CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting

Winter cycling advice

(37 posts)
  • Started 10 years ago by KarenJS
  • Latest reply from acsimpson

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  1. KarenJS
    Member

    I've been cycling for years but am a relative newbie to winter cycling. I usually give up cycling to work when the clocks change as the normal problems with roads and weather are that much worse, and scarier, when it's dark and cold. However, I've invested in a good light and continued up till now (most days anyway), but my next challenge is cycling when it's icy/snowy.

    I was wondering if anyone had any tips/advice for commuting in this weather? Anything from what clothes to take/use to how to avoid skidding! If there's already a thread I haven't found, please let me know. My commute is all in the city, mix of roads and cycle paths.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  2. SRD
    Moderator

    Cycling on proper snow is fabulous! Lower tyre pressure a bit and have fun. You'll be much safer on soft snow than packed snow or ice - so stay away from car tyre tracks if possible and if in the meadows etc cycle on the grass, not the path.

    .

    Posted 10 years ago #

  3. chdot
    Admin

    Lots of threads, but a new one is a good idea.

    Previous 'debates' have made more people aware of studded tyres - and made some people glad they bought them.

    Useful for people expecting/having to ride on untreated paths/roads.

    Last year was the first winter CEC made a serious effort to grit 'key paths'.

    Generally good - though there were a few times when they had to be reminded - usually via Twitter.

    Clothes - lotsa layers, take some off if/when you get too warm.

    Good gloves, I like scarves (wrapped around mouth and nose if necessary) some people prefer buffs.

    Socks.

    Other advice -

    Keep reading CCE (and cycling)!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  4. sallyhinch
    Member

    Biggest piece of advice for snow/ice - allow loads more time than usual. You'll be safer if you're able to get off and walk for the dicey bits. If only all the drivers did the same (allow time, not get off and walk, although...) then everything would be fine.

    If it stops being fun (or doesn't feel safe), then stop.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  5. SRD
    Moderator

    Caveat - you may find that if you get off an walk, you're slipping and sliding more than you were on the bike. Last winter I carried cleat-like things that slipped on over my boots in my pannier in case I needed to get off and walk. But owing to the gritting service, I didn't ever need to. It was good to know I could if I needed to though.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  6. wee folding bike
    Member

    Ice is bad on two wheels without spikes. Keep it smooth.

    Use the back brake if you think the surface is slippery. Front wheel skids are difficult to deal with.

    Salt is not your friend. Causes corrosion and gets into bearings.

    Hats with ear flaps and Buffs keep you warm.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  7. Morningsider
    Member

    Good gloves are a must - you have never really had cold hands until you have cycled with no/poor gloves on in winter.

    Edinburgh bus routes are always gritted as a priority in winter and are generally fine to cycle on. Avoid cycling in the gutter or near the edge of the road if it is icy, even if a road is gritted this area may still be slippy.

    If you think you are on ice - keep rolling and keep your weight on the saddle. If you have to stop then brake as gently as possible - back brake first.

    If in doubt in snow or ice - get off and push.

    I have never used spiked tyres and have cycled through many winters - although many people here like them.

    Try and wash down your bike occasionally - salt is pretty hard on it.

    Enjoy the sound of motorists hacking away at their frozen windscreens as you cycle serenely past and enjoy those lovely crisp mornings. It isn't all doom and gloom, winter cycling can be a joy - as long as you keep warm.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  8. gembo
    Member

    Stick to main roads. Do not go for side streets. keeeeeep cycling (strictly reference).

    Posted 10 years ago #

  9. Uberuce
    Member

    Studded tyres. They are a heavy expensive noisy pain in the bum when it's not icy, but they beat an evening in A&E getting an elbow stitched up.

    I've had an evening in A&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.

    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.

    +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.

    +1 to buffs. Cold ears are no-one's friend.

    +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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  10. DeathbyPompino
    Member

    +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.

    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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  11. Uberuce
    Member

    I could sell you some trimmings.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  12. Dave
    Member

    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!

    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.

    The last couple of winters it only snowed a couple of days (I know because I built a snow plough 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.

    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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  13. HankChief
    Member

    I'm a big fan of my outside thermometer readable from inside and fairly cheap to buy.

    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.

    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

    Posted 10 years ago #

  14. Focus
    Member

    "keeping the bike upright in the corners"

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  15. allebong
    Member

    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.

    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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  16. Smudge
    Member

    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(!)
    This morning the first few hndred metres I was riding on glittering white roads and crossed another stretch closer to the station.
    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 :-)
    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.
    Best winter thing for keeping me on the road, in more than one sense lol
    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"
    That's all I think, enjoy!!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  17. Charterhall
    Member

    Studded tyres, appropriate clothing, regular bike maintenance

    Posted 10 years ago #

  18. gembo
    Member

    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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  19. chdot
    Admin

    I would 'like' to have studded tyres, but realistically I ride on roads that (mostly) are likely to have been gritted.

    I don't do early morning long distance commutes and 'know' when to ride slowly.

    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!

    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...

    Posted 10 years ago #

  20. wee folding bike
    Member

    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.

    Kids in Morrisons and Aldi trollies sometimes ask me if I'm a pirate.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  21. Dave
    Member

    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?

    There are some pics of mine wearing down on my Marathon Winter review.

    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.

    At a guess I'd say there was lying snow for < 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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  22. paul.mag
    Member

    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 & 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!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  23. kaputnik
    Moderator

    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).

    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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  24. Focus
    Member

    Thanks for the feedback on studdies. Still not sure I can justify them as I'm not currently needing 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).

    Posted 10 years ago #

  25. Smudge
    Member

    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.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  26. MrTea
    Member

    I bought my first buff recently & 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.

    Re layers- Sports Direct have a decent sale on their base layers at the mo

    Posted 10 years ago #

  27. riffian
    Member

    Balaclava donned for first time this winter. Similar in effect to a buff I'd imagine. Lovely day for winter cycling.

    Posted 10 years ago #

  28. wee folding bike
    Member

    Any thoughts on the Polar Buff?

    Posted 10 years ago #

  29. KarenJS
    Member

    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...

    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.

    @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!

    @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!

    Thanks for the encouragement, good to know that it's all possible and might actually be fun!

    Posted 10 years ago #

  30. Dave
    Member

    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 ;-)

    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).

    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.

    Exercise some care, obviously.

    Posted 10 years ago #

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