Riding a Bike in the Snow – Tips, Gear, and Precautions for Safe Winter Cycling

by

Riding a bike in the snow may seem daunting, but with the right gear, preparation, and technique, you can absolutely enjoy cycling even when there’s snow on the ground. Getting in a winter bike ride has many benefits—it’s great exercise, helps you maintain an active lifestyle, and can even serve as winter commuting transportation.

With some planning and caution, riding a bike in the snow can not only be possible, but also an exhilarating experience. This complete guide covers everything you need to know to comfortably and safely ride a bike in the snow.

Key Tips For Riding A Bike In The Snow

Before jumping into winter cycling, keep these key tips in mind:

  • Invest in wider tires with treads or studs to grip slick snow and ice. Tires at least 35mm wide are recommended.
  • Lower your tire pressure for more traction.
  • Equip your bike with fenders to keep snow spray off you.
  • Dress in warm, waterproof layers and wear shoe covers.
  • Ride slower and brake gradually to avoid skidding.
  • Be extra cautious of ice and black ice on roads.
  • Stick to flat or slightly uphill routes when possible.
  • Carry a winter emergency kit and phone.
  • Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

The Right Bike For Riding In The Snow

Having the proper bike equipped to handle snow and ice will make winter cycling much more manageable. Here’s what to look for in a snow-ready bike:

Frame Material

  • Steel frames are a good choice for snow biking because steel is durable and can withstand corrosion from road salt.
  • Aluminum frames are also suitable and resist corrosion fairly well. They may feel extra cold when riding, however.
  • Carbon fiber bikes are very lightweight but less resistant to road salt exposure over time.

Tires

  • Wider tires with pronounced treads or studs are essential for gripping slick snow and ice.
  • Aim for tires 35mm wide or greater. Road bikes can often fit wider tires up to 30-35mm. Mountain bikes work well too.
  • Lower the tire pressure for more surface contact. Start around 10-15psi lower than usual.
  • Install metal studded tires for the ultimate winter traction, or tires with siping (small cuts).

Brakes

  • Disc brakes perform better than rim brakes in wet, muddy conditions.
  • Ensure pads and rotors are in good condition for maximum braking power.
  • Rim brakes can work, but keep rims and brake pads clear of snow build up.

Drivetrain

  • Internal gear hubs require less maintenance and prevent snow and ice from building up on the drivetrain.
  • Belt drives also stay cleaner and avoid rusting.
  • External derailleurs get gummed up with snow easily so require frequent cleaning and re-lubrication.

Fenders + Mudguards

  • Full-length fenders are essential to block snow spray and slush from soaking you and your bike.

Lights

  • Invest in a good front headlight and rear bike light. Visibility is lower during winter.
  • Look for lights with high lumen output and wide beam angles.
  • Make sure batteries are charged and lights work properly.

Bike Fit

  • Frame should not be too large – stand over height is key to allow feet to touch the ground for stability.

How To Ride A Bike In The Snow: Technique Tips

Once you have the right winter bike gear, focus on adapting your riding technique for snow:

Go Slow + Brake Gradually

  • Ride at lower speeds to avoid skidding and maintain control. Momentum helps plow through deep snow.
  • When braking, apply light steady pressure on levers/pedals rather than sudden hard braking.

Shift Your Weight Back

  • Keeping weight distributed over rear wheel provides better traction.
  • Avoid braking hard with front brakes – can cause slide outs.

Stand Up Pedaling

  • Stand up off the saddle when pedaling through deep snow to allow shifting body weight as needed.

Pedal Smoothly

  • Pedal smoothly in lower gears. Mashy pedaling can break traction.
  • Momentarily pause pedaling through tricky sections to coast.

Look Ahead

  • Scan terrain at least 10 feet ahead to read conditions and pick line.
  • Give yourself more following distance to react to hazards.

Avoid Sudden Moves

  • Every movement should be smooth and steady when riding in snow.
  • No quick turns, swerves, accelerate or braking.

Essential Winter Cycling Clothing + Gear

Dressing for warmth and waterproofing is critical to stay comfortable and avoid hypothermia. Use the “layer system” to adjust:

Base Layer

  • Synthetic or merino wool long sleeve tops and bottoms

Insulating Layer

  • Fleece sweater, jacket, vests, leg warmers

Outer Shell

  • Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants

Hand Protection

  • Well-insulated waterproof gloves or lobster claw mitts
  • Bar mitts / pogies for extremely cold temps

Feet

  • Wool socks
  • Insulated winter cycling shoes
  • Toe warmers
  • Shoe covers for waterproofing

Head

  • Balaclava, scarf or neck gaiter
  • Helmet cover or winter cycling helmet
  • Warm headband over ears or skull cap under helmet

Other Essentials

  • Cycling glasses – prevent snow blindness
  • Bright front and rear lights – improve visibility
  • Fenders – prevent snow/slush soaking

Best Places To Ride In The Snow

Seeking out the right terrain and conditions will lead to more enjoyable, safer winter rides.

Bike Paths + Rail Trails

  • Often get plowed after snowfalls
  • Flat and straight for stability
  • Less motor vehicle traffic

Packed Snow + Firm Trails

  • Look for paths packed down by foot traffic or snowmobiles
  • Avoid soft deep snow – front wheel will plow and get stuck

Roads With Lower Traffic

  • Plowed side roads and residential streets
  • Avoid busy high-speed roads where drivers can’t stop safely

Slight Uphills

  • Gentle uphill grades are easier to ride and control speed
  • Avoid fast steep downhill segments – increased risk of slipping

Sunny Days After Snowfalls

  • Sun helps melt and settle the snow
  • Lower risk of ice compared to nights and shade

Moderate Temperatures

  • Very cold Arctic air and high winds make frostbite risk high
  • Around 25-35°F is optimal – cold but not dangerously frigid

Pre-Ride Bike + Equipment Checks

Do these checks before any snowy ride to ensure safety:

  • Inspect tires for cuts/damage, adequate tread, proper inflation
  • Test brakes for proper function at low and high speeds
  • Ensure derailleurs/gears shift smoothly
  • Check lights and batteries – carry spare batteries too
  • Assess route conditions if possible – any new ice or unplowed sections?
  • Layer clothing properly for expected temps and wind
  • Pack emergency kit – tube, patch kit, pump, knife, warm packable jacket
  • Carry cell phone and consider investing in an emergency beacon device to alert authorities if injured and stranded

Handling Slippery Surfaces

Ice and hard packed snow warrant extra caution. Here are tips for managing slippery sections:

Scan Ahead

  • Read conditions 10+ feet ahead to pick safest line avoiding ice
  • Give yourself ample time to react and make any adjustments

Lower Speed

  • Reduce speed proactively before reaching ice
  • Slow, steady pedaling helps retain control

Stay Loose

  • Keep muscles relaxed, knees and elbows bent to absorb bumps
  • Don’t make sudden jerky movements

Press Weight Into Pedals

  • Gently press weight into pedals without sudden forceful moves
  • Helps back wheel maintain grip on ice

Avoid Braking

  • Braking on ice causes skidding and loss of control
  • Allow extra following distance so you don’t need to brake suddenly

Handling Intersections

Intersections often have compacted snow that creates very slippery conditions. Use extra care:

  • Stop pedaling and coast through if possible
  • Gently brake early before intersection
  • Scan crossing traffic and wait for safe gap to proceed
  • Unclip one foot and put it down for stability if needed
  • Carefully trackstand unclipped at light if conditions are dicey
  • Walk bike across if very unsafe

Riding Downhill In The Snow

Descending in snow takes finesse. Follow these techniques to stay upright and in control:

  • Feather brakes all the way down – no sudden hard braking
  • Move body weight back over rear wheel
  • Pedal lightly to help control speed
  • Scan ahead continually to pick best line avoiding ice
  • Relax muscles to absorb bumps – don’t tense up
  • Drag rear brake gently to prevent accelerating uncontrollably

Carrying Your Bike Over Snow

If you need to dismount and carry your bike through an unrideable section:

  • Lift bike while standing to one side, not hunched over top tube
  • Keep back straight and bend knees to lift
  • Take care not to twist or strain body
  • Carefully push bike ahead of you across deep snow
  • It helps to be clipped in to pedals so you can roll bike forward with each step

Riding At Night In The Snow

Riding after dark in the snow poses added challenges. Be prepared with:

  • Very bright headlight and rear light – aim headlight slightly down
  • Reflectors on wheels, bike frame
  • Reflective vest or bright jacket
  • Clear glasses or goggles – avoid snow blindness from oncoming lights
  • Familiarize yourself with route in daylight first
  • Use extreme caution for black ice
  • Notify someone of route and estimated return time
  • Carry emergency supplies and charged phone

Post-Ride Bike Maintenance After Snow

Proper maintenance after snowy rides prevents damage:

  • Wipe down frame with dry rag – avoid high pressure spray washing frame
  • Clean all salt and grime off bike after each wet ride
  • Re-lube chain, drivetrain
  • Check brake pads for wear and replace if contaminated
  • Allow bike to air dry before storing to avoid rust
  • Check bolts and nuts for tightness – may vibrate loose in winter

Avoiding Injuries While Biking In The Snow

While thrilling, snow biking poses additional injury risks. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Wear a helmet – icy crashes can be severe
  • Build skills slowly – don’t push limits until very experienced
  • Stay alert – scanning terrain and conditions at all times
  • Match speed to conditions – slower in snow
  • Look out for hazards like potholes, ice, branches under snow
  • Clip out feet in advance if falling appears imminent
  • Carry a charged phone to call for help if injured
  • Tell someone details of route and expected return time

5 Expert Tips For Riding A Bike In The Snow

Tip 1: Lower your tire pressure for winter riding. Start by dropping pressure 10-15psi lower than you run in warm weather. This gives the tire a larger contact patch to grip snow and float over loose terrain.

Tip 2: Use studded tires for maximum snow and ice traction. The metal studs grips slippery surfaces when normal tires just spin out. Invest in studs if you bike in snow year-round.

Tip 3: Equip your bike with full-length fenders. They keep you much drier by blocking spray of slush and water from your wheels. No one wants a soaking wet backside in frigid temperatures.

Tip 4: Grip and flexibility are key. Make sure your gloves allow good dexterity for braking and shifting. And keep your body loose and relaxed through bumpy terrain. Tensing up leads to loss of traction and potential crashes.

Tip 5: Pedal with your heels dropped throughout the pedal stroke when riding through deep snow. This prevents toes from hitting snow banks and provides better stability and power application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riding Bikes In The Snow

Is it safe to ride a bike in the snow?

It is safe with the proper precautions and gear. Invest in wider winter tires, sturdy fenders, bright lights, and waterproof clothing. Ride slower, scan ahead, and brake gradually. Avoid icy areas and unplowed deep snow.

Can you bike commute in winter snow?

Yes, bike commuting through snow is feasible for shorter distances if you have access to plowed bike lanes or trails. Studded tires provide the best traction on compacted snow. Allow extra travel time and dress very warmly in layers.

What tires should I use for winter biking?

Look for tires at least 35mm wide or wider with aggressive treads/studs. The wider, the better for floating over snow. Lower pressure substantially from summer – experiment in different conditions.

Is biking in snow bad for my bike?

It can be rough on components. Clean and re-lube drivetrain frequently to prevent rust and excessive wear. Avoid high pressure washing. Check for loose bolts/nuts regularly and inspect tires for cuts. Let bike dry before storing.

Should I get clipless pedals for winter riding?

Clipless provide power transfer for plowing through snow but can be tricky to unclip on icy sections. Start with flats or clipless pedals with lower tension settings until very comfortable. Practice unclipping often.

Conclusion

While biking through snow and ice may seem daunting at first, with the right winter bike setup, technique, and preparation, this exciting riding experience is possible to enjoy safely. Invest in wider tires, dress in warm layers, ride cautiously, and continually scan ahead. Stick to packed gentle terrain until mastering slippery conditions. Just take it slow and remember – proper gearing up can make riding in the snow not just doable, but exhilarating adventure all winter long.

Leave a Comment