Cold Weather Riding
Hard to believe that not long ago humans used to primarily ride their bicycles outside in the winter! Smart trainers and fancy apps have changed how we ride in the winter but that doesn’t mean you can’t take your cycling to the next level with some outdoor riding this winter. Check out these great tips from some Ninny Muggins as you prepare to have a great start to 2021…
Bike Setup
Fenders are clutch, if you don’t have fenders at least an Ass Saver.
Have a plan to wash your bike. Even if that means taking it inside and rinsing your trusty steed in the bathroom shower. Pro Tip : Check with your housemates, family, etc to make sure they are cool with this! Wipe off the salt, especially from your drivetrain and relive that precious chain. Be sure you are using a wet lube. Winter is not the time for a waxed chain.
Double up on head and tail lights. It will be dark dark for the first hour or so, and then it will be a grey dream after that. Have a lighting plan for 4 hours of light.
Go big on tires if you have a choice. If you don’t… just send it! Drop the pressure from your normal PSI. Lower pressure will aid traction, as will the larger width. Studs, knobs or files if your choice. A soft file tread will give you more traction on ice, but not as good as studded tires. Knobs will improve muddy road traction, especially helpful on hills. Tires are a rock paper scissor game.
You Setup
Keep in mind these two principles : dry is good and the wind sucks.
Dry : Focus on creating and maintaining a dry layer next to your skin. This means wicking away sweat and preventing environmental moisture. Check with your local bike shop (Wheels in Motion, Sic Transit Cycles, Motor City Bicycle or Aberdeen Bike) for some winter riding gear.
Torso : Your base layer is key. In dry conditions go for the superior wicking of a synthetic choice. Wet weather go for merino wool and windy a windproof layer. On top of that, layer jerseys and jackets based on the temp. When it is wet, opt for Gore Tex. Dry and cold, go thermal. You’ll know you have it right when you are cold out the door and feel comfortable a half hour into the ride.
Legs : Same idea as torso. If it is just 40 and dry it is a a bibs and leg warmer day. When the temps drop to freezing, add another layer. A pair of bib tights without a chamois for this layer. Below 25 degrees, bibs with wool tights and a layer of Gore Tex. Gore Tex is awesome for windy days. Generally a more relaxed fit in the winter is good to be sure you get the loft for warmth.
Hands and Feet : If you get the torso and legs right your hands and feet are much happier. Winter specific cycling shoes are almost essential on the really cold days. 45nrth makes pricey stuff, but most haven’t been disappointed by anything they make. Their website has a good guide for what to wear at various temps. If you cannot spring for specific shoes I would look at fashioning some kind of vapor barrier system for your feet. Plastic bread bag sandwiched between layers of thin wool socks will work. Don’t wear thick socks that require cramming your feet into shoes. Being able to wiggle your tires mean warmth. For your hands it is gloves, lobster gloves, mittens and/or ponies as the temps drop. Obviously control decreases as you add bulk, that’s why keeping your core warm is important. A warm core allows you to wear lighter hand and foot protection.
Chemical warmers : Some people swear by them. A pre-ride hot beverage can help. Start the ride with a full insulated bottle and a copious amount of coffee before the ride. Hot Gatorade or other isotonic drink can help. Broth is also good in the winter, the salt will help keep the bottle from freezing and a having an extra protein kick helps. Adding a little alcohol will also help prevent freezing your bottle, as will putting the bottle in your back pocket.
Cold weather is hard on batteries. Be sure you are topping off your lights, head unit and other battery powered equipment.
Post Ride Setup
After the ride it is important to recover and start the process of getting ready to do it again the next day. Making of checklist of tasks helps avoid the disappointment that comes with forgetting something. Cold weather riding is equipment intensive, lots of laundry and bike maintenance will make every Ninny Muggins and winter ride memorable rather than miserable.