Solo bike travel during winter means another great adventure, another story to tell. However, extra caution is needed to ensure that adventure doesn't turn into danger. Morning fog, chilly winds, and suddenly reduced visibility during the ride can be equally enjoyable and risky at the same time. Therefore, it's essential to keep some necessary gadgets on your bike before hitting the road, which will play a major role in keeping you safe.
What essentials should be on your bike?
Anti-fog visor or anti-fog spray
During winter, helmet visors become foggy due to fog and warm breath, reducing visibility on the road. Using an anti-fog visor or spray keeps the glass clear, allowing you to see the road ahead clearly and reducing accident risks.
Powerful auxiliary fog lights
Often, the bike's OEM headlights cannot provide sufficient light in dense fog. In this scenario, additional fog lights can come in real handy, which help quickly identify road markings, potholes, or vehicles ahead. This is extremely essential for winter dawn or night rides.
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Heated grips or thermal gloves
When hands freeze in extreme cold, it becomes difficult to control clutch and brakes properly. Heated grips or good quality thermal gloves keep hands warm, maintaining proper riding control and faster reactions.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
In winter, when temperature drops, the air inside tires also decreases. With the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), one can keep an eye on the air pressure in tyres while riding. Quick detection of incorrect pressure reduces chances of skidding or losing balance.
Power bank or bike charger
While going on solo rides phone becomes the lifeline and the only means of navigation, communication, and emergency help. However, during the time on the road, batteries start to drain quickly in cold, so having a power bank or bike's USB charger makes it possible to keep the phone charged at all times.
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GPS or phone mount
Pulling the phone out of the pocket repeatedly in fog can be dangerous. A good quality phone mount or a separate GPS device shows road and directions without losing focus.
Reflective stickers and LED indicators
With reduced visibility in winter, being visible to other vehicle drivers is crucial. Installing reflective stickers or additional LED indicators on your bike makes you visible from a distance.
Bluetooth helmet intercom
Even on solo trips, staying in touch with someone when needed is necessary. Through Bluetooth intercom, you can receive calls and hear navigation instructions—hands-free, keeping eyes on the road.
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Small LED torch or headlamp
If your bike has problems in fog or after dusk, nothing can be done without light. With a headlamp, you can work keeping both hands free, which is much more convenient.
SOS or tracking device
The biggest fear on solo trips—if an accident happens, no one will know. With an SOS or GPS tracking device, your family or friends can know your location, and help can reach quickly when needed.
