:: Bike :: Guide to Winter Bike Commuting in Ann Arbor As the cold weather approaches, we thought we’d share what we’ve learned about biking to work in Ann Arbor in winter. Want even more resources and the chance to win some prizes?  Check out our Conquer the Cold winter commuting event. Guide to Winter Bike Commuting Table of Contents Basic Gear for Winter Bike Commuting Nice Gear to have but not essential Basic hints and tips for winter bike commuting Your bike: make sure your machine is prepared for the elements Roads/Sidewalks: How to navigate on two wheels in slush/ice/snow More resources for winter bike commuting Windproof gear: Keeps you a lot warmer than just fleeceWool is a great fabric to try. Balaclava (scarf and hat all in one!) Lights for bike commuting Bus fare for bus or your go!pass in case the weather is just too nasty/you get tired Change of clothes for work if you think you’ll get sweaty

Warm socks (Smart Wool, regular wool, etc) Fenders for your wheels. Prevent the wet stripe up your back! Nice Gear to Have but Not Essential Beater Bike for winter commuting so your nice bike doesn’t get dirty/salty. Fixed Gear Bike for winter commuting. Chain guard to keep your chain clean. Studded tires for traction in the ice. Basic Hints and Tips for Winter Bike Commuting Give yourself more time. When it gets really cold/snowy, it can slow you down. Don’t be afraid to get further out onto the street. If the sides of the street are filled with snow, get further out into the lane. This may seem scary, but it is better than wiping out in a snowdrift. Choose routes with lower traffic, or routes with slower speeds. About an inch of snow is ok. If it’s only going to snow an inch, you should be able to bike just fine. After that, you might want to be careful. Beware of a wet bike and a cold garage. If your bike gets wet and then freezes, you might have some issues with the chain (i.e. it could stick) so either wipe off your wet bike before you store it, or put it someplace warm.

Snow is a go but ice isn’t nice. Of all conditions, icy ones are actually the worst. When you encounter ice, keep yourself as straight as possible, don’t weave at all. As long as the patch isn’t too long and you aren’t going too fast, you should be ok. Stay as straight as you can. On both ice and snow, try not to weave much. This is a similar tip that you have when driving in the snow. Sudden turns in wintry conditions can cause you trouble. Your feet and hands get cold first. Make sure to get a good pair of windproof gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm and some nice insulated boots for your feet. Hats and scarves are also great. I find that my chin gets cold as does my head, so a nice fleece scarf and hat with ear flaps does the trick.For an outer layer, focus on something windproof. This will help protect you from cold gusts of wind. A beater bike can help keep your regular bike clean and nice. I have an older bike that I use when it gets nasty outside.

This helps to protect my nicer bike from salt, debris, and yucky winter weather.When it gets cold, it also gets dark. So don’t forget your lights! Once you start biking, you will heat up, so dress in layers that you can remove. Finally, don’t bike if you don’t want to. If it’s too snowy or cold, don’t torture yourself. I don’t want you complaining to me that you hate winter biking because you went out when you didn’t really feel like dealing with it. motorcycle dealers in waukesha wisconsinYou can always walk or take the bus (which is sometimes what I do when it gets really bad).honda motorcycle dealer in jackson ms Your Bike: Make sure your machine is prepared for the elementsgopro motorcycle helmet mic

Fatter tires are better for the winter. There’s more surface area for them to grab onto the available terrain. Check your brakes often. Apply them early when approaching a stop to clean off their surfaces and your rims and to make sure they haven’t frozen! Use lighter lubrication than you would for non-winter conditions, and apply it in less quantities but more frequently. motorcycle sales murfreesboro tnSome recommended brands: Boeshield. cheap motorcycle tyres wollongongT-9, White Lightning, Finish Line Cross-Countrymotorcycle paint shop norfolk va Carry a putty knife or some similar tool for cleaning snow out of “the works”of the bike upon arrival at your destination, especially if there’s the possibility it may not melt before you need to ride again.vintage sears leather motorcycle jacket

Install fenders (or at least a back fender) for winter riding, but be aware that it may collect snow/ice/other junk during your rides. Many people find that studded tires are useful on icy surfaces. Outfit yourself (helmet, bag, jacket) and your bike with a white headlight, red backlight and reflective tape (useful for the rest of the year as well!) A good LED headlight typically burns brighter and longer than a halogen light using comparable battery power. Roads/Sidewalks: How to navigate on two wheels in snow/slush/sleet Many cyclists actually feel more in control on slippery surfaces on a bike than walking — when cycling, your first reaction when starting to fall is to put your feet down, which is better for your limbs than stopping a fall with your hands. You should, however, be prepared to “tuck and roll”if you’re going too fast to be able to stop yourself with your feet. Be on the lookout as you ride for changes in slope (on driveways, sidewalks, crowned/peaked roads, etc.)