Winter is once again upon us, but that doesn’t mean that you have to retire your bike while you await the arrival of spring. A few adjustments to your ride and the addition of cold-weather gear can help you ride safely and comfortably throughout the winter. Although much of this advice is common sense and can be applied to cyclists far and wide, this is a guide intended primarily for commuters and not for racers.
Cold weather gear
Avoid overdressing if you have a longer commute. If you sweat during this commute exerting moderate effort in the summer, you should aim to be dressed in clothing that keeps you slightly cold at the start of your winter ride. This will prevent overheating that causes you to sweat, which can quickly dissipate while you’re waiting at a red light or when a cold breeze comes through, leaving you wet and shivering.
Base layer
Your base layer should consist of a synthetic sweat-wicking fiber that will keep you dry if you start to sweat. Depending on what you choose for your outerwear, you may also consider throwing a fleece jacket over your base layer to protect you from any strong winds. You should dress similarly on your bottom half. I prefer cold weather leggings, which are lined and sweat wicking. If you’re expecting wetter weather, waterproof wind pants on top of your leggings will help keep you dry.
Outerwear
What you wear on top of your base layer should vary depending on the temperature and the weather conditions. Often a soft shell jacket will be enough to keep you warm without overheating. For colder, windier days, a heavier winter sports jacket will help keep the chill away. Features to look for include a longer cut in the back to keep you covered in a seated position and enhanced venting ability, such as zippers under the arms or vents along the chest. If you’re planning on riding in wetter conditions, having a waterproof outer layer is a must.
Headgear
In addition to your helmet you’ll want something to protect your ears from the cold. A helmet liner or synthetic ear band is preferable since it will fit under your helmet.
Gloves
Using bulky gloves may be warm, but they can hinder you from being able to comfortably operate your bike. You’ll have a harder time clutching your brakes, which are essential on slippery winter roads. A better option is waterproof cycling gloves, which have grips on the palms and fingers. Many companies now make gloves with touch technology as well, although using your phone as you bike isn’t advised.
Footwear
Waterproof hiking boots paired with some heavy wool socks are your best bet. These boots will be both lightweight enough to avoid feeling clunky on your pedals yet will still keep your feet warm and dry.
Additional gear for bike
Winter can be tough on a bike’s exposed drivetrain. You should plan on washing and lubricating it about once a week to keep it in good condition since it will get dirtier from the sand, salt, and debris on the road than it does during the summer months. With that said, if you ride an expensive bike, it might be wise to invest in a used one for the winter season.
Tires
Good grip is the most essential element for overcoming any slush or salt that may be on the ground. If your tires have a lot of wear and tear, winter is the time to buy new ones. However, this doesn’t mean you have to throw mountain bike tires on your road bike. In fact, this could actually make riding harder because the increased surface area of a wider tire provides more friction. Additionally, deep treads are likely to get slush or debris built up in them, reducing the tire’s rolling efficiency. For the most part, grip is dictated by the rubber compound, but tread is still important. Having some profiling will allow the rubber to push past any dirty film that may build up. It’s also a good idea to run your tires at a lower pressure than you do during the summer months so that they squish down a bit and provide more traction.
Lighting
Many Ph.D. students find themselves working into the night year round. As the sun sets earlier in the winter, you should assume that you will always be riding home in the dark. Look for the brightest bike lights you can find, preferably those that cast a wide viewing angle. At a minimum you should have one front light and one blinking back light. If you find yourself caught in a snow flurry, you might also want to consider LED lights for your tires and any bags you carry. It’s very easy to fade into the whitewashed landscape causing you to be practically invisible to cars. The more lights you have, the safer you will be.
Fenders
If there is slush, snow, or rain on the ground, your tires will definitely throw it up at you during a winter ride. Although you may be covered in cold-weather gear, it will still be uncomfortable if you get wet and dirty. Basic fenders should be enough to keep the spray off of you.
Bags
In addition to your normal supplies, you may want to carry a pair of work clothes that you can change into once you arrive on campus. A waterproof backpack or pannier that clips to a rear rack will keep everything secure and dry.
Safety
You should always be alert while riding, but being aware of the conditions and riding predictably is even more critical during winter. Limit sudden and erratic movements and always use hand signals when turning or changing lanes. Additionally, be aware of your lane position and your distance from the curb, where snow and debris tends to accumulate into a slippery and dangerous mix. Riding a bit slower than you normally would can’t hurt. Be extra careful in areas where the snow has melted. Freezing temperatures as the sun sets will cause black ice on these patches. If your tires do slip, go with the movement rather than against it. Your extra clothing may help pad a fall, but riding slowly and steadily can help to keep you on your bike.
Happy cycling!