Tips for racing bikes in any weather
Road cycling is a fascinating sport that many athletes prefer to do every day or several times a week. But depending on the season, different weather conditions can pose a challenge for the cyclist. So that there are no limits to road cycling and the weather does not play a deterrent role, both equipment and preparation are two important aspects that should be considered before every ride. With the following tips, you can enjoy road cycling to the fullest in any weather!
Road cycling in summer
The right timing & sun protection
Road cycling in summer promises unforgettable moments. But especially on hot days, the right timing is crucial. For example, you could plan your tours early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the intense midday sun and ride at more pleasant temperatures. In summer it is light early in the morning and dark late in the evening. So you could enjoy your tours with a great sunrise or rides with a fantastic sunset.
However, if there is no opportunity to drive in the morning or evening and you have to switch to midday or the afternoon, additional effective sun protection is essential. Wear our light, breathable cycling clothing made from fabrics that guarantee UV protection. A sleeveless base layer under the jersey has an additional cooling function. Thanks to the breathable mesh fabric, sweat is optimally drained from the body and ensures ideal temperature regulation. Also put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's rays, but also from insects. Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from harmful rays.
Cycling in the heat
clothing
If there is no way to escape the heat when cycling on hot days, choosing the right clothing is crucial to avoid overheating. Materials that protect against UV radiation are required for cycling jerseys and cycling shorts. In addition, they should be breathable and light, so that they protect against the sun on the one hand and guarantee sufficient ventilation on the other. On hot, sunny days, it is best to wear light-colored cycling clothing. The parts of the body that are not covered should be provided with sufficient sunscreen. The motto "a lot helps a lot" applies here.
In our summer collection you will find a large selection of cycling clothing for the summer.
Pre-cooling & absorbing plenty of liquid
In addition to clothing, two other aspects play an important role when riding a road bike in the summer heat. The pre-cooling and sufficient liquid intake . Precooling is not about starting your bike ride from the heat, but from a previous coolness. So it makes more sense to stay in the shade before a bike ride and not spend the whole day in the outdoor pool, for example. This prevents the body temperature from rising too quickly.
In addition to a cool start to the bike tour, sufficient fluid intake is essential. Especially when exercising in the heat, the body sweats even more than it already does during physical activity and loses a lot of fluid in the process. However, cyclists often do not notice this directly, as the sweat dries quickly due to the wind. Not having enough fluids in the body can cause fatigue, excessive thirst, cramps, or other symptoms. Therefore, you should take enough liquid with you on bike rides or plan stops where the water bottle is refilled. It is best to supplement the liquid with minerals or other nutrients so that they are returned to the body.
Road cycling in winter
Good visibility in the dark
Road cycling in winter can be a fascinating but also demanding discipline. Difficult betting conditions, however, can be compensated by the sense of accomplishment of the challenge and beautiful winter landscapes. It is important to accept the special challenges of road cycling in winter.
Starting with good visibility in the dark. Especially in winter there are days when it doesn't get really light. Front and rear lights on the bike are an absolute must here. Light cycling clothing and reflective elements that ensure good visibility in the dark are also essential.
The right route & tire choice
A clever choice of route makes it possible to make road cycling safer and more pleasant in winter. When planning your route, it is advisable to avoid busy roads, as splashing wet here makes visibility difficult for cyclists and motorists alike. Instead, you should use well-maintained side roads, cycle paths or country roads with little traffic to minimize the risk of accidents.
In addition, it makes sense to choose routes that are protected from strong winds or icy gusts, for example by preferring forest sections that are sheltered from the wind.
With racing bike tires it is worth letting 1 - 1.5 bar of air out of the tire. Tires with less pressure grip the road better. Another benefit is that a less bulging tire also eliminates the risk of a flat tire. Changing hoses in cold, wet weather brings little joy.
Group motivation in winter
Group road cycling in winter is the perfect motivation to brave the weather conditions and get the most out of this time of year together. Mutual support and commitment have a stimulating effect and help to master the challenges of the cold season. Joint rides not only create a special motivation, but also bring fun and variety to the winter road bike training.
equipment
Road cycling in winter depends on the right combination of layers of clothing to protect against a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions while ensuring a comfortable ride. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that pulls sweat away from your skin. Wear a warm insulation layer on top that blocks the wind but keeps the body warm. This is followed by a wind- and water-repellent outer layer to protect against wind and/or precipitation and allow for comfortable road cycling in winter. We have put together the ideal layering guide for this. This should help you to find the right layers of clothing for road bike rides in the cold season.
Cycling in the rain
The right rain jacket
When road biking in the rain, choosing the right rain jacket is essential to stay dry and comfortable. It should be ensured that the rain jacket is waterproof and breathable at the same time to prevent moisture build-up from the inside. A light pack size also allows you to easily stow the rain jacket in your jersey pocket if the weather changes during the ride. So you are well prepared to enjoy road cycling to the fullest in wet conditions.
Discover our Sydon Bike Rain Jacket that meets these requirements.
Overshoes to protect against moisture
When it rains, overshoes are an indispensable accessory when cycling to protect your feet from the wet and cold. Made from water-repellent materials, overshoes keep your cycling shoes dry and prevent rainwater from entering. With their tight fit, they also offer an additional layer of insulation. Thanks to this practical essential , you can enjoy your road bike trips in bad weather without any worries.
