Riding a bike is an easy way to commute to work or school, helps reduce pollution from care emissions and is a good form of exercise. When winter comes around, you do not have to stop riding your bike just because it is cold or snowy outside. There are gear options available to help make your winter bike riding easier and keep you safe.
Layering
For cold-weather biking, dressing in layers is a good idea so you can take off layers as your body warms up. The Oklahoma Bicycle Society lists three layers: base, insulation and outer. The best clothing for any kind of exercise is typically made from breathable fabrics; these keep the body dry and help keep you warm. Cotton clothing retains moisture, which does not allow perspiration to evaporate, making you feel chilled. This is especially important to remember with the base layer, the layer closest to your skin.
Bicycles
Cold weather can mean snow, road salt and sand, which can damage your bike. The chain and derailleur can become damaged by this debris and interfere with the gears. Some bikes possess internal geared hubs; the shifting parts of the bike are protected from damage by the hub. A single-speed bike is another option for the winter. Lowering the air pressure in the tires can help you gain more traction, and thinner road tires can be easier to ride on in bad weather than mountain bike tires, according to REI.com. Studded bike tires may be the right choice for a bad winter, because these tires have metal projections protruding from the tires to aid with biking over snow and ice. Fenders can keep slush and water from splashing up onto you, and adding them to your bike is easy and can be done at many bike stores, says Commute Seattle.
Safety Gear
Daylight hours are fewer in the winter, making visibility poor, especially in sleet, snow or rain. Wearing safety gear is essential for your protection. Bike lights are a good idea, and they can be rechargeable or clip-on lights. The lights should be as bright as you can find. Headlight options include solid beams, strobe lights and flashers. According to Commute Seattle, Washington state requires certain lights to be on bikes; check with your state to see whether it has similar guidelines. Wear a reflective vest or clothing with reflective fabric to make yourself more visible in the dark, and brightly colored clothes are best in inclement weather.
Bags and Panniers
Having panniers or carrying a messenger bag or backpack is a smart choice in the winter. Panniers can be a good choice to store bike parts or emergency supplies, but they widen your bike. REI.com says this can be dangerous in the winter, because it puts you in closer proximity to cars. If you wear a messenger bag, make sure it is secure and that it will not shift on your back when riding, because this can throw off your balance and cause you to fall.
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