Build a Better Bike

Have you gone outside lately? It’s getting cold! That doesn’t mean you have to put the bike away for the year, though. When it comes to clothing and gear that will keep you warm, there are plenty of options out there. Besides the obvious jackets and gloves, here are a few cycling-specific items you might want to try:

• Balaclava: Excuse me? a ball of what? No, no. A balaclava is one of those cool, tight-fitting face masks that covers your nose, mouth (don’t worry, there are breathing vents), ears, neck and head. Basically the only things left open to the wind are your eyes. They are usually neoprene, or a combination of neoprene and fleece. Intense, huh. You can also get face masks that just cover the bottom half of the face.
• Arm warmers: Sometimes a full undershirt is just too much. Cover your core with a couple of layers of clothing and you’ll be too hot. But without layers, your arms are left exposed to the chill. Cycling arm warmers are tight-fitting sleeves that block out the wind and cold. And if it starts to warm up mid-ride, they’re super easy to remove.
• Knee warmers: It’s the same idea as the arm warmers. You want to keep your joints nice and warm, so you can pedal smoothly and avoid pain. And if it gets too hot, just take them off.
• Booties: These booties aint for babies. They’re big neoprene overshoes that keep the wind and cold out of your cycling shoes. Cycling booties have holes for cleats, so you can still use your clipless pedals, and they come in various lengths when it comes to ankle coverage.

If you’re an expert in cold-weather riding, let us know your secrets and leave a comment below.