Cycling to work each day is a great way to stay active and healthy, but as the seasons change, so do the challenges.
As the days get longer and warmer, it’s time to kit yourself out with the right essentials to stay cool on your commute.
From breathable helmets to UV-protective sunglasses, we’ve rounded up everything you need to make riding in the summer heat feel like a breeze.
Pannier bags
If you’re commuting with items such as laptops and lunchboxes, a handy bike pannier is a game-changer. Compared to a rucksack, which can restrict ventilation and make a hot ride even hotter, a pannier like the Halfords Advanced Waterproof Pannier Bag made from lightweight material will keep your possessions protected. Plus, it’s waterproof, which is great for those unexpected summer storms.
Ventilated helmet
Keeping your extremities cool is one of the best ways to keep your overall body temperature down. Investing in a safe and secure helmet that offers good ventilation to your head will keep you safe and prevent overheating. A top choice is the Halfords Road Cycle Helmet as it’s lightweight and includes sweat-wicking padding to help keep you cool and comfortable, even when you’re pushing hard on the pedals.
Sunglasses
A good set of sunglasses can make all the difference on your commute, especially early in the morning when the sun sits low in the sky. Clear vision is the key to spotting road signs and avoiding hazards such as potholes. We recommend picking up a pair of the Halfords Full Wrap Around Sunglasses, these glasses offer full UV protection and have a sleek design, making them a practical and stylish addition to your cycling kit.
Hydration 
Staying hydrated is a no-brainer during warm weather commutes, so when it comes to water, too much is always better than not enough. We recommend carrying at least two water bottles in case you end up delayed by a puncture or unexpected detour. To keep your water secure while you ride, invest in some lightweight water bottles and bottle cages such as the Halfords 550ml Water Bottle, Clear and Halfords Plastic Bottle Cage. Try adding ice to your bottles in the morning to keep your water tasting crisp and refreshing.
As temperatures start to soar, you may lose more minerals as you sweat under the sun. By investing in hydration tablets such as the HIGH5 ZERO Tablets, you’ll replace essential minerals to keep your body feeling balanced and healthy.
Bike pump 
In recent years, the UK has experienced regular mini heat waves and high temperatures during the summer months. While these warm temperatures are great if you’re enjoying a holiday by the seaside, they’re not ideal for bike riding, especially for your bike tires. If you’re riding with underinflated tyres, the hot tarmac may cause quicker tyre degradation, leading to unwanted cracks and splits.
By keeping a handy tire pump, such as the Halfords Essentials Mini Pump in your daily commute kit, you can ensure your tyres are always filled to the recommended pressure.
Breathable clothing
Wearing the right clothing can make a big difference to your commute, helping you to stay cool and arrive at work feeling fresh, not flustered.
If your ride is short and the morning air is still cool, you might want to cycle in your work clothes. But for longer commutes, it’s worth bringing along a change of clothes and opting for lightweight cycling gear like breathable shorts and t-shirts. The Ridge Mens Short Sleeve Jersey, Fluro/Yellow and Ridge Womens Cycling Jersey – Fluro Turquoise are great options to help you stay cool and visible on your commute.
Here at Halfords, we stock a range of cycling clothes, so if you’re commuting every day, investing in some airy clothing is a great option.
Plan the best route
As the temperature rises, you may need to rethink your usual commute. If your ride to work usually involves hills, then finding a flatter alternative could prevent you from working up too much of a sweat.
Instead of riding along main roads, are there quieter routes, such as cycle paths that are shadier? It might take you a little longer to get to your destination, but you’re less likely to overexert yourself.
If you want to avoid the glaring UV rays, then the earlier you leave, the more likely you are to stay cool. It’s also important to consider your commute home, if you’re working a regular 9-5 then you might find the UV index is still high in the afternoon, so carry some sun cream to avoid getting burnt.
Cycle2Work
Did you know that you could get a new bike at a discounted price through the Cycle2Work scheme? Cycle2Work is a government initiative which offers the most cost-effective way to get new cycling equipment. The scheme is run through participating employers, meaning you do not have to pay tax or national insurance on these products – saving you up to 47%! This reduced cost is then deducted from your payslip over 12 or 18 months.
To find out more about Cycle2Work and how to sign up for the scheme, visit halfords.com.
Here at Halfords, we’ve got everything you need this spring and summer to keep your commutes feeling comfortable.