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Cycling through the winter can be an exhilarating experience, but the biting cold can quickly turn a ride into a painful ordeal, especially for your fingers. Frostbitten fingers can ruin the joy of winter cycling, but with the right preparation and gear, you can keep your digits warm and toasty. Here are some essential tips to avoid frostbitten fingers and enjoy winter cycling to the fullest:
1. Keep Your Core Warm Your body prioritizes keeping vital organs warm in cold weather, sometimes at the expense of extremities like fingers and toes. Ensure you wear warm layers to insulate your core and retain body heat. Check the weather forecast before heading out and don’t forget a waterproof layer to protect against rain and moisture.
2. Layer Up Your Gloves Invest in a good pair of cycling gloves and consider layering them with thin liner gloves for added insulation. Look for gloves with touch screen compatibility so you can use your devices without exposing your hands to the cold. Choose gloves suitable for the weather conditions, whether you need protection from wind, rain, or both.
3. Don’t Restrict Circulation Ensure your gloves and clothing aren’t too tight, as this can restrict blood circulation and lead to cold fingers. Opt for outer layers that allow for freedom of movement and consider sizing up if you plan to layer clothing. If you commute by bike, make sure your backpack straps aren’t cutting off circulation to your arms.
4. Keep Moving Give your fingers a gentle wiggle and move your arms periodically to promote blood circulation. Short breaks during your ride to shake out your hands can help prevent numbness and cold-induced discomfort.
5. Stay Dry Rain can exacerbate the effects of cold weather, so invest in water-repellent gloves to keep your hands dry. Consider carrying a spare pair of gloves in case of prolonged exposure to rain, ensuring you have a dry pair when needed.
6. Ride Hard Shorter, faster rides are ideal for generating body heat during the winter months. Consider adjusting your route to include fewer long descents, as these can quickly sap your body heat. Stick to flatter routes or shorter climbs to maintain warmth throughout your ride.
7. Keep the Heat Sealed In Put on your gloves before stepping outside, and use toggles, zips, or Velcro to seal out the cold air. Cinch your gloves and sleeves tightly to prevent heat loss and keep warmth trapped inside.
By following these tips and investing in quality winter cycling gear, you can keep your fingers warm and comfortable during cold-weather rides. Don’t let frostbitten fingers keep you from enjoying the exhilaration of winter cycling—bundle up, hit the road, and embrace the crisp, cool air of the season.
main photo by: Gonçalo Poço