Winter Cycling

Written by Alex

The Bike

Before anything else, realize that winter cycling will shortern the lifespan of your bike, if you are cycling on roads. The salt used to melt ice on the roads likes to eat bike parts; you've been warned!

Chosing a bike

There are two options to start: road bike, or mountain bike. Personally, I reccomend using a mountain bike. Road bike users claim that the thinner tires cut through the snow, which can be a huge problem when winter cycling. However, the decreased traction combined with the less aggressive frame make the roadbike second best, in my opinion. Now, make sure you either use an old bike, or a new, lower quality bike. Especially for your first year, you need to find out for yourself what parts will wear down more quickly than others.

Preparing the bike

  • Make sure your cables are oiled well. If you can, try and seal (or at least cover) the entrance to the cable housing to ensure no water gets in.
    • I would suggest switching to a shifting system like this one because it applies direct tension and has no moving parts, unlike these guys.

  • Get a studded tire. Just do it. I strongly suggest getting the Shwalbe Icespiker. There are two reasons: increased traction on ice (this makes a huge difference), and more aggressive treads that will help in powder snow.
    I can not emphasize this purchase enough, if you live where there is significant snow. Studded tires have saved me from falling too many times to count.

  • Lastly, keep well lubed. The salt will eat away at your chain, gears, and any other exposed part. Lubing your bike liberally will greatly reduce the wear it will experience.

  • MOST IMPORTANTLY Consider storing your bike outside. This will prevent water from thawing and re-freezing in all the wrong places

    • Clothing

    Things you will need:
  • Hat and Balaclava
  • Sun Glasses and Ski Goggles
  • Gloves and mittens
  • Warm socks and Waterproof boots

    There are essentially two different ways of insulating: layering, and windproofing.

    Windproofing


    This is how I got through my first winter of cycling.
    Benefits: Little clothing will keep you warm.
    Drawbacks: Significant moisture build up.

    Wear a rain jacket, and rain pants that are waterproof. Under these, wear a single layer of breathable fabric. Your first few kilometers of biking will be cold, but then you build up immense heat.

    Layering


    This is how I got through my second winter of cycling.
    Benefits: Less moisture build up, easy to adjust warmth.
    Drawbacks: You need a lot more clothing which is costly and less comfortable.

    A breathable jacket is nice on top, and on the bottom you can get away with layering pants and leggings.

    Safety

    This will be breif, as most of safety is common sense. Be very careful when taking turns so as to avoid falling.
    Get yourself a high quality front biking light. There are many out there, so I will not link to one, but I will say that you should spend no less than $80.00 for significant brightness. As far as back lights go, get a red one, quality does not really matter here.

    Stay Positive!
    Alex