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. woom Fenders reliably help against stains and moisture on a child’s back. And in order to see and be seen, our woom 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 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 winter 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. Here are a few essentials:

• A white, non-flashing headlight and reflectors at the front (keep in mind that a headlamp is not sufficient because it can shine in the wrong direction). The light must be firmly connected to the bike.
• A red rear light and a reflector at the back.
• Spoke reflectors or reflective strips on the tires (elongated spoke clips are also allowed). Current woom bikes are factory-equipped with high quality tires and reflective sidewalls.
• Reflectors on the sides of the pedals.

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. 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. We have a Bike Cleaning Guide in case you need help!

Here is some final advice:

• Still have more questions about how to dress your child for winter riding? We have a full blog dedicated to the topic.
• Make sure to check your bike before and after each ride. Here is an easy checklist and guide to make sure your bike is always safe!
• While driving around a corner you should not brake heavily or accelerate. Instead, gently slow down before you get to the corner and do not lean into the curve.
• Take care when braking on loose gravel.
• Lower the saddle a little. Being a few centimeters closer to the ground will allow you to place your feet on the ground more quickly and safely.
• Ride to the conditions. You should lower your speed as your braking distance is longer and cornering is more slippery.
• Beware of wet markings on the asphalt, wet tram tracks, wet manhole covers and wet foliage. These can be especially slippery.
• No bike likes to be left outdoors all winter - in the basement or hallway it is protected against dirt and rust attacks.
• Sturdy and grippy shoe will help prevent slippery soles (no sandals or dress shoes).

We wish you a warm, fun and safe winter adventure! Ride on!