Cold-weather biking, cold-weather cycling, or winter biking is the use of a
bicycle
A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.
Bic ...
during months when roads and paths are covered with ice, slush and snow. Cold weather cyclists face a number of challenges in near or below freezing temperatures. Urban commuters on city streets may have to deal with "
ow, slush, salt, and sand", which can cause rust and damage to metal bike components.
Slush and ice can jam
derailleur
Shimano 600 front derailleur (1980)
A derailleur is a variable-ratio bicycle gearing system consisting of a chain, multiple sprockets of different sizes, and a mechanism to move the chain from one sprocket to another.
Modern front and rear d ...
s.
Some cyclists may bike differently in winter, by "slow
ngdown on turns and brak
nggradually" in icy conditions.
Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult.
Winter cyclists may use bikes with front and rear fenders,
metal
studded winter tires
and flashing
LED
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor Electronics, device that Light#Light sources, emits light when Electric current, current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy i ...
lights.
Winter cyclists may wear layers of warm clothes and "ea
face, and han
coverings
may be used. Specialized winter bikes called
fatbike
A fatbike (also called fat bike, fat tire, fat-tire bike, or snow bike) is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires, typically or larger and rims or wider, designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow ...
s, which have wide, oversized
tires
A tire (American English) or tyre (British English) is a ring-shaped component that surrounds a Rim (wheel), wheel's rim to transfer a vehicle's load from the axle through the wheel to the ground and to provide Traction (engineering), t ...
that are typically inflated with low pressure, are used in snow trail riding and winter bike competitions.
Terminology
Cold-weather biking is also called "winter cycling", "winter biking", "snow biking", "
fatbiking" (the name is a reference to the oversized, wide tires) or "ice biking." "Ice biking" often refers to biking that takes place on ice-covered lakes and rivers.
Choice of bike
Winter cyclists may use a cheaper bike for winter biking, because "
ow, slush, salt, and sand" causes rust and damage to metal bike components.
The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project (OBLP) states that bikes used in winter will be "bombarded by the road salt", which can cause rusting; as such, some cyclists ride a different bike than the one they use in warmer months, such as a used bicycle or an inexpensive bike.
Another Ottawa biking website concurs with the statement that winter cyclists do not "ride
heir
Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Officiall ...
best or expensive bicycle in winter", but adds that riders do not ride a poor-quality "piece of junk
ike
Ike or IKE may refer to:
People
* Ike (given name), a list of people with the name or nickname
* Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969), Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II and President of the United States Surname
...
, as this type of cycle will be "slow, heavy, uncomfortable and continually breaking down"; instead, a "used ‘mid’ level bike" is recommended.
An Ottawa biking website states that some winter cyclists use a "
mountain style bike" ...
ecausenbsp;... the frame geometry, wheels and components are design for less than ideal riding conditions such as mud and dirt", which means that the bike is better able to handle snowy and slushy conditions.
CBC news states that winter cyclists may choose to not use multi-speed bikes with
derailleur
Shimano 600 front derailleur (1980)
A derailleur is a variable-ratio bicycle gearing system consisting of a chain, multiple sprockets of different sizes, and a mechanism to move the chain from one sprocket to another.
Modern front and rear d ...
s: "
single-speed bike ... means fewer moving parts and it's less likely to freeze up" in icy conditions.
According to the OBLP, bikes with an internal gear hub, in which all the gears are enclosed in a case (as opposed to being exposed to the elements) will "kee
gears clean and ice/salt free".
On bikes used for winter biking in urban environments, the road salt may cause the chain to become rusty, which can cause problems with its functioning (e.g., links seizing up or chain links rusting through
). To avoid chain problems, some winter bikers use a
belt-driven bicycle
A belt-driven bicycle is a chainless bicycle that uses a toothed synchronous belt to transmit power from the pedals to the wheel.
The application of belt drives to bicycles is growing, especially in the commuter bicycle market, due to the ...
, which uses a rubber belt similar to those used as timing belts in automobile engines. Steel components in bikes can be rust-damaged, including steel frames and metal brake cables and shifter cables; for this reason, some winter bikers use bikes made of non-steel materials, such as aluminium.
Offroad cyclists may use
fatbike
A fatbike (also called fat bike, fat tire, fat-tire bike, or snow bike) is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires, typically or larger and rims or wider, designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow ...
s, a specialized bike type with extra wide rims and tires. These bikes are described in the
section below.
Approach to riding
Tom Babin, a writer from Calgary who penned ''Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling'' states that "
out 30 to 40 per cent of cyclists bike year-round".
Babin states that people who have not tried cold-weather cycling tend to be afraid of it, but once cyclists try winter biking, they find "it's a lot easier than they thought it would be." He also states that winter cycling has enabled him "to rediscover the joy of winter" because it can offer riders "beautiful moments" of quiet in the snow and a way to get outdoor exercise.
Because slush and ice can jam derailleurs, some winter cyclists use the "same low gear all winter", even if they have a multi-speed bike.
The OBLP states that cyclists biking in winter "slow down on turns and brake gradually" in icy conditions.
The City of Ottawa states that some cyclists may use
vehicular cycling
Vehicular cycling (also known as bicycle driving) is the practice of riding bicycles on roads in a manner that is in accordance with the principles for driving in traffic, and in a way that places responsibility for safety on the individual.
The ...
techniques for winter biking, including
taking control of the lane when appropriate: "Roads tend to be a bit narrower due to snow banks. Ride in the middle lane when necessary, which will prevent motorists from passing you too closely."
According to the OBLP, some winter cyclists avoid major roads and use "low/slow traffic streets and winter maintained pathways."
The OBLP states that some winter cyclists choose not to bike on "very cold, icy or ... snow storm" days, and take a bus or other commuting method.
Maintenance
When winter biking, some cyclists regularly lubricate the chain with a wet lubricant.
An Ottawa winter biking website states that lubricant "may have to be reapplied daily in slush conditions", due to the presence of water and road salt on streets.
The OBLP states that winter cyclists use a "thickish lube" on their chain and derailleurs.
An Ottawa bike website states that there is a downside to using oil lubricants: "
l lubes are a quick and dirty way to keep your bicycle running in winter,
ecauseoil doesn’t freeze and it does displace water – thus preventing freezing. However, oil collects a lot of dirt and debris – wearing your bicycle’s components faster."
The city of Toronto states that some winter cyclists oil the
freewheel
Freewheel mechanism
In mechanical or automotive engineering, a freewheel or overrunning clutch is a device in a transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft. An ov ...
and put "...a drop of oil at the end of each wheel
spoke
A spoke is one of some number of rods radiating from the center of a wheel (the hub where the axle connects), connecting the hub with the round traction surface.
The term originally referred to portions of a log that had been riven (split l ...
" to reduce rusting.
A ''Torontoist'' article states that winter cyclists "
pe down
heir
Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Officiall ...
bike
fter riding paying special attention to the brakes, which can corrode easily. And then clean and lubricate
hechain" with a wet, oil-based lubricant. The OBLP states that some winter cyclists wash off their bike, to get grime and salt off the components. Some car washes and indoor parking garages have high-pressure hoses that can be used.
An Ottawa winter biking website states that bringing a bike used outside in winter weather into a heated indoor area "...will cause condensation to form on everything, and it will immediately freeze if brought back outside."
Accessories
Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult. In mild winter weather, cyclists "use low-pressure knobby tires on both the front and rear wheels."
During "severe conditions, winter tires with hardened steel spikes" can be used to increase traction
and provide "better control."
The OBLP states that some cyclists use front and rear fenders for winter biking.
For winter biking, fenders that are fitted with some space between the wheel and the fender are used by some cyclists. According to the Mountain Equipment Co-op, close-fitted fenders can clog up with snow.
According to the OBLP, while fenders with space "don’t accumulate snow buildup, ...
ome
Ome may refer to:
Places
* Ome (Bora Bora), a public island in the lagoon of Bora Bora
* Ome, Lombardy, Italy, a town and ''comune'' in the Province of Brescia
* Ōme, Tokyo, a city in the Prefecture of Tokyo
* Ome (crater), a crater on Mars
Tran ...
prefer tight fitting fenders."
The OBLP states that some winter cyclists use Schwalbe studded winter Marathon tires.
To avoid frozen brake and derailleur cables, an Ottawa website states that some riders use "‘slick’ or
Teflon
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that has numerous applications. It is one of the best-known and widely applied PFAS. The commonly known brand name of PTFE-based composition is Teflon by Chemou ...
type cables" or "regular cables" lubed with a "dry
axlube like White Ligh
nng".
Visibility
During the winter, it is harder for drivers to see cyclists, due to the shorter daylight hours and the potential for ice and snow to be obscuring part of the car windows, so some cyclists use flashing
LED
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor Electronics, device that Light#Light sources, emits light when Electric current, current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy i ...
lights on the front and rear of the bike and "
ight coloured garments" to increase their visibility on the road.
One winter cyclist quoted by CBC news states that he "double
the number of lights" on his bike during the darker winter periods.
According to Karen Ruth, "garish" colored outerwear, such as neon pink and yellow jackets help to make winter cyclists visible from a distance; she also states that jackets with reflective stripes are used.
[Ruth, Karen. ''Bicycling: A Reintroduction''. Cool Springs Press, 2011. p. 70] The city of Toronto states that reflective tape, reflective leg bands and reflective safety vests are used by winter cyclists to increase motorists' ability to see them in the dark.
Clothing and protective gear
Wearing several winter clothing layers make it easier to regulate body temperature when cycling in the winter. Hats, gloves, socks, arm warmers, leg warmers, scarves, neck gaiters and lightweight packable jackets, can be adjusted, added, or removed to help regulate your body temperature and personal comfort. In below freezing temperatures extra clothing items can be added to help keep you warm these include thermal pants, winter shoe covers, and longer coats.
A CTV article states that winter cyclists may dress in layers, and they may cover the "ears, face, and hands" using "neck warmers, balaclavas, and even ski goggles."
According to Karen Ruth, some winter cyclists choose outer shells that strike a balance between being waterproof and being breathable (to allow perspiration to escape); outer shells that contain armpit zippers and zip-off sleeves are sometimes used.
Lobster claw mitts are used by some winter cyclists. They have two sections for the fingers, which helps to keep the fingers warm, while at the same time facilitating the use of brake levers. Water-resistant clothing is used on some days; an Ottawa winter biking website states that "...roads will be covered with melting snow/slush at the edges, making any cycling a ‘wet’ experience."
To prevent negative effects of
windchill
Wind chill or windchill (popularly wind chill factor) is the lowering of body temperature due to the passing-flow of lower-temperature air.
Wind chill numbers are always lower than the air temperature for values where the formula is valid. When ...
on the face, the same website states that cyclists protect the face with
balaclavas and eye coverings (e.g., ski goggles).
An Ottawa bike website states that to keep the head warm while wearing a standard bike helmet, that contains numerous vents, some cyclists wear helmet covers or use
DIY
"Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individuals use raw and sem ...
solutions like covering up the vents with duct tape.
While some winter cyclists prefer using traditional gloves or mittens (or hybrids such as the lobster claw mitts) that are worn directly on the hands, pogies are another option to protect the hands from cold and wet weather. These hand coverings are directly mounted to the handlebars and encompass the grips, shifters and brake levers, allowing the cyclist to insert their hands into the pogies and have full control over their bike cockpit without wearing heavier, more cumbersome gloves. Pogies are especially useful for
bicycle messenger
Bicycle messengers (also known as bike or cycle couriers) are people who work for courier companies (also known as messenger companies) carrying and delivering items by bicycle. Bicycle messengers are most often found in the central business di ...
s working in cold weather, as using light gloves or even none at all within the pogies allows for normal hand dexterity for operating radios, cell phones, pens and other small motor skill tasks without needing to continuously remove and put heavy gloves back on again.
Off-road use
There have been a number of
Antarctic cycling expeditions in which adventurers have used specialized wide-tired bikes called
fatbike
A fatbike (also called fat bike, fat tire, fat-tire bike, or snow bike) is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires, typically or larger and rims or wider, designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow ...
s. In December 2013, Maria Leijerstam completed the first successful pedal-powered ride across Antarctica to the South Pole on a customized recumbent trike.
Fatbikes
A fatbike is a
bicycle
A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A is called a cyclist, or bicyclist.
Bic ...
with wide, oversized
tires
A tire (American English) or tyre (British English) is a ring-shaped component that surrounds a Rim (wheel), wheel's rim to transfer a vehicle's load from the axle through the wheel to the ground and to provide Traction (engineering), t ...
, typically or larger and rims or wider, designed for low inflation to allow riding on soft unstable terrain such as snow. The name is a reference to the fatness of the tires used on the cycles. The wide tires can be used with inflation pressures as low as 5 psi (340 hPa) to allow for a smooth ride.
Surly Bikes
Surly Bikes, or Surly, is a bicycle brand based in Bloomington, Minnesota, United States, that was founded in 1998. It is a division of Quality Bicycle Products, a manufacturer and distributor of bicycles and bicycle parts. Despite sharing a simi ...
released the Pugsley frame, in 2005, and began producing Large Marge 65 mm rims and Endomorph 3.8-inch tires in 2006. The Pugsley frame, rim and tire offerings made fatbikes commercially available in local bike shops worldwide. Other early versions of the fatbike were normal
mountain bikes
A mountain bike (MTB) or mountain bicycle is a bicycle designed for off-road cycling. Mountain bikes share some similarities with other bicycles, but incorporate features designed to enhance durability and performance in rough terrain, which m ...
equipped with SnowCat rims, created by Simon Rakower of All-Weather Sports in Fairbanks, Alaska in the early 1990s; or with multiple tires seated on two or three standard rims that had been welded or pinned together.
Fatbiking is both a recreational activity and a competitive activity. An example of recreational fatbiking is the announcement in 2015 by
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park (french: Parc de la Gatineau) is a federal park located in the Outaouais, Outaouais region of Quebec, Canada. Administered by the National Capital Commission as part of the National Capital Region (Canada), National Capital Region, ...
in Canada's national capital region that snow biking and winter mountain biking will be permitted on selected snowshoe trails. The park only permits cyclists with "winter bikes equipped with tires at least 9.4 cm (3.7-in.) wide" to use the trails. As the popularity of fatbikes has expanded,
fatbike-specific events (races, race series, tours, and festivals) have emerged. Examples include the Snow Bike Festival, the annual Global Fatbike Summit (since 2012), the Fatbike Birkie race which is part of the Great Lakes Fatbike Series (2014-2015 season: 8 races held across 3 states), the US Open Fatbike Beach Championships (inaugural, 2015), the
USA Cycling
USA Cycling or USAC, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the national governing body for bicycle racing in the United States. It covers the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, and BMX across all ages and ability leve ...
Fat Bike National Championship (inaugural, 2015), and the 45Nrth Fatbike Triple Crown race series.
See also
*
A Winter of Cyclists
*
Antarctica Cycling Expeditions
Antarctic cycling expeditions were made possible with the development of fatbikes: fat tired bicycles designed for riding in snow and sand.
Expeditions
Expeditions in order of distance cycled.
Doug Stoup was the first person to undertake a cycl ...
*
Fatbike
A fatbike (also called fat bike, fat tire, fat-tire bike, or snow bike) is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires, typically or larger and rims or wider, designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain, such as snow ...
*
Ice cycle
An ice cycle, ice bike, or icycle is a bicycle adapted for use on ice, usually by replacing the front wheel with an ice skate. Versions exist with and without additional skates to provide lateral stability, that have been based on upright and re ...
*
Skibob
Skibobbing (also called skibiking or snowbiking) is a winter sport involving a bicycle-type frame attached to skis instead of wheels and sometimes a set of foot skis. The use of foot skis is what defines "skibobbing".
Although skibobs are ofte ...
*
Outline of bicycles
:''This article is an outline about bicycles themselves. For an outline about cycling, the associated activity, see outline of cycling.''
The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to bicycles:
Bicycle – pedal- ...
*
Outline of cycling
:''This article is an outline about the activity of cycling. For an outline about bicycles themselves, see outline of bicycles.''
:The following ''outline'' is provided as an overview of, as well as a topical guide to cycling:
Cycling, al ...
Further reading
* Babin, Tom. ''Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling''. Rocky Mountain Books Ltd, 2014.
* Cajuste, Mariah. ''Surviving a New England Winter''. Booktango, 2014. (has short section on winter biking)
* Ruth, Karen. ''Bicycling: A Reintroduction''. Cool Springs Press, 2011. (has section on rain and cold weather gear)
* von Markowsky, P. ''Winter Cycling. Technical guide and ideas for the budget-minded, do-it-yourself adventurer''. Lulu Publications, 2013.
References
External links
Icebike: home of the winter cyclistAlaska All Season CyclingChicago BikewinterIce Biking article for the ''New York Times''Complete Guide to Biking in Cold Weather''Winter Cycling Federation
{{Human-powered vehicles
Cycle types
Off-road vehicles
Mountain biking
Cycling
Commuting
Winter sports