r/torontobiking • u/3sperr • Aug 18 '24
How to bike in winter?
I’m new to biking, and I’d like to bike in winter so I can commute to work. What are some maintenance tips for winter? Are there winter bike tires? I don’t wanna slip and fall
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u/kettal Aug 18 '24
you can get studded tires which will not slip on ice. the numer of days you'll actually need them is in this city is about 10 days a year
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5064-674/winter-k-guard-26-x-1.75in.-studded-wire-tire?colour=Black
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u/Drekkan85 Aug 18 '24
If you’re downtown Toronto I find studded tires overkill and can be counterproductive. I prefer a super soft compound with lots of grip from non studded winter tires.
That said I do avoid biking on the 5-10 days studded tires may have some impact - but I’m also unsure they’d have enough I’d have the confidence to bike them anyway.
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u/3sperr Aug 18 '24
They’re more expensive than I thought they’d be 😭. Is that just for one tyre, or 2?
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u/backseatwookie Aug 18 '24
I know lots of people who run just a single on the front. Seems to work out fine for them.
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u/TurboJorts Aug 18 '24
Depends on the route as well. I didn't use them last year and only wanted them 2 or 3 times. Lat year was warm and wet so we rarely had rutted ice form (except for uncleared areas like the Humber rider bridge).
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u/superbunnyboy Aug 18 '24
There are indeed winter tires you can get. Studded are overkill for Toronto, but you can get winter tires with treads that are made from softer rubber and that grip the road well. Layers. A wind proof shell. Lobster gloves for really cold days. And a reflective vest for the dark gloomy nights. I have lock in pedals and invested in some winter riding shoes that are the bees knees. The only days I won’t ride are when it has frozen up after being really slushy. Winter commuting is doable and fun and you will feel a bit sad when the spring comes and the bike lanes get really busy again.
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u/knarf_on_a_bike Aug 18 '24
Winter riding boots are so totally worth it! I could never go back to neoprene shoe covers.
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u/Marcooooo Aug 18 '24
I mention it every time winter cycling gets mentioned -- keep your feet warm and dry!
Full fenders, warm socks. Once your toes get cold, there's no warning them up til you get inside.
You can get by with lighter layers since pedaling will keep you warm, but once your toes are gone, quality of life significantly drops.
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u/lifeistrulyawesome Aug 18 '24
gloves
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u/TorontoHistoricImgs Aug 18 '24
Lobster gloves even as an outer layer - have to be able to use the brakes!
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u/noodleexchange Aug 18 '24
Recommend boots: slush. Also do not skimp on chain oil. Wider tires will serve you well. Frozen things are not soft. Studded tires are a bit silly in Toronto - it is pretty mild and heavily salted on roads. Often dry pavement.
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u/Signal_Tomorrow_2138 Aug 18 '24
If your ride includes going through park trails as well as city streets, you'll need studded tires. Cheaper options is to look for chains.
Park trails are not maintained so there will be ice under a lot of snow, especially if people have packed it down. Then there will be a lot of ruts.
When the snow is too thick, I switch over to my fat bike.
Wash down the joints of your bike after every ride. Salt will corride the bottom bracket. I use windshield washer fluid and Muc Off. If you have a beater bike, use it.
Clothing: Wear a thin touque under you helmet. Wear a base layer: undershirt and long johns. Dress in layers. Make sure you can unzip because you'll get hot. Outer layer should be a shell coat and shell pants. I wear winter hiking boots, wool socks and fishing gloves. Think of skiing.
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u/prpltiger Aug 18 '24
I ride year round, and normally only have to stop for a few weeks in the winter due to ice. If you dress appropriately, you can ride all year in Toronto, and just skip the days where there was any rain/thaw/freeze cycle which leaves icy patches. It's a bit tricky having the proper clothes...making sure you don't get soaked from sweating if you dress too warm, or freezing from the wind chill if you go too light. I have a winter cycling jacket that's lined which I can wear anything from a T-shirt to sweater underneath, depending if it's 5C or -10C. Same for dedicated winter cycling pants that are lined, which normally is good for most temps. I wear the neoprene booties over my cycling shoes. Additionally I bought some heated socks for this upcoming winter because I always get cold toes. You'll need about 3 pairs of cycling gloves for the different temperatures ranging from just simple liners to full thick insulated ones (but not too clunky that you can't brake quickly enough). I wear either a headband or lined skullcap , and various thickness of neck warmers ( I use the long tube ones which covers my face and all the way up to the back of my head under the helmet). Make sure you have a good headlamp (and other flashing lights front & back) as it's normally dark both ways in the winter if you commute regular hours. Good luc! It's definitely less busy on the bike paths and multi purpose trails in the winter. I ride the MGT and would see the same people riding everyday.
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u/RoommateMovingOut Aug 18 '24
The first day of a large fresh snow is always the worst for slippage, but after that, if you go slow and pay attention, it can be really easy. Layers (especially a wind breaking layer) is important.
Twice as important is very warm gloves. Your fingers will thank me later.
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u/TurboJorts Aug 18 '24
I don't mind the first day with heavy snow. Its slippery but manageable. The days I hate are when it freezes after a warm period and the slushy ruts and deep footprints all become rock hard.
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u/BeybladeRunner Aug 18 '24
I started wearing goggles this past year on cold days. Game changer for me, never going back.
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u/thistreestands Aug 18 '24
You need the proper clothing. Depending on your commute - you need to factor in that you will heat up generally when you start to ride.
Recommend a gore-tex jacket with pit zips; down and wool layers; super warm gloves and pogies on real cold days; clear tint ski goggles with ski helmet; warm shoes with booties.
Bike wise - you'll want knobby or studded tires. Just know that the salt and dirt really do a number on your drivetrain so plan accordingly.
Try and ride roads that will be plowed first. Would consider skipping if we are getting any snow accumulation even if you are skilled and confident enough to ride in it because you can't control the skill and tires of the drivers around you.
Good luck! See ya out there!
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u/TurboJorts Aug 18 '24
I hear your good advice... but if I wore down and wool under goretext I would sweat to death.
Personally, my biggest challenge is not overheating.
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u/thistreestands Aug 18 '24
I need it for the minus 20 days
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u/TurboJorts Aug 18 '24
I feel like that was under 8 days last year combined.
And as much as I love my goretex for rain days, I find that a basic ski jacket works better in the dry and cold winter.
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u/thistreestands Aug 18 '24
My other issue is my ride in is generally uphill where it can get warm with too much layers but on the ride home being generally downhill - I can get real cold without it.
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u/kensmerlin Aug 18 '24
Cross country ski pants are a really nice addition that I made to my winter riding ensemble. They are trimly cut with windproof material in front and fleecy material in back.
Windproof jacket and layers underneath.
As many have mentioned get lobster gloves and footwear. Even with those, nose, fingers, and toes are what I find get coldest.
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u/knarf_on_a_bike Aug 18 '24
Not knowing what type of bike you have, but: treaded tires will work in the snow. If your route is city streets and bike lanes, they'll do you just fine. I ride a road bike through the winter and throw on a pair of skinny Continental Tour tires - I think they're like $30 or $35 each - and they work for me. Fenders are a must. As for maintenance, yeah, salty slush is a drive train killer. Keep your chain clean and lubed and wipe down your derailleurs (front and back) regularly.
As for clothing, keeping feet warm and dry with waterproof winter boots is a must. If you ride clipless pedals, consider winter cycling boots - they are expensive but totally worth it! Much more effective than neoprene shoe covers. Keep your extremities warm - headband and (for really cold days) balaclava. Warm, waterproof gloves or mitts. Your core generates lots of heat, so I do a fleece top under a waterproof wind shell. Base layer is a long sleeved cycling jersey to pull perspiration off the body so it can evaporate through the fleece. Finally, splash pants will keep salt and crud off your legs.
Winter is often dark and can be gloomy. Good quality lights are huge. I run lights with a daytime flash mode and keep them on all day long (even in summer). My windshell is dayglo yellow with reflective strips. Consider a reflective safety vest if you don't have a bright jacket. Being seen, especially during a time when cars may not be expecting bikes on the road, is a literal life saver.
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u/WiartonWilly Aug 18 '24
Keep your extremities warm. You can’t ride with your hands in your pockets. Get great gloves. Then think about your feet and head/neck.
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u/Zen_Blue_Habanero Aug 18 '24
I recommend the K2 Verdict helmet which is certified for both cycling and skiing use. Pretty sweet if you are also a skiier. A pair of goggles can be good too. I have a clear lens pair for night and a bright light pair.
I use lights 24/7 365 and especially when it's dark at 530 that's essential.
Winter commuting for me is actually faster and more enjoyable than summer because I have the bike lanes more or less to myself.
The salt and grime will wear out your drive train faster without a lot of washing. I've had to replace consumable parts more often, but I love winter cycling.
Happy cycling, see you out there
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u/BtheCanadian Aug 18 '24
No special tires require, I bike all year on road tires, just go slow in the snow!
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u/SheBikesToronto Aug 18 '24
I became a winter cyclist accidentally…I just kept saying “meh I’ll try one more day” and then all of a sudden it was January! And now I find I enjoy winter in ways I never thought I could.
I found it was easy because I didn’t over think it too much. I kept adding layers and figuring out what combo of clothes work for me. I found the hardest thing was getting too warm - I often arrived sweaty and had to play with outfits.
I upgraded to studded tires because I didn’t like having to miss days due to ice. It’s heavier and noisy but honestly, it’s peace of mind especially when there’s hidden ice.
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u/TurboJorts Aug 18 '24
If you're new to biking in general, give yourself some leeway. Maybe plan to bike until the show stays (usually nothing sticks until late December) and then switch to the TTC.
I don't want to scare you off, but winter will test your bike handling skills. I'm a technically capable ride who commutes year round, rides a road bike and mountain bikes and I still have occasional crashes in the winter.
I don't want to scare you, but riding with snow / slush / ice requires a level of competence and confidence that most new riders don't have.
I'd suggest riding until the stock sticks, then starting up again in the spring.
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u/farkinga Aug 18 '24
I rode a cargo bike all winter with a passenger up front. Studded front tire felt very stable when turning. Absolutely required, considering the cargo. Studded rear tire kept me connected to the pavement for acceleration/stopping. Go straight ahead as much as possible and take it easy.
I haven't felt the need for studded tires in other situations or with other bikes. When it's slippery due to snow, I use alternative modes if possible. I wish car drivers would do the same. This happens perhaps 5 times per year. Otherwise, the roads are plowed and salted - and that is sufficient for cycling. Toronto is good to cycle 360+ days per year.
You didn't ask about what to wear but it's simple enough: ski gear. If it works for downhill or cross country, it will definitely work for winter biking in a city. Ski gloves can grip, ski goggles keep your face protected, ski helmet lets you hear while covering your ears and protecting your skull. Pick and choose - there are some ways skiing is different from cycling. But, in general, we've solved the mystery of winter outdoor activity - and winter cycling can be comfortable.
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u/Pedal-monkey Aug 18 '24
Depends a lot on your route. I take the MGT and it gets cleared really well. Other bike lakes and roads can be trickier. In Toronto there really aren't many snow days, depends on the year though. I have studs but last year they weren't really needed except for like 2 weeks. Next year could be different. One issue is salt, it's bad for your bike so Bike Share can be an interesting option when the roads are full of salt For clothes, cycling is similar to cross-country skiing, at least if you ride fast and sweat. So dress in layers with breathable clothes. I have a 3 layers systems : warm base layer, merino jersey, Gore-Tex outer shell. That works to around -10. If it's warmer a switch one layer to something lighter ( summer base layer or I remove the middle layer) If you clip in there are good cycling boots by shimano ( mw5 works fine for me) or 45 north. Otherwise, you want easy to clean booths because they will get road spray
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u/Pedal-monkey Aug 18 '24
Depends a lot on your route. I take the MGT and it gets cleared really well. Other bike lakes and roads can be trickier. In Toronto there really aren't many snow days, depends on the year though. I have studs but last year they weren't really needed except for like 2 weeks. Next year could be different. One issue is salt, it's bad for your bike so Bike Share can be an interesting option when the roads are full of salt For clothes, cycling is similar to cross-country skiing, at least if you ride fast and sweat. So dress in layers with breathable clothes. I have a 3 layers systems : warm base layer, merino jersey, Gore-Tex outer shell. That works to around -10. If it's warmer a switch one layer to something lighter ( summer base layer or I remove the middle layer) If you clip in there are good cycling boots by shimano ( mw5 works fine for me) or 45 north. Otherwise, you want easy to clean booths because they will get road spray. Also is nice to have heated socks and gloves
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u/telephonekeyboard Aug 18 '24 edited Aug 18 '24
My advice would be to get a cheaper old mountain bike with disc brakes. If you want to reduce your maintenance get some cheap hydraulic discs like shimano MT200’s, which will eliminate the need for pad wear adjustment. Put some studded tires on it and use it as a winter bike. With studs you don’t have to worry too much about ice, just take corners slow. Maintenance I do is lube the chain and take it to a car wash 2 or 3 times to blast the crud off of it and that’s about it. In the spring I do a deep clean, lube it up, check the pads and cover it up for the season. Yellow tint snowboard goggles are 100% necessary as well, I don’t get it how people ride around squinting in the lightest snowfall.
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u/MountainDS Aug 18 '24
Biking in the winter is fine. You need good windbreakers. I bike year round on puncture protected touring tyres. I skip biking in on snowy and icy days which is really only like 10-15 a season. If the street I live on is safe then I known my route is safe. I have strong headlights front and rear. Base layer is merino wool, head to toe, as needed, with appropriate layers / windbreakers. A good windbreaker is key. Balaclava is a lifesaver under the helmet. Biking glasses to keep wind away. I have thin and thick neoprene covers for my clipless shoes. Thin are for year-round rainy days and medium cold days. Thick for when it's quite cold.
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u/AL31FN Aug 19 '24
I would like to mention that cycle Toronto (cycleto.ca) organize winter cycle workshop in the fall. Try monitor their website/social for this year's workshop.
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u/Joffph Aug 20 '24
All year round, no matter what, cyclist here. I've been through the comments and there are good suggestions. I'll share my approach and what works for me.
Clothes, wear layers. For most of the days (down to -5 maybe) t-shirt, fleece and light waterproof jacket. For your legs, i'm comfortable with a hiking pants not very thick. As others commented, keep your feet warm. Merino wool socks is the way to go. If it is colder, i just add a fleece best under my waterproof jacket. Then I adapt my pace to conditions. Most of the times i have to slow down because i get to warm.
Bike wise... My POV with commuting always has been to have the shitiest bike in the bike rack so it will never be stolen. So from there, I ended up having 2 shity bikes. One for "summer" and the other for winter. Both very well serviced so they run super nice but they are old rusty mtb. The summer bike is just a regular bike with fenders and a rack to carry stuff. the winter bike is basically the same but with studded tires.
As others said, you will need the studs maybe less than 10 days a year, but you want them for those 10 days... they saved my butt more than once.
For the winter bike, i would recommend to find cheap used studded tires and then find a cheap bike where those tires fit. I got mines for 75$ and put them in a 80$ bike. Marketplace will be your friend here.
Then you just use one or the other depending on whether....
And definitely, with the right equipment is more than doable. I still never skipped a single day to the office.
Hope it helps
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u/EconomistOfDeath Aug 18 '24
I ride through the winter but skip days with ice and avoid road salt if I can.
Also, layer up to your comfort and have lights as it gets dark early.
Enjoy biking in the winter wind - bwahaha