**Group 1: Terminology and Bike Selection**
– Cold-weather biking is also known as winter cycling, winter biking, snow biking, fatbiking, or ice biking.
– Ice biking typically refers to biking on ice-covered lakes and rivers.
– Winter cyclists may opt for cheaper or used bikes to avoid damage from snow, slush, salt, and sand.
– Mountain-style bikes are preferred for their design in challenging riding conditions.
– Single-speed bikes and those with internal gear hubs are chosen for reliability in icy conditions.
**Group 2: Riding Techniques and Maintenance**
– Around 30 to 40 percent of cyclists bike year-round.
– Winter cycling offers beautiful moments in the snow and outdoor exercise.
– Some cyclists maintain a low gear all winter to prevent derailleurs from jamming.
– Vehicular cycling techniques are utilized, including lane control when necessary.
– Regular chain lubrication with wet lubricant and cleaning after rides are essential for maintenance.
**Group 3: Accessories and Visibility**
– Cyclists use low-pressure knobby tires or winter tires with steel spikes for traction on snow and ice.
– Front and rear fenders are common accessories for winter biking.
– Visibility is enhanced with flashing LED lights, bright clothing, reflective tape, and safety vests.
– Washing off grime and salt is recommended, but avoid bringing a cold bike into a heated indoor area to prevent condensation.
**Group 4: Clothing and Gear**
– Layering clothing helps regulate body temperature.
– Winter cyclists use hats, gloves, arm warmers, scarves, jackets, and outer shells for waterproofing.
– Specialized gear like lobster claw mitts and pogies protect hands without compromising dexterity.
**Group 5: Off-Road Use and Benefits**
– Antarctic cycling expeditions utilize specialized fatbikes.
– Fatbikes with wide, low-pressure tires are ideal for soft terrain like snow.
– Fatbikes are used in recreational and competitive events.
– Benefits of cold-weather biking include improved metabolism, mental health, cardiovascular fitness, immune system, and winter fitness maintenance.
The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with North America and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (February 2016) |
Cold-weather biking, cold-weather cycling, or winter biking is the use of a bicycle during months when roads and paths are covered with ice, slush and snow. Cold weather cyclists face a number of challenges in near or below freezing temperatures. Urban commuters on city streets may have to deal with "[s]now, slush, salt, and sand", which can cause rust and damage to metal bike components. Slush and ice can jam derailleurs. Some cyclists may bike differently in winter, by "slow[ing] down on turns and brak[ing] gradually" in icy conditions. Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult. Winter cyclists may use bikes with front and rear fenders, metal studded winter tires and flashing LED lights. Winter cyclists may wear layers of warm clothes and "ea[r], face, and han[d]" coverings may be used. Specialized winter bikes called fatbikes, which have wide, oversized tires that are typically inflated with low pressure, are used in snow trail riding and winter bike competitions.
