There are many details to keep in mind when cycling in autumn and winter.
It’s getting colder
Do you still "know how" to ride? The three essentials for autumn and winter: quick-dry underwear, long-sleeve cycling jersey, and knee pads
Warm-up tips: cycle slowly to warm up, and the colder it is, the longer your warm-up distance should be
▲ There are many details to keep in mind when cycling in autumn and winter.
The weather is changing again. In the coming period, our province will gradually transition from autumn to winter, and the weather will slowly get colder.
Autumn is crisp and refreshing, making it a great time for outdoor cycling, but the coolness in the early morning and late evening can be quite unexpected. "The weather is cold now—how can I protect myself while cycling? What are some particularly important things to watch out for?" Recently, cyclist "Qiqi" expressed the concerns of a cycling newbie on the Changsha Online forum "Having Fun in Changsha."
Experienced local cyclist "Uncle" in Changsha told us that quick-dry underwear, long-sleeve jersey, and knee pads are the "three essentials" for autumn and winter cycling, and there are also many tricks to warming up properly.
Wear quick-dry underwear to prevent colds
"When temperatures are low, the body consumes more heat, so clothing should primarily consider windproof, breathable, and warm features," said "Uncle," who has nearly 20 years of cycling experience and holds high standards for cycling attire in autumn and winter. "When temperatures are between 5-15 degrees Celsius, you can wear quick-dry underwear on top paired with a long-sleeve cycling jersey, and fleece-lined cycling pants or thermal leggings on the bottom." "Uncle" also emphasized: "No matter the temperature, wearing quick-dry underwear is essential for autumn and winter cycling. If you don’t have quick-dry underwear, you can opt for a short-sleeve cycling jersey made of similar material as an alternative. This helps keep you dry during cycling and avoids catching a cold."
Regarding clothing, "Uncle" advised against wearing overly thick or oversized jackets or pants while cycling, as they not only increase wind resistance but can also pose safety risks.
Don’t skimp on slow cycling for warm-up distance
Warming up before exercising in autumn and winter is absolutely essential. "Uncle" said: "Last winter, one cyclist didn't warm up at all and went straight into a high-speed ride with others, resulting in a knee injury right away. So in autumn and winter, it's crucial to warm up sufficiently before cycling."
The best way to warm up for cycling is to cycle slowly. "Uncle" said: "The colder the weather, the longer your warm-up distance should be. Ideally, you should cycle slowly until you start to feel sweaty all over and your feet feel warm."
In addition to warm-up protection, "Uncle" also recommends taking some external precautions, such as wearing knee pads in advance, and developing proper cycling posture—ensuring your knees move vertically in a level plane when pedaling.