Winter, what a beautiful season to discover by bike, how pleasant it is to ride in the snow! However, good preparation is essential to avoid mechanical problems and injuries. Some will be skeptical and ask: why go through so much trouble? Why bike in winter? Well, for at least these 5 excellent reasons:
1. To avoid traffic jams;
2. To save time and money;
3. To avoid having to look for parking;
4. To stay in shape and get some fresh air;
5. For the simple pleasure of riding!
BASIC TIPS
1. Choosing your bike
Should you prioritize a bike equipped with derailleurs or a single-speed bike (also called fixed-gear or singlespeed) for winter riding? Considering freeze-thaw cycles as well as the effects of salt and other
abrasives spread on the road, a singlespeed will be less vulnerable to winter conditions. But there are other factors to consider:
- The space or storage conditions for the bike
- The value of the bike
- Your ability or willingness to maintain your bike
First, it's important to know that winter conditions quickly deteriorate the ability of parts to perform their job well. Ice or snow present in the components compromise the movement of the derailleurs. The salt on the road and sidewalks often seeps into the gear and brake cables, eventually reducing the mobility of the wires passing through them. Finally, rust forms more quickly on the chain and hardware in general, especially if the bike is sometimes stored indoors and other times outdoors. Winter therefore quickly degrades the overall condition of a bike. Fenders are worth considering in winter. While it may not be the end of the world to arrive at your destination wet, slush causes much more damage to clothing than rain.
If your bike has a certain monetary or sentimental value, it's highly likely that you'll have to replace parts in the summer to ensure safe riding.
Are you the type to take care of your bike every week, even if it's very dirty? Generous and regular lubrication of all components will reduce the risk of freezing and promote proper bike function. Take a few moments to check your machine before leaving, and to avoid surprises, test gears and brakes at the start.
2. Choosing your tires
Thin and narrow to cut through snow and slush, studded with 2 or 4 rows of studs (insert winter tire promo link) or with knobs for a compromise, there are several schools of thought. So you have a choice: only the width of your rims and the clearance of your frame can limit you. Studded tires, although a little more expensive, will guarantee good grip regardless of the conditions. If you plan to ride only in clear weather (although you never know with the weather...), a knobby tire will do the trick. As for smooth and narrow tires, it's best to have experience and good skills to take advantage of them.
Whatever your choice, the rule is to lower tire pressure in winter (sticking to the manufacturer's recommendations indicated on the tire sidewall), in order to achieve better grip.
3. How to dress
When cycling, you feel the cold differently than when walking. The wind can be icy, but you warm up quickly by pedaling. The good thing is that on a bike, since you go faster than on foot, you spend less time outdoors!
Therefore, we'll favor the multi-layer method ( insert warm clothing article link ** this article is not yet published ). It's practical and allows you to adapt your outfit during the day when the temperature fluctuates. A base layer, an insulating layer, and finally, a windproof layer that you adjust according to the mercury. Better than a certified -30 down jacket that will become suffocating after a few minutes of pedaling...
We lose the most heat through our extremities. Remember to wear a hat under your helmet. If you're not a helmet wearer in summer, it will be even more welcome in winter: not only will it protect you in case of a fall (ice patches can sometimes be treacherous), but it will also keep you warm. Wear warm gloves or mittens, a neck warmer or balaclava, and good waterproof boots, or add shoe covers. There are also cycling shoes (clip-in) adapted to winter conditions (insert picture of Spec Defroster).
What about your eyes? Some swear by ski goggles (and will choose to wear a ski helmet for better comfort with them), while others will settle for sunglasses or simply not wear any.
4. Winter riding techniques
In winter, we slow down, and that goes for everyone. No need to perform to get to work! The idea is to adopt a reasonable speed that will allow you to maneuver safely and react in case of the unexpected. Signal your intentions to motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists; after all, the road is meant to be shared! When you need to turn or stop, slow down in advance and gradually.
Favor cleared bike paths or lanes, well-plowed main roads, or quiet side streets.
The watchword: visibility! Be visible, day and night. When it snows, visibility is reduced. At night, whether they are facing you or following you, motorists will spot you much more easily thanks to your flashing red and white lights and LED headlights.
In short, winter riding is not rocket science. Yes, it requires a little organization and, to be frank, courage on some days . But the pleasure, pride, and benefits you get from it far outweigh the drawbacks...
WINTER ON TWO WHEELS from LES APÔTRES on Vimeo .
Capsule created for Newad and 33Mag
References:
http://www.velo.qc.ca/transport-actif/ABC-du-transport-actif/Rouler-en-hiver
http://www.biketoworkblog.com/five-reasons-you-should-bike-to-work-in-winter/