WHEN DO I PUT ON WHAT?
The Dutch weather is particularly fickle; code yellow, orange or red no longer surprises us. So what do you wear with these changing weather conditions? Here are some general tips based on weather types; with emphasis on general, there is of course always a personal preference.
WARM AND SUNNY WEATHER (TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 18 AND 25 DEGREES)
For many, the ideal cycling weather! The sun is shining, the mercury is rising and there is a lovely breeze that sometimes picks up.
With these tropical temperatures, it is best to put on short cycling clothes to escape the heat a little. Think a trendy short-sleeved cycling shirt and matching short cycling shorts.
A short-sleeved baselayer is definitely not a luxury! Wearing a baselayer under your cycling shirt has many advantages. Unlike a normal t-shirt, baselayers are made of a special breathable fabric, allowing it to wick away sweat better. No more soaked, sticky shirts! The breathable fabric also keeps you a lot cooler in summer.
To be on the safe side, don't forget to put on cycling gloves with short fingers. Cycling gloves provide extra grip, protect your hands from vibrations of the bike and also protect your hand from (abrasion) wounds should you fall.
UNSTABLE WEATHER (TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 12 AND 15 DEGREES)
Without a doubt, this is the most common type of weather in the Netherlands. One moment you cycle in the sunshine, the next you get completely wet in a downpour, and then you dry out again due to the gusts of wind.
When cycling in changeable weather, it is very important to wear layers. This ensures you are prepared for anything. By putting on a compact wind- and waterproof jacket or vest, you can withstand any downpour and when the sun comes out again, you can fold it up and put it away.
In changeable weather, it is best to put on short cycling clothes with leg and arm pieces if necessary. These are pieces that will turn your short cycling outfit into a long one. When the weather turns, you can easily take off the pieces and fold them for storage.
Again, don't forget to put on a short-sleeved baselayer and short-fingered cycling gloves. If you are really cold, consider putting on a long-sleeved baselayer and long-fingered cycling gloves.
RAINY WEATHER (TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 0 AND 15 DEGREES)
We all know rain doesn't melt you, but it's still nice if you don't drown on the bike. Also be wary when cycling in or after rain, generally the tyres on a road bike are a lot slipperier than those on a city bike. So be careful not to slip during your ride.