Tuesday, 10 January 2017

Tips for Riding Bikes in Winter Time

If you are looking for a belt drive folding bike, you need to check out the variety of folding bikes that can be found from Downtube. You will be able to find a bike to fit your needs. The following article has some handy helpful tips for riding your bike in the winter months.



Following Plows

Bike paths are regularly plowed in many of your major metro areas.

Road Conditions

During most winter commutes, it is often the same dry pavement as in the summer. Sand, salt, sun and snowplows can help to eliminate ice and snow from roads in the days after a snow storm.

Ride Steady

For slippery stretches, bike riders should slow down. You should brake only on the rear wheel in order to avoid spinouts on slick surfaces. You should be prepared to take your feet off the pedals of your belt drive folding bike if it starts to fishtail or tilt.

Watchful Eye
Cars are less aware of bikers in the winter months. Always ride your belt drive folding bike defensively and make eye contact with car drivers.

Cold and Clean

You should keep your Belt drive folding bike cold and store it in the garage. A room-temperature bike in new snow can cause ice to form on the brakes and gears more easily.

Going With Studded Tires

Carbide-studded tires can increase grip on snow and ice.

Protect Your Core

Layering is the key to staying warm and managing your sweat in the cold. A common configuration for biking includes a wicking base layer shirt followed by an insulating fleece top, then with a waterproof and windproof shell jacket. For your bottom half, one less layer is going to be needed. Many bikers wear normal pants like jeans covered up with a wind-shell pant. If you have a long commute, you should consider bike tights or shorts with a chamois pad combined with long underwear bottoms and the shell pants on top.

Headwear

You should not wear the hood on your jacket while you are biking because air can funnel in as you move. Many bike riders wear balaclavas and sunglasses or ski goggles. Tight-fitting fleece skull caps are popular as well. You should always top your headwear with a helmet, perhaps sized larger in winter to fit over all the insulation.

Warm Hands and Feet

You should not wear gloves but wear mittens or bifurcated lobster-style hand wear as they will keep your fingers close together and warmer. Winter boots are best for the coldest days but you need to use platform pedals with aggressive tread for good grip as you crank. If the temperature is 20 degrees or more, you can get away with bike shoes, making sure to have on neoprene covers to add insulation and buffer warm air.

Public Transit as Retreat


Many metro trains and public buses are going to allow bikes, letting riders surrender on the worst days and hop a ride home.



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