Seatpost Black

Seatpost Black

The bike doesn't have to be banished to the trainer when the snow flies. With a few modifications and the right clothing you can ride all winter long. I don't have a car so I commute by bike all winter. While I don't look forward to riding in the blizzards it can be safe and fun if you equip yourself right.

The Bike

A mountain bike or cross bike are the best options. You can ride your road bike on dry days once the snow has been cleared from the roads but you don't want to hit ice or even the smallest patch of snow with 23mm wide tires.

Keep it simple. A hardtail with a rigid fork will pose the fewest problems as most suspension will misbehave in the cold. Air pressures drop and oil thickens in the cold so your bike won't respond as well as it would above zero. Another problem with suspension in winter is the need for even more thourough cleanings as salt and road grit will wreck your seals if your not cleaning and lubing after every ride.

Disc brakes are great as they don't pack up with snow but V-brakes or cantis work, just apply the brakes earlier to get the snow off your rims.

Tires

Mud tires such as the Kenda Nevegals are great options because you need something that won't immediately pack up with snow. For icy conditions, steel studded tires are available letting you ride safetly through black ice on roads and sidewalks. The studded tires from Inova, Schwalbe and Nokian all work well. The Nokian tires while more expensive, last longer as the studs are carbide tipped.

You can also make your own studded tires. Do a google seach and you can find instructions.

Fenders

While full rap around fenders offer more protection they can get packed up with snow. I use mountain bike fenders that are designed for suspension forks up front and a seat post mount at the back. There is lots of tires clearance so it isn't an issue with snow build up.

Lights

For a rear light, the red flashers are awesome. Pick a model with bright LEDs, good seals and secure mount. For maximum visibility put one light on your bike and a second smaller one on your helmet.

For a front light a high power LED system is my favourite. While you can use the smaller lights that run on AA batteries in the city, I would suggest a higher output rechargeable system. You can never have enough light. Not only will it light your way but will be noticed by drivers pulling out of parking lots. At my shop we are big fans of Cateye and Cygolite as they make great lights that are reasonably priced.

Clothing

Staying warm in winter comes down to dressing in layers and keeping dry. Regardless of temperature I always start with a set of bike shorts and a wicking top against the skin. From their I build upon the insulation as needed.

While I use specialty cycling clothing for the rest of the year, in winter I go simple and effective.

• Underarmour base layer top and bottom

• Fleece pants and shirt (You can get pretty cheap stuff from Old Navy)

• Windbreaker outer layer, top and bottom.

• Warm hiking or winter boots. Doubled up socks for those extra cold days.

• Thin balaclava or hat to fit under your helmet

• Snow mobile gloves are great as they are for cold and handlebars

Eyeware

If it isn't too cold (above -10c), a sport glass that cuts the wind in your eyes will do. Interchangable lenses are a plus because in the winter you're often in the dark.

Once it gets colder a set of ski or moto cross goggles protect your eyes from freezing wind and covers a good chunk of your face keeping the skin from getting windburn or frost bite. A smart idea is to glue a flap of neoprene to cover your nose. Winter wind can give you a nasty ice cream headache. While it isn't for everyone, winter riding is a great way to get some exercise and build toughness that will make spring seem downright warm.

Winter can be a fun time to ride but you need to use common sense on really bad days. Over the last three years I've only had a handful of days I couldn't commute by bike. And I live in Canada.

My name is Winston Endall. I'm a bike shop owner and cycling coach. Over the last 12 years I've worked developing my Speed Factory Training System to allow real people like you to maximize their fitness. My system lets people with jobs and families build a high level of cycling performance with the minimum time spent each week. Speed Factory combines bike workouts, crosstraining and flexibility work to make you a stronger overall athlete in as little as 4 hours per week.

For more information go to my site http://www.cyclecambridge.com.