Cold-Weather Riding Tips
Sean
Travis Brown knows how to ride bikes, and he knows how to ride them even when the mercury drops. He’s a Mountain Bike Hall of Famer who was inducted in 2006 for his long career as a cross-country racer. He’s best known for his strong finishes during his tenure as a racer for Trek, a partnership that started in 1993 when Travis joined the Trek/ Volkswagen team and still continues today. He’s racked up two Single Speed World Championship titles, as well as many top finishes at UCI and NORBA races. He was also selected to represent the USA at the 2000 Olympic Games.
Being born and raised in the Colorado mountains in Durango and working with a company based in Waterloo, Wisconsin, he’s no stranger to long winters and cold-weather rides. Heck, where he lives, if you’re not willing to ride in the cold, you’re not going to ride at all for much of the year. We were able to chat with Travis about his favorite tips for riders who aren’t afraid to venture out into the cold to keep their pedals moving. These are his best tips to keep you from having to abandon your bike until the spring thaw.
Keep the Blood Moving
Good blood circulation and layering are key strategies for staying comfortable and warm when riding in colder temperatures, especially for the extremities. Hands and feet are the hardest things to keep warm. I use gloves a size larger than normal to allow good circulation and to have the option of adding a thin thermal liner.
Stay Away from Metal Components
Carbon bars, foam grips with no metal lock collars and carbon levers draw less heat out of your hands. These will keep your hands warmer whether or not you ride with winter gloves.
Go Bigger
I size up one or even two sizes with shoes to make room for an additional insole/foot bed for insulation, thicker socks or sock layering while still having space for good circulation. Insulation from the cleat is critical. Your foot is only a few millimeters away from the cleat that is attached to a metal pedal and crank sitting out in the cold wind. This is a big thermal sink attached to your foot.
Buy a Winter-Specific Pedal and Shoe Setup
Investing in a winter-specific riding shoe is well worth the money if you plan to pedal through the winter. Also, flat pedals are best for colder conditions because of the ability to use shoes with more insulation under your foot. Find a shoe and pedal pair that work well together, and plan to use them during the winter months.
Keep ’Em Toasty with Mini Heaters
I have also had good luck with disposable, adhesive foot warmers for really cold conditions. They’re the same ones that skiers use in their boots, and activate as soon as you open them and expose the chemicals to air. Most outdoor sporting goods stores sell these, and they work best with the slightly bigger shoe setup.
When It’s Cold—but Not That Cold
For moderately cold conditions, simply taping over your shoe’s toe vents helps. This prevents the airflow from hitting your toes. Use duct or Gorilla tape, as it’s sticky and water-resistant. Just be sure not to leave it on too long, as it can leave a nasty residue that’s hard to get off.
Flip on the Heater
Your head and neck are your body’s radiators. Adding and subtracting layers here is a quick and efficient way to manage body temperature. I like to use a balaclava to cover my nose and cheeks for a quick and easy way to keep the temps up.
Change Your Eye Protection
In the coldest temperatures, consider goggles rather than glasses. They prevent your eyes from watering much better and limit airflow. Your vision will be better and your face will be warmer.
The Bearded Rider
Grow a beard if you can. It will keep your face warmer—really.
Keep It Dry
Moisture management is another key to maintaining body heat on longer rides in the cold. If it is below freezing and you won’t get rained on, barrier layers will hold in too much perspiration. You are better off adding additional breathable, thermal layers if you plan to be sweating. If barrier layers are a must, being conservative about how much you sweat is important. Also, limit your exposure time. It is very difficult to stay warm once you are wet.
Keep It Layered
Quality base layers that are form-fitting and have good wicking properties will definitely extend your comfort window in cold conditions. The worst thing you could wear would be a low-tech layer like a cotton T-shirt or sweatshirt. Instead, go for synthetic fabrics or wool, as they tend to keep the moisture away from your skin better.
Try Plus-Size or Fat Tires
That little bit of extra wheel weight carries itself much better than a standard-size tire when it’s on snow. The bigger air volume floats above snow and ice and also provides better traction thanks to the increased surface area. Since plus-size and fat bikes have caught on in a serious way, there are plenty of new options to try when it comes to tire choices too.
Check Out these Snow Worthy Machines
From dirt roads, snowy trails, city roads, with potholes, train tracks, cable stones, you can venture inside an outside the city for amazing adventures.
The SEVEN DAYS is also available with the bigger battery, LONG RUN, with 630Wh. With this bigger battery we have recorded up to 115 miles of range with one charge. It takes 3.5 hours to fully recharge the battery and 2.5 hour to get it up to 80% charge from zero.
FAT SPORT 24″-$2800.Fantic’s first electrified Fatbike with 24’’ wheels. Fantic has decided to introduce this new model of innovative e-bike, designed in particular for the young guns. The Fantic Fat Sport 24 inherits all the advantages of fat tires; security, stability on off-camber corners, easy crossing on uneven and slippery surfaces, dirt paths, gravel, sand and snow.
FAT SPORT-$4800. The Fat Sport inherits all the advantages of a fat tire bike offering stability on slippery surfaces; like rugged dirt trails, gravel, sand and snow.
Seven Days City-$3400. The German Brose engine, the world’s leading car electric motor, German BMZ batteries with 3 years warranty, SRAM transmission and Italian finishes make Seven Days Città a reliable companion for your daily adventures.
When In Boston
Here’s where to ride and purchase your next e-bike in Boston
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO GET ELECTRIC BIKE ACTION
In print, from the Apple newsstand, or on your Android device, from Google.
Available from the Apple Newsstand for reading on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
Subscribe Here
For more subscription information contact (800) 767-0345
Got something on your mind? Let us know at tonyd@hi-torque.com
____________________________________
The post Cold-Weather Riding Tips appeared first on Electric Bike Action.