Welcome to Ride, Tri and Thrive, where we keep moving—even when the temperature gets below zero degrees.
With daylight savings over and autumn settling in, that familiar morning chill might tempt you to hit snooze instead of rolling out for a ride. But thriving as a cyclist (or triathlete!) isn’t about perfect weather—it’s about showing up with the right mindset and the right gear.
If you’re living in Canberra, winter mornings are a whole different challenge. But with a few simple adjustments, winter cycling in Canberra can actually be energising, peaceful—and even fun. That’s where these cold weather cycling tipscome in.
In this guide, I’m sharing practical, real-world strategies to help you stay warm, visible, and comfortable on the bike—so you can keep training, adventuring, and thriving, no matter the season.
Let’s get into it. 👇
🦺 Be Seen: Visibility Matters in Winter
Shorter days and cloudy skies make visibility a top priority. It’s not just about lights—your clothing choices can significantly impact how visible you are to drivers.
While yellow and orange have long been go-to colours, recent research suggests fluorescent pink may actually be the most effective. A 2020 study by the University of Leeds and UK Transport Research Laboratory found that fluorescent pink outperformed other colours in low-light and urban conditions due to its strong contrast against both natural and built environments.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose fluorescent pink or yellow for visibility, and avoid red—it’s harder for drivers to detect depth and motion at night [Leeds TRL, 2020].
Also look for gear with reflective strips, piping, or panels, and always use front and rear lights—even on daytime rides.
🧣 Layer Up: Your Key to Comfort
Staying warm on winter rides is all about layering. Your core generates heat, but your hands, feet, and ears tend to suffer in the cold. That’s why targeted layering is essential.
🧢 Head
Cold air on your ears or forehead can make a ride miserable.
- Wear a fleece-lined headband (one that covers your ears) , thin skull cap, or thermal beanie under your helmet.
- A balaclava offers great facial coverage but may limit hearing.
- Protect your eyes with non-metal glasses (metal can get icy).
💡 Pro Tip: Choose moisture-wicking, low-profile options so your helmet still fits snugly.
👕 Torso
Use the three-layer system for optimal regulation:
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (avoid cotton—it retains moisture and gets clammy).
- Mid Layer: Insulating long-sleeve jersey or thermal.
- Outer Layer: Windproof and/or waterproof shell. Vents under the arms or at the back help prevent overheating.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, layering helps regulate body temperature and prevents hypothermia by allowing you to adapt as conditions change.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose an outer jacket with a “drop tail” to keep your lower back covered and dry [ACSM, 2021].
🧤 Hands
Fingers lose heat quickly, and you still need to be able to brake and shift.
- Choose insulated gloves made for winter riding.
- For extra cold: layer a thin liner glove under a windproof outer shell.
- Avoid dyed leather gloves—they can smudge your face if you wipe your nose.
- Heated gloves are an option if you get really cold hands
💡 Pro Tip: If your hands go numb mid-ride, shake your arms vigorously at a stoplight to recirculate blood. And if you’re planning a coffee stop, pack a dry pair of liner gloves—pulling damp gloves back on afterward can leave your hands icy cold.
🧦 Feet
Most cycling shoes are designed for ventilation—which is the opposite of what you want in winter.
- Use wool or ski socks. Avoid tight shoes that restrict blood flow.
- Tape over vents or use neoprene booties or shoe covers.
- Consider dedicated winter cycling shoes (they are amazing) for longer or more frequent rides.
💡 Pro Tip: Wiggle your toes at every stop to keep blood circulating. You can also use chemical toe warmers on super frosty days.
🦵 Legs
Legs stay warmer since they’re working—but cold knees are injury-prone.
- On milder days, wear knee warmers.
- In colder weather, use fleece-lined tights or thermal bibs.
- Windproof front panels can protect thighs from icy gusts.
💡 Pro Tip: You’ll ride stronger and recover faster if your leg muscles stay warm and loose.
🌬️ Don’t Forget the Wind Chill
Cold air is one thing. Headwinds at 30kph are another. According to basic wind chill math, riding into a 10kph headwind at 5°C can feel like -5°C. Wind chill increases dramatically with speed, so your layering strategy needs to match the route as well as the forecast.
💡 Pro Tip: Add layers before long descents or open roads. Unzip vents during climbs and close them again at the top.
🚴 Final Thoughts
The hardest part of a winter ride is standing in the carpark or driveway, second-guessing yourself. But once you start moving, the cold becomes manageable—and the ride can even feel magical.
Carry a phone, an emergency snack, and a spare thermal layer just in case. And remember, training through winter builds not just fitness, but resilience so that you are ready for a new season.
💡 Pro Tip: Pack a small backup layer. If you stop for a mechanical or a flat, you’ll cool down quickly.
💡 For more practical advice on training, riding, and thriving all year round, check out my other articles here.
📚 References
- University of Leeds & UK Transport Research Laboratory (2020). Cyclist Visibility and Colour Perception in Varying Light Conditions.
- American College of Sports Medicine. (2021). Cold Weather Exercise Guidelines. Retrieved from www.acsm.org