While British winter means plummeting temperatures, darkness during rush-hour and wet paths and roads; the right bike accessories will keep you rubber side down, relatively safe and dry, and smiling. And while there are many types of cyclist, there’s one thing that’s true for us all – bike weatherproofing is critical for enjoyment and crucial for winter cycling safety.
BE SAFE BE SEEN
Top of your winter list should be quality lights, and the Exposure Strada 1200, £289.95, is a well-specced light from a brand you can rely on. Its 1200 lumens output combines a flat-pattern beam that lights up dark, rural roads without dazzling drivers.
For something even brighter, CatEye’s Volt 6000, £700, turns night into day with a whopping 6000 lumens. At 100g it’s incredibly lightweight for its power while the wired unit comes with a wireless remote switch for control from the bars. More options including all-important rear lights here.
RUBBER SIDE DOWN
You’ll need a quality pair of winter tyres for traction when the going gets rough. Specialized’s All Condition Armadillo Elite II, £40, is a road tyre with a tread pattern designed for superior grip in wet conditions, and delivers both impressive rolling speed and puncture resistance.
For your CX or gravel bike, Challenge Grifo Pro 32C, £21.99, is ready for the worst of winter and a great tyre for races and commutes alike.
For MTB, Specialized’s Storm Control, available in multiple sizes from £35, are made with soft rubber compounds that are root-and-rock-ready, and their well-spaced knobbles make light work of winter debris.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Don’t let filthy roads ruin your fun. Mudguards are your ticket to a comfortable ride thanks to their ability to shield you, and those around you, from swathes of flying muck and water. SKS Hybrid Black 700c 35mm mudguards, are a stainless steel pair for £39.99; full length for maximum protection.
No mounts or lacking clearance? No problem – racier frames can be winter adapted with a SKS Raceblade set, £39.99, chromoplastic guards that come with an adaptor for aero forks. They’re light at 250g, aerodynamic, and serve-up excellent spray protection to keep you dry – and are perennial favourites on the club run.
GET THE EDGE
Getting lost in the cold is no fun. Garmin Edge 1030 will take you far and wide, and on track, for £549. With a large 3.5in colour touchscreen and 20-hour battery life, it
comes equipped with billions of miles of rider data to show you the best routes on and off road, turn-by-turn navigation, address search function and smart connectivity alongside all the data basics you’d expect – it packs a lot into just 123g.
With your bike ready, and the right winter clothing to keep you warm, dry and seen – just add determination. Whether it’s entering an event to get you out on a winter weekend, devising a training plan or teaming up with a commuting buddy, come next summer you’ll be pleased you cycled this winter.
