Summer bike riding might lift your spirits as you soak up those
rays but many people enjoy the challenge of winter bike riding
as well. Riding your bicycle in the winter provides a whole new
scenery and a whole new sense of freedom. It also means you keep
fit all year round. Her are 11 tips to follow for winter bike
riding
1. Winter Tires
Wide tires with widely separated knobs work best on snow. Boazobeanna
front and rear tires are said to be the best for soft snow.
You should use low tire pressure during the winter months. Start
with 15-20 psi and experiment for yourself.
2. Tires & Rims
You will need to glue your tires to the rims: You can do this
using tubular tire glue or any strong contact cement. Apply
approximately a 5 to 6 six-inch strip. You only need to glue
one side.
3. Snow Cat Rims
Snow cat rims are great for improving flotation, traction and
stability on snow or ice. Studded tires work well for improved
traction on ice and chains work well for improved traction on
both snow and ice. The problem with chains is they will dig
themselves in on soft snow and give a rough slow ride on pavement.
4. Lubircation
Bikes don't have to be winterized like a car does. The bearings
on a bicycle have a very light load so almost any grease will
protect them. However, if you put low temperature grease in
the bike bearings you will have a much easier time pedaling
and steering. Some bicycles have grease in their freewheels
that can cause problems when it gets very cold. If your bike
has grease in the freewheels you will need to disassemble the
freewheel, clean it out, and put small amounts of low temperature
grease in the right places.
5. Lighting
The winter is much darker and gloomy than the summer months.
It also gets darker earlier in the day. Most states and countries
already require a headlight on the front and a red reflector
on the back. Both must be visible from 500 feet. No matter what
the law requires adding a headlight and reflector makes good
safety sense. You can also add side reflectors for additional
safety. A white strobe lighter is brighter and visible for a
longer distance however they do not meet the legal requirements
so you will still need your red reflectors. You can mount your
flashers on the fender or rear rack which works better than
placing them on clothes or packs because they are more easily
adjusted. Headlights come in a variety of styles from the basic
non rechargeable light that works on batteries to high power
duel beam lights that are powered by miniature generators.
6. Reflectors Make sure you have plenty of reflector tape on
your bike, as well as plastic reflectors mounted on your bike.
Always wear a reflective vest. You can never have too much reflective
material. These reflective items help other drivers see you
and it makes for a much safer ride.
7. Riding Technique
When riding on ice and soft snow pedal smoothly and relax your
upper body. If the bike starts going sideways you need to make
small corrections rather than oversteering which will cause
weaving. On soft trails higher speeds will take less effort
than lower speeds because the tires will sink less into the
snow. If you are riding a trail as a group have the weakest
or least skilled riders lead so they can use the trail before
it gets all chewed up. Road ice can provide lots of traction
or very little depending on the ice surface. Try not to brake
hard on slippery sections and if you must break use your rear
brakes.
8. Clothes
Dressing for winter cycling can be a bit challenging. Cycling
generates a lot of heat so clothes that are warm and comfortable
have to control the build up of heat and moisture as well as
protect from the elements and keep you warm. Your own metabolism,
physical condition and riding style will determine what is needed
to keep you warm. Your outer layer of clothing should be windproof
on the front and breathable on the rear or sides. Gortex is
a very good breathable waterproof material but it can become
clogged with ice at below freezing temperatures. Layer different
weight of polypro, drilete, thermax, and capilene under your
outer wear. Multiple light layers with neck zippers will let
you adjust as you ride. The layer of clothing against your skin
and the mid layer should be synthetics or wool. Cotton is no
good because it will make you feel wetter and colder.
9. Footwear
Footwear during the winter is another issue you need to address.
Snow jogger boots are light warm and relatively inexpensive.
When purchasing try them on with two pair of heavy socks. If
you have really sensitive feet or you are going to be biking
in extreme conditions you can also wear neoprene boot covers.
Power grips are an oversized toe strap used to replace the summer
toe clips. There is an extra long style available for winter
riding. Because they are made of fabric and don't apply pressure
to the toes they are much warmer than toe clips.
10. Mits & Hat
Wear oversized mittens that fit over the handlebars. These are
called bike pogies. They will improve the control you have on
your bike and make eating and drinking easier. Disposable heat
packs are also wise to carry along. The work great in an emergency
and will last from 3 to 4 hours. Bring a headband, hat, and
facemask with your. You can then alternate and wear them as
needed, separate or along. You may need to change the liner
in your helmet to accommodate the extra bulk.
11. The other stuff
Even in the winter it's easy to get dehydrated. Dehydration
can cause your blood volume to decrease making you susceptible
to hypothermia and frostbite. Just as it is important in the
summer to stay hydrated it too is important in the winter so
be sure to carry plenty of water with you. Make sure you are
drinking at least once per hour. You can buy insulators to stop
your water from freezing as quickly. Remove any jewelry, watches
or metal objects which can get real cold and cause frostbite.
Leave your jewelry at home and put your watch in your pocket.
Carry emergency food in your tool bag so it's always on the
bike. Energy food, like a Powerbar, works well. Carry an extra
clothes layer, as well as an extra windshell and insulated jacket
to keep you warm just in case you have to walk for a while.
Winter riding can be as invigorating as summer riding and a nice
change of pace. Just follow these 10 simple steps for safe winter
riding. Are you ready to have some serious fun?
