🚴‍♂️ Why Cycling Outdoors Wins Over Indoors, Every time.

We're the first to admit that it's hard to beat spinning around on your bike in the warmer, milder months. Wearing our nice short-sleeved jerseys, bib-shorts, sunnies and interesting tan lines (if we are lucky!).

But there really is still plenty of enjoyment to be had while cycling outdoors - even in the height of winter when the temperatures are dropping. 

THERE IS ONLY ONE PLACE TO RIDE YOUR BIKE

Riding your bike in the colder temperatures can be incredibly fun, and we don't want you to miss out! So here are our top reasons why you shouldn't pay for that expensive gym membership...

THE BICYCLE IS AN OUTDOOR VEHICLE

First of all, your bike has been designed to be used outdoors (and taken on adventures!). Getting out on your bike will take you to places you just won't see from a car, and you'll feel so much better after doing it. Many cyclists will own a second 'winter bike', but if you have decent mudguards and cleaning gear then your bike maintenance will only take you minutes.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIT

Everyone knows that kit = motivation, right? There’s some great kit out there to help keep you warm and toasty. Our top tip would be to keep your core, your head, and your hands & feet as warm as you can. 

Embrace the cold winter months with some good cycle lights (obviously these ones). If you’re cycling along urban streets then the aim is to be seen by others rather than to show the way ahead, and our lights are absolutely ideal for that.

Other essential pieces of kit include mudguards, a packable raincoat, something reflective or hi-viz and of course lights to keep you as visible as possible to other road users.

Our bar bag (£29) is quite handy for storing additional layers like a light raincoat, or of course some snacks and treats. How warm do those gloves look though?

DID SOMEONE SAY FLAT WHITE? 

The coffee stop is a cycling tradition. Obviously you can't go to fancy cycling cafe's when you're training in a gym or in your house. There's nothing like walking (or tip-toeing in your cleats) into the warmth of your favourite coffee shop in the middle of your ride for that flat white and treat of your choice.

CYCLE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

To us, this is one of the best things about cycling - getting to do it with your friends. Here at See.Sense we sometimes find that our team rides can occur even more in the wintertime - as there's not a lot else to do in the evenings!

Another option would be to head out with your local cycling club on their club rides. Joining a club is a great way to get the most out of your cycling, whether you are a serious cyclist or a newbie.

Riding in a group is also a great way to keep up your New Year Resolutions, build up the miles and look forward to the Summer Sportives coming up in a few months.

YOU’LL EVEN BURN MORE CALORIES

If you've built up your fitness during the Summer months then you won't want to lose it just because it's cold outside - keep up the miles! Research actually shows that your metabolic rate changes in the cold weather, meaning training will increase fat burning.

So, are you in or are you out?