Riding your bike in the snow can be challenging, but it’s no doubt an adventure. My most satisfying bike commutes are ones where others say “you actually rode in that!?” You do need to properly prepare for it to be an enjoyable experience, so here are a few tips.
When cycling in the snow:
- Use the rear brake. Locking the front wheel will cause you to lose your balance quickly.
- Avoid sudden movements. Cornering forces you and the bike to lean into the turn. Turning slowly will keep you upright.
- Reduce speed to prevent heavy braking. Sudden stops are rarely possible, and skidding leads to a loss of control.
- Add fenders to your bike to avoid splashing and water coming off your wheels. Staying relatively dry will keep you in good spirits.
- Use waterproof clothes and dress in layers. Wear garments to cover your neck, ears and hands. In freezing rain or sleet, ski goggles are a great addition.
- With heavy traffic or bad road conditions, don’t be afraid to pull to the side of the road and walk a section. It’s not a race, what really matters is arriving safely.
Final tip: be sure to have fun. We might all have different reasons for riding in the winter, but one thing we can agree on is that it’s fun. Enjoy the challenge, and enjoy being one of the few cyclists out there!
Oh, and keep both hands on the handlebars! :
I was surprised that you don’t include a tip to use studded bike tires for snow. Where there is snow, there is very likely to be ice underneath in some places. I would think studded snow tires are important…just common sense.
@JR, a great tip indeed. Perhaps I’ll add an edit to the post.
Years ago I added studs to my tires and I couldn’t believe the difference. Its like going from 2 wheel drive to 4X4 with a vehicle. You can actually get grip on ice.
Do you have a suggestion for a good set studded tires for a 2015 Crosstown?
Your 2015 Crosstown is likely equipped with 35mm wide tires and not a lot of clearance for wider, so you’ll be slightly limited in choices for studded tires. Many are in 40mm+ range. However, Schwalbe makes a 700 x 35 Marathon Winter that should work nicely on your bike.
Thank you for the response. I’m a bit confused though, your bike archives and the tire side wall have the width at 28mm? Like you said there’s not a lot of clearance, I was thinking a set of 700 x 30mm Schwalbe winters could fit ok?
Ah yes, if your bike is equipped with 28s then there is indeed far less clearance. I believe most of the 2015 Crosstown had 35s and we moved the brake bridge to accommodate it, so perhaps your bike is actually a 2014? Regardless, yes a 30mm tire should work for you.
Thanks for the reply. Fairly sure it’s a 2015 based on the specs and that its silver frame.
I see why you moved the brake
bridge as even 30mm schwalbe winters don’t fit unfortunately! Maybe you guys have a tip/suggestion?
There aren’t a lot of things you can do in that scenario unless you want to void the frame warranty and file down the brake bridge. You could probably gain some clearance and still maintain the ability to attach the brake caliper, or install a disc brake and really shave down the bridge.