Any decent bike will make you happy when it’s summer time and you’re cruising slowly through a sun-dappled park. The air is warm, the gear is minimal, and the living is easy. But the freedom of life on two wheels shouldn’t have an expiration date just because the leaves start to fall or the clouds roll in.
While it’s true that demands on your equipment choices increase as the weather changes, riding through autumn, winter, and spring can be incredibly rewarding. With a few simple adjustments to your bike and your kit, you can stay dry, safe, and smiling all year long.
No bad weather, just poor kit choices
From the bike you choose to the accessories you bolt onto it, being prepared is the difference between an exhilarating adventure and a trying commute.
Choosing the right bike for wet weather
When the road surfaces get slick and the visibility drops, you want a bike that offers stability and reliable stopping power. If you are looking for the best value bikes for year-round riding, look for these two key features:
- Disc Brakes: These are a game-changer for wet weather. Unlike traditional rim brakes, which can lose effectiveness when the wheel rim is wet, disc brakes are designed to grip the braking surface even when soaking wet and full of road grit. Look for hydraulic disc brakes if you really want the best performance available.
- Wider tyres with tread: In summer, skinny slicks are great for speed. But for riding in wet conditions, wider tyres with a bit of tread give improved control by moving water away and keeping the rubber in contact with the road.
Our Urban/Commuter range and Gravel Bikes are designed with these exact challenges in mind, ensuring you have a fast urban commute that remains stable and comfortable even when the weather turns.
Essential accessories for when the weather turns
You don’t need to be a professional athlete to ride in the rain; you just need to keep the water off your back and gear, and the light on the road ahead.
- Mudguards/fenders: If you want to stay dry, mudguards are your best friend. They prevent "road spray"—that annoying line of dirty water that flicks up from your tyres onto your back and legs. Many of our Vintage and Urban bikes come with colour-matched mudguards, or they can be easily added to almost any frame by shopping on our mudguard collection.
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Front and rear lights: As the days get darker, being seen is just as important as seeing where you are going. Always equip your bike with a bright white front light and a red rear light. Even during those grey overcast days, running your lights in "flash" mode can significantly increase your visibility to other road users if you’re feeling exposed.
TIP: Ensure you get quality USB rechargeable lights that are water resistant so you can top up the power and keep them glowing. It is also a good idea to get a second set of cheaper back-up lights to keep in your work desk or bag just in case you forget your main set.
- Water-Resistant Pannier Bags: Nobody likes a soggy laptop or a damp change of clothes. Water-resistant pannier bags click onto a rear rack, keeping the weight off your body and your gear bone-dry.
- Breathable cycling jacket: A lightweight, breathable, and water-resistant jacket is essential. Look for something that keeps the rain out but also has wicking properties to draw moisture away from your skin and keep you dry.
- Protect your hands: If it is cold you will need full finger gloves so your hands stay warm and fingers continue to work on the brakes.
- Clear shield glasses: Many riders forget about their eyes. When it’s raining, clear-lens glasses act as a shield against raindrops and road grit, allowing you to keep your eyes on the path ahead without squinting.
What to expect through the seasons
Autumn: The Transition
Autumn is often the most beautiful time to ride, but it brings fallen leaves which can be as slippery as ice when wet. This is the time to start checking your tyre pressure - dropping it slightly can provide a bit more traction on those leafy turns.
Winter: The Test
Winter riding is all about layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, and finish with your weather-resistant outer shell.
Spring: The Great Thaw
Spring weather is famously unpredictable. You might start your ride in bright sunshine and end it in a downpour. This is where versatility is key and packing an emergency jacket and lights is super important.
It might be tempting to hang the bike in the garage once the temperature drops, but staying on two wheels through the colder months has massive benefits including lifting your mood through the darker months and boosting your immune system to handle seasonal illnesses.
Let’s face it - sitting in traffic or crammed into a damp train carriage are not that great. Check out our bikes and accessories or speak to Support to get kitted out for your best season of riding yet!
