zip bag or wrap it in a glove/sock and keep close to your body or in your backpack to increase its chances of survival.
4. Forgetting to charge your lights
Bring on the night.
© Manfred Stromberg/Lupine
Yea, we’ve all been there. Ready to head out into the woods or on the road and you remember that you forgot to charge your lights. However, you might be so ready to go ride your bike that you've stopped using logic and instead think: “well, they should last me at least a 2-hour ride” and you head out anyway (we’ve all done it). Then, about 30 minutes into your ride, the light starts indicating low battery and 5 minutes later you’re stranded in the darkness. Now you're in a pickle.
SOLUTION: Well, it’s an obvious one - charge your lights! Put a reminder on your phone if it helps and make it a habit of putting the lights on charge as soon as you get back from a ride.
5. Not having a mudguard
What life feels like without a mudguard.
© Imgur
Whether you ride mountain bikes, cyclocross/gravel or road, having a mudguard in winter will make your life so much nicer. Gone are the days of endless mud spray straight to your face and eyes. Gone are the days of muddy, wet bums and backs.
SOLUTION: Buy one, borrow one, make one yourself - just make sure you have a mudguard on your bike in winter.
6. (Trying to eat) Frozen energy bars
A sandwich can save the day... well, the ride at least.
© Denis Klero/Red Bull Content Pool
Winter’s can be cold. So cold that your energy bar completely freezes to ice. It actually becomes inedible because it’s so hard. And then you stand there, panting and craving energy half way around your ride with no solution in sight.
SOLUTION: But there is of course a solution. Make a sandwich instead. They don’t freeze. And bring some gels for fast energy supplies. Also, remember that winters tend to use up energy more quickly due to the cold, so always bring some extra snacks and sweets to consume when energy levels are dipping.
7. Forgetting to hydrate
In winter you have to remind yourself to hydrate!
© Brian Nevins/Red Bull Content Pool
In summer, hydrating feels like the most natural thing in the world. The warm weather makes you thirsty. However, this doesn’t happen to the same extent in winter. It’s harder to feel thirsty. True story. It’s not just that we don’t feel as hot and sweaty, studies show that the cold alters our thirst sensations. So instead of our bodies telling us to drink fluids, we actively have to remind ourselves to drink when we exercise.
SOLUTION: Actively think about hydrating and make drinking a little zip regularly a habit. If you often forget, why not put a piece of tape on your steerer tube with a written reminder: “Drink!”. If you don’t already, add some electrolytes to your water to keep hydration levels steady more easily.
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