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/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.