The Must-Have Clothing and Bike Accessories for Winter

Winter is coming, and for Britain, that means cold weather, lots of rain, and darker nights for good measure. Many casual cyclists see winter as a time to throw in the towel. And if you’ve been putting off buying a bike, you might decide to wait until the spring. This is such a shame, given the many ways you can make winter cycling fun, comfortable, and safe.

Lucky for you, it doesn’t have to signal the end of your cycling adventures. You’ll be raring to go once you hear how having these types of clothing and bike accessories can still let you enjoy winter cycling!

Bike Lights

 

As the nights begin to draw in, it seems like there are fewer hours in the day to fit in a bike ride. When you finish work, it’s dusk, and it can feel dangerous to venture out. The easiest way to tackle this is to extend your riding time with a good set of bike lights.

If you can see the road better and other road users can see you more clearly, you can ride your bike into the evening. While this doesn’t mean riding in complete darkness, having proper visibility is essential for safety.

A Button Bike Light Set attaches anywhere on your bike, making it super handy. They’ll make you visible from up to 700 metres—perfect for kids’ bikes.

High-visibility, Waterproof Jacket

Stepping outside often requires a heavy-duty coat in winter, and cycling is no different. There’s nothing worse than being soggy, so be sure to weather a waterproof jacket for comfort.

Consider a bright colour to increase your visibility in grey weather. A neon bib or some reflective details work to draw motorists and other road users’ attention. After all, not everyone can pull off neon yellow all the time!

Winter Gloves

Keeping your hands warm will make you more comfortable and, importantly, stop them from going numb so you can grip the handlebars firmly. But warmth isn’t the only function of gloves—they also protect your hands from getting sore from gripping the bars tightly.

Bike Bells

A classic way to get the attention of other road users is by making good use of your bike bell, and make sure it’s a loud one. A bell that only rings softly won’t do much to alert others to your presence, which can put you in danger.

Quiet bells often lead to cyclists having to shout, which isn’t great for their voices (or for bystanders’ eardrums!). This is even more important on foggy winter days when it’s harder to spot a cyclist.

Bobbin’s range of bells is designed with a loud, clear ring in mind:

• Ding Dong Bell: True to its name, this bell’s loud ding-dong sound can’t be missed!
• Embossed Ringer Bell: A classic bell stamped with the Bobbin logo—simple and stylish.
• Ciao Bell: Available in five stunning colours, adding both safety and style to your ride.

Hand Warmers

The great British winter can be bitterly cold, and sometimes even a sturdy jacket and gloves just don’t cut it. That’s where hand warmers come in. They’re a quick, easy way to warm up and are small enough to pop in your bike basket or saddlebag until you need them.

Just give a hand warmer a shake, and you’ll have instant heat. It gives a bit bit of comfort and motivation to keep pedalling through the winter weather!

Winter Socks

Feet are often the first to feel the chill, but they’re also easy to wrap up. Keep them warm with a good pair of cycling-specific socks designed for winter. They often come with extra support and padding, which ensures your feet stay warm and protected from soreness.

Remember, cold feet can make the whole journey feel uncomfortable. And the last thing you want on a ride is to be distracted by freezing toes!

Base Layer

Base layers are one of those things you don’t realise you need until you try one! Bold claim, we know, but give it a go and see for yourself.

Base layers keep you warm while wicking away moisture so you stay cosy and dry. Wicking means they pull moisture away from your skin (like a candle wick) so you don’t end up sweaty on your winter rides.

Bike Baskets

(Express Bike Basket)

A basket may seem like a summer-only addition to your bike, usually seen with flowers or a puppy inside. But they’re much more useful than that. At the end of the day, they’re for storage, and we need storage just as much in winter. Where else would we stash our coffee thermos while cycling?

If you’re riding in a neon, bright, or reflective jacket, you might even want a change of coat for when you arrive. You can use the basket to swap your jacket for something less eye-catching or not—it’s all up to you.

For winter, we recommend one of our lidded baskets to keep your items dry on rainy days. At Bobbin, we’ve got some options we think you’ll love:

• Express Bike Basket: Made from powder-coated steel that can handle the winter weather. Two carry handles allow you to take the basket off if needed. Maximum weight 5 kilos.
• Pannier Bike Basket: This spacious basket fits securely onto your rear carrier with hooks and an adjustable clip system. Also made from powder-coated steel.

Bungees

Don’t let the British weather put you off if you have a non-lidded basket. If the rain or snow catches you, use a waterproof cover or tarpaulin to keep your belongings dry. And if you’re concerned that your belongings might not stay put once you add your winter coat, secure them with bungees.

This long bungee, for one, is 75cm long, 8mm wide, and adjustable. You won’t have to worry about your bike cover slipping off or snow settling in the basket or other areas.

Ready for Your Winter Ride?

You shouldn’t miss out on the magic of the crisp winter air just because you haven’t got the right gear. Remember to pack these essentials, and you’ll be ready for whatever winter throws at you and your bike.