20 ways of staying cool on your summer bike commute

Bike commuting, or just getting around your city on a bike, can be tough in the summer if you don't want to arrive at your destination sweaty and overheated. So I asked the Shifter community for some advice on keeping cool while riding in the summer, and I received dozens of great ideas. So here, I'm presenting all of your great ideas back to you. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you stay riding through some of those dog days of summer.

Tips for staying cool while riding in the summer.

0:00 Introduction
1:36 Use panniers
2:05 Slow down
2:33 Walk up hills
3:02 Calm, fluid pedaling
3:22 Ride in the mornings or evenings
3:45 Stay hydrated
3:55 Avoid coffee (sorry)
4:21 Find sprinklers
4:49 sunscreen
5:13 Fully inflate tires
5:22 Tight, lubricated chain
5:47 Cool shower
6:15 Towel dry
6:34 Baby wipes
6:45 Embrace the sweat
7:12 Ride an e-bike
7:38 Don't be a masochist

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#cycling #bikecommuting #bikes

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[KimJongSkill]

Been bike commuting for years... On hot days I always plan my route to overshoot my place of work by a few minutes, which may seem counter-intuitive, but I've found take a few extra laps on flat terrain, at a slow pace can be a very good way of cooling off. Often I find that I sweat more when I stop moving, so giving myself a few minutes of cool down time before I get off the bike really helps.

[of]

Florida bike rider here: Don’t just carry water but carry ICE water in a steel thermos. Fill it full of ice and refill it with water from a second source so you get like 2-3 full rounds of ice cold water.

Also. Sweat doesn’t smell if you start out completely clean. (sweat is inevitable here so just accept it)

[ChillyDogActual]

I live in New Mexico. I wear a long sleeve sun shirt and tie a soaked bandana around my neck. Works like a charm! 👍👍

[Its_me--Boo_Radley]

I have a big, ridiculous-looking brim for my helmet that keeps my face and the back of my neck shaded. I don't commute so I don't have to deal with traffic. I'm 73, retired and live in Florida. I bike in the middle of the day and it is HOT! I bike slowly ... under 10 mph ... and bike through neighborhoods which are partially shaded. I carry a bottle of watered down juice for hydration. And at the end of my rides, whether I went 10 miles or 5 miles, I have a pool in my backyard which provides immediate relief! Thanks for continuing to make some really interesting videos. I enjoy all of them!

[benburton]

I live in the South East US. Here's a tip I've had to force myself to accept on scorchers: Stop riding and rest! I ride pretty regularly, and these hot days turn my daily ride into real ordeals. There's no shame in stopping along your ride, even one you can easily crush in milder weather, and just getting a breather.

[papercrowe]

Just built myself an ebike, and I can finally arrive to school without being drenched. I rode 10mi in 100*F weather without breaking a sweat. one thing you don't realize at first is that the added speed creates a great breeze to cool you down while pedaling.

[smileymadsen]

Another reason to plan your route through leafy side streets, ravines, parks, etc - fewer cars = less heat. When biking next to cars on busy streets, you can FEEL the heat coming off them. 🥵🥵🥵

[salvuagius]

I live in Malta, so I'm pretty used to riding in hot weather. The advice here is sound, but what I'd like to add is that if you can't slow down too much because of time constraints, the second best thing to do is slow down as you near your destination. Normally you sweat the most as you stop, because the breeze that you create as you're riding also stops suddenly. If you come to a more gradual stop you'll probably sweat less. I also find that trying to find a route that finishes with a downhill rather than an uphill is better, even if it means climbing a little more along the way. If there's no shade at your destination it may also be more sensible to stop somewhere close by where there is shade and once you're cool enough then roll slowly to your destination. I like to stop in a public garden somewhere really close to where I'm heading and spend some 5-10 mins there sitting on a bench.
Moreover, the morning shower is useful not just because it freshens you up but also because it gets you rid of the old sweat that would be in the process of developing an odour. Sweat doesn't just spontaneously start stinking. It takes some time. So at least when you ride to work you should make sure that you don't have accumulated sweat from the night before on you. That's also why it's important to wipe it off as soon as you arrive. Moreover, the smell depends a lot on what you eat. Eating a lot of meat tends to make your sweat stink more.
Regarding clothing, I tend to prefer wearing a shirt that can be unbuttoned all the way down. I call it my portable a/c unit.
The coffee mug can also be useful for carrying cold water in summer. So don't ditch the mug if you're ditching your coffee!

[GMPax]

I ride with a Camelback backpack. I fill it's ~2L reservoir with icewater. Really helps on hot days. :) Yes, even wearing the backpack - because the icewater makes the inner surface of the bag cold, which feels nice against my back.

[merlinthebikewizard]

One thing communities can do is provide bike stations. A safe, secure, convenient place to lock up your bike that has showers and lockers.

[davidh]

Clothing - long sleeves but breathable is good mechanical sunscreen, and feels cooler too!

[brianwheeldon]

Tom, Yours is such a comforting channel in this mad mad world in which we live. Thanks so much

[nathancorliss]

Yes on panniers!
Take a change of shirt
Bring a wash cloth to wipe down after your arrival.

Great advice!

[Arpin_Lusene]

Ebike has been a tremendous help for my work commute, not only the sun heat could be a massive pain, combined with long uphill, it’s basically unsustainable if you ride to work every single day. Replacing my old bicycle for an ebike is definitely one of good decision that l’ve made in a while. I still got all the bicycle privileges without needing to exhaust myself during the commute.

[doncommando]

You cycle and film near my house! The past two weeks have been a scorcher and thanks for the tips. For me: light-coloured performance tees help wick away moisture and keep you cool while riding. Stay safe!

[idromano]

I live in Rio and it took a Canadian to convince me to stop racing all the time everywhere to sweat less. Lesson learned!

If I may add, I suggest people try slowing down 5 min before reaching your final destination. It's tough sometimes because your final destination is uphill, but well...

[Boi]

I am from India. Recently i have decided to commute on cycle/bike to save time and money. I may have to travel around 15-16km a day. It is kinda fun and daring to ride in the car and motorcycle crowded road. So i started taking notes for this daily journey.

[christopherparker]

When the heat index breaks 100F (and humidity hits 100%) I will sometimes freeze my hydration backpack half to three quarters full. This keeps a cold pack on your back.

[philipbyrne]

I live in Australia. We get both dry heat and humidity and most public access buildings are air conditioned. I find if you walk straight into cold dry air with a raised core temperature from exercise your sweat rate increases but evaporates more slowly. If the foot traffic is high I stand at the door where the cool dry air rushes out with my shirt raised(looks weird). This actually evaporates your sweat and lowers your core faster and you sweat less inside the building.

[sagehiker]

Something I did not submit but thought about as I was climbing a long hill today in 94 F to pick up my car from the repair shop. After watching this video. Having gears enough to not overwork the rider in hot temps. Plus had headwinds of 14-18 mph. Love my Surly 1x12 tractor drive. (this does fit with No. 6) My bike ride was cooler than the first ten minutes in my little black car.