Year-round bicycle fun

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It's the cool season, not the off season.

Winter cycling only seems crazy if you haven't tried it before. With the right gear, it can be enjoyable and very rewarding.

So let's share our experiences, and please feel free to ask questions!

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aeharding

Is anyone else riding this winter? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/wintercycling

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No snow yet in my area, but I'm still out here commuting in the damp and the dark. It'll be much prettier once we get some white on the ground.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (2 children)

What's some basic advice for this? I love in an area where ice is a bigger issue, but the more I can ride the better.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Studded tyres help a lot.

Either:

Be diligent about washing your bike after rides, or
Get a second bike you care less about and allow it to be damaged

I'm going with the second option for now.

Get some thick gloves, hands are the biggest problem for keeping temperature. Chest is lowest priority to heat as it gets warm automatically when riding.

Good lights are essential as the days are shorter, in particular if you're commuting. I picked up some ridiculously bright ones on AliExpress for cheap, rechargeable by USB-C. Nice!

Overshoes is probably a good choice, as the feet get quite cool and these keep them dry and fairly hot.

I like riding with glasses, and for this season photochromic lenses are good, again for the darkness. I got a pair of these on AliExpress as well.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I picked up some ridiculously bright ones

Do make sure to angle them down so they don't blind everyone else! These are some really good tips though, thanks

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I've got them dialed in. Luckily, they don't even project the light upwards, so it's quite simple to avoid blinding others.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

I don't get much ice in my area, so I simply drive to work on the few icy days and wait for safer pavement. I know some people ride studded tires; hopefully a user with some experience there will chime in.

Go out of your way to be visible: bright and reflective clothes, hi-vis panniers, bright lights.

Dress in layers and cover as much skin as possible. A thin balaclava that fits under your helmet is worth its weight in gold. Ski gloves with a long gauntlet will keep the cold off of your wrists and wind out of your sleeves.

If you like riding clipless pedals, get cycling shoes specifically designed for winter riding. They should be waterproof and be tall enough to cover your ankles.

It's really nice to have a place at work to hang wet clothes and take a hot shower after a damp, cold morning commute.