10 TIPS TO KEEP WARM ON A COLD RIDE

Winter miles are harder than summer miles. The cold can creep up on you or even prevent you from leaving the house in the first place. Stefan and Laurens give you ten tips for cold weather biking to make sure you can enjoy these last weeks of winter before spring will definitely kick in.

1. Prepping is key. Leave your clothes on a warm radiator. Do the same for your shoes and socks. If you have a shoe drying machine at home, make sure to use it to give the shoes a nice warm blow.
   
   
2. Use neoprene shoe covers. Everybody knows what we are talking about. Putting them on your shoes is the worse, but not putting them on because you are in a rush or just too lazy is a sin. Best trick: don’t mind them getting dirty, but leave them attached to the toes of your shoes after your ride. Dry them together with your shoes. Because they are neoprene, that will happen quickly.
   
   
3. Use an aluminium sole to retain the heat and/or tape any ventilation holes on the inside of your shoes.
   
   
4. Don’t linger once you have stepped outside. No last minute Wahoo adjustments, no mechanical checks or water bottles that need filling. This should have been done inside as part of the preparation. Try to get on that bike as quick as you can.
   
   
5. Use thermo pads like these sticky ones and put them on the upper side of your feet (socks on). They will last for about 2-3 hours in very cold conditions. It will block any cold wind entering from the front.
   
   
6. Make the life changing purchase Stefan did: Thermopad insoles. When all else fails, these thermo soles can make you like winter riding again. When you get them out of their packaging, leave them to rest for 5-10 minutes and then put them in your shoes. 
   
   
7. Use the right clothing to keep your body temperature at the right spot. This is very personal, so try getting to know yourself and the weather you are riding in. If you tend to run cold, layer up, but make sure you can take them off too and stow them in your back pocket.
   
   
8. Use our LSRF winter base layer and merino socks. Not only can merino provide warmth but in case of overheating, it performs as natural adjustable layer to wick away the sweat.
   
   
9. Accessorize. Use a neck gaitor (with fleece) and a cap, beanie or headband under your helmet.
   
   
10. Cold hands? Stefan found the best gloves in town. They work so well, if it gets warmer than 5 degrees Celsius, don’t use them, or you’ll get sweaty hands: Lobster Gloves by Sockeloen. 

Check out the LSRF winter riding essentials page for our collection of merino shirts, merino socks and LSRF accessories.