User:OnBeyondZebrax/sandbox/Cold-weather biking

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A bicycle set up for winter commuting with metal-studded tires, an enclosed chain case, and enclosed drum brakes.

Cold-weather biking is the use of a bicycle during months when roads and paths are covered with ice, slush and snow. Cold weather bikers face a number of challenges. They may face "[s]now, slush, salt, and sand", which can cause rust and damage to metal bike components.[1] Slush and ice can jam derailleurs.[2] Some cyclists may bike differently in winter, by "...slow[ing] down on turns and brak[ing] gradually" in icy conditions.[3] Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult. [4] Winter bikers may use bikes with front and rear fenders [5], metal studded winter tires and[6]flashing LED lights. [7] [8]Winter bikers may wear layers of warm clothes and "ea[r], face, and han[d]" coverings[9] may be used. Specialized winter bikes called fatbikes, which have wide, over-sized tires that are typically inflated with low pressure, are used in winter bike competitions.

Terminology[edit]

Cold-weather biking is also called "winter cycling", "winter biking", "snow biking" or "ice biking." "Ice biking" often refers to biking that takes place on ice-covered lakes and rivers.

Choice of bike[edit]

A mountain biker cycling through a snowy field.

Winter bikers may use a cheaper bike for winter biking, because "[s]now, slush, salt, and sand" cause rust and damage to metal components.[10] The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that bikes used in winter will be "...bombarded by the road salt", which can cause rusting; as such, some cyclists ride a used bicycle or an inexpensive bike.[11] The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that winter bikers may use a different bicycle than they use during the summer months, such as a used or less expensive bike, because a bike used in winter will get rusty.[12] CBC news states that winter bikers may choose to not use multi-speed bikes with derailleurs: "[a] single-speed bike...means fewer moving parts and it's less likely to freeze up" in icy conditions.[13] According to the Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project, bikes with an internal gear hub, in which all the gears are enclosed in a case (as opposed to being exposed to the elements) will "kee[p] gears clean and ice/salt free".[14]

Approach to riding[edit]

Bicycles parked in a rack in the snow.

Because slush and ice can jam derailleurs, some winter bikers use the "...same low gear all winter", even if they have a multi-speed bike.[15] The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that cyclists biking in winter "...slow down on turns and brake gradually" in icy conditions.[16]

The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project advocates vehicular cycling techniques for winter biking, including taking control of the lane when appropriate: "Roads tend to be a bit narrower due to snow banks. Ride in the middle lane when necessary, which will prevent motorists from passing you too closely."[17]

The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that some winter cyclists choose not to bike on "...very cold, icy or a snow storm" days, and take a bus or other commuting method. [18]

According to the Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project, some winter cyclists avoid major roads and use "...low/slow traffic streets and winter maintained pathways."[19]

Maintenance[edit]

When winter biking, some cyclists regularly lubricate the chain with a wet lubricant.[20] The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that winter cyclists use a "thickish lube" on their chain and derailleurs.[21] The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that some winter bikers wash off their bike, to get grime and salt off the components. Some car washes and indoor parking garages have high-pressure hoses that can be used.[22]

Accessories[edit]

Cold-weather cylists riding in the rightmost part of the lane in Chicago.

Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult. In mild winter weather, cyclists "...use low-pressure knobby tires on both the front and rear wheels."[23] During "...severe conditions, winter tires with hardened steel spikes" can be used to increase traction[24] and provide "...better control."[25]

The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that some cyclists use front and rear fenders for winter biking. [26] For winter biking, fenders that are fitted with some space between the wheel and the fender are used by some cyclists. According to the Mountain Equipment Co-op, close-fitted fenders can clog up with snow.[27] The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that while fenders with space "...don’t accumulate snow buildup, ... [some] prefer tight fitting fenders."[28]

The Ottawa Bicycle Lanes Project states that some winter cyclists use Schwalbe Studded Winter Marathon Tires[29]

Visibility[edit]

During the winter, it is harder for drivers to see cyclists, so some bikers use flashing LED lights and "[b]right coloured garments" to increase their visibility on the road.[30] One winter biker quoted by CBC news states that he "...double[s] the number of lights" on his bike during the darker winter periods. [31]

Protection from the cold[edit]

A winter biker dressed for a cold ride in a high-visibility reflective vest, balaclava and helmet cover.
The Chinese version of hand-protecting "pogies", used on electric bicycles in cold weather.

A CTV article states that winter cyclists may dress in layers, and they may cover the "ears, face, and hands" using "neck warmers, balaclavas, and even ski goggles." [32]

Off-road use[edit]

In December 2013, Maria Leijerstam completed the first successful pedal-powered ride across Antarctica to the South Pole on a customized recumbent trike.[33]

Fatbikes[edit]

Main article: Fatbike
A fatbike with wide, low-pressure tires being ridden over the snow

A fatbike is a bicycle with wide, over-sized tires, typically 3.8 in (97 mm) or larger and rims 2.6 in (66 mm) or wider, designed for low inflation to allow riding on soft unstable terrain such as snow.[34] The name is a reference to the fatness of the tires used on the cycles. The wide tires can be used with inflation pressures as low as 5 psi (340 hPa) to allow for a smooth ride.[35]Surly Bikes released the Pugsley frame, in 2005,[36] and began producing Large Marge 65 mm rims and Endomorph 3.8-inch tires in 2006. The Pugsley frame, rim and tire offerings made fatbikes commercially available in local bike shops worldwide.[37] Other early versions of the fatbike were normal mountain bikes equipped with SnowCat rims, created by Simon Rakower of All-Weather Sports in Fairbanks, Alaska in the early 1990s;[38] or with multiple tires seated on two or three standard rims that had been welded or pinned together.[39]

As the popularity of fatbikes has expanded,[40][41][42] fatbike specific events (races, race series, tours, and festivals) have emerged. Examples include the annual Global Fatbike Summit[43] (since 2012),[44] the Fatbike Birkie race[45] which is part of the Great Lakes Fatbike Series (2014-2015 season: 8 races held across 3 states),[46][47] the US Open Fatbike Beach Championships (inaugural, 2015),[48] the USA Cycling Fat Bike National Championship (inaugural, 2015),[49][50] and the 45Nrth Fatbike Triple Crown race series.[51]

See also[edit]

Further reading[edit]

  • von Markowsky, P. Winter Cycling. Technical guide and ideas for the budget-minded, do-it-yourself adventurer. Lulu Publications, 2013.

References[edit]

  1. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  2. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  3. ^ http://bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/
  4. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/winter-cycling-5-tips-for-riding-in-the-sleet-and-snow-1.2861703
  5. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  6. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  7. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  8. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/winter-cycling-5-tips-for-riding-in-the-sleet-and-snow-1.2861703
  9. ^ http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/winter-cyclists-defy-the-elements-1.1651199
  10. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  11. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  12. ^ http://bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/
  13. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/winter-cycling-5-tips-for-riding-in-the-sleet-and-snow-1.2861703
  14. ^ http://bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/
  15. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  16. ^ http://bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/
  17. ^ "Riding techniques for poor weather conditions". Residents» Transportation and Parking» Cycling» Cycling safety» Cold or wet weather cycling» Riding techniques for poor weather conditions. City of Ottawa. Retrieved 17 September 2013. Roads tend to be a bit narrower due to snow banks Ride in the middle lane when necessary, which will prevent motorists from passing you too closely.
  18. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  19. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  20. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  21. ^ http://bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/
  22. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  23. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  24. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  25. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/winter-cycling-5-tips-for-riding-in-the-sleet-and-snow-1.2861703
  26. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  27. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  28. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  29. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:JsbqJPwZz40J:bikelanes.ca/winter-bicycling-in-ottawa-it-aint-no-thang/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca
  30. ^ http://www.mec.ca/AST/contentprimary/learn/cycling/introtocycling/wintercycling.jsp
  31. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/winter-cycling-5-tips-for-riding-in-the-sleet-and-snow-1.2861703
  32. ^ http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/winter-cyclists-defy-the-elements-1.1651199
  33. ^ article about ride to South Pole[1]
  34. ^ Adam Fisher. "Rollin' Large". Bicycling. Retrieved 2014-01-18.
  35. ^ delphinide. "Fatbiking 101". singletracks.com. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
  36. ^ Regenold, Stephen (14 July 2006). "Adventure bikes – Surly Pugsley, Evingson Cycle Voyageur". gearjunkie.com. Monopoint Media LLC. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  37. ^ DeMarban, Alex (27 Dec 2011). "Alaska's fat-bike mania spreads its tire track across world". Alaska Dispatch News. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  38. ^ SnowCat page on All-Weather Sports website, archived from the original on 2008-02-08
  39. ^ "A Brief History of Fatbikes". www.adventurecycling.org. Adventure Cycling Association. 13 Feb 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2015.
  40. ^ Marshall, John (7 Apr 2015). "Why fat bikes are going from niche sport to mainstream". ctvnews.com. Retrieved 7 Apr 2015.
  41. ^ "Finns go wild for the fatbike -- perfect for biking in the snow". Alaska Dispatch News. Alaska, USA. 12 Mar 2015. Retrieved 7 Apr 2015.
  42. ^ Averill, Graham (16 Jan 2015). "Love to Fat Bike? This is where to ride". Outside Online. USA: Outside Magazine. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  43. ^ Suder, Jason (15 Jan 2015). "Fat Bike Summit at the King". Jackson Hole News & Guide. Wyoming, USA. Retrieved 7 April 2015.
  44. ^ "Global Fatbike Summit: History". fatbikesummit.com. 20 Jan 2012. Retrieved 7 Apr 2015.
  45. ^ "Fat Tire Birkie is a hit". fox21online. Cable, Wi, USA. 7 Mar 2015. Retrieved 7 Apr 2015.
  46. ^ "2015 Series Announced". greatlakesfatbikeseries.com. Great Lakes Fat Bikes Series. 2014. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  47. ^ Lindgren, Suzanne (30 Dec 2014). "Snowy times call for fat bike measures". The Sun. USA. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  48. ^ "NC bikers dominate Fat Bike Championships". WRAL.com. WRAL.com. 14 Mar 2015. Retrieved 7 Apr 2015.
  49. ^ "USA Cycling adds fat bike National Championships for 2015". cyclingnews.com. USA. 6 Feb 2014. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  50. ^ Lloyd, Steven (16 Feb 2015). "USA's First Ever Fat Bike National Championship". pinkbike.com. pinkbike.com. Retrieved 11 Apr 2015.
  51. ^ Sinnema, Jodie (25 Jan 2015). "Edmonton's fat-bike riders now have monthly race to strut their stuff". Edmonton Journal. Edmonton, AB, Canada. Retrieved 7 Apr 2015.

External links[edit]

Category:Cycle types Category:Off-road vehicles Category:Mountain biking Category:Cycling Category:Commuting Category:Winter sports

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