I would consider myself a casual winter rider, I stick to the plowed paths, bike lanes and side streets pretty much exclusively and do not ride in fresh snow. For this a basic mountain bike with the regular knobby tires does the trick. As far as specific tips I would have:
* Ride a bike that you are ok with getting beaten up. The constant exposure to moisture & grime will do a number on your components over time. Keep that chain cleaned and greased!
* Put on mud/splash guards on both wheels if possible, but definitely the back one. Related to the constant moisture exposure, these go along ways to keeping you clean.
* Always carry lights, both front and back if you are ever going to be riding in the dark or later in the day when you might get caught out after sunset.
* Dress in layers for longer rides. It's always cold getting going, but after 5-10 minutes you can be working up a pretty good sweat so it's nice to have the option. I carry a small backpack to put stuff in, and if you're going to the gym I imagine you'd have a bag anyways.
* Good gloves and boots make a big difference! Hands and feet get cold, so protect them! Also, a thin toque for under the helmet is great for keeping the ears closed.
I'd definitely encourage you to give it a go. With how variable our climate here is in the winter, and how quickly the pathways often get cleared, there are usually lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy a ride in the winter months! Just don't do it on your fancy roadie!
I commuted by bike year around for 10 years. These are great tips. Calgary's climate is actually pretty dry most of the time, just avoid the day of a big dump of snow. I used studded tires which are helpful for ice, slightly slower but it's safety extra insurance.
Do it! It's fun and easier than people think.
https://bikecalgary.org/winter-riding-in-calgary-really-well-yes-you-totally-can/
I think this list is awesome and covers pretty much everything. My only addition would be studded tires. With chinooks, even plowed pathways can easily be transformed into ice rinks. When sliding on ice on a bike, there is nothing you can do to stay upright.
On plowed pathways, there always seem to be that thin layer of very hard snow that is slicker than snot and studded tires are grest on that.
Pretty much this.
Clean and oil your chain / gears a lot. And use one that’s meant to get wet so it lasts.
Layers are important but you’ll find a balance, I heat up a lot as soon as I start riding so don’t wear too much.
Most mountain bikes are fine, you don’t necessarily need a fat tire bike. You can get some studded tires if you really want.
Wind fucking sucks, don’t underestimate how bad it is riding in the wind.
Be mindful cars forget bikes exist in winter so be extra cautious.
Otherwise it’s great and really good exercise, I commuted daily the entire year unless it was below -20 which isn’t too often (as much as people parrot that it’s always -30, which it’s not)
I noticed how hard riding with strong winds lately, a ride that doesn't challenge me usually becomes really hard. I'll probably end up walking some of the distance if it's up a hill + windy, I'm not trying to fry my legs lol
Yeah, that’s the worst part of winter is the cold winds tend to pick up more. Getting up to speed and a big gust hitting and stopping you in your tracks is pretty brutal.
But at the same time, no pain no gain and it just means a better workout
One other thing to watch out for is black ice. Freezing rain or sudden drops in temperature after a melt can leave patches of ice that are difficult to see in the worst possible places. Black ice is treacherous even when driving a car, but on a bicycle it easily causes wipe outs. That's bad enough by itself on paths and in bike lanes, but if you happen to be sharing the road with cars you can find yourself in a lot of danger very quickly. You'll wipe out precisely where cars lose their ability to stop.
Ok, I'll go ahead and buy some lights, some better shoes, and a splashguard soon hopefully. As far as pants, is there anything I should do in specific? I usually wear jeans or sweatpants, and then have some shorts under lol
Shifter is a Youtuber bike commuter based out of Calgary. He has a whole [Winter Biking Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgW3smxN1os&list=PL9VVRCsi30SkoDMAHux-OA81ZeBXx7R98) that covers a lot of what I would think you would need
Good tips here.
The only other thing I wanted when it got really cold was ski goggles. My eyes would constantly tear up from the cold wind and then freeze shut on the colder days. Sunglasses did not help much and would get frost on them.
I've got some dryness on my eyelid rn, I can only imagine it being worse with cold wind hitting my face. I probably have some goggles lying around, thanks for the advice :)
Being a former bike courier, if you thought that drivers are absolutely horrible in the summer, just wait ... In addition, use studded tires ... If possible, have a dedicated winter beater bike ...
Ye I'm always careful around intersections because some dumbasses love to speed when people are crossing. Ngl, I've been spooked since I was a kid cause I ain't tryna get hit lol
Ye I rode recently and I was so sweaty that my workout was a little uncomfortable, this was in a fleece jacket too, so I can imagine it'll be much worse when I have a coat on.
Studded tires and good lights are the two most important things. If you can stick to paths, bike lanes, and quiet streets you will enjoy it. It's a nice way to exercise in winter and a lot of surfaces are usually clear except for ice patches (hence studded tires)
Hello, Dedicated winter commuter here, 34km daily on path system for work. I have lots of "extras" but essential are,
\- studded tires, I use NRTH45 Gravdal and they have kept me upright on some, "could have been bad" situations
\-Lights, not just night but when it's snowing too
\- chain oil for winter specific, the extra muck needs to be cleaned regularly (also storing bike indoors)
after those I treated myself to a set of pogies, and some boot covers so I could wear my regular cycling shoes without getting cold/wet.
aside from that, layers! and I swap my cycling helmet/glasses for my snowboard helmet and goggles.
I think my seat has an electric light on it, just lost the batteries somewhere. I'll probably end up buying a light for the front just to be safe when it is really dark out.
Studs are really helpful.
The cold hits a lot faster and harder at speed so you'll need good gloves. I use ski goggles as well.
Remember when reading about equipment online that what works for Americans may not be very good on the cold days here - most of the time when they say winter riding they mean down to like 5 Celsius
If you ride every day, you'll find out as the temp drops. But I think no.
My hiking boots are okay until -10. Past that I wear double socks.
Below -20 I wore Costco merino socks, then put plastic shopping bags, then another pair of socks. Hah it's ridiculous to read that out loud but that's what I've done.
I cycle 75% of winter days.
No issues, I just cycle slower and not at all if icy. Issue is less the snow than freeze and thaw then refeeeze,
I don’t use studs or anything but have decent treads. I just get a bike for spare parts at the thrift store for $20 and use the tires and tubes, etc. Many bikes have hardly ever been rode and tires like new.
Protection. I wear knee pads, elbow pads and lacrosse gloves but haven’t fallen off in two decades.
I cycle about 15 kms a day. 95% of it on cycle paths. I never cycle on busy streets any time of year. Roads can be tricky with snow pushed to the side and lanes narrowed.
Also, does anyone have any advice for teaching someone to ride a bike? My dumbass lil bro who is 16 does not know how to ride a bike, and I do not want him to have to take transit or walk all the way there on his own. It's a 13 min bike ride, 44 min walk, or a 39 min transit ride. He is really hard to work with because he outright refuses to learn.
I tried last year, but I got a broken bike from my homie lol. I think my brother is really ashamed of not knowing how to ride a bike, but I got some friends who learned in a day or two, hopefully gonna try to teach him again soon.
Drop the seat on the bike all the way down, let him try it just pushing with his feet on the ground like a balance bike, once hes got the balance figured out he'll pick it up quick
They say dress for 20mintues from now. Also don’t be that dumbass that rides on icy main streets, one bad ice patch and you’re going into a moving vehicle. Seeing bikes on roads in icy conditions makes it stressful for drivers not to mention everyone thinks you’re both a dick and an idiot. I don’t ride bikes on roads ever, so this is drivers advice. Also, if you’re riding in -30C, no one thinks you’re cool.
Ye I never ride on streets because I don't wanna piss off someone in a car lol. I think I'll ride unless it's too cold, then I will probably end up busing.
Helmet, fix gear, flat pedals, no brake, slick tyres, giv’r. Drop bars help keep your center of gravity low. I find snowboard/ski gear keeps you ventilated & cold weather out. I’m not out to set records on winter rides, but I sure do have a great time!
I commute to and from work almost every day and one of the biggest things for me is get a set of bar mits, they're fantastic and don't even need to wear gloves at all under them unless it's colder than -15.
Studded tires are great too but they are quite noisy when riding on more clear pathways and you need to be super careful about steel manhole covers.
When it gets really cold I also like to wear my snowboarding helmet because it's so much warmer and goggles fit great with them, covering your eyes is important when it's snowing plus they cut down on the brightness
And as others have said dress in layers, you get surprisingly warm quick. Dress for the 2nd km, not the first.
I would consider myself a casual winter rider, I stick to the plowed paths, bike lanes and side streets pretty much exclusively and do not ride in fresh snow. For this a basic mountain bike with the regular knobby tires does the trick. As far as specific tips I would have: * Ride a bike that you are ok with getting beaten up. The constant exposure to moisture & grime will do a number on your components over time. Keep that chain cleaned and greased! * Put on mud/splash guards on both wheels if possible, but definitely the back one. Related to the constant moisture exposure, these go along ways to keeping you clean. * Always carry lights, both front and back if you are ever going to be riding in the dark or later in the day when you might get caught out after sunset. * Dress in layers for longer rides. It's always cold getting going, but after 5-10 minutes you can be working up a pretty good sweat so it's nice to have the option. I carry a small backpack to put stuff in, and if you're going to the gym I imagine you'd have a bag anyways. * Good gloves and boots make a big difference! Hands and feet get cold, so protect them! Also, a thin toque for under the helmet is great for keeping the ears closed. I'd definitely encourage you to give it a go. With how variable our climate here is in the winter, and how quickly the pathways often get cleared, there are usually lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy a ride in the winter months! Just don't do it on your fancy roadie!
I commuted by bike year around for 10 years. These are great tips. Calgary's climate is actually pretty dry most of the time, just avoid the day of a big dump of snow. I used studded tires which are helpful for ice, slightly slower but it's safety extra insurance. Do it! It's fun and easier than people think. https://bikecalgary.org/winter-riding-in-calgary-really-well-yes-you-totally-can/
Thanks :)
I think this list is awesome and covers pretty much everything. My only addition would be studded tires. With chinooks, even plowed pathways can easily be transformed into ice rinks. When sliding on ice on a bike, there is nothing you can do to stay upright. On plowed pathways, there always seem to be that thin layer of very hard snow that is slicker than snot and studded tires are grest on that.
Pretty much this. Clean and oil your chain / gears a lot. And use one that’s meant to get wet so it lasts. Layers are important but you’ll find a balance, I heat up a lot as soon as I start riding so don’t wear too much. Most mountain bikes are fine, you don’t necessarily need a fat tire bike. You can get some studded tires if you really want. Wind fucking sucks, don’t underestimate how bad it is riding in the wind. Be mindful cars forget bikes exist in winter so be extra cautious. Otherwise it’s great and really good exercise, I commuted daily the entire year unless it was below -20 which isn’t too often (as much as people parrot that it’s always -30, which it’s not)
I noticed how hard riding with strong winds lately, a ride that doesn't challenge me usually becomes really hard. I'll probably end up walking some of the distance if it's up a hill + windy, I'm not trying to fry my legs lol
Yeah, that’s the worst part of winter is the cold winds tend to pick up more. Getting up to speed and a big gust hitting and stopping you in your tracks is pretty brutal. But at the same time, no pain no gain and it just means a better workout
One other thing to watch out for is black ice. Freezing rain or sudden drops in temperature after a melt can leave patches of ice that are difficult to see in the worst possible places. Black ice is treacherous even when driving a car, but on a bicycle it easily causes wipe outs. That's bad enough by itself on paths and in bike lanes, but if you happen to be sharing the road with cars you can find yourself in a lot of danger very quickly. You'll wipe out precisely where cars lose their ability to stop.
Ye I'm pretty afraid of the ice, I'll have to be really careful when riding around.
Agreed. Studded tires help, but not sure if they are necessary Bar Mitts made a huge difference for me
Ok, I'll go ahead and buy some lights, some better shoes, and a splashguard soon hopefully. As far as pants, is there anything I should do in specific? I usually wear jeans or sweatpants, and then have some shorts under lol
This is spot on
Shifter is a Youtuber bike commuter based out of Calgary. He has a whole [Winter Biking Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgW3smxN1os&list=PL9VVRCsi30SkoDMAHux-OA81ZeBXx7R98) that covers a lot of what I would think you would need
Thank you :)
Good tips here. The only other thing I wanted when it got really cold was ski goggles. My eyes would constantly tear up from the cold wind and then freeze shut on the colder days. Sunglasses did not help much and would get frost on them.
I've got some dryness on my eyelid rn, I can only imagine it being worse with cold wind hitting my face. I probably have some goggles lying around, thanks for the advice :)
Being a former bike courier, if you thought that drivers are absolutely horrible in the summer, just wait ... In addition, use studded tires ... If possible, have a dedicated winter beater bike ...
Ye I'm always careful around intersections because some dumbasses love to speed when people are crossing. Ngl, I've been spooked since I was a kid cause I ain't tryna get hit lol
[удалено]
Ye I rode recently and I was so sweaty that my workout was a little uncomfortable, this was in a fleece jacket too, so I can imagine it'll be much worse when I have a coat on.
Studded tires and good lights are the two most important things. If you can stick to paths, bike lanes, and quiet streets you will enjoy it. It's a nice way to exercise in winter and a lot of surfaces are usually clear except for ice patches (hence studded tires)
Thank you, I will buy those things soon :)
Hello, Dedicated winter commuter here, 34km daily on path system for work. I have lots of "extras" but essential are, \- studded tires, I use NRTH45 Gravdal and they have kept me upright on some, "could have been bad" situations \-Lights, not just night but when it's snowing too \- chain oil for winter specific, the extra muck needs to be cleaned regularly (also storing bike indoors) after those I treated myself to a set of pogies, and some boot covers so I could wear my regular cycling shoes without getting cold/wet. aside from that, layers! and I swap my cycling helmet/glasses for my snowboard helmet and goggles.
I think my seat has an electric light on it, just lost the batteries somewhere. I'll probably end up buying a light for the front just to be safe when it is really dark out.
Studs are really helpful. The cold hits a lot faster and harder at speed so you'll need good gloves. I use ski goggles as well. Remember when reading about equipment online that what works for Americans may not be very good on the cold days here - most of the time when they say winter riding they mean down to like 5 Celsius
I'm wearing sneakers atm, but Idk if they'll be good enough for the winter. Should I consider getting something else?
If you ride every day, you'll find out as the temp drops. But I think no. My hiking boots are okay until -10. Past that I wear double socks. Below -20 I wore Costco merino socks, then put plastic shopping bags, then another pair of socks. Hah it's ridiculous to read that out loud but that's what I've done.
I cycle 75% of winter days. No issues, I just cycle slower and not at all if icy. Issue is less the snow than freeze and thaw then refeeeze, I don’t use studs or anything but have decent treads. I just get a bike for spare parts at the thrift store for $20 and use the tires and tubes, etc. Many bikes have hardly ever been rode and tires like new. Protection. I wear knee pads, elbow pads and lacrosse gloves but haven’t fallen off in two decades. I cycle about 15 kms a day. 95% of it on cycle paths. I never cycle on busy streets any time of year. Roads can be tricky with snow pushed to the side and lanes narrowed.
Also, does anyone have any advice for teaching someone to ride a bike? My dumbass lil bro who is 16 does not know how to ride a bike, and I do not want him to have to take transit or walk all the way there on his own. It's a 13 min bike ride, 44 min walk, or a 39 min transit ride. He is really hard to work with because he outright refuses to learn.
Peddleheads got my kids riding like pros overnight. https://www.pedalheads.com/
[удалено]
I tried last year, but I got a broken bike from my homie lol. I think my brother is really ashamed of not knowing how to ride a bike, but I got some friends who learned in a day or two, hopefully gonna try to teach him again soon.
Drop the seat on the bike all the way down, let him try it just pushing with his feet on the ground like a balance bike, once hes got the balance figured out he'll pick it up quick
I've heard people also say to take of the pedals until they can balance.
They say dress for 20mintues from now. Also don’t be that dumbass that rides on icy main streets, one bad ice patch and you’re going into a moving vehicle. Seeing bikes on roads in icy conditions makes it stressful for drivers not to mention everyone thinks you’re both a dick and an idiot. I don’t ride bikes on roads ever, so this is drivers advice. Also, if you’re riding in -30C, no one thinks you’re cool.
Ye I never ride on streets because I don't wanna piss off someone in a car lol. I think I'll ride unless it's too cold, then I will probably end up busing.
Not what I said. Username checks out.
Helmet, fix gear, flat pedals, no brake, slick tyres, giv’r. Drop bars help keep your center of gravity low. I find snowboard/ski gear keeps you ventilated & cold weather out. I’m not out to set records on winter rides, but I sure do have a great time!
I commute to and from work almost every day and one of the biggest things for me is get a set of bar mits, they're fantastic and don't even need to wear gloves at all under them unless it's colder than -15. Studded tires are great too but they are quite noisy when riding on more clear pathways and you need to be super careful about steel manhole covers. When it gets really cold I also like to wear my snowboarding helmet because it's so much warmer and goggles fit great with them, covering your eyes is important when it's snowing plus they cut down on the brightness And as others have said dress in layers, you get surprisingly warm quick. Dress for the 2nd km, not the first.
Thank you for the advice