WINTER CYCLING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO RIDE YOUR BIKE EVEN WHEN IT’S COLD.

HERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM OUR TOP EXPERT IN CYCLING MOBILITY, ILARIA FIORILLO FROM @milano_in_bicicletta

by Dora Marraffa

The bike doesn’t hibernate. Let’s beat laziness and sweep away every excuse. Cycling in the cold season is absolutely doable. In fact, it’s super fun. Our cycling mobility expert, Ilaria Fiorillo from @milano_in_bicicletta, is firmly convinced of this..

Why use the bike in winter? Here are 4 good reasons.

1. Cyclists are, on average, indisputably happier or at least in a better mood compared to those sitting in cars or using public transportation. 'Even a recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania confirms this,' Ilaria highlights.                                                                
2. Cycling helps keep you in shape, and by the time summer arrives, you’ll already be fit.
3. Cycling boosts your immune system, making your body stronger, so bike riding can even serve as a flu prevention. 'Even more so,' Ilaria advises, 'if you use it instead of public transport, you’re much less likely to catch a virus.'
4. Cycling in winter allows you to see how the sky’s color and light change depending on the day and time, and you truly notice the shift in seasons. 'Plus,' Ilaria concludes, 'the city lights are so beautiful during winter when they’re all lit up.'

Beyond health and romantic appeal, choosing to ride your bike in winter brings many delightful surprises to discover—as long as you take the necessary precautions.

How to ride a bike in winter.

First of all, Ilaria starts with the usual recommendations.

• Dress well: Wearing the right clothing really makes a difference in your battle against laziness and the fear of getting cold. 'Dressing well for cycling,' explains Ilaria, 'means first and foremost dressing in layers, so you don’t get cold when you hop on the bike, especially in the morning. If you feel warm during the ride, you can always take off a layer.' Or, to make life easier, you can choose cycling jackets with ventilation systems on the back and under the arms.

• Make yourself visible: Cycling in winter means having less daylight, so it’s essential to wear clothing with reflective inserts and to have good lights. Keep them on all the time—even during the day.
• Always carry rain gear: A poncho for light rain, or a full suit for downpours. The key is to have them super compact so you can attach them to your bike or keep them handy in your bag or backpack.                                                                                                  

Once you have all your gear ready, what you need most is a good dose of willpower to silence that little voice inside that “pedals” against you. Here are a few anti-laziness tips.

• Create a routine: 'Routine certainly helps with motivation,' Ilaria explains. 'You need to start gradually: it’s not necessary to ride your bike every day, but you can use it 2 or 3 times a week, so you can train yourself and get used to it, pedal by pedal, as part of a new way of moving and living.'

• Perform proper maintenance: Keeping your bike in good condition definitely helps avoid creating excuses. In winter, due to the cold and humidity, it’s even more necessary to check that:

1. The lights and gears are always working;
2. The brake pads are in good condition;
3. The chain is well lubricated (but make sure to clean it thoroughly before lubricating, and it’s better to use drip oil rather than spray);
4. The tires are properly inflated. During the cold season, the pressure should be slightly lower than in summer, which will give you better grip on wet asphalt or terrain.

These are the checks to perform if you have a traditional bike. If you have an e-bike, it requires specific care.

How to take care of your e-bike in winter.

1. It’s important to remove dirt caused by snow, rain, salt, and debris using a detergent (like dish soap) and a natural water jet—never with a pressure washer.
2. The battery’s capacity decreases in low temperatures, so when not using the bike, it’s always best to remove it and store it at room temperature (not below 7°C) and reinsert it just before riding again. In general, it’s a good habit to store the battery charged to 70-80% of its capacity: this should be done at least every 3 months (no later), even if you put the bike in “hibernation” for the summer.
3. If the e-bike is parked outside, make sure to cover it well with a tarp, but periodically lift the cover to prevent condensation from damaging the metal parts.

For more tips or curiosities, and above all, to discover all the facets of the beauty of cycling, follow Ilaria on @milano_in_bicicletta or ask your trusted Brera Cicli dealer.