RSSMon 23 Nov 2009
Plan to ride this winter? Check out these tips from the League of American Bicyclists.
Posted by Piep under News[11] Comments
(Photo and Tips Courtesy League of American Bicyclists – December Cue Sheet)
Tips on Winter Riding:
- Carry water bottles upside down. Water freezes from the top, so this keeps the nozzle clear.
- Anticipate the changes in temperature between morning and night commutes – bring extra clothing and plan ahead!!
- Fenders are your friend. With winter comes cold, snow and ice.
- Small bike tools may not work in cold hands. After a ride home in the cold, test to make sure you can do the basics, like change an inner tube.
- Wear wool or synthetic clothing, not cotton or plastic-based clothing to wick sweat away.
BikeDenver wants to know: What are YOUR favorite winter riding tips?
Stay out of bike lanes for a week after it snows.
Bring a scarf. It keeps you surprisingly warm and if things get bad you can adjust it to cover your face and ears.
* Wrap any metal bike tools in tape. The tape is easier on the hands than metal.
* You cannot be “over-seen”, use lots of lights in front and back, and use reflective tape and clothing.
* Layers. Start with a merino base layer and build on that. When it’s wet outside I like waterproof as an outer layer. “Winter” clothes are not good. Multiple layers made for wicking work better.
* Try mittens or “lobster claw” gloves for your hands instead of gloves.
* Buy winter boots (or shoes) 2 sizes too large to leave room for thick wool socks and if it’s really cold, chemical warmers.
* When it gets below 15 degrees I carry my water bottle inside my jacket.
* Carry a pair of cheap safety goggles as eye-wear in case it snows. I coat mine with rainX also.
* Studded tires are fun in the snow and fantastic on ice.
* I like a balaclava for my head. Many people prefer scarfs though.
* I find that in the winter I use chap stick/Vaseline for dry lips and hands, and eye-drops for the eyes, especially when it gets really cold. Tissues are also nice to have.
* Change your frame of mind: Winter commuting or cycling doesn’t have to be about making the best time. Often it’s just the adventure of the ride. Things are slower, you’ll be heavier carrying the extra clothing and you won’t be as aerodynamic. Also cold air is denser. Enjoy the slower ride, take time to look around, breath the cold air!!
Winter Riding is awesome! You’ll be that much more in shape come spring.
*Put your water bottle in a sock (preferably a clean one…). It’ll help keep the bottle from freezing and it should still fit in your cage.
*Use powder (such as Gold Bond) on your feet–it soaks up moisture and keeps your feet a little warmer.
You should be able to get a bike lock on and off with gloves on–it’s not that difficult to do.
Snowstorms present a couple of (solvable) problems.
(1) Wet streets. Stopping distance is greatly increased anytime the streets are wet.
(2) Driver expectancy. Drivers mostly likely won’t expect bikes.
If you want to ride when there’s snow coming down (I have) assume drivers don’t expect you, give cars a wide berth, and be prepared to stop on a dime.
A friend of mine wears ski goggles on really cold days to keep her eyes from watering; I apply lip balm under my eyes and wherever my face is sensitive to the cold wind.
Learn to turn the bike without leaning it on potentially slippery surfaces, and just walk it when you encounter full-on ice.
I wear a ski/snowboard helmet and goggles when it’s below 32. The integration of ear flaps, open/shut vents and a goggle holder makes for a warm ride. If it is really cold, wrap a scarf around your neck and over your face, tuck it under your goggles to hold it in place over your nose.
I’ve had the conversation about helmet safety ratings many times, so use your own judgement on it, but here’s what I know. The helmets are subjected to testing to determine their rating (hitting them with various anvils and blunt force), and I would recommend getting one with a hard foam shell (usually rated AST) rather than the “bounce back” foam variety (usually rated CPSC). These helmets have proved successful at limiting or preventing head injury in snow sport crashes into trees, ice pack, rocks and other fixed objects. I consider that evidence enough that it will protect my noggin if I should need it.
In the case of a recreational (non-commutting ride) ride without worry of getting anywhere in time or what to wear, I dress in a poly-pro base layer and pile pants, and ride in pile gloves. I have a pile jacket handy, and a goretex shell (jacket and pants).
I realize this setup is comparable to what one might wear skiing or snowshoing and some may find it too bulky or even hot.
However, I don’t find most of bike clothing warm enough. If you want to ride when it’s 20-30 degrees for an hour or more you may have to get creative and find whatever works for you. The only right approach is what will prevent you as an individual from getting hypothermia.
You want to regulate your temperature as you ride. When it is below 40 degrees, it important to dress in layers. I find that multiple thin layers of poly blend works best. As you start out also have a lightweight windbreaker that you can peel off as you warm up.
Another ting that is neglected is drinking and eating enough. You body uses a lot for energy when it cold out. You don’t want to bonk in the middle of a winter ride.
Bike riding tips for winter conditions
Ride really slow. You’d normally be embarrassed to be seen riding this slow.
Relax. The bike will be moving around underneath you a bit. Just like driving a car, coasting is to be avoided on slippery surfaces. Maintain a constant, smooth pedaling motion. Pedal with a light braking action on a down slope to control speed.
Plowed streets and bike paths are best. That slippery gray snow from car tires on top of slippery streets is the worst. Streets treated with mag chloride are great, but watch out for corrosion on your bike!
A blinking light on your helmet is mandatory. Aim it at every driver. It’s the equivalent of making eye contact. Lots of lights and reflective material will help be seen. Take the lane! You simple can’t take any chances by riding in the ruts or on ice.
Mountain bike tires, cyclocross tires or studded tires are best. A fixie with studded tires is the best winter commuter. Fenders make a bike even more civilized.
I wear my light hiking boots with light weight wool socks. I find the cheap plastic pedals work great. You want to be able to put a foot down quickly as needed. A ski mask or scarf keeps the face warm. Goggles keep the cold air off my metal framed glasses. A few light wind proof layers are all you need. I wear long underwear, cycling tights and a very light pair of wind pants. If you’re getting sweaty you’re probably riding too fast.
I fill my bottle with hot tea. It usually doesn’t freeze until I’m almost to my destination.
Practice at the local park. Ride on the snowy grass at first. It’s a beautiful time of year. Celebrate.