Winter doesn’t mark the end of the cycling season. Riding to work during winter just requires being prepared and equipped with the right clothing to make your journey more comfortable. We look below at what to wear when bike commuting in the cold season.

Be seen in any condition

At this time of the year the visibility gets poor with the days becoming shorter and darker. It is important to maximize your visibility in order to make sure you and your bike are visible to other road users.

• Get additional lights if necessary to make riding at night much safer
• Upgrade your bike with additional reflectors
• Get reflective gear (jackets, slap wrap, cycle stickers)

Layering

When cold weather hits, the key to keeping your body warm is to always dress in layers. As several thin layers work better than one thick layer which will tend to make your body overheat. On cold days it is recommended to wear three layers. Start with a base layer which keeps the moisture away and maintains your body dry. For this piece of clothing, you should look for polyester or synthetic fabrics instead of cotton which will actually absorb sweat and can cause you to become cold. The mid-layer provides insulation and warmth. It should be slightly looser than the base layer to retain air between layers and offer you maximum range of motion / not restrict your movements. Popular materials for mid-layers include down, polyester, fleece, wool and synthetic fabrics. The final outer layer brings protection from wind and rain so that you stay warm and dry. Look for fabrics that are breathable as most winter coats are too well-insulated for cycling. You will want to consider a jacket that is easy to take on and off to accommodate temperature changes.

Another important thing to do in winter is to protect your extremities, more exposed to elements. Do not neglect to keep your hands and feet warm and protect your head. As blood doesn’t flow as much when cycling, it will get cold quicker. Insulated gloves will prevent wind from going through and cycling overshoes will keep the wet away from your feet. A thin windproof hat underneath your helmet is a great way to keep your head and ears warm.

Layers mean flexibility. Try different combinations to find out which ideal kit answers your needs. You should adjust your layering whenever you need to adapt to the temperatures outside and your level of activity.

Ideal Kit

• Winter Collar
• Waterproof bike bag
• Helmet Liner
• Rain jacket
• Tights
• Insulated gloves
• Waterproof socks
• Waterproof cycling overshoes

Preparing your Furo X for the winter

To prepare your electric bike for cold weather, carry out a complete check before the winter starts to ensure that lights, brakes and gears are all fully operational.

Cleaning your ebike with a damp cloth after a wet ride will prolong the part’s lifespan. You will want to look at the chainset (chainring), chain and derailleur. And most importantly, always lubricate the parts after cleaning. We recommend using MO94/GT85 or anything with PTFE formula in it.

Note that temperature drop can limit your battery performance and the distance you can travel on a single charge. Thus, will require more frequent charges. Always make sure to store your battery inside when you are not riding and allow it to warm up to room temperature before charging it or you could end up damaging the cells.