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Cycling is an excellent way of keeping fit. It is a low-impact activity that will bring you to some beautiful places. If you have found cycling in the warmer months there is no reason why you can’t continue cycling into winter. There are however a few essentials that you may need to consider if you want to cycle in winter that will keep a smile on your face as we head into the colder months.
Lights: Illuminate Your Path
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Ensure your safety and visibility on Ireland’s winter roads by equipping your bike with reliable front and rear lights. As daylight hours diminish, powerful lights become your guiding beacons, enhancing your visibility to fellow road users. There are two reasons to light up. To be seen and to see. In order to be seen we use a set of compact front and rear lights that we set to blink. To see we have been using the Ledlenser HF series recently both on the road and off. We have found them to be brilliant for illuminating the road or trail.
Ledlenser HF8R
This torch is not the lightest, weighing in at 194g (with the rechargeable battery), however, it is absolutely packed with impressive features and specifications. It boasts Ledlenser’s Adaptive Light Beam technology meaning it will put out the correct amount of light depending on ambient light and the proximity of the subject. The torch has a mind-boggling boost mode that outputs 1600 lumens. The battery lasts for roughly three and a half hours at a max output of 900 lumens and an impressive 10 hours at a very usable 300 lumens. The HF6R is our pick for off-road cycling this winter.
Read our HF8R Full Review
Ledlenser HF6R
The Ledlenser HF6R is the smaller brother of the HF8R but it still packs a punch. It is 68g lighter, has a smaller form factor but still outputs enough power for nighttime runs on the trails. Capable of producing 500 lumens for three hours and featuring an Advanced Focus System that gives you the ability to focus the light where you want it, the HF6R is our pick for road cycling this winter.
Ledlenser HF6R
Helmet: Protect Your Head
Everyone knows that a helmet is an essential bit of kit for cycling. A good quality helmet is even more important in winter with wet slippy roads and trails to contend with. A well-fitted helmet is vital too, make sure you measure your head prior to purchase to make sure you have the right size. Wearing the wrong size not only impacts the comfort of the helmet but also its protection.
Beanie: Keep your head warm
Under your helmet, a buff or lightweight beanie is worth wearing. We are particularly partial to the Dynafit Performance beanie as it adds a welcome extra layer of insulation without impacting the fit of the helmet at all. It also offers some wind protection thanks to its recycled polyester construction.
Overshoes: Shield Your Feet from the Cold
Combat the cold and wet conditions with a pair of insulated overshoes. These protective covers shield your cycling shoes, keeping your toes warm and dry as you pedal through Ireland’s changing winter weather. If you have never had numb toes on a cycle believe us, it’s not nice. A quality pair of winter overshoes are a must have if you are cycling in the winter in Ireland.
Jacket: Battle the Elements with a Weatherproof Jacket
Conquer the Irish winter elements by donning a weatherproof cycling jacket. Stay cosy and dry as you navigate through rain, wind or drizzle, allowing you to focus on the joy of getting out in all weather. A waterproof cycling jacket is vital for winter cycling. If you are a roadie, a well-fitted cycling jacket is essential to ensure your jacket isn’t flapping around in the wind. Most reputable cycling clothing brands have a waterproof jacket offering. Try and get one that also has reflective accents for added visibility.
GOREWEAR Torrent Cycling Jacket
dhb Aeron Tempo FLT Waterproof Jacket
High Vis: Be Seen, Stay Safe
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Cycling is an incredible way to keep active. If you are taking to the roads during the darker months make sure to take the necessary steps to be visible. Prioritize safety by wearing high-visibility clothing. Opt for brightly coloured jackets or vests equipped with reflective elements to ensure you’re visible to motorists and pedestrians during the grey winter days. We have used the Ultimate Performance Reflective Race Vest for all of our dark training for a few years now. It is an invaluable addition to any cyclist or runner’s kit bag.
Ultimate Performance Reflective Race Vest
Gloves: Keep Your Hands Warm and Nimble
A hugely important one! Maintaining dexterity and warmth in your hands is a top priority when cycling in Ireland in winter. Having numb fingers is not only uncomfortable but it is also dangerous. If you lose the ability to operate the gears and breaks on your bike you could be in real trouble, not to mention if you get a puncture. Prevent this from happening with a quality pair of gloves. We like to use a variety of gloves for different conditions. Here are our top picks.
Chilly Mornings: Ronhill Gloves
Wet Days: dhb Waterproof Gloves
Deep Winter: dhb Extreme Winter
Winter Thermal Cycling Tights
Having a good quality pair of cycling tights is essential for winter riding. A nice pair of thick, fleece-lined bib tights that have insulation above your hips will keep you nice and warm no matter how cold it gets.
Waterproof Socks: Dry Feet, Happy Ride
Yes, you read that right waterproof socks! Investing in a good pair of waterproof socks is one of the cheapest investments you can make as we head into winter. The waterproof membrane will help to keep your feet dry and comfortable during wet rides. These socks prevent water ingress, ensuring that your cycling adventure remains enjoyable, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Dexshell Waterproof Cycling Socks
SOS Kit
We highly advise that all cyclists carry a small bag with a few essentials that will help them if they get into trouble. This small bag should be about the size of your wallet and can live in a jersey pocket or in your saddle bag. This kit does not include spares (inner tube, multitool, tyre leavers, pump) as those are essential all year round.
Charging cableÂ
Having a relevant charging cable for your phone and lights could prove handy if they were to run out of power. You will be able to find a place to plug it in at a café, pub or petrol station no matter where you are.
Spare Gloves
A spare pair of ultralight gloves can go a long way when you need them. We opt for a pair of merino wool glove liners which get us out of many pinches each winter.
Spare Buff
We have already included a beanie on this list but being able to put a buff around your ears or neck on a cold winter day will keep you much cosier than you may think.
Personal Information
We advise keeping a laminated sheet of paper with some important personal information on it. We include contact information for our next of kin and any allergies we have.
Emergency Energy Gel
If you are cold out on your bike and are struggling to warm up, or underestimated your route distance a shot of energy will help you.
Cash
Should you need it, having some cash is very useful. Whether you are getting a taxi home or need emergency café funds having €20 will get you out of many situations.
Survival Blanket
Not something you want to ever use but should it be necessary you will be very glad of it. These superlight, super reflective blankets are made out of mylar which is engineered to reflect your body heat. If you are stranded because of a mechanical it could make a huge difference.
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