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“It’s too cold to ride a bike.”

This was the response of a woman who’d seen my brother’s bike parked outside a local cafe. It was snowing, windy, well-below freezing… for most people, conditions that prohibit the operation of a bicycle.

Jessie Birks

Too cold to ride? Well, if you’ve just seen a bike locked up outside, you’re clearly overstating the situation. Somebody was tough enough to get there on two wheels. But who are these people?

Well, some of us just like a challenge. Myself, I’ve taken the winter riding conditions as an opportunity to try out a few new toys.

My current rig is a fixie with a disc brake on the front, fenders and studded snow tires. With the studded tires, it doesn’t exactly roll down an icy slope like it’s a dry sunny day, but in my experience, it’s the best way to stay upright with the current conditions.

Several of the parts I used to build this bike were chosen just for inclement weather. The fenders are a must have. Winter and spring tend to get a little wet here in Denver, and having the snow melt a few times a week has resulted in some wet alleyways and intersections.

The disc brake was equipped for the same reason. Ride through an icy puddle in 20° weather, and you’re in for some very slippery rim brakes. The disc tends to stay dry and continues to work even when the roads are wet and icy.

Then there’s the fixed gear. I’ve heard people argue up and down about fixed gears versus coasting. I certainly don’t want to start that argument here. But I’ve found that on ice, the fixed rear wheel gives me better grip… especially with the studded tires.

Studded tires, from Finland. I’m currently using the Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires. Last year, I only used one on the front. This year, they’re front and back. Let me tell you, these things hook up nicely on ice and snow.

Take it from me, there’s always a way to get there by bike. And if you don’t have the budget, you don’t have to go crazy like I did. If you’re inventive, you know how to dress and you want nothing more than to get there on your bike… then you can always find a way.

Get out there and ride!

by Jessie Birks, BikeDenver Webmaster