{"id":171756,"date":"2018-12-13T12:42:52","date_gmt":"2018-12-13T12:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=171756"},"modified":"2018-12-13T12:42:52","modified_gmt":"2018-12-13T12:42:52","slug":"cycling-in-winter-yes-you-can","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2018\/12\/13\/cycling-in-winter-yes-you-can\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in Winter: Yes, You Can!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Climate change is real, and the planet is getting warmer. But we\u2019ll still have to endure all the pleasures of winter for some time \u2013 the snow, the icy winds, the biting cold. But that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t hop on your bicycle in January and go for a ride. But it will take a little work \u2013 you can\u2019t just saddle up on a whim and go out for a spin, as you do in summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The key to a comfortable and safe ride in winter is preparation. First, of course, dress for it. There is a broad range of lightweight and warm clothing for the intrepid winter cyclist that will protect you from the cold without constraining your movement. And if you\u2019re going for a long ride, a thermos of hot chocolate, coffee or tea placed securely in your water bottle cage will help keep the chill out of your bones.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The world\u2019s busiest bicycle street \u2013 N\u00f8rrebrogade in the morning rush hour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You\u2019ll also need to properly prepare the bike for the many environmental challenges winter throws on the road or bike path. Like them or not, mudguards are very important for a comfortable \u2013 and clean \u2013 ride. They will protect you and \u2013 if you\u2019re riding in a group \u2013 your fellow riders from the water, mud, slush and dirt your tires pick up and kick up.<\/p>\n

Many bikes are made with eyelets and the right clearance to accept full mudguards. If you have a racing bike, you\u2019ll need to purchase clip-on mudguards, such as the Crud Roadracer Mk3<\/a> or the appropriately named Ass Savers, which are minimalist, inexpensive and cool-looking.<\/p>\n

Winter tires are also an excellent idea, since rain and snow tend to increase the amount of puncture-causing debris on roadways. They may slow you down a little, but they will help you ride longer and reduce the risk of (ugh!) having to repair a puncture in a snowstorm.<\/p>\n

Wider tires provide better grip, so the 28mm Bontrager AW3 Hard-Case Lites<\/a> are a good choice. According to reviews, when properly inflated they won\u2019t slow you down too much \u2013 and they reportedly perform well in fair weather too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A participant of Winter bicycle parade named “Let’s bike it!” cycles along an embankment in Moscow on January 8, 2017. The air temperature dropped down to -27 degrees Celsius in the Moscow area.\u00a0\u00a9 Profimedia, AFP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since winter tends to be dark even in daytime, it\u2019s important that you are lit up like a cruise ship when out on the road. A flashing light in back and a powerful LED light up front are essential.
\nYou could also add turn signals, such as the CYCL WingLights<\/a>, which attach to the ends of the handlebars. They give cyclists 360\u00b0 visibility in all weather conditions and allow you to signal an upcoming turn by simply tapping a button on the light. And just to make sure you are easy to see, you might want to don the \u201csmart\u201d Lumos helmet, which integrates lights as well as hard-brake and turn signals.<\/p>\n

A small saddlebag is also a good idea, to carry spare clothing and emergency equipment for worst-case scenarios, such as a multitool, glueless patches, tire levers and a spare inner tube.
\nAs the referee said to the boxers, \u201cKeep it clean.\u201d Regular cleaning and maintenance of the bike is perhaps the most important \u2013 and least pleasant \u2013 preparation for winter riding. Soap and water work well enough but you may want to use a degreaser and chain bath to do it properly. Check on chain wear and make sure to keep the chain lubricated. Keep the cables lubricated as well, and check them regularly for wear and damage. If you clean your bike regularly, it will mean that you won\u2019t have to work as hard or long every time.<\/p>\n

Finally, when you\u2019re on the road, and riding over a fine layer of snow or slush, or the asphalt is just wet, keep your eyes open for metal surfaces in your path, such as tram tracks or manhole covers. They are very slippery when wet. I discovered that in Berlin when I rode over a frozen manhole cover and my bike slid out from under me.<\/p>\n

So, put in the necessary time and effort and you\u2019ll have a safe winter on your favorite transport mode.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Climate change is real, and the planet is getting warmer. But we\u2019ll still have to endure all the pleasures of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":162187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[330],"tags":[604,2531],"global-categories":[],"class_list":["post-171756","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-urban-cycling","tag-winter-cycling","tag-winter-tires"],"yoast_head":"\nCycling in Winter: Yes, You Can! - \u0160koda We Love Cycling<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Climate change is real, and the planet is getting warmer. 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