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Winter Cycling

Tips for Winter Cycling

Compared with many other parts of the country, the Treasure Valley is a pretty easy place to bike commute during the winter. Temperatures are generally moderate and precipitation is minimal. However it still takes a lot more effort and, let's say, sense of adventure than commuting in the summer. Here are some tips to ease the pain a bit.

  • Be Seen

    • Winter often means riding in the dark or, worse, twilight or dusk. Make sure you are visible:

    • Use a front headlight. Modern LED headlamps used for hiking do a great job of keeping you visible. This should be the minimum but to really see the road ahead you'll need a bicycle headlamp. Note that Idaho law requires the use of a white headlamp.
    • Use a bright tail light as well as a rear reflector. Idaho law only requires the rear reflector but a bright flashing LED is highly recommended.
    • Wear bright, reflective clothing.
    • Consider additional reflectors and lights. You can't be too visible.
    • Check your batteries. LED lights in particular will last a long time on a set of batteries but the light output degrades very slowly over time, making it easy not to notice that your flasher has become barely visible from a distance. A nifty technological solution to this problem is the ReLight, available at local bike shops. It provides a bright front and rear LED flasher that is powered by small magnets attached to your spokes. This is a slick way to augment your visibly and provide backup to conventional battery-driven lights.
  • Be Safe
    • When the roads are wet it will make braking harder and your stopping distance will increase.
    • On the road, leaves, manhole covers, and gravel can be challenging. Anticipate braking and be aware of turns. Keep things smooth on the turns and avoid braking during a turn.
    • When icy or wet, driveway lips can cause problems. Enter them perpendicular to avoid slipping the front or rear tires.
    • Bicyclists are not as visible to cars during the winter months. Ride defensively!
  • Be Warm
    • Your outer layer on top and bottom should have a windproof front and breathable sides and rear.
    • Layer various weights of plypro or equivalent under your outer, breathable/windproof clothes.
    • Base layers should be synthetics or wool.
    • If you feel warm as you start out then you're probably overdressed for any ride longer than a half hour.
    • Wear a good pair of windproof gloves with a removable liner.
    • Disposable heat packs can be carried for emergencies or for that little bit of extra warmth on colder days.
    • Bring a headband, hat and facemask wand try them in different combinations.
    • Neck gaitors and balaclavas are also useful. Your face, head and neck will need different amounts of protection as conditions vary.
    • To cool down quickly just remove the headband or balaclava.
    • If you're riding in a headwind or falling rain or snow use eye protection.
  • Be Prepared
    • Take a change of clothes. In this climate you can typically make it to work pretty dry even when there is light precipitation. But on those truly rainy days, or on longer rides, you may get to work pretty soggy. Even if its dry but cold, you still may find that you work up a pretty good sweat on a longer ride. Racks, bike bags and special panniers are great for carrying a change of clothes to work wrinkle-free. You can also leave work clothes at the office. And fleece pants do a great job of keeping you warm and dry during the ride.
    • Always ride with the equipment necessary to change a flat. At a minimum this includes a spare tube and pump. Make sure you know how to change a tire on your winter ride-- every tire/rim combination is different. Consider practicing-- changing a tire in the middle of winter will challenge even the best technique.
    • Have a spare bike. Is your garage filled with bikes? Consider getting two or more of them working before winter hits. Nothing will get you into your car faster as you're trying to get out the door on a cold, dark morning than a flat tire. Grab the spare bike instead of firing up the car!
    • Keep your drivetrain and cables lubricated. The right time to lubricate your chain is when you start to notice increased chain noise. With winter precipitation, you'll need to do this more often than in the summer.
    • Install fenders to help keep the muck off of you.
    • Keep your bike dry. If possible, bring it inside or keep it under an awning. Exposing your bike to rain and snow will mess with your chain and could cause your brake and shift cables to be rough or even freeze up.