One of the best things about bike riding is being outdoors: great views, fresh air and good riding. But there’s no denying it - winter is around the corner. That said, winter can be a great time to get out on the bike. The trails are usually quieter, coffee tastes even better on a cold day, and the post-ride glow from a winter ride can be really satisfying. We love riding and we don’t let the changing British weather stop us!
Winter conditions are tough, both on your bike and your enthusiasm, but there are plenty of ways to keep those pedals turning right through to next spring.
A warm ride is a good ride
Being warm while out riding isn’t about sticking on one heavy jacket over your summer jersey – the answer is layering. By wearing several lightweight layers rather than one heavy item, you reduce the bulk you have to carry and it’s easy to regulate your temperature by removing one. A merino wool base layer,worn directly next to the skin, is a little touch of super-smooth functional luxury. Even in winter, your body can generate a lot of heat when you’re clocking up the miles - the natural fibres of merino transport moisture away from the skin while being supremely comfortable and excellent at regulating body temperature.
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On the outside, you need a jacket that can keep the worst of the weather at bay while being breathable. The Element SL Elite Jacket is a warm, wind and water repellent winter jacket that will keep you dry and riding for longer, no matter the conditions out on the road. The women’s Element RBX jacket, made of soft and warm Gold 280 WR fabric with a water repellent treatment, won’t let you down when the weather turns. There’s also plenty of storage space in the pockets for gels and a zippered pocket for valuables.
To keep your legs warm and working efficiently, a pair of fleece-lined bib-tights is a great investment. The Therminal RBX HV tights are comfortable, warm and have reflective inserts for better visibility.
Your hands and feet are exposed to the elements during winter and once they get cold they stay cold. There is nothing that ruins a great ride faster. If your rides are chilly but never quite near freezing, the Element 1.5 gloves are the perfect choice. With a Gore Windstopper upper and Thinsulate insulation they're guaranteed to stave off windy chills and inclement weather. You can even keep them on while you use your phone with our Wiretap compatibility. For the really cold days the Element 2.0 glove will keep the fingers happy. And happy fingers mean a happy ride!
With taped seams and a polyurethane coating, the Deflect Pro shoe cover transforms your lightweight summer shoes into winter warriors. With reflective panels for safety in low light these little beauties will keep those toes as warm as you want them to be.
Keep the spray away
Salt and grit from the roads means winter is tough on your bike. A set of mudguards can work wonders, keeping the worst of the road muck off your bike while protecting you too. The Dry-Tech mudguards are designed to work on bikes with 700C wheels, which means they’ll be compatible with any Specialized road bike. Trust us, one day you’ll be glad you fit these to your bike.
Light ‘em up!
Visibility in dark or low-light conditions is a must for cyclists. Whether it’s for the trail ahead or the people behind, its peace of mind. We’ve refined our bike lights for every rider.
If you predominantly ride in urban areas that benefit from street lighting, you should at least ensure you’re visible to other road users and that you stand out from the crowd. The Stix Sport headlight and taillight may be small but they pack plenty in to assure you can be seen from multiple directions. With six different light modes and a runtime of up to 13 hours, these little wonders are ideal for any city rider. They’re easy to recharge using a USB port – plug them in at the beginning of the workday and they’ll be ready for the trip home.
If your riding takes you into unlit areas or off-road, you’ll need a bit more from your front light. The Flux 1200 headlight pushes out plenty of illumination for you to see where you’re going, and with up to 5 hours runtime it’s likely to outlast even your longest winter ride. A simple push of the button is all that’s required to dim the beam while on the bike, reducing the risk of dazzling oncoming drivers and riders. Depending on the mode, this clever light offers up to an additional three hours of super-low output when listed runtimes expire. Trust us, someday you'll need this.
Don’t get deflated
Getting a puncture on a cold day, miles from home, can be a real downer, both for your fingers and your mood. The Specialized All Condition Armadillo Elite tyre, with its puncture resistant casing, is a great investment and with widths, up to 32mm, they give increased grip and confidence in the wet too.
If you do find yourself in a bind it's important to plan on how you'll get out of it. The nifty SWAT Conceal Carry tool stashes an emergency multi-tool and chain breaker inside the steerer tube of a suspension fork for easy transport and instant access. You get a wide array of Allen keys and a Torx wrench, so you'll be able to get out of any trailside jam. For the roadies our Road Tube Spool is a simple, compact system that'll carry everything you need to fix a flat without weighing you down.
Winter no longer need be the downtime it used to be. With the right kit and proper preparation, winter can be a great time of year to keep the wheels turning, so get out there and embrace it! If there’s anything you need, at the Concept Store we’ve got your back.
