Gear Up For Winter Commuting

Marc’s Remarks on Cold Weather Cycling

Ann Arbor is the perfect city for commuting by bike.  Bicycling Magazine ranked Ann Arbor 14th of America’s top 50 cycling-friendly cities and it currently holds a Silver ranking from the League of American Bicyclists for being a bicycle-friendly community.  As the cold weather sets in this year, all the great reasons for commuting by bike in Ann Arbor still remain.

There are some big changes in your commute that come with the winter months. The first is going to be your choice of clothing.  With the right layers you be surprised with how little clothing you can wear and still stay warm.  Layer up too much and you’ll be soaked in sweat before you get to your destination.  The best advice is to start out slightly under-dressed, and therefore feeling a little cold.  In a couple miles you’ll be warmed up and comfortable.  You can also use your level of effort to regulate your temperature. If you are too cold you can pick up the pace and work harder. Over heating? Slow down for the next few miles and you will cool off fast.

Another change the winter brings is the effect the elements have on your bike.  While we stay in shape and feel empowered pedaling throughout the cold, rust and corrosion threaten our components and potentially our frame every day we ride.  Getting in the habit of keeping the chain well lubricated and periodically cleaning the salt off the frame, rims and other components is the first step to maintaining your bike through the winter.  Plan on replacing brake pads, chain, and possibly your rear cassette in spring to keep the bike rolling into the warm months.

There may be some new equipment that will help make cycling through the winter safer and more enjoyable.  With limited amount of daylight for riding, a set of lights is one of the most important gear needed in the winter.  With models of front and rear lights covering a wide price range, the most basic lights will serve to draw attention to you and let drivers know where you are. Fenders will help keep road grime off you and your bike and can be fitted to most bikes.  Some riders also choose to switch to a different set of tires as the fall rolls in.  More aggressive tread patterns can offer increased traction and more stability for when the snow falls.

The best advice for winter commuting is to just keep riding this fall and into the spring.  It is way easier to adjust slowly to the changing conditions than to take a few months off and start commuting in January: it just won’t happen.  So stay on the bike this winter, keep in shape for spring, and teach mother who is boss, on a bike!