Wonders of Winter Riding

Winter riding gets a bad press. Shorter days, wet roads and cold mornings can make the indoor trainer look very tempting. But some of my best riding has come in the depths of winter, and the miles you put in now are the ones that pay off when spring arrives. Here’s what I’ve learned about getting the most out of the colder months.

Winter is where next season starts. The steady base miles you ride now build the endurance that everything else sits on, and there’s nothing better than feeling that fitness come through as the days get longer. I’d always choose to get outside if I can. A crisp, clear winter morning is hard to beat.

That said, there’s no shame in moving indoors when the weather really turns. Apps like Zwift make indoor sessions far more engaging, and a mix of both keeps you consistent. For a structured approach, take a look at our winter training guide.

Tip: Set yourself a goal. Pick an event, a sportive or a challenge for spring and work back from it. A date in the diary makes it much easier to get out of the door on a grey January morning.

Getting wet isn’t the real problem. It’s staying wet, because damp clothing pulls heat out of your body fast. A few simple habits make a big difference. For more on layering, see our winter clothing guide. (Link “winter clothing guide” to [clothing guide URL])

• Carry a packable rain jacket or gilet on every ride, even if the forecast looks good.
• Take a dry base layer for café stops and change into it, rather than sitting in damp kit.
• Look after your extremities. Good gloves, a hat or cap under your helmet, and overshoes keep your hands and feet working.
• Fit mudguards. They keep road spray off you, your bike and anyone riding behind you, and they’re a must for club runs. Our guide shows you how to fit mudguards to your Ribble.

With shorter days, there’s a good chance some of your winter riding will be in low light or darkness. Being seen is just as important as seeing where you’re going. Browse our full range of bike lights to find the right set-up for your riding.

• Wear reflective and high-visibility kit. Reflective details on your ankles, gloves and back catch car headlights and make you much easier to spot.
• Choose lights to suit your roads. Around 200 lumens is fine for lit streets, but for unlit country lanes look for 400 lumens or more up front. Off-road lights go well beyond 1,000 lumens.
• Run lights in the daytime too. A flashing rear light and a front daytime light make you more visible in grey, murky conditions, even at midday.
• Consider reflective bar tape. It adds visibility from the front and side, and gives extra grip in the wet.

Winter roads are hard on your bike. Salt, grit and standing water wear components faster than you’d expect, so a little regular care goes a long way. For a full checklist, read how to get your bike winter-ready.

• Check your tyres regularly for cuts and embedded flints or glass, which winter roads are full of.
• Drop your tyre pressure slightly compared with summer for better grip on wet roads. Wider tyres help too, if your frame has the clearance.
• Rinse your bike with clean water after wet or gritty rides, dry it off, then re-lube the chain.
• Use a wet lube on your chain through winter. It lasts longer in the rain than a dry lube and keeps your gears running smoothly.
• Keep an eye on brake pad wear. Wet grit can wear pads down surprisingly quickly.
• Carry a basic repair kit with a pump, tubes, tyre levers and a multi-tool.

Thinking about a dedicated bike for the colder months? Explore our range of winter road bikes, all built with mudguard compatibility and disc brakes for year-round riding.