Winter Biking

When the snow came down in abundance earlier this month I was filled with the excitement of a child knowing that I would not have to dig out a car and play a game of musical chairs trying to park it half-way across the neighbourhood; What’s more, I had the pleasure instead of taking out my winter bike, sprucing it up with a bit of TLC and taking on the elements head-on with a single gear and studded tires.

For me, the pleasure of triumphing over the elements with what E.M. Schumaker referred to as appropriate technology is considerable. So I figured winter biking would be an excellent subject for this blog. Perhaps I could share a few insights and observations on the subject that may inspire others to join in on this liberating, self-empowering activity. Or, at least I hope to convince some of you that we who bike in the snow are not completely nuts (though I suppose I should not speak for everyone).

I’d like to cover some of the technical challenges, and a sort of check-list of necessary accessories. In addition a cost/benefit analysis could prove to be quite interesting: biking as compared to driving.

The idea of biking through Mother Nature’s ill will of a blizzard is really only for the hard-core cyclist equipped with a specialised bike and the experience to keep oneself safe amidst the traffic. On the other end of the winter-cycling spectrum are those who just plough ahead once the storm and the snow-removal crews have passed, with a business-as-usual approach, on the same bike they were riding before the leaves started to fall. They do this with some success, though in my opinion, at considerable risk of peril. I know, because this is an approach I tried years ago, and after two bad spills, abandoned. More recently, I discovered the wonders of studded tires, which truly do take the risk of sudden loss of control (on say, black ice) out of the equation. This is not to say you need not take extra care when biking in the cold, the snow, and the ice, even with winter tires.

You must.

You must also be prepared to get your hands dirty from time to time to keep your bike in good working order. The moisture and salt of winter streets can really take their toll on all moving parts from cables to bearings and, of course, the chain. A chain should never squeak, and so may need a dose of lubricant much more frequently than people are accustomed to, judging by the number of times I hear what I like to call “sparrow powered bikes” around town. All bikes require chains, but one way of reducing the amount of maintenance on moving parts is to go with a fixed gear . This way you eliminate two derailers, and their cables. It can also eliminate brakes (and more cables) if you have the proper skills to rely on your legs to stop. On the other hand one good front brake, especially a disc brake, can be very reliable in wet conditions. Again, you need to have the experience to go this route, which should best start with a thorough discussion with a qualified bike expert at your local bike shop or co-op. (http://www.bikegarage.org/ & http://theflat.wordpress.com/ )

Another must is good outer wear. Think wind chill, and think slush. And by all means think about good waterproof boots, or you’ll want to throw in the towel after one day. Some folks even go with a skier’s helmet and goggles, which is probably awesome, especially on the colder days.

Dressing warm is definitely a challenge, given that over-heating in very cold weather is always a possibility when enough exertion is required to get to where you’re going. Layers and a backpack are recommended so that you can bundle up for the downhill ride (little exertion) and then carry the extra sweater on the way back when you have to ride up-hill.

All in all, it is fairly bulky and rather messy, so you might want to have a change of clothes for where you’re going (I keep shoes and pants at work). Sometimes this is not possible, which may be the biggest drawback to winter riding. I often opt for the metro and lighter boots when I’m going “out.”

Once you are equipped for winter riding, you’ll be ready to conquer compacted snow, chunks of ice crystals and slush-covered ice, even while going up-hill. You will experience the feeling of the studs in your tires preventing you from skidding and falling down. What’s more, even though biking in the snow may be more work that “regular” biking it is most certainly faster and easier than walking on the slushy sidewalks. And, as always with active transportation, you’re getting your heart pumping and your muscles toned just getting to where you need to go.

By now you may well be tempted to give it a try, so you’d probably like to know how much it will cost you to get started. I recommend having a second bike for winter, so my answer is that the sky’s the limit. But fortunately with bikes, an excellent one can actually cost only a fraction of the cost of a car. Even for less than a thousand dollars at a reputable dealership, you can be entirely set to go, complete with all accessories.

Too rich for your liking? I tend to agree. On the cheap, you can tune up a beater at one of Montreal’s bike repair co-ops on a shoestring budget – but be prepared to spring for a new chain, and new cables and brake-pads (about $40 to $50). And then there’s expense of the winter tires. For the really thrifty ones out there, there are methods by which to convert a regular tire into a studded tire using screws and other basic hardware/supplies. Otherwise a pair of studded tires can cost you anywhere from $100 to $250. (But it truly is worth it!).

Next week I’ll continue on the subject of winter biking by considering where biking fits in the bigger picture of human ecology – that is, the ecosystem of the industrial/civilised world

Until then, if this inspires you to get out there and brave the elements on two wheels, Happy Riding, Happy New Year, and ride safe!