When roads are covered in a mishmash of salt, sand, and snow, most cyclists will retire their wheeled stallion for the winter and opt for more a suitable means of transportation. Streets are slippery, the air is cold, and visibility is poor. In southern Ontario, winter road conditions can change in half a day. Soupy-brown sludge will cover the roads by day but black ice can form haphazardly after dark. Bike lanes become snow-banks. As a winter cyclist I sometimes question my sanity.
In the summer months I can throw on a pair of flip-flops and be ready to hop on the saddle. Cycling in the winter requires much more attention. Heat transfer is an important concept in winter biking. Layering clothing helps keep you warm by creating stagnant air pockets. In stagnant air conductive heat transfer dominates; convection and radiation is negligible. Since air has low thermal conductivity, it provides great insulation in the cold weather.
Cold hands make me want to scream. That is why I highly recommend the use of thick ski gloves for winter cycling. This does, however, impede hand dexterity. I just try to keep my hands on my brake levers at all times. Nevertheless, there always comes a time each winter when ski gloves are not enough to prevent the cold wind from coming through. Products such as Moose Mitts are specially designed to combat this issue. They are handle bar mittens made from thick 1000 denier Cordura, which is both wind- and water-proof. They are lined inside with heavy fleece and have inner pockets to keep your energy bars warm. It protects your digits from the wind and creates a layer of warm air around your hands. At $65 – $90 plus shipping per pair, they’ll remain on my wish list for awhile. Two juice jugs fitted on either side of your handle bars with holes cut into them large enough to get your hands in will be my make-shift Moose Mitts this winter. While this solution will not provide any insulation it will keep the wind off of your hands.
As mentioned earlier, winter road conditions are nearly unpredictable. When pedestrians are slipping and sliding on their walk to the bus stop it is hard to trust gyroscopic precession to keep you upright. This is why a helmet is essential. I wear a balaclava underneath my helmet to keep my ears warm. It is also vital to get a set of bike lights. A decent pair for the front and rear of a bike can cost less than $10 at Canadian Tire but will greatly increase your visibility at night.
The final challenge of biking in the winter is maintenance. Snow and salt will accumulate on your bike and cause severe damage to major components if not cared for properly. Snow collects on the bottom side of the down tube and under the bottom bracket. Keeping a soft brush by your door to ensure excess snow and ice is knocked off of your frame will prevent corrosion. Snow and ice can also seep into your derailleurs causing them to cease up over time. Applying a wet lubricant, once or twice a week, on the bottom and top of the chain will deter rust from forming on any major parts of the drive train. However, too much lubricant will allow salt to stick to the chain; wipe off any excess with a rag. Spraying WD-40 on non moving parts will also help keep the rest of the frame healthy.
Even after all this preparation, prevention, and layering, I sometimes consider taking the bus. The tune of humming heaters and warm morning chatter are mere siren songs. I know better. What is convenient at the moment gives way to what is better in the long run. I pull on my thermal underwear and gather my things.
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