Cold-weather biking

Cold-weather biking, also called cold-weather cycling or winter biking, is the use of a bicycle during months when roads and paths are covered with ice, slush, and snow. Cyclists in cold weather face many challenges, especially when temperatures are near or below freezing. City riders may deal with snow, slush, salt, and sand, which can cause rust and damage to metal parts of the bike. Slush and ice can also jam the derailleurs on a bike.

To ride safely in winter conditions, cyclists often slow down on turns and brake gradually on icy surfaces. Getting good grip on snow and ice can be hard, so some winter cyclists use bikes with front and rear fenders, special metal studded winter tires, and bright flashing LED lights to stay safe and visible. Riders also wear layers of warm clothes and cover their ears, face, and hands to stay warm.

There are special bikes called fatbikes made just for winter riding. These bikes have wide, oversized tires that are filled with a little air, helping them move easily over snow trails and in winter bike races.

Terminology

Cold-weather biking has many names. It is also called "winter cycling", "winter biking", "snow biking", "fatbiking" (because of the big, wide tires), or "ice biking." "Ice biking" often means riding on ice-covered lakes and rivers.

Choice of bike

Winter cyclists may choose a simpler or cheaper bike for riding in snow and ice. This is because snow, slush, salt, and sand can damage metal parts and cause rust. Some cyclists use a used or less expensive bike instead of their best one, but still choose a good-quality bike that works well and doesn’t break easily.

Some winter cyclists prefer bikes with fewer moving parts, like single-speed bikes, because they are less likely to get stuck in ice. Others use bikes with protected gears to keep them clean. To avoid rust on parts like the chain, some riders use belt-driven bikes. For off-road riding, special bikes with wide tires, called fatbikes, are often used.

Approach to riding

Tom Babin, a writer from Calgary, says that about 30 to 40 percent of cyclists ride their bikes all year, even in winter. He mentions that people who haven't tried winter biking often think it will be hard, but after trying it, many find it easier than they expected. He also says that winter biking helped him enjoy winter again because it can be quiet and beautiful, and it’s a good way to stay active outside.

When roads are icy or snowy, some cyclists use the same low gear all winter, even if their bike has many gears. They also slow down on turns and brake gently. The City of Ottawa suggests that cyclists can use techniques from vehicular cycling, like staying in the middle of the lane when needed, because snow can make roads narrower.

Some cyclists choose quieter streets or paths kept clear of snow instead of busy roads. They might decide not to ride on very cold or stormy days and use a bus instead. In places where lakes or rivers freeze, some cyclists try riding on the ice, which needs special tires or bike changes to stay safe. Riding on ice can be slippery and more dangerous than snowy roads.

Maintenance

When biking in winter, some cyclists use special wet lubricant on their bike chains. In places like Ottawa, they might need to put more lubricant on their bikes every day because of snow, slush, and road salt. Using oil lubricants can help keep the bike moving because oil does not freeze and keeps water away. But oil can get dirty quickly and wear down bike parts faster.

Some winter bikers in Toronto put oil on parts like the freewheel and the ends of wheel spokes to stop rust. After riding, they clean their bikes, especially the brakes, and put on more lubricant. Some also wash their bikes to remove dirt and salt. However, bringing a cold bike into a warm place can cause condensation that freezes when taken back outside.

Accessories

Riding on snow and ice can be tricky, so cyclists use special tires. In lighter winter weather, they use tires with bumps to help them grip the road. In very cold weather, they use tires with metal spikes for better control.

Some cyclists also use fenders to keep snow away from their wheels. They make sure there is space between the wheel and the fender so snow doesn’t get stuck. To keep their bike’s brakes and gears working well in cold weather, some riders use special cables or lubricate them with wax.

One popular tire brand for winter riding is Schwalbe, and some riders use Teflon-type cables for better performance.

Visibility

In winter, it can be harder for drivers to see cyclists because there is less daylight and ice or snow can block parts of car windows. To stay safe, many cyclists use bright lights on the front and back of their bikes and wear clothes that stand out, like neon pink or yellow jackets. Reflective tape and safety vests also help make cyclists easier to see in the dark.

Clothing and protective gear

When cycling in winter, wearing several layers of clothing helps keep your body temperature just right. You can add or remove hats, gloves, socks, arm warmers, leg warmers, scarves, neck gaiters, and lightweight jackets to stay comfortable. In very cold weather, extra layers like thermal pants, winter shoe covers, and longer coats can help you stay warm.

Cyclists in winter often cover their ears, face, and hands with neck warmers, balaclavas, and even ski goggles. Some wear special outer shells that are both waterproof and let sweat escape. They might also use lobster claw mitts, which have separate sections for the fingers, keeping them warm while still allowing use of the brake levers. Water-resistant clothes are useful because roads can be wet from melting snow. To protect the face from cold wind, cyclists may use balaclavas and eye coverings like ski goggles. Some cyclists use covers for their helmets or other creative solutions to keep their heads warm.

Another option for keeping hands warm is pogies, which are covers that go over the handlebars and protect the hands from cold and wet weather. They let cyclists keep full control of the bike while keeping their hands warm and flexible, which is especially helpful for those who need to use radios or phones while riding.

Off-road use

People have used special bikes called fatbikes to ride in Antarctica. In December 2013, Maria Leijerstam rode across Antarctica to the South Pole on a unique three-wheeled bike.

Fatbikes

Main article: Fatbike

A fatbike is a bicycle with very wide tires made for riding on soft ground like snow. These tires are much wider than normal tires, which helps the bike move smoothly. Companies like Surly Bikes started making fatbikes for people to use in snowy places. Fatbiking can be done just for fun or in competitions. Some parks now allow fatbiking on certain trails during winter. As more people enjoy fatbikes, there are now special events and races just for them. These include the Snow Bike Festival, the Global Fatbike Summit, the Fatbike Birkie race, the US Open Fatbike Beach Championships, the USA Cycling Fat Bike National Championship, and the 45Nrth Fatbike Triple Crown race series.