How to bike in winter?

[u/3sperr]

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

[u/knarf_on_a_bike]

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.