Cycling to work in autumn: 5 essential items
13.9.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
It’s bye-bye to shorts and T-shirt, as autumn weather grips the nation. Now’s the time to adapt to lower temperatures; at least if you commute to the office by bike. Here are my must-have accessories.
Summer’s easy for bike commuters like me. When the temperature rises to 20 degrees in the morning, all I need in addition to my regular outfit is an undershirt and sunglasses to cover the 15 kilometres to the office. But autumn comes with a totally different set of challenges. That’s why I’m upgrading my equipment.
1. Glasses for the wind
You won’t be needing your sunglasses as much this time of year. The mornings are often foggy and the sun’s not always out during the day. However, I still want to protect my eyes from the wind. But unlike my coworker Patrick, who’ll only make do with the best, I’ve gone for a low-cost product. My glasses of choice are from Uvex, have clear lenses and cost a little over 20 francs.
For the odd sunny day, I keep a second pair of Uvex with tinted lenses in my bag.
2. Gloves against cold fingers
I’m not the type who feels cold quickly. But when temperatures drop below ten degrees in the morning, I’ve been known to wear light gloves. A half-hour cycle will leave you with freezing fingers, after all. What’s important is that your gloves are windproof. If the rain doesn’t stop you from riding your bike, you should add a «waterproof» filter when choosing your gloves. And if you’re like me and you use your smartphone as a control hub on your e-bike, getting a touchscreen-compatible pair is also a plus.
3. Undershirt for kidney protection
Never underestimate how important an undershirt is. Especially if you commute by bike. Even though it has become chillier, you’re still likely to be working up a sweat at some stage. That’s why your preferred undershirt should be able to do at least two things: absorb sweat and protect you from the cold.
You’ll find a broad selection in the functional shirts and base layer section. Simply equip yourself according to how cold you get: short sleeves, long sleeves or no sleeves.
4. Gaiters against mud
Puddles are everywhere, whether you’re an urban or countryside cyclist. They form on bike lanes as well as forest paths. To protect my sneakers from the mud, I rely on gaiters. Originally, gaiters were used by soldiers at war. They were pulled over shoes and are considered a kind of forerunner of army boots. And that’s how I use them, by pulling them over my shoes. They’re held in place by a rubber band at the bottom. Whenever I pull the fabric all the way up to about mid-calf, this keeps both my shoes and trouser legs clean and dry. When I arrive at the office, I just slip out of them again. It’s just easier than peeling yourself out of a full pair of waterproof cycling pants.
5. Cap for head and helmet
But the wind won’t just give you freezing hands (see above), but a cold head, too. While your helmet’s vents are a blessing in summer, they create an unwelcome draught in autumn. I solve this problem by wearing a thin hat underneath it.
Alternatively, the draught can also be remedied with a helmet cover. As its name suggests, the cover’s pulled over the helmet, making it waterproof and windproof.
How are you gearing up for autumn? Share your tips with me and the Community in the comments.
Header image: Martin Jungfer
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.
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