How To Get Into Winter Biking

Studded Tires

One of the easiest ways to get into winter riding is to simply buy a pair of studded tires for your favorite town bike. If you live in a community that regularly gets snow, like Jackson Hole, you’ll find that the roads are regularly plowed so Fatbike tires are less important than grip on slick streets. There are a variety of sizes and styles of studded tires or you can stud your own by purchasing some studs and a studding tool.

Layering

When winter riding if you start warm you’ll overheat as you get going so being able to shed layers and have a place to put those layers is what you’ll need This can be as simple as wearing a backpack, purchasing frame bags that fit in the open spaces of your bike’s frame, or have a rack/bag system on the back of your bike. Once you’ve overheated, you build up sweat which will make you even colder when you stop. Best to start the ride a bit cool so once you heat up you find that perfect medium! That might mean starting off with that extra layer in your bag and then putting it on if you need it or if you stop for a break and cool down.

Hands

Cycling brands such as Pearl Izumi make winter specific riding gloves that are both breathable and wind resistant to help manage the sweat to wind chill ratio. Additionally, cycling pogies from brands like Bar Mitt’s and Wolf Tooth are a great add-on to your winter bike. A pogie is like a large mitt that fits over your handlebar grips. They keep your hands warm, and block the wind all while allowing you to wear a lighter glove. 

Feet

Warm toes are the key to being a happy cyclist in the winter. From there water and wind resistant footwear will help keep you warm. Not-bulky winter boots, waterproof hiking boots, or cycling specific winter shoes are what we’re looking for. For pedals I’d strongly recommend having metal pins so that your foot doesn’t slide off if your boots get packed with snow. We find that plastic pedals with metal pins like the Deity Deftrap are perfect, inexpensive, and come in a ton of fun colors!

Head

A pair of clear riding glasses will help protect your eyes from tearing up or a pair of goggles could work too but keep in mind they may fog if you work up too much of a sweat. For warmth, a light hat that fits under your helmet or a buff are great to cut the wind while still being breathable. When things get really cold balaclavas, scarves, or a face buff are also key

Lights

With the shorter days in winter many of us will be riding to work and/or home from work in the dark. Additionally, it’s never a bad idea to increase your visibility on the road even during the day. Bike lights have come a long way in the past couple years and now you can get lights that shine brighter for longer at reasonable prices. Lights like the Moon Meteor Vortex blast over 1000 Lumins of light for $75. Just a few years ago you’d be paying $200 or more for that type of power