On winter biking

On winter biking

17 Nov 2008

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Dear Umbra,

Here in Cleveland we recently endured the first snowstorm of winter. When I look out the window and see all that pretty white stuff, I can't help but reach for my car keys instead of my bicycle helmet. Can you offer any suggestions for safe and warm winter riding?

Jon B.
Lakewood, Ohio

Dearest Jon,

Has anyone out there tried gel toothpaste on their eyeglasses as an anti-moisture measure? It's just one of the winter riding tips I found, but I think we need to hear some testimony from the streets. If it works, a whole world will open up for our four-eyed friends -- not just while biking, but running, Nordic skiing, and even walking.

Snow falling on speeders.

My winter riding is all Pacific Northwest-based, so though I have a lot of firsthand experience with wet and mild cold, some of the following tips come from the virtual biking community. There is, of course, an avid, crazy-in-a-good-way group of bikers out there who ride in any condition (search "winter biking"). One website warns that dogsleds can come up fast and silent -- so watch out!

Safety first. Wear a helmet with straps tight enough that eating a hamburger is impossible. Make sure you have front and back lights in good working order, and consider adding a light on your helmet. Put reflective tape on your outer clothes, your bags, and your helmet. Change out your tires to wider, knobbier tires, or even studded tires -- here you will want to scout around for good recommendations for Ohio conditions. Slightly deflated tires apparently handle well in snow, according to the crazy-in-a-good-way riders. Understand how to recognize and handle frostbite (e.g., do not rub or dunk in hot water) and, if there is any remote chance you will spend a night injured and unnoticed in the snow, hypothermia.

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Allow extra time to get places, especially in the beginning, when it will be smart to ride slowly and accustom yourself to road conditions. Be observant of how the road looks and how the road feels. Just as in our cars we learn to see black ice, or prepare to drive over packed snow, you will need to anticipate how your bike handles the next section of road. From what I've read, a bike on ice is similar to a car on ice, in that a slow response to slipping is better than a quick twist of the handlebars. Ride extra-defensively. The shoulder may vanish once plowing begins, and cars will not expect winter cyclists.

It's not hard to keep your body warm on a winter ride. The concerns lie in your extremities, in the wet weather, and at the end of the ride. Buy an outdoor thermometer and set it next to a window, so you know how warmly to dress before you leave the house. There's a balance between dressing warmly enough to bike and wearing so many layers that you are sweating profusely and ready to freeze the minute you stop pedaling. I think it's like Nordic skiing -- you should be chilly but not cold before you start. Certainly dress in layers, with something wicking next to the skin (no cotton). Seek out the good hand and foot casings for typical Cleveland winter weather. Mitten covers with an articulated finger may be just the thing. A thin cap worn under your helmet will help you heat right up and stay warm throughout your ride (here's a fancy example, but surely a thrift store will disgorge something just as useful).

In the Pacific Northwest, the dilemma is how to be water-resistant without excessive sweating. I have often decided against waterproof legs in favor of air circulation, but would wear a rain jacket. A fender will help keep you dry. Either keep dry clothes at your destination, or be sure to have a waterproof way to carry them with you.

If you don't mind looking kinda wacko, then your imagination will be the only limit to the perfect winter bike outfit. One of my Seattle friends wears shorts, orange leg warmers, and flip-flops.

Have a great time staying fit, warm, and gas-free this winter.

Brakely,
Umbra

Yours is to wonder why, hers is to answer (or try). Please send Umbra any nagging question pertaining to the environment -- but first check out her FAQs!

The claims made in this column may not reflect the views of this magazine. Neither the magazine nor the author guarantees that any advice contained in this column is wise or safe. Please use this column at your own risk.

Umbra Fisk is Grist Research Associate II, Hardcover and Periodicals Unit, floors 2B-4B.

Comments: (18 comments)

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Biking in Winter

In the Boston area, where I live and bicycle, the most dangerous winter conditions are:

Snow banks on the sides of the roads make the roads narrower, squeezing bikes more into the traffic lanes.
Out-of-control, skidding cars are a real, all-to-common hazard.
I usually try to stick to the bike paths to avoid the above-mentioned winter hazards, but I've wiped more than once on ice. Bikes are much harder to handle on ice than cars, since they slide sideways out from under you if you alter your weight balance or direction even minutely. Luckily, if you're on a bike path, you won't be run over by a car the moment you go down (see number 2 above). The other disadvantage of the bike paths I use to get to work is that they are not plowed. People walk on them, then the slush freezes, making extreme washboarding that can just about vibrate the teeth out of your head.

It's a tough ride either way (paths or roads) once the snow starts to fly.

by markalla at 11:02 AM on 17 Nov 2008

Wait it out

According to Hansen and the IPCC, winters will have disappeared by 2009.

Then you can bike in Boston in December in koolats.

Just wait one more year...then all the Global Warming doomsday scenarios will surely come true.

...if there are self made Purgatories, then we all have to live in them.
--"This Side of Paradise", TOS

by jabailo at 11:03 AM on 17 Nov 2008

Snow can be fun

i ride to work year round and find the winter conditions challenging but fun. i choose to use a single speed mountain bike with studded tires slightly deflated. they handle fantastic and if you only ride that bike when conditions call for it they last many seasons. also having fenders is a must in my opinion. also be ready for some increased maintenance as you will be gunking everything up when riding through the sludge. specifically clean your chain regularly and grease it. also if yoiu have aluminum parts beware and make sure you wash them regular if you are in an area where they use salt. as far as clothes i think the winter time is the perfect time for bib tight. seals out the wind and grab a balaclava to seal the neck and head. i ride in CT and have seen it all. the worst is the cars. nothing we can do about them though. stay safe and happy winter riding.

by gthayerdc at 11:15 AM on 17 Nov 2008

Has anyone ever considered...

... training wheels? They would give you that extra level of stability in the snow.

Anyone tried that?

www.campusprogress.org

by tboggia at 12:45 PM on 17 Nov 2008

wear ski goggles and use studded tires

That and watch out for snow plows. I quit biking in the snowiest part of winter last year because I got hit by the snow flying off the snow plow. When it gets too snowy, I switch to x country skis. I picked up a used pair for twenty five bucks.

by hikerreese at 1:13 PM on 17 Nov 2008

good tights are essential

This is my first year commuting via bike. The biggest trick is staying cool while staying warm. I have found that a pair of bike tights rated for cold temperatures have been great. The high tech fabric does a great job keeping my legs at the right temperature, wicking moisture while retaining heat (the right amount of heat). The few days I have not worn them, I came close to overheating. They cost about $100, but they will keep giving back by allowing me to ride into the winter. It was pretty easy to swallow that expense when I thought about it that way.

by rosebytes at 1:23 PM on 17 Nov 2008

nonsnowy weather?

Anyone have advice for just plain cold? We don't get much snow here in TN, but we do get cold and windy.
And what about keeping the hands warm... wind goes right through my knit gloves...all the way to the bone!

by hhammer224 at 1:43 PM on 17 Nov 2008

Snow and ice

Snow is OK, but ice can be deadly.

Last year, I managed to fracture two ribs as the result of riding across a narrow little sliver of ice on the pavement.

Whatever gear you choose to employ, be aware that winter riding seems to carry a significantly higher risk of injury. Partly, that is because of ice and adverse weather. Partly, it is because drivers will not be expecting cyclists as much.

a sibilant intake of breath

by sindark at 1:51 PM on 17 Nov 2008

safety and comfort

I rode my first winter last year, here in Madison, WI. We had 100+inches of snow! They often plow the trails before our residential street, so we're mostly good.

I am not a pro, by any stretch, but definitely game. So, here goes!

I agree with all of the above: Don't push it with the cars or bad roads. You cannot see the potholes underneath or sometimes at night. The hazards I encountered were also:

The narrow roads and lanes, and ice ruts. No matter what kind of tires, if you hit a big ice track/rut sideways, it's tough!

Studded tires,slightly deflated. They are miraculous! It's actually easier to ride on ice than on slush.

For the cold and wind:

-Balaclava. Head (ears!) cover, neck cover and face cover all in one. Wow. This and the gloves and the tires are my must haves.

-Layer, layer, layer. I have a medium-thickness underlayer I got at REI - their brand -for a really great price. Very thin, comfy thermals that wick moisture and keep in heat. That plus thick, durable pants, and lots more layers on top are great.
-Wind-proof outer layer. Rain pants on the bottom for wet days.

-Goggles/wraparound shades. I used my $3 chemistry goggles for nighttime riding and they were lovely. Keeps the wind from tearing up your eyes,which can be really dangerous.
-Hands and feet. Invest. I tried the neoprene shoe covers and they weren't very good. Layering with good socks worked even better, and I actually ride with my workboots in winter (waterproofed with beeswax treatment, very cheap), but you can find other waterproof options.
Gloves. Get an inner thermal glove liner plus mittens with windproof outer coating or a really good all in one.
Here are mine from North Face (used near zero degrees F and they worked really well): http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfrikken/3028082861/

Yes to fenders to keep the slush out.

Yes to cleaning your chain and lubing it OFTEN (I am trying a new winter, biodegradable lube from Pedro's called "Chainj" this year.)

If you cannot tell, I'm kind of into it, now! It is a challenge, and takes time at first, but it really keeps the cabin fever away.

I need advice on glare at night AND I hear yellow tinted lenses are good?

-Susan

by sfrikken at 3:42 PM on 17 Nov 2008

winter biking

This is second hand from my uncle Jerry, who biked year around for decades in Madison, WI. It was a great joy in his life.

First, replace the grease with oil to compensate for the cold. Second, never take a shortcut across the lake. Sure the traffic is lighter, the surface more consistant, but he fell in a pressure crack unexpectedly and nearly froze. (It happened in a heartbeat.) From then on he took his chances on the city streets. At least if he were hit, someone might notice!

by erosocha at 5:08 PM on 17 Nov 2008

Iowa

I bike through the whole winter in Iowa. On ice and every other condition. I take it slow in the beginning of the season to get used to it, but by the end I am speeding over all conditions. What I find the worst is riding down a fresh snow that has had only a few cars on it. They pack the snow some what and then it breaks out from under you. Not really dangerous just annoying, and difficult. I just wear my normal clothes with one more layer. I live in the country so the wind gets whipping out there riding home in the dark. Many times I don't have to worry about getting hot.

by timhammond at 5:24 PM on 17 Nov 2008

Tires

Hailing from Winnipeg, we get some serious winters to contend with, but it's my favourite season to bike in! You get to hold up traffic by riding in the ruts and you look like a maniac when you arrive at work/school covered in frost head to toe from your frozen sweat (whicked away from your body by umbra's advised non-cotton clothing). It's sweetass. My piece of advice is about tires. Personally, I like to ride slicks year round. I find they cut through mounds of snow/slush better, and snow doesn't stick to em as much, which means it doesn't get clogged in your brakes either! Plus it's badass. You just have to expect to fall sometimes. But it's the winter, and you're wearing plenty of layers aka padding. Happy biking!

by kilgore trout at 6:13 PM on 17 Nov 2008

Winter in Cincinnati OH

We don't get the temperatures of Cleveland(or the snow amounts), but I have gained experience from year-round riding.

On longer commutes, take a second pair of clothing...or at least gloves and socks.
Dress to be slightly cold. You will ride faster and warm up quicker.
Fenders and lights, lights, lights.
Take the lane. None of this crap of riding in the ruts or on the snowy edge of the road.
When you throw your leg over the top-tube, remember to tell yourself that "people are nice."

I smile, sometimes wave, and generally have a great ride.

Best of luck.

by kdrex at 11:38 AM on 18 Nov 2008

And....

... whatever you do, don't be stupid and pack your laptop with you (like I did) or anything else that's fragile.

by pcarbo at 12:23 PM on 18 Nov 2008

Try some nails

Fenders and lights are a must. Lube up more often. If you have clipless pedals, consider changing back to the old fashioned regular pedals so that you don't break a leg when you fall on ice.

Your front tire is the most important tire. If the front can make it through something, chances are the rest of the bike will follow. They now make tires that are made of a special compound that are a bit stickier. They're called slow rebound tires. I have a friend who took an old tire and put small nails through it so that the tire is covered with small metal studs. Works for him!

by Quinn at 2:27 PM on 18 Nov 2008

watch your neck

The most efficient thing I've found to help keep me warm is a neck gaiter. Anything to keep the neck warm really helps, so I suppose a scarf would work too, but I'm not that stylish :)

Also, I have not found much use myself for fancy tires, I think the biggest thing on ice is just staying balanced and going slowly... sometimes, really, really slowly.

by edunlea at 7:50 PM on 19 Nov 2008

If you're crafty: customize!

I'll admit, a good pair of triple-layered gore-tex pants are worth their weight (which isn't much) in gold. The pants breathe, but keep you very dry. However, these pants can be pricey.

What I did was to go to a fabric store that stocks outdoor fabrics and bought swaths of double layer ultrex fabric and some light fleece for lining. The double layer fabric is cheaper than the triple layer, and the fleece lining ensures that you will be comfy and warm inside. I'm really not sure what temperature these pants will be rated for, but I live in Seattle and we really get wet; not cold.

by rycarson at 8:32 AM on 21 Nov 2008

Get on your bikes and ride!

Apparently 15,000 studded tires are sold in the USA each year, so you're not alone. I bought commercial studded tires and they are well worth the $200 to have more courage than the Cowardly Lion.

Definitely -40 is easier than -2C.

Bitter cold is clear, bright, dry and the ice sticky. Down facemask, gloves & winter boots, thin clothing and a parka in your pannier so a flat won't kill you. If you're always on snow glue one bead to your rim and run fat tires at 20psi.

Just near freezing is dark, damp and slippery. Neoprene is awful but better than most other materials. Fleece is pretty good. Carry dry clothes and the biggest light you can afford.

Winter riding is awesome!

http://www.icebike.org
http://green.wikia.com/wiki/Bicycle

by bryantheresa at 9:38 PM on 23 Nov 2008

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