6 Useful Tips for Cycling in Winter
Even if the cold, dark season of winter is not exactly attractive for cycling, your woom bike does not have to sit in the garage and collect dust. With these practical tips, your children will be well prepared for a bike ride in the winter.
1. Prepare your woom bike for the cold
The streets are often wet and slippery, but do not worry! We have several items that can prepare your woom bike for these conditions. MUDDIE Fenders reliably help against stains and moisture on a child’s back. And in order to see and be seen, our CYCLOPE Bike Lights are a great choice.
Depending on the use, switching to slightly wider tires can also make sense, so that the bike feels less "slippery." And why not get your woom bike a rainproof saddle cover?
2. Dress in layers
When getting ready for winter cycling, it is very important that you keep your head, hands, feet and torso in mind. Since most of the heat is lost through the head, we recommend you wear a balaclava or our GIRO DEL GELATO Cap underneath your helmet. A tube scarf is very useful and handy. It can be worn on the neck or the head as a balaclava or cap. Our WARM TENS Bike Gloves offer a firm grip on the handlebar and are an absolute must have for the cold.
In order to protect the body effectively against dampness and cold, wearing several layers is recommended. The outer layer should be breathable and lightweight. This helps protects against moisture and the resulting cold. Thermal socks will keep your toes warm, and we've also found that taking a second pair of socks on your trip can save the day!
3. Be visible
Good visibility is not just a “nice to have” but also recommended by law. A white, non-flashing headlight, red rear light, and a reflector at the front and back of the bike will give you plenty of visibility. Our CYCLOPE Bike Lights come with both front and rear lights to make sure you are staying visible in any weather condition. In addition to lights, spoke reflectors or reflective strips on the tires add an extra layer of safety. Current woom bikes are factory-equipped with high quality tires and reflective sidewalls.
Bright and reflective clothing is also a must have! Particularly suitable is a reflector band on the pant leg, as the pedaling motion is a clear characteristic of a cyclist.
Another tip: Before leaving, always make sure that the wheel light or its batteries are charged!
4. Start warmed up
In the cold winter months, warming-up is ever more important. The body slows down and takes longer to heat up. Before getting on the bike, take a few minutes to warm up together, increase your heart-rate and get your blood flowing to prevent injuries!
If there is no time to warm up, it is recommended to start with a low gear. This has the positive effect that your body warms up more quickly due to the higher pedal frequency.
5. Plan the route
Especially with children, you should think about where to go before the trip. Winter rides should be shorter than usual. The cold drains your energy faster and as a result the riding speeds are usually lower. By planning in advance, factors like light conditions, weather and traffic can be taken into consideration.
6. Take care of your bike
Salt, rain and snow are not your bike’s best friend. Therefore, your children should properly clean their woom bike after every ride. After cleaning, check the chain, gears, shifter, brakes and rims with your children and clean them again if necessary. To learn more about cleaning your bike, check out this step by step guide! During the winter season, after every second or third ride, the chain should be cleaned and re-greased. Furthermore, the brake pads must be regularly checked for signs of wear and get replaced if necessary. And if you're already busy greasing - the bike lock mechanism regularly needs 1-2 drops of oil to make sure it does not get stuck in the cold.