You have decided that riding your bike this winter is something that you are either:
a) curious about, or
b) have resolutely decided that you are going to go for it.
Your motivations might be the environment, your health, the pandemic, trying to save money… whatever it is you have arrived at this decision and that’s rad.
But you’re getting bogged down by all of the suggestions. And feeling broke.
Those well intentioned suggestions often have something to do with spending money. Yes, you buy in to the logic that spending money on your bike to happily get you through winter is cheaper than running a car or buying a monthly transit pass; but, if you’re already doing one or both of those things, spending money on another mode may still be money you don’t have. Making different transportation choices is one option to free up cash, eg. ditching the transit pass or parking your car for a season. ‘Investing’ in your health is powerful logic…
But, sometimes, the cash just isn’t there or is limited. Or, perhaps you just really hate spending money and love being thrifty.
And that’s okay. You can still ride in winter.
What do you need for winter cycling?
What most Canadians need to go back-and-forth to their car or wait at the bus stop. Plus, a bike.
That’s it. That’s all. It’s true.
A jacket. Mittens or gloves. A toque (a thin one if you’re wearing it under a helmet). These are the things you need because cycling in winter really isn’t all that complicated. In fact, it’s even more simple than many outdoor winter pursuits. And it’s definitely as simple as walking and staying warm at the bus stop (and can even be warmer or more pleasant because while cycling you are still moving whereas waiting at the bus stop… brr).
Seriously?
Yes, seriously. But if you find that dismissive as I first did or if you are just someone who needs to know all of your options and are a researcher-type personality, then by all means, read on.
Shoulder season morphs into winter
Yes, Canada gets wildly unseasonal storms sometimes, but mostly winter starts gently, with fall.
You adapt as the seasons change, but this year you won’t be putting your bike away at a certain date or that first snowfall, you’re going to keep rolling, so you keep adapting, adding layers as you go. You have weeks to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Layer up the clothes that you do have. Layer up on your hands, too, if need be, just make sure you still have enough range of motion to brake and shift gears.
You might find that you ride slower and at least opt for a bike tire with a bit of tread. Admittedly, at some point in the season, you likely won’t be successful with smooth slick tires. You will need a bit of tread, but studded tires are a nice-to-have if you’re uncertain about your commitment to winter cycling. Studded tires are less of a luxury in certain climates prone to freeze/thaw cycles, so opting for just one (in the front) or DIYing a pair is also an option — check Kijiji or local Facebook groups for used knobby or studded tires options.
Thrifting & re-purposing
Thrift an old winter jacket and make pogies from its sleeves if that idea intrigues you! Re-purposed bubble mailers might even provide the extra warmth and wind breaking that you want, without sewing.
Find extra layers, look for natural fibres (eg. merino wool, wool, rayon) and avoid cotton. Polyester layers can be decent, too. Thin leggings for under pants. A t-shirt to go under your regular shirt.
Used bike store
Spend money but less of it.
You might be lucky to have a bike store or organization that specializes in fixing up and selling previously loved bikes and tires (even studded ones!). In Calgary, one such place is Two Wheel View.
Consider buying a less expensive ‘winter bike’. One that you can worry less about salt degrading over the season, or that you can leave knobby, snow, or studded tires on for those days, but opt for your other bike with faster tires for more clear days.
Another used bike suggestion is getting an all-season Plain Bicycle via Winnipeg, if you’re lucky enough to get in on one of their container shipments from The Netherlands and can get it to you from Winnipeg. These bikes usually have chain guards and built-in lights, drum brakes and internal hubs, all conducive to winter riding and low levels of maintenance. And the price is right (if you can afford it).
Gifts
Perhaps you have a crafty friend who could knit you a scarf to help keep your face warmer? Knitted leg warmers, yes! Sew a fleece neck warmer (from a thrifted fleece jacket)? Or, make pogies from new material or the sleeves of a thrifted winter jacket!!!
Maybe your whole family still does gifts at major holidays or birthdays and will pitch in to help buy you a studded tire (or two)?
Use what you got
Hopefully you have the bare essentials to stay warm in winter. But, perhaps you have even more stuff that you hadn’t considered using for cycling?
Got an old ski helmet lying around? They’re nice and warm on cold days (although they do block your hearing and your old one might not be rated for cycling, your call).
Goggles? Great for helping to keep your face warm on cold days, opt for a clear lens if you can because if you’re commuting, you’re likely doing it in the morning/evening.
Safety glasses? Those cheap clear ones you might have for DIY projects? They have great air flow for helping to prevent fogging in winter, yet block the wind enough to reduce tears from cold weather if that’s a problem for you.
Thin overpants? Like those used over soccer shorts or ones used for cross-country skiing. Something to help block the wind or keep your street clothes clean.
More resources
The first piece in this list echos much of what is written here, take or leave what works for you. The second piece has free advice that is free to implement, too! Just tips and tricks to help you move more confidently throughout winter. And the last piece does imply purchasing gear, but it limits it to a list that is only 5 pieces, one of which is a few dollars at a home repair store, so maybe your first season you can opt for one or two of these suggestions.
- Beginner’s handbook on winter cycling
- Tips on winter riding technique
- Top 5 pieces of winter cycling gear
Thinking ahead
If at all possible, consider stashing aside a few bucks per month so that in a season or two you have some extra cash on hand to buy something new (or new to you) to help make your winter cycling journey that much more comfortable, whatever you decide that may be. If anything.
Or don’t.
Enjoy
Most of all, enjoy your quiet rides on freshly fallen snow. And if you stumble across the odd day where there is too much snow or it is too cold for your liking, remember that even someone with all the gear or the ‘right’ bike may not be riding that day, either — we all have our limits, respect yours, riding in wintertime does not have to be an all or nothing affair.
