How to ride a bike through winter

Before you hit the road

Deciding to take up winter cycling is great, but it takes preparation! Winter or summer, bike safety comes first. But in winter, there are specific things not to forget so your ride goes smoothly, without skidding.

Getting your bike ready

Maintaining your bike in winter is the key to making sure its mechanics are in good riding condition. Between the tires, the chain and the accessories, there are several things to watch on your bike in winter so you don’t damage it.

If you want experts to inspect your bike for the cold season, you can leave it with our repair shop. That way you’ll have peace of mind and can enjoy your bike all winter!

You can also take care ofyour bike’s winter maintenance yourself. It’s just as easy as in summer. You’ll just have to scrub a bit more to clean your ride. The goal is to prevent salt build-up and rust.

Take the time to check the condition of the parts, especially the brakes. Also make sure to lubricate the chain with a lube that stands up to colder, wetter weather. Winter bike maintenance calls for care.

Gearing up for winter riding

When it comes to winter gear, many bike accessories are available. In the cold, your hands and head become very vulnerable. To stay warm on your rides, you can get cycling gloves made for winter.

You’ll also need a helmet that fits your head and works with a tuque or beanie. Not every helmet fits over a tuque!

To take on winter by bike, we recommend warm clothing that resists moisture. A little trick is to wear several thinner layers rather than a single big coat. If you get too hot, you can remove the top layers without getting cold. It also lets wet clothing dry while you stay dry.

Since it gets dark earlier, we recommend using various accessories to be more visible on your bike in winter. Standard reflectors are sometimes not enough. You can add a bell or horn, a rechargeable LED light system or a reflective vest.

On the road

Once you’re ready for your winter ride, you’ll need to pay close attention to road conditions. Snow, freezing rain, salt and ice make the road more dangerous by bike and increase the risk of accidents. Caution and respect for the Highway Safety Code matter all the more in these conditions.

To handle a breakdown on the road, we recommend always carrying a tool kit. Inspection and maintenance reduce the risk of breakage, but a flat can happen anytime! If you don’t know how to fix your bike, our bike mechanics courses can teach you. You’ll be able to fix it yourself, winter or summer!

When you get back from your ride

Once you’re back home, give your bike a quick check and clean off any built-up snow. Inspect the mechanics and make sure there’s no snow that could damage the components. That way, you can ride all winter!