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Dec 30, 20232 min read

Thoughts on cold weather cycling

Practical ideas about how to keep our hands warm when cycling still needed...


Cold weather cycling tips

This warm spell through November and December has meant winter arrived largely unnoticed. We just had the warmest Christmas Eve since 1997.


But one thing is pretty certain. The cold weather will come eventually.


In preparation, here are some tips for cold weather cycling. It doesn’t have to halt your routine.


  1. Fit your mudguards. If you haven’t done this already. It’s better late than never!


  1. Layering is key to staying warm without overheating. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your body. For cold weather cycling add insulating layers like fleece or thermal jerseys and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer shell to protect against rain or snow.


  1. If it’s really cold, it’s worth investing in shoe covers and a balaclava. Gloves are essential but we still haven’t found a solution that doesn’t leave our hands tingling numb by the end of a cycle. If you have, please email us (hello@litebike.cc)! 


  1. Keep your bike clean and well-lubricated. If you’ve had enough of greasing, degreasing and re-greasing, check out our Super Slick Chain Wax for an eco-friendly alternative.


  1. Your safety should be top priority. Use lights and wear high-visibility clothing to enhance visibility, especially in low-light situations.


If the outdoor conditions get too harsh, it might be better to do an indoor cycling workout instead. Winter is a great time for reducing the mileage and cross-training with weights. In particular deadlifts and squats will give you an opportunity to build complementary muscle groups.


By integrating indoor cycling workouts and cross-training into your routine during the winter, you not only maintain your cycling fitness but also bolster overall strength and conditioning, ensuring you're ready to go when the warmer cycling season returns.


For more like this on cycling, sports psychology and wellbeing etc sign up to our newsletter, click here. To follow us on Instagram, click here. If you're after the very best lightweight bike parts you're in the right place. Ultra light carbon handlebars, seatposts, stem, pedals, waxed chains, RideNow inner tubes etc all rigorously tested by us and a small team of cyclists. Click here to see more.

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  • Why is weight so important?
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  • Will the tubes fit my bike?
    Our TPU inner tubes are size 700 x 18-32c and fit a standard bike wheel. Unless you cycle a Brompton you probably have a standard wheel. 18-32c means the tube will inflate to fit a range of tire widths between 18 mm and 32 mm. Our Litebike Performance 50g tubes are suitable for disc and rim brakes. Our RideNow 35g tubes are also suitable for rim and disc brakes.
  • Are your inner tubes difficult to install?
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  • You also sell RideNow gravel TPU tubes. How are these different?
    Our RideNow gravel tubes are sized 700 x 32-47c. This means the tube will inflate to fit the full range of tire widths between 32 mm and 47 mm.
  • Can TPU inner tubes puncture?
    Like with butyl and latex tubes, TPU inner tubes can puncture. However, studies have shown that TPU is more puncture resistant than other materials. You can take steps to reduce the chances of getting a puncture, for example by cleaning your tyre to remove any debris and not inflating the tubes above 8psi outside the tyre.
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  • What are the benefits of a waxed chain?
    You will go faster. Studies have shown you will save up to 7 watts. You will save time cleaning. Wax repels dirt. You will help the planet.
  • How do I wax my own chain? It sounds complicated.
    Chain waxing can be done at home with an old slow cooker and a few other household items. Once you have done it once it’s easy to repeat. If waxing is not your thing, but you’re still after the performance benefits of a waxed chain, we sell a small selection of top quality, pre-waxed chains. We wax them ourselves in our workshop.
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