4 Tips to Stay Warm on the Bike

Let's face it: It's winter, it's cold and it's not the ideal season for cycling. But, that doesn't mean you have to hang up your wheels and head indoors to a spin class. A few simple tips exist that'll keep you more comfortable in colder temperatures and make your cycling more pleasurable.

While you still shouldn't head out into a raging blizzard, you can ride when it's dry if you have the right clothes. From head to toe, use these clothing tips to stay warm on the bike this winter.

More: What to Wear for Winter Cycling

Stay Dry to Stay Warm

Your primary concern during the winter is staying dry. Water conducts heat away from the body much faster than when you're dry. Before moisture-wicking fabrics were developed, European riders used to stuff newspaper into the front of their jerseys.

This technique had two benefits. First, the paper absorbed the sweat, which removes moisture from the skin. Secondly, it provides an efficient windbreaker. Moving air removes heat from the body quicker than stationary air, which is exactly what happens when your cycling.

If you're on the bike and going faster than walking pace, you're going to sweat. Some people sweat more than others, but everyone perspires when they ride. How you deal with the sweat is critical to staying warm during the winter.

More: 8 Tips to Survive Winter Cycling

So, like the Europeans found with their newspaper trick, the key is to get water (or sweat) away from your skin. Luckily, this isn't just a problem for cyclists, as there are a number of moisture-wicking fabrics available. These fabrics provide a base layer to be worn next to the skin that absorbs moisture. Because the idea is to remove as much water as possible, the base layer should fit tight.

Leave the Wind Jacket at Home

The newspaper trick reveals the second most important factor in keeping warm during the winter: Reducing direct contact with flowing air. Just like driving in your car, if you're insulated from the affects of moving air, then the problem is solved.

Unfortunately many cyclists think the solution to insulation from moving air is to wear a wind jacket. Wind jackets have their place in cycling, but not during winter riding.

More: 12 Tips for Staying Warm During Winter Bike Rides

Wind jackets might shield the wind, but they're bad at letting sweat away from the body. Wind jackets provide a false sense of warmth because they trap sweat and heat from the body. But slowly, your clothing will start to soak up water. If you have to stop, go down a descent or take off the jacket because you're overheating, you increase your chances of becoming hypothermic.

Wear Layers

The best way to dress for the cold is to ditch the wind jacket and use layers. Layers will help to wick the moisture away from the body while still providing a barrier from the wind.

For the upper body, start with a base layer and wear a short sleeve cycling jersey over it. If it's really cold, add arm warmers and a fleece-lined long sleeve jersey or light jacket as a final layer.

More: Winterize Your Cycling Wardrobe to Enjoy Rides in the Cold

If you're going to wear a jacket, choose one that's designed to be form fitting, which will increase the effectiveness of its moisture-wicking properties.

Fleece tights will help reduce the wind chill below the waist. Some models include extra fabric in the area around the knees for added protection. A set of suspenders will also keep the tights from slipping down (like bib shorts).

Head, Hands and Feet

For the feet, some cyclists prefer wool socks during the winter months. But just like the upper and lower parts of the body, you'll stay warmer by using layers. When it's really cold, put neoprene toe covers or booties over your cycling shoes. If it's still too cold, use another set of neoprene covers over the shoe. Layering with socks will make your feet sweat, and when they become wet, you could be in trouble.

More: Why I Bike in Cold Weather and How You Can Too

When it comes to the hands, you can either choose full-fingered gloves or mittens. Fingered gloves provide maximum dexterity, which will make shifting easier. Mittens provide more warmth, but can be bulky and make it hard to handle the bike.

Lobster gloves, which are a cross between mittens and fingered gloves, are a good compromise between warmth and dexterity in very cold weather. Another option is to use neoprene gloves similar to those used for diving. They're warm, thin and waterproof. You can use a pair of thin fleece gloves under these for temperatures below freezing.

Keeping the head warm can be tricky. Most cyclists can't fit an insulated cap under their helmet. Yes, there are covers that fit over the helmet, but they don't work all that well. Probably the best solution is to get a second, bigger helmet, which can accommodate a fleece cap. If you're looking for another option, a cycling cap will also trap the heat and keep you warm.

So go out there and embrace the cold. It might not seem like it now, but the warm summer months are just around the corner, and you'll be in better shape if you do a little riding between now and then.

More: 7 Tips to Pick the Perfect Winter Cycling Clothes