Go Green! Cycle This Winter

In this day and age there is a lot of focus on the environment and many consumers are doing their bit where they can, whether that’s by ensuring they recycle effectively or by buying organic. However, there is no better way to go green and cut back on those harmful emissions than by hanging up your car keys and cycling.

But, with the winter months fast approaching it can be easy to forget about the benefits that cycling has to the environment, and give in to the temptation of driving due to the changing weather conditions.

That is why the experts at Primera Sports have listed the top three excuses they hear for people not cycling in the winter and provided tips to help get past them!.

1. It’s too cold to cycle!

As the temperature starts to drop, it can be tempting to stay in the warm for as long as possible and not venture outside – especially not to cycle! However, investing in the correct cycling gear for the colder months can make a lot of difference to your cycling experience.

Make sure you are prepared for whatever the elements may throw at you. The best way to do this is to layer up as, whilst it may be freezing outside, your body temperature will start to rise once you start cycling.

Ensure you have a jacket that can keep you protected from the wind and rain, there are many different styles of Gore jackets designed to do just that. Keep your body, core and legs covered to lock in your body heat and keep you warm during your ride.

Your hands and feet should not be forgotten; invest in pair of Assos winter gloves which have been designed with the winter months in mind; they have many characteristics that help you combat the cold. Another sensible investment would be overshoes that will help keep your feet warm and dry during the cold spells; and none do this more than a pair of Endura overshoes.

2. It’s too wet to cycle!

When the cold starts to set in so does the rain. This can be a very tempting excuse not to cycle and drive instead. However, the rain does not need to be a disadvantage as long as you prepare for the inevitable winter showers.

Make sure you invest in a pair of reliable waterproofs that can easily be carried around with you in case you get caught out by an unexpected downfall!

It’s also important to remember that having the right shoes can make the world of difference on wet days, aiding performance and grip. None more so than the Specialized S Works road shoe range that Primera stocks; all tailored to enhance performance whilst keeping your feet dry and warm.

Winter proof your bike and equip it for the cold by performing a safety check for any wear and tear on your bike that will be exaggerated during the winter. The elements will make cycling far more challenging and your bike needs to be prepared for the inevitable winter changes. One specific area that particularly needs attention is your tyres that will need to cope with the fall in temperature and change in weather conditions. Winter specific tyres can cope far more effectively and make a lot of difference to your ride.

3. It’s too dark to cycle!

As the days start to shorten and the nights lengthen, cyclists need to remember to stay safe and be seen. The best way to do this is to wear high visibility clothing and accessories that will help others on the road see you. It is important to remember that you will need more visibility the darker it gets through the winter months. What works well in autumn while you are cycling home from work might not work in the middle of winter when the days are even shorter.

Another way of ensuring you stay safe and are seen during the winter months is investing in bike lights; they are valuable tools which can not only improve your visibility but also your safety. Primera stock a large range of bike lights from different brands such as Cat Eye, Smart, Use Exposure and Lezyne.

So, why not give cycling a go this winter and do your bit to stay green? Follow these tips to overcome the weather disadvantages and continue enjoying your bike. Primera Sports is committed to getting more people riding whatever the weather. You can find more useful cycling advice plus all the products mentioned in this post at http://www.primera-sports.com.