What you need to know about winter cycling

For many people, cycling is a healthy and safe form of transportation, but riding in winter can be a completely different story.

Winter weather brings many challenges, such as the cold, snow and ice. However the challenges extend beyond that. Windsor uses salt on its roads, which can cause much more wear and tear on a bicycle than water. Someone preparing to ride for the winter will have to keep an eye on their bike and maintain it often.

There are multitudes of different kinds of bicycles, but most can fall in the categories of road bikes, mountain bikes or combinations of the two, called hybrids. Oliver Swainson, an employee and mechanic at City Cyclery, believes knowing your bike is the most important part of winter riding.

“It’s because of riding my bike in the winter that I can now ride better in the summer,” said Swainson. “When you ride over ice and snow, it forces you to really learn how to control your bike. You learn to control each and every movement. I was riding in the Via Italia race this summer and my tail went out in a corner, and its only because of the control I learned from riding in the winter that I corrected myself and kept on racing.”

For those with road bikes and hybrids, riders should find the widest tires that their forks, the metal bars that hold the tires in place, will allow. Tires with grooves in them called knobby are prefered over smooth slick tires. Mountain bikes are more equipped to ride in the winter, but if the bike has a suspension system in the fork, it is recommended that the fork be switched out for a rigid one. In particularly icy areas, tires with metal studs will increase traction, but for Windsor’s over salted streets, this is rarely an issue.
Riding with a fixed gear on the bike is another popular option. Fixed gear in simple terms means the pedals are directly connected to the wheels, so if the wheels move, the pedals move. Every subtle movement on the pedals affects motion, and there is no coasting. Because of this, there is more traction, ultimately allowing more control in any situation.

Along with fixed gear bicycles, there are several kinds of bicycles that are more specialized for riding in the winter. Here is where the amount of money in your bank account matters. Cyclo-cross is a sport which specializes in rough riding in all terrains and conditions. While not made exclusively for the winter, those looking to buy a new bike for the winter should seriously consider a cyclo-cross bicycle. you will be looking at a “small” price tag of $1300 for a low end bike like a Fuji Cross 1.3, though the cost can be higher. A Cannondale superx hi-mod starts at $6000 without modifications.

Another style suitable for winter is the recently popular fatbike. Fatbikes typically have tires close to 10cm wide and can conquer snow with ease. Due to the rising popularity of fatbikes, prices have been driven down because of mass production. A Mongoose Beast bicycle can be purchased for less than $200. But a $200 bike is a $200 bike, and someone serious about fatbikes will likely want to splurge on a Surly Moonlander, costing a measly $2400.

Riding in the winter doesn’t have to cost that much though. A Supercycle SC1800 from Canadian Tire costs $100 and with proper maintenance and careful riding, anyone can make it through winter.

Beyond the bike, what you wear is just as important. A rookie mistake is to overdress. Unlike walking where several layers are required, cycling is more active and will keep the body warm. A nice wool or synthetic bottom layer with wicking is ideal as it will keep the sweat away. Avoid cotton as it will soak up sweat and keep the sweat on your skin. Your body is going to be warmer than you would expect, so ditch the down-filled jacket and opt for a windbreaker, which will allow some of the cool air to get in and will keep your body temperature from rising too high.
Covering your extremities is a high priority. A wool cap under the helmet, thick wool socks, and comfortable gloves with grip will ensure that internal body temperatures never go lower than they need to, and will keep your going strong.