With the first cold snap of the year, we take a look at some of the best winter cycling products at Merlin Cycles to keep you riding all through the chillier weather.
Sidi Winter Cycling Boots – Road & MTB
The new range of Sidi winter boots are proving to be really popular. Starting with the Nubes, in both road and MTB models and the higher end Nix and Hiemx they offer options to keep your feet warm and dry. The higher end Nix and Hiemx feature a Gore-Tex laminate and fleecy Primaloft insulation, perfect for when the temperatures plummet.
Winter Cycling Socks
Perhaps combine some quality winter socks with the Sidi boots, are improve the performance of your current shoes. Socks are always popular with cyclists and we have some of the best options to keep your feet warm and dry over winter. With many featuring options such as Merino wool and waterproof membranes, the most popular options are from the likes of SealSkinz, GripGrab and Dexshell. A more wallet friendly option than full winter boots and they make great Christmas presents.
Winter Bicycle Tyres
As the temperatures drop, your lightweight summer tyres won’t perform as well as they do when the tarmac is warm. Changing out your tyres to a set of dedicated winter ones will improve grip, reduce the chance of the dreaded puncture and perform better in the wet. A firm favourite has always been the Continental GP 4 Season (pictured), but new releases such as the GP5000 AS TR with its tubeless fitment are slowly taking over. And when it really gets cold, how about some studdded tyres from Schwalbe?
Cycling Overshoes
Again another option for keeping the feet warm, overshoes work wonders when the weather is cold and also wet. There are many types available, but looking specifically at the winter ones they are often made of a thick neoprene type material like a wetsuit. These will keep feet warm and deflect away road spray (or mud if mountain biking or on the gravel bike).
Thermal Drinks Bottle
It’s cold so why would you want to be sipping a cold beverage too! Of course, we are big fans of the coffee stop here at Merlin and can often be found cradling our hands around a pre-11am cappuccino, but having a warm drink whilst on the bike is a game-changer. For me its hot Vimto in a thermal bottle – it is a pleasant change and makes a big difference to be warmed up from the inside!
What are your favourite winter products or top tips? Let us know in the comments below.
I have used Continental 4 Seasons with mixed results including punctures. As a result I changed to Continental Hard Shell – quite brilliant results over several years 🤞