The sun is shining and perhaps we can get hopeful for a long, warm summer. While this offers perfect riding conditions, how do you stay protected and cool at the same time? Biking gear, including leathers, gloves and helmet get pretty hot and sweaty when you’re riding out in the sunshine, so here are some top tips for staying cool on your two wheels:

Vents

Don’t forget your vents. Many helmets and other gear come with air vents that it’s easy to forget about and leave closed. You’ll want to make your air vents are open to their maximum setting of airflow. If you’ve got zips on your jacket that provide ventilation openings, don’t forget to unzip them.

Water

When the weather gets uncomfortably hot, your core body temperature will have been elevated for a long time. Take regular breaks, remove your helmet and douse yourself in a bottle of water. Unfortunately, the relief will wear off pretty quickly, but you’ll greatly enjoy the cooling effect to take the edge of your hot discomfort temporarily. Soaking your t-shirt or carrying a towel with you and dousing that with cool water will feel great on your neck.

Quality Gear

Never be tempted to give up protection in favour of comfort. Some discomfort and sweaty clothing is always preferable to the damage that can be caused to your body through a lack of adequate protective wear. Invest in high-quality ventilated and armoured riding gear, to combine ultimate protection with increased comfort.  Leather is always the best choice, as lesser textiles will come apart more easily on impact. It’s all about striking the right balance for you between putting up with the heat and maintaining your safety.

Hydrate

You might be surprised at how much sweating can dehydrate your body. As the sweat evaporates, your body loses electrolytes much quicker than you realise. Dehydration can cause dizziness, which is the last thing you want when riding. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids, normally more than you think you need. Take regular breaks and you’ll be sharper, with faster reflexes further down the road.

Bike Settings

Achieving the maximum airflow available is better for staying cooler, and some bikes are better at this than others. There are things you can do before you set off to maximise keeping your bike as cool as possible. During hot weather, make sure your fairing vents are open which will help to keep air moving around you. If you have a bike with a removable windscreen, you might consider removing it during the summer. If you’re unsure about ways to adjust your bike, visit a motorbike service and repair specialist.

Do some research into possible ways of redirecting engine heat. Whilst you can’t really install air conditioning like a car, you’ll be surprised at the number of options available for helping a bike that often runs hot.

There are gadgets available that can clip onto the sleeves of your leather jacket, creating an opening to increase the airflow going up your sleeve. The aim is to achieve a cooling wind effect that reaches up your arms and around your torso.