Autumn Cycling: How to Keep Riding Strong as the Season Changes 🍂

Autumn brings its own challenges - shorter days, unpredictable weather, wet leaves and dropping temperatures. A little preparation goes a long way to making sure your riding stays enjoyable right through to winter.

Here's everything you need to know to ride well this autumn.

Embrace What Makes Autumn Riding Special

Before we get into the practical stuff, it's worth saying - autumn is genuinely one of the best times of year to be on a bike.

• Quieter roads after the summer holiday traffic dies down
• Stunning scenery - golden leaves, low morning light and misty valleys make for truly memorable rides
• Cooler temperatures that are perfect for longer efforts without overheating
• A real sense of achievement in getting out when it would be easy to stay inside

Don't let the changing season push you off the bike. Embrace it.

Prepare Your Bike for Autumn Conditions 🔧

Summer riding is relatively kind to bikes. Autumn is a different story - rain, mud, fallen leaves and road grit all take their toll. A bit of extra maintenance attention now will keep your bike running smoothly and save you money on worn components later.

Chain and Drivetrain

This is the most important area to stay on top of. Wet and dirty conditions accelerate chain wear dramatically.

• Clean and re-lube your chain more frequently - after every wet or muddy ride if possible
• Switch to a wet lube now that dry summer conditions are behind us - it stays in place in the rain far better than dry or wax lube
• Check your chain for wear - if it's been a full summer of riding, now is a good time to replace it before it starts wearing out your cassette

Brakes

Wet weather dramatically reduces braking performance, especially on rim brakes. Before the rain sets in properly:

• Check your brake pads for wear and replace if needed
• Clean your rims or rotors - a build-up of grime reduces stopping power significantly
• Test your brakes on a quiet road in the wet and get a feel for how much extra stopping distance you need

Tyres

Autumn roads are unpredictable - wet tarmac, mud dragged from fields, fallen leaves and the first frosts all make grip more of a concern.

• Check tyre condition - look for cuts, cracks or worn tread
• Consider dropping your tyre pressure slightly for better grip on slippery surfaces
• Think about fitting more robust tyres for the season - a puncture-resistant option with good wet weather grip is worth considering if you're riding through autumn and into winter

Mudguards

If you don't already run mudguards, autumn is the time to fit them. They make an enormous difference - keeping road spray off your back, your drivetrain and your fellow riders if you're in a group. Your bike will also stay cleaner for longer, which means less maintenance work overall.

Get Your Lighting Sorted 💡

The clocks go back at the end of October, and even before that the evenings start drawing in fast through September. If you get caught out without lights in autumn, it happens quickly.

• Check your lights are charged and working before every ride
• Front and rear lights are non-negotiable once the evenings get dark
• Consider upgrading if your current lights are old or underpowered - modern rechargeable lights are far brighter and longer lasting than they used to be
• A rear light left flashing even in daylight significantly increases your visibility to drivers on dull, grey autumn days
• Carry lights in your back pocket on longer rides even if you set off in daylight - conditions can change quickly

Layer Up for Changing Temperatures 🧥

Autumn mornings can be genuinely cold, but temperatures often climb through the day. Getting your kit right is all about adaptability.

• A base layer under your jersey makes a huge difference on cold starts - it wicks sweat away and adds a surprising amount of warmth
• A lightweight gilet is arguably the most useful piece of cycling kit you can own in autumn. It cuts the wind and chill on descents and rolls up small enough to pocket when you warm up
• Arm warmers and knee warmers give you flexibility - pull them off mid-ride as the temperature rises without having to stop and change
• A lightweight waterproof jacket is worth carrying on longer rides - autumn showers arrive without much warning
• Gloves become important from September onwards, especially on descents where the wind chill can make your hands painfully cold
• Overshoes keep your feet dry and warm on wet rides - cold wet feet are genuinely miserable and easy to avoid

The golden rule: start slightly cool. You'll warm up within the first 10-15 minutes, and it's far better than arriving home drenched in sweat from overdressing.

Ride Smarter in Autumn Conditions

The roads demand a little more respect in autumn. A few adjustments to your riding style go a long way.

🍂 Watch Out for Wet Leaves

Wet leaves are genuinely treacherous - slippery in a way that can catch even experienced riders out. Treat them like ice:

• Avoid braking or sharp cornering on leaf-covered surfaces
• Look ahead and plan your lines well in advance
• Slow down before corners rather than braking mid-corner

🌧️ Brake Earlier in the Wet

Wet rims and wet roads both increase your stopping distance. Leave far more space between yourself and the vehicle in front, and start braking earlier than feels necessary until you've got a feel for the conditions.

🌅 Low Sun Can Be Blinding

Autumn sun sits lower in the sky and can appear suddenly from behind clouds or buildings - directly in your eyes or, more dangerously, directly in the eyes of drivers. Good cycling sunglasses help, and it's worth being extra alert at junctions and crossings.

💧 Stay Hydrated - Even When It's Cold

It's easy to drink less when temperatures drop because you don't feel as hot. But you're still sweating and still losing fluid, especially on longer efforts. Keep drinking consistently even when you don't feel thirsty.

Keep Your Motivation Going

The shift into autumn can knock your motivation if you let it. The days are shorter, the weather is less inviting and it's easier to find excuses not to ride. A few things that help:

• Book an event - a sportive or charity ride in October or November gives you a great reason to keep training through autumn
• Set a mileage goal for the season - something to work towards keeps riding purposeful
• Join a club or group - riding with others is far more motivating than heading out solo on a grey morning
• Invest in the right kit - being warm, dry and comfortable makes autumn riding genuinely enjoyable rather than something to endure
• Remember why you ride - the feeling after a great autumn ride in stunning scenery is hard to beat

Final Thoughts

Autumn is a season that rewards the cyclists who embrace it. The riding is genuinely brilliant - the scenery, the atmosphere, the satisfaction of getting out when others stay in. With the right preparation, the right kit and a bit of extra care on the bike, there's no reason your riding has to wind down as summer ends.

Get the bike sorted, layer up smartly, charge your lights and go enjoy it. The best autumn rides are still ahead of you! 🍁

👉 Shop everything you need for autumn riding at Bikeparts.co.uk