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Who said bikes are only for the warm months? Don't let freezing temperatures, snow, ice, slush, salt, and bitter winds get you down. It's possible to fight off all these nasty aspects of winter, simply by adding a few maintenance routines and a bit more gear.
If you want to ride in the winter, you first must realize what you're facing. Does it snow were you live, or do you just get cold rain? Does water freeze for part or all of the day? Are you planning to ride on roads, or on bike paths? How severe your winter is, will determine to what lengths you'll have to go.
1. Shutting Out Cold Air
People spend all day outside skiing, skating, tobogganing, etc. Cycling isn't much different. All you need to do is dress warmly, and you'll be fine. But how much is enough? A good rule of thumb is to wear enough clothing that you are only slightly chilled when you step out the door. When you're riding, your body will generate enough heat to make up for the rest. You don't want to over dress, or you'll arrive swimming in your own sweat!
Experienced winter cyclists know that the trick is to dress in layers. Usually there are three layers: a base layer made of a sweat-wicking material, a middle layer for warmth, and an outer shell for protection from wind and rain. If the temperatures change, it's easy to swap any one of the layers, though usually you only have to change the middle layer. Make sure that when you're choosing a jacket, that it is either breathable or has zippers for ventilation.
For your legs, it's a bit different. If you normally ride in jeans or other "regular" pants, you could add an outer layer to protect from rain and wind, or a layer underneath for warmth. If you usually wear tights for cycling, you can switch to thicker tights, or add extra layers for your knees as necessary.
Your feet need to be kept warm, too. Several manufacturers offer insulated neoprene "booties" that fit over your normal shoes. These will help protect you from cold wind and water. Another option is to purchase special winter cycling shoes, which have more insulation and water resistance than regular cycling shoes. Some riders prefer to switch to regular winter boots, while others will wear sandals with several layers of socks!
Usually your hands are the first to get cold while riding. Above all, choose a pair of gloves that are windproof. For temperatures above freezing, you can probably get away with thinner gloves, but when water begins to freeze you will want to wear ski gloves. It's possible to layer gloves as well, by wearing a base layer for warmth and an outer layer for wind and rain resistance.
Most riders will choose to wear a balaclava under their helmet for warmth. Usually this is enough, but when it gets really cold you'll want to take additional steps. Ski goggles are a great way to protect your eyes. A wind-resustant face mask may provide more protection from the cold wind than an ordinary balacalva. You may also want to build an All-Weather Helmet, which protects your eyes AND keeps your head warms and dry.
2. Change You Tires
Often the only component on your bike that will need to be changed is the tires. Slick tires and ice don't mix! Even though you may stick to plowed roads in the winter, there will be times when conditions are icy, or the roads aren't clear yet. You'll need more aggressive tires to deal with it. Most tires designed for mountain bikes, with thick knobs and ridges, will work well in snow and reasonably well on ice. You can get these tires from your bike shop or virtually any store with a bike section. If it gets really icy where you live, then consider a set of studded tires. These tires have metal studs built into the tire, to help bite into ice and snow.
3. Install Fenders
Wet, cold, salty and sandy road water looks awful when it's spattered all over your jacket, pants and face. It can also wreak havoc on your bike. Water can get into the little nooks and freeze, dirt will gum up moving parts, and salt will promote corrosion of metal bike parts. A set of fenders will help keep you and your bike clean while riding in the winter.
4. Add Lights - Lots of them!
With fewer hours of sunlight during the winter, it's more likely that you will be riding in the dark. It's also more likely to be snowing or foggy in the winter, which can also obsure you from cars. Check out the section, Riding In The Dark, for tips on how to increase your nighttime visibility.
5. Keep Water out of the Brake Lines
The last thing you want to happen when you’re out riding, is for your brake lines to freeze. Unfortunately, this is a possibility in the winter. Water can work its way into the brake and derailleur housings, and when it drops below freezing you may find that the brakes and derailleurs are difficult or impossible to actuate. One thing that you can do to help prevent this, is to seal the ends of the housings with grease. Anything thick will work, but white lithium grease is recommended. You can also inject something that won’t freeze into housings themselves. WD-40 usually works well in most climates, just don’t get any on the rims or brake rotors!
6. Add a Front Fairing
Give Jack Frost a kick in the teeth by adding a front fairing. Not only is a fairing great for improving aerodynamics and keeping your feet dry in the rain, it's also very effective at shielding you from the harsh wind chill of winter. With a fairing, chances are you won't have to wear quite as much winter cycling gear, especially on your feet. The fairing will also protect you somewhat from road spray and from falling snow.
7. Keep Everything Maintained
You may be able to get away with bare-bones bike maintenance in the summer, but not in the winter. Without proper care, the winter can take a serious toll on your bike. Here are some things you can do, to make sure your bike survives the winter:
Cycling in the winter is not only possible, but it can be pretty easy if you're well prepared. It's really no worse than any other outdoor sport, and with the proper equipment and maintenance schedules you should be able to cycle through most of the winter without interruption. Good luck out there!
For mountains of more information on winter cycling, visit www.icebike.org.
