http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Winter cycling advice en Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:41:04 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-365278 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:49:31 +0000 acsimpson 365278@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm not sure if it's been edited but the article now says it keeps the CoG in the right place. Depending on how sharply you are cornering the outside pedal remains over or outside the tyres so keeps more weight pushing down rather than out on the tyres. Of course it isn't necessarily as simple as that as the cornering itself also creates forces on the tyres (otherwise we would fall off every time we turn).</p> <p>It's nice to see an article which doesn't concentrate on clothing. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-365276 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 10:25:13 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 365276@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I really question the orthodoxy that weight through the outside pedal when cornering = lower centre of gravity. That does not compute for me. Probably other good reasons for it (not least clearance) but CoG arguments I struggle with </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-365275 Wed, 14 Dec 2022 09:46:11 +0000 chdot 365275@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/cycling-in-winter" rel="nofollow">https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/travel/cycling-in-winter</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-133493 Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:47:48 +0000 Focus 133493@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Very important:</p> <p>Don't drink a litre of chocolate milk just because its use by date is today, thinking it will make wintery wind seem a little less forboding. I just did and my stomach is a little annoyed with me! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-133472 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:50:58 +0000 Dave 133472@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Good point. The meadows is probably an ideal place for it, since it's so badly damaged by extensive commercial use and other sports anyway.</p> <p>It may interest you to know that I kept a log last winter (or maybe the one before - this forum is a bit generous with time boundaries for old posts) and it was only inclement for 10 commutes out of 132 in Dec/Jan/Feb. That's counting each direction as "1"... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-133470 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:47:37 +0000 Smudge 133470@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Practicing skidding on grass may be preferred to tarmac, a softer landing if it all goes a bit pear shaped! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657&page=2#post-133469 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:47:09 +0000 sallyhinch 133469@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lobster gloves are pretty good if you get really cold fingers (don't do much for your thumbs though). I only use mine on the really coldest days though because they make you look very odd (not as odd as I'd look with a ginger beard though) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133466 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 22:39:09 +0000 Dave 133466@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you're worried about skidding the best thing to do is get out there on a bad evening and experiment (obviously a cul-de-sac is ideal ;-)</p> <p>It's very rare for the road to be completely sheer ice. It's more likely just to be a bit slippy and then if you have a feel for your bike you're going to get on a lot better (possibly just because you're a bit more confident and less tense).</p> <p>Unless you had a recent or extensively misspent youth, you're probably not that familiar with skidding the back wheel of your bike any more (and it's normally expensive!), I remember an enjoyable half hour a few years ago in Newington deliberately skidding up and down the street and balancing the bike as it happened.</p> <p>Exercise some care, obviously. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133455 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 21:00:04 +0000 KarenJS 133455@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks everyone, loads of good advice/tips here and just what I was looking for :-) I am quite worried about skidding so very glad of those tips, although was momentarily confused by @hankchiefs suggestion to keep the bike upright in the corners. I was just thinking my bike doesn't have corners...</p> <p>I might try the ski gloves suggestion as I have problems with my fingers going numb in cold weather anyway. I do have some gloves but not good enough to prevent my thumb going numb this morning which made changing gear a bit difficult.</p> <p>@uberuce you are right in supposing I do not have a huge ginger beard, closest I could get is tying my hair under my chin!</p> <p>@dave I'm very impressed by the snow plough, don't know if I hope you get to use it more this year or not!</p> <p>Thanks for the encouragement, good to know that it's all possible and might actually be fun! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133434 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:28:56 +0000 wee folding bike 133434@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Any thoughts on the Polar Buff? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133433 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:23:33 +0000 riffian 133433@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Balaclava donned for first time this winter. Similar in effect to a buff I'd imagine. Lovely day for winter cycling. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133401 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:40:36 +0000 MrTea 133401@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I bought my first buff recently &amp; it really does make a massive difference. Also bought a pair of waterproof overshoes after my shoes got completely soaked in a downpour. Haven't had to use them yet, amazingly.</p> <p>Re layers- <a href="http://www.sportsdirect.com/ladies/ladies-base-layer">Sports Direct</a> have a decent sale on their base layers at the mo </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133385 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 15:11:21 +0000 Smudge 133385@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Forgot to add... Don't forget to hydrate just because it's cold(!) Also, layering works best if you have a pannier/saddlebag/rack to put layers into when you remove them (and before replacing them). Especially good in the cold to avoid a sweaty back from a daysack cooling you down to much if you have a stop for some reason. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133361 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 14:22:00 +0000 Focus 133361@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for the feedback on studdies. Still not sure I can justify them as I'm not currently <em>needing</em> to ride in bad conditions too often. Maybe if and when I get round to building some spare wheels with disc hubs I'll consider buying a pair as I don''t want to be having to change tyres when the weather goes from good to bad to good again during the winter. I could also do with a spare set of wheels to stop changing from knobblies to slicks on the same bike but at least that's a change I don't have to normally make more than once a season! (Talking of which, I really ought to change to those knobblies now before the ice and frost becomes more common). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133355 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 14:19:09 +0000 kaputnik 133355@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>For me, it's worth it for the reassurance that I won't take a high speed spill and need a hip replacement (sadly a CCE reality check). </em></p> <p>Exactly the same for me. Twice I've come down on ice in last few years without my studs and twice I've dusted myself off and walked away. I'm not going to risk it on a proper bad day if for the sake of £60 of tyres I can avoid a huge amount of time off work. I rely on my bike to get me places, and hate walking on icy pavements, so if I can keep going on safely and reliably on 2 wheels throughtout the winter then I'm happy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133344 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 14:03:12 +0000 paul.mag 133344@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I cycle right through the year and things I've learned are mostly what has been posted and what you'd imagine, lots of layers, thicker socks &amp; gloves, keep the neck and ears warm, I don't like hats as I tend to overheat even in winter. You may also want to get some clear glasses as road spray and icy winds can limit your vision. When coming upto a corner have a shoulder check from further away than usual and SLOWLY brake, then when at a snails pace you can corner with a fairly upright bike, if you have traffic behind you I'd overshoot the corner, come to a complete stop then push the bike. You don't want to be lying in the road looking up at a car. I also discovered that the more in line I can keep my wheels the better so just make smaller steering movements than usual. Finally as others have said, enjoy it! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133248 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:51:59 +0000 Dave 133248@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Can anyone hazard a guess as to how much of their studded tyre mileage is on clear routes (including clear sections of mixed condition routes) and how long their tyres last as a result?</em></p> <p>There are some pics of mine wearing down on my <a href="http://mccraw.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-winter-review/">Marathon Winter review</a>.</p> <p>I'm starting winter three with the same front tyre but a new rear tyre, so I got two winters on the back. I think I've replaced around 35 missing studs in total, not bad since there are 480 on the bike.</p> <p>At a guess I'd say there was lying snow for &lt; 10 days, hard frost... who can say? For me, it's worth it for the reassurance that I won't take a high speed spill and need a hip replacement (sadly a CCE reality check). The extra training factor is welcome too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133246 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:39:56 +0000 wee folding bike 133246@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I keep mine by the phone. Number 4 son has the Chinese dragon one. I've got black, Marino black, retro reflective stripe black and saltire. </p> <p>Kids in Morrisons and Aldi trollies sometimes ask me if I'm a pirate. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133242 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:34:53 +0000 chdot 133242@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I would 'like' to have studded tyres, but realistically I ride on roads that (mostly) are likely to have been gritted. </p> <p>I don't do early morning long distance commutes and 'know' when to ride slowly. </p> <p>A couple of years ago I rode the Innocent when it was solid ice to video it to show that it should be gritted. I went VERY slowly!</p> <p>This post is JUST A WARNING - as reported previously - sometimes people have fallen off because they didn't realise that the bike in front had studs... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133235 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 08:02:02 +0000 gembo 133235@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My new buff was £4.99 from trespass. As yet it has not flushed out the old buffs, which I cannot find. I am ever hopeful. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133234 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 07:41:15 +0000 Charterhall 133234@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Studded tyres, appropriate clothing, regular bike maintenance </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133232 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 07:10:54 +0000 Smudge 133232@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lots of good advice so far, I'm one of the studded tyre fans, this is my third winter on them and I use them as the streets where I live are seldom treated and I live high enough to get regular ice(!)<br /> This morning the first few hndred metres I was riding on glittering white roads and crossed another stretch closer to the station.<br /> As others have said, they are heavier, akin to riding on mtb knobbly tyres, but I love the security of pretty much being able to ignore the frost :-)<br /> Don't know what mileage I've done on them (approx 12miles a day on tarmac four times a week for 2 and a bit winters) but I'll maybe change them for next year just for peace of mind (overcautious!), I've lost a few studs and they are quite pushed in now but no signe of intrusion inside the tyre and the rubber treads are pretty much as new.<br /> Best winter thing for keeping me on the road, in more than one sense lol<br /> Other than that, advice.. Hmmmm, wear your waterproof jacket to keep the wind out going downhill, cheap "ladies" fleece gloves from the supermarket are actually unisex (in my world!) and comfy/wind proof/warm enough. Airzounds are cheap now and nice to have in traffic (where a bell is completely useless). Oh and if you're riding on iffy surfaces keep your feet unclipped in case you need to "dab"<br /> That's all I think, enjoy!! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133226 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 02:20:36 +0000 allebong 133226@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you're on any sort of dodgy icy surface assume that at any moment either wheel will suddenly slide out. So you shouldn't find yourself thinking 'I hope I don't slide because if I do this will be bad...' since you can't rely on your tyres anywhere like when it's clear. This is the difference between a hard clatter and merely putting a foot down.</p> <p>Not much more to add. Winter can be very hard on the bike as well, it's a struggle to keep on top of maintenance at times, but it pays off when the spring comes round. Basic stuff like checking cables/cleaning chain/greasing exposed parts goes a long way. Not any point in trying to keep the bike pristine though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133222 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 01:48:53 +0000 Focus 133222@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"keeping the bike upright in the corners"</p> <p>All the advice is good but this is a vital one. If you remain upright while cornering, you have a good chance that any slide involves you sliding without falling, and at least giving you a shot at getting a steadying foot off /out of the pedal. Leaning into the corner will only result in you coming down, usually hard.</p> <p>It is worth practising upright cornering while the weather is still relatively mild as it may take getting used to, depending on your current riding style.</p> <p>I've never bought studded tyres. There seem to be two main camps on that issue (in the UK) - those who swear by them and those who think there are few times and places where they are of benefit and that they will wear out (the studs) on non-slippy roads.</p> <p>Can anyone hazzard a guess as to how much of their studded tyre mileage is on clear routes (including clear sections of mixed condition routes) and how long their tyres last as a result? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133213 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:21:27 +0000 HankChief 133213@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm a big fan of my outside thermometer readable from inside and fairly cheap to buy.</p> <p>Knowing how many layers to put on before you head out is a huge advantage. I used to find I was too hot rather than too cold.</p> <p>Apart from that take it steady, turn slowly and concenteate on keeping the bike upright in the corners - rather than the usual tendancy to lean </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133212 Tue, 19 Nov 2013 00:04:27 +0000 Dave 133212@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you don't already have one, definitely get a buff. You can use it as a hat, as a scarf, or my personal favourite, put the front just under your bottom lip and pull the back right up so it covers your ears, then don your hat of choice. Toasty but not too sweaty!</p> <p>You don't need to worry about cycle-specific gloves. Get a pair of cheap ski gloves from Trespass or Decathlon (etc) and enjoy having warm hands. At this point you may start unzipping / rolling up sleeves to keep cool, but it's all good fun.</p> <p>The last couple of winters it only snowed a couple of days (I know because I built a <a href="http://mccraw.co.uk/bicycle-snow-ploughing/">snow plough</a> and it was highly underutilised), most of the rest of the time it's just like riding in spring or autumn but a bit colder. That sounds a bit more trite than I'd like but there you are.</p> <p>I do have winter tyres but they're probably a bit of an investment for someone in your position. Hardly anyone, as a percentage, has them. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133209 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 23:53:03 +0000 Uberuce 133209@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I could sell you some trimmings. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133205 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 23:40:12 +0000 DeathbyPompino 133205@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for buffs and warm gloves! The main thing is to be a bit more proactive at getting into a suitable primary position - for both grip and visibility.</p> <p>Is there anywhere I can rent a bit of facial fuzz for the winter months? As a bald chinned whelp, I feel I'm at a great disadvantage. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133200 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 23:17:51 +0000 Uberuce 133200@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Studded tyres. They are a heavy expensive noisy pain in the bum when it's not icy, but they beat an evening in A&amp;E getting an elbow stitched up. </p> <p>I've had an evening in A&amp;E getting my elbow stitched up(summer accident, unrelated to frost), and I've ridden two winters on heavy expensive noisy studly tyres, and I'll stick with my studlies, kthnxbai. </p> <p>Getting the [insert alternate means of transport] when it's frosty but cycling when it's been over zero Celsius is a perfectly admirable plan. </p> <p>+1 to good gloves. Wingpig and I are in competition to be the most Absurdly Coldproof CCEer, but even we can't keep our fingers warm without decent mitts.</p> <p>+1 to buffs. Cold ears are no-one's friend.</p> <p>+1 to growing a huge ginger beard. I will tentatively suggest from you username that this idea may not take seed, but trust me, a rusty chin hedge is Da Bomb at this time of year. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=11657#post-133199 Mon, 18 Nov 2013 23:11:37 +0000 gembo 133199@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Stick to main roads. Do not go for side streets. keeeeeep cycling (strictly reference). </p>