I think there was a real low point for sensible cycling in the 90s to 00s, my parents and grandparents rode their bikes all year and they have realy old fashioned "dutch" bikes, and nowadays sensible bikes are making a comeback, people like Shifter are part of this, thanks for promoting sensible cycling
Yep, first there was the race bike craze of the 80s, and then the MTB craze of the 90s that's still kind of ongoing, but sensible bikes for commuting and shopping groceries are seemingly becoming more common again. An the ebike explosion is helping, I guess in part because many of those buying ebikes are older people who value quality lights, mudguards, racks, baskets, and what not.
Where could we tag them? This needs to happen. ASAP. A big city girl moving after her new job in a small town where the local bike commuting specialist will be very handsome and also good at keeping the biking lanes in good condition. The ending... They winter-bike their way into the sunset.
This is my first year of bike commuting through winter and so far it has been going great. One of the benefits in my city is that the shared bike/ped paths are almost completely clear of other users so it can feel like i have the entire thing to myself. I do hope that more people will get out and embrace winter cycling but for now i'm happy to enjoy the freedom and solitude.
Had someone tell me this morning that I must be hard core to bike today. It was -18C. I showed him my balaclava and goggles and said it wasn’t too bad. Gave studded tires a try a few years ago and have enjoyed it since. So nice not to have to put my bike away once the snow comes.
I have cycled in -18 C weather before in a dark, cloudless and windy night. But I should add that it was not very far, a bit more than 4 km. I don't consider myself hardcore.
It really is simply a matter of wearing appropriate clothing. Does everyone feel hardcore for being outside when it's 10C just because at some point it was 30C and they were wearing shorts? Not a chance. You just dress appropriately for the conditions and carry on.
Not gonna lie I used to think people ride in the winter are kinda crazy. And now I started riding too. 100% enjoying it. Documented it too. Thank you for normalizing winter cycling and commute on bikes in general
This is so cool - I didn't realize that you are the person who wrote Frostbike!! My dad gave me a copy of Frostbike when it came out after reading it himself, since I was just starting to bike places year-round, and it really changed my perspective on cycling in the winter. More recently, I've been watching your videos. It's cool to realize that you are the author of a book that really inspired me! Thanks from a Saskatoon cyclist!
I love my e-bikes. I ride 10 miles (16 km) each way to work. Another gift of aging is getting very sweaty no matter the weather. I won't ride a regular bike to work because of this. I rode this morning at 16F (-8C) in the snow and loved it as always.
Perfect timing : I just made a couple earmuffs for my cycling helmet and I'll be testing them tomorrow on my way to work :) I feel I should point out that I live in Nantes, France, where winters are very mild and we rarely get any snow, but it still get pretty chilly this time of the year. Great video, stay safe everyone !
I'm a Boomer (?) and, although I haven't ridden my bikes in winter since I was a kid, I would consider starting again to extend my riding season here in New England. Thanks for the videos. Enjoy them very much.
Boy, THAT was interesting! I've never heard someone talk about Winter Cycling before, much less about positive aspects, and MUCH less, a Canadian! Holy Cow! My Winter biking has been all in CT, USA, and all my winter experience has been here (20 yrs +), and I found myself agreeing with all your points, and the negative ones, too. I find Winter biking to be a function of income. Ride in the Winter, and one discovers, OMG, it's possible! Also, I focused on the (cheaper, but just as effective) military surplus gear. I have discovered that the only possible way to to upmarket bicycling gear is to put the term 'tactical' in front of it. See you in the slush!
One more advantage to cycle in the winter is you don't have to plow and scape ice of your entire car , just pick your bike and go, your butt will melt the snow on the seat
You nailed it there. I don’t have covered parking for my car and I can just bundle up and pedal to the gym in the pre dawn hours in the 20 minutes it would just to prep the car.
Great video. This is my second year biking through winter, and it has been a life changing experience. Very encouraged to see so many like-minded people commenting on their experiences as well. Keep riding and stay warm!
Ontario's Premier Doug Ford just passed legislation to remove bike lanes from Downtown Toronto. So sad, and very backward. I'll continue to ride in winter.
Jason ( @NotJustBikes ) did a video on that, and the sheer amount of suppressed anger&fury is ... impressive, to say the least - th-cam.com/video/KgFCQ7jEZxI/w-d-xo.html
It’s unfortunate that they are removing the bike lanes, but this might also be the fix. After the lanes are removed they are going to find that the vehicle traffic is not getting better and probably it is going to get worse. Hopefully they will come to the realization that removing the lanes has made things worse. Midterm pain for long term gain.
Yeah, it took me about three weeks to put on my studs and went for my first ride today( -31 Winnipeg). The roads are pretty hard packed. No brown sugar in sight. So true about E bikes and keeping me un sweaty year round.
Cleared for people out for a walk, " aka people commuting by foot. 😁 I love that my city & county (Milwaukee, WI) clear the multiuse paths, bike lanes, and are much more vigilant about sidewalks being cleared!
I've seen quite a few bikes in the last few days as the chinook has cleared the pathways in Calgary. Now even though my daily trip has plowed pathways, the melt freeze situation means they can be treacherous. But these videos of my fellow Calgarian makes me more confident to go.
When I got back into biking a few years back I had one major issue I had to surmount: biking in winter. So when I bought a bike I in part chose to buy it in January(I was mainly getting serious about it around that time so I didn’t want to postpone things until spring either), if I couldn’t get comfortable going out in the coldest month I probably wasn’t going to stick with it. As I got out and riding I realized what I already knew from regularly walking, which is that being outdoors where I live is relatively mild(high of 40F, low of 20F in January) and we get fairly few snow falls and most under 1” of snow. Pogies were a huge help for my hands but I’ll admit I do still struggle finding a good way to keep my face warm particularly for shorter trips before my body heats up.
Great video, Tom. Watching it brought be back to those early days and hosting you in our shop for a book launch. Good times. Happy 10 year anniversary to Frostbike.
I am beyond happy that I found this channel. Ever since starting university I've been using my bike as my primary mode of transportation. And while it was pretty easy on campus, the surrounding city is less than ideal. Very little infrastructure outside of occasional painted gutters - many of which are ignored by drivers because no one feels safe using them! Your winter cycling guides have been wonderful for learning about gear and mentality. Thank you much!
I cycle year round in Halifax, and winter studded tires have made the most difference for me. Winter tires have a compound that stays effective in cold temps, and the studs make them even better. I never even slipped last winter. And I think I've found a way to keep my fingers warm, but we'll see about that.
I struggled with frozen fingers trying out different gloves and mittens, but taking a leap of faith I tried pogies (the neoprene Bar Mitts he shows off in the video) and they’ve been great at keeping my digits warm by themselves or with glove liners, though most of my riding is between 20F-40F(-7C-4C)
The reason winter is portrayed so negatively is because most people associate it with dirty, salty snow, shivering while scraping ice off windshields, and excessive highway traffic accidents. Winter is actually a beautiful season when you 'touch grass' out in a bright, snowy wonderland
Hi Tom, from Winnipeg! Today it was -32°C before wind chill (which the pathetic 10 km/h wind raised to -41°!) and there was 2 others hitched up to the bike rack in addition to me! It. Is. Happening. Still feels like a major win to just get home alive though.
I got a Priority Turi after watching your channel, which is very similar to the Onyx. I now try to ride bike in the winter as much as possible. If I hadn't seen your channel I wouldn't have known about it. Thank you Shifter!
Great video as always. I like winter and winter cycling, its nice to see more and more people doing it. In the end it all comes down to having good infrastructure.
There are so many good lights with cut offs (aka a car low beam style light pattern) at low prices you can have brightness and responsibility both at the same time.
I've been a fulltime bicycle commuter since 1992. Back then it was me and a handful of riders, based on the tire tracks in the snow, that rode during the winter. These days, I see all sorts from racers to mom/dad riding to the library or grocery store. I updated my snow tires after moving back to the Boise, Id area but haven't seen any ridable snow yet. I miss snow riding, slips/slides and falling are part of the fun.
In my city, operations on sidewalks, multi use pathways and bike lanes always start before streets. It’s not perfect, especially for bike lanes in narrow streets, but I’m glad it is prioritized!
I honestly need to get around on my bike in the winter for the sake of health lol. It's a great way to halt "winter weight." Even on an ebike, it's a great way to get in some "commitment-free exercise." I typically use more juice on the way to work, so I'm not sweaty, but do more of the work on the way home. My wife and I got a second bike so that we could both use one in the winter, and the new one has fat tires. Holy cow it makes a difference! The Finns Tom mentions are right: it is like the pickup truck or off-road buggie equivalent of a regular bike. If anyone is too dreadfully scared of winter cycling but has the cash hanging around, it might be for you. Maybe ride one around before committing to the purchase to make sure you like it. There is extra rolling resistance and road noise. I also really miss the step-through frame of our other bike. Shout out to those biking in Calgary. I live in a small town about 90 minutes from there, and I am blessed not having to deal with so many cars.
I do ride thru the winter now that I'm in a couple cycling clubs, I find the appeal of a social event centered around riding gets me involved more consistently. But you're right, the right clothing and great makes a world of difference! ❤
I’ve cycled through the Scandinavian winter since I was a pre-teen. I rarely use special clothes, and I ride my winter bike all through summer as well. I have used winter tires, studded and stud-free, in the past, but right now my gravel specific tires do the job just fine.
I like my motorcycle helmet, with snorkel, when temps dip below - 20C. New helmets are lighter and come with cool ways to keep the visor clear while riding a bike. I can dress lighter, yet still arrive warm and comfortable.
Thank you, Tom! I started winter cycling last year after checking out your advice on winter gear, and it made all the difference. Thanks to the Bixi system we have here, I was able to ease into it. Since then, I’ve upgraded to a belt-drive bike with an internal hub, and now I actually prefer riding rather than walking in the cold or slush. It’s more fun, and my feet stay warm and (mostly) dry. Having the right gear and a resilient bike completely changed how I feel about winter - I don't really mind it at all!
Terrific episode Tom. I've been following your TH-cam channel for 3-4 years. I enjoy your reports and appreciate your sincerity and enthusiasm. You're a talented bicycle journalist, educator, reviewer, and storyteller whose candor and humor make you relatable to a wide audience. You and Rivendell Bicycle Works' Grant Peterson should connect and collaborate sometime--I'm confident the outcome would be entertaining and beneficial to the bike community. As a senior citizen living in SE Michigan I ride my vintage Bridgestone mountain bike for the exercise and fun of it a couple days each week during the winter. Mostly when the wind isn't blowing too hard and snow isn't falling diagonally. After reading your book a few years ago I've ridden with more confidence and a greater sense of vindication. I frequently share it with friends and family who think I'm crazy. It hasn't changed their minds, but it's enlightened and amused them. Studded tires and better lighting have definitely made my rides safer and more enjoyable. I look forward to your next video.
20+ years of winter cycling experience. Commuting in Toronto (2-3x/week) and Boulder CO (daily), and now just recreation and shopping in Fredericton NB. I just found myself nodding to everything in the video (like just about all of Shifter’s video content). A couple of things to add … Keep the bike well lubed, even a little more than normally required is fine, it all helps (just watch your brake pads). This applies mostly to a conventional chain drivetrain but also to anything that moves (levers, etc.). With an ebike also use dielectric grease (or a good aerosol electric contact cleaner) on all the electrical connectors - in particular the battery connections. I also tape all of my connectors regardless of whether they are “waterproof” or not. Speaking of ebikes I find they offer an additional winter cycling benefit. Stability in really rough rutted icy conditions. Now this absolutely means that studded tires are being used but I find that the ability to maintain some momentum without pedalling through the really rough icy stuff is very helpful in staying upright. In a similar vein most ebikes also allow you to put your feet down and still push through (carefully) the rough stuff. The downside of an ebike is a slightly higher center of gravity and the desire to ride a bit faster - that’s obviously not a good combination in slippery conditions.
Still cycle commuting here on Vancouver Island, year round; each commute leg has me riding for about 80 minutes. Even with our milder winter climate, some rides can be brutal. Drenched by rain at 1 or 2C I find far harder to endure than a ride at -5C, but clear. Heavy fog (which persists throughout winter) also condenses on me during many non-rainy days. Thanks for these insights Tom.
Winter bike commuting is amazing, I’ve been doing it for several years. Breath of fresh air and some exercise. Not to mention it feels quite peaceful with the darkness
In late October the engine in my van (uk) blew up and now sits in my garage slowly being repaired. Not much longer now. Walking and cycling have been my number one mode of transport closely followed by buses and trains. There has been some beautiful weather and absolutely atrocious weather. I dread going out on my bike in the bad weather but, you know what, every time I get out I just love it. I have the right clothes on and, increasingly, the right mental attitude. No being stuck in traffic jams. No struggling to find a parking space. My two panniers can hold a good load of shopping. I park right where I want to be. This last month and a half have been a revelation. Friends and family think I am mad. I think I am the sane one.
Also a boomer. I have been commuting by e-bike in Kingston Ontario for 4 years now. The only thing that scares me now are the drivers. In particular those who are taught how to pass the test as opposed to how to drive.
I held off on winter cycling for a long time, but finally ventured into it last winter (after my younger brother had taken it up before). I bought a cheap used utility bike (single speed, coaster brake, fenders, step-through frame) and replaced the 26x1 3/8 front wheel with a 26x1.75 one so as to be able to get a studded tire. Rode it most of the winter (except when it dipped below around -15 or -20°C), then discovered that water had somehow gotten into the frame and frozen, cracking it. Undaunted, I stripped it down and bought another one for this winter. Have to admit I chickened out the last few days (as I write this it's -23, not counting wind chill). But I plan to continue.
Love riding in winter! Going on a nice ride tomorrow! No snow yet, but it will be around 0 - 3 Celsius. Just layer up nicely and you're good... And after like 10-15 minutes of pedaling, you all warmed up anyways.
I have been cycling in Montreal in winter since the late 1970’s, on an ordinary 10 speed back then and no special gear or clothing, I somehow made it work for me.
A friend of mine met someone who swore by road bikes as a way of getting around in winter. I think it might have been because they cut through slushy snow well but I could be wrong.
Winnipeg has in years past done a better job than this year clearing snow. A couple days after the recent snow, and I was still having a lot of difficulty as none of my designated routes had been cleared. I pick those routes specifically because they are on the list. It's good now. I have a gravel bike with studs and a fat tire bike without. Prefer the gravel for commuting and the fat for recreation, but when it's impassable, I ride the fat to work.
And lights. It gets dark early. A few years ago, I added studded tires to the mix. That was a game changer. This winter, I have been expanding the times I'm willing to ride (think twilight and not so much full dark), and lights are a big part of expanding when I'm able to ride this winter. Right as the sun is starting to rise, those lights make me that pinch more visible on my way to work. I'm not a huge gear guy, but the lights have made such a difference.
I love winter riding. I've been doing it for years. It used to be hard when I lived in Philly with almost no bike lanes. Now Philly's full of bike lanes. I live outside the city now, but rail trails and canal towpaths are everywhere connecting most cities and towns in Eastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. I have a fat tire ebike with snow chains and a mountain bike with a studded tire. And when there's no snow or ice, I ride my cargo bike. Winter has become my favorite time of year to ride.
Thank you for the encouraging video. I've lived in Winterpeg back in the '70s and on Vancouver Island more recently, but I now live high in the Pennines in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (no bike lanes here). Cycling on the Island was great...but not many bike lanes. Things might be better now. Winnipeg: Hmm? I was able to ski into work. I dont know what it's like now. Here in the Dales, it can get very cold. Not the cold of Winnipeg with -20° to -30°, but a bitter really DAMP cold, with gusting winds. I'm not sure why, but the damp cold seems far worse than the dry cold of the Prairies! Here its also the attitudes of drivers, often with big SUVs, and the narrow lanes that make cycling more difficult, especially in winter. Another factor might be my age...hmm? But there are loads of cyclists, who, like me, pedal up and down this beautiful countryside...in our wet winter. So far this winter we've only had snow for about 24 hrs, back at the beginning of October. But weve had at least two severe rain and windstorms.
If you’re serious about riding in snow and ice conditions studded tyres are a must. It makes no difference how good a rider you think you are-if your front tire hits a patch of ice leaned over or turning the ‘bars ,you’re going down.
..just a shout-out for MEC.. (Mountain Equipment Company) which is not a co-op anymore, but I think it is still a very good place to shop.. or even just browse.
4 is a really good point. I use the pedal assist mode to regulate my temperature. When I get cold on the cargo bike, I turn down the assist so I get warmer.
i live in minnesota, and all the fat bikes seem to migrate south with the birds each winter. you’d be unsurprised to hear that the bikes i see in mid-january tend to look more like yours
For point 1, if you want a fast winter bike, gravel bikes are now a thing and have great tyre clearance with a slightly more relaxed position which I love for commuting. 10 years ago I was commuting on a dutch bike, now it's a gravel bike with 40mm tyres. Winters are quite mild here, so it's more than enough for the one day of snow and the 2 weeks of frost.
One to feed the algorithm. I think a snowy winter is OK because its bright. If you have no sun, short days and just a muddy scenery its hard for me to like winter. But then again I enjoy spring even more
I rode my bike to work in winter. 20 degrees out. But I dressed accordingly and I was never cold or over heated. I saw it took 26 minute to bike to my job so I took it as a challenge 1 week into,that my first day was 25 minutes. The next day it was 23 the next two,days I had it down to 20 minutes one whole week my best time was 19 minutes simply because I had to use the bathroom it just gave me the push
going to do laundry today with my bike rack loaded and good grippy tires - im 59 and have biked thru over 25 winters !! today is minus 10 celcius and no worries!!
Just got my MTB fitted with studded tyres yesterday. I’m keen to try them, but in the Netherlands they are perhaps a bit overkill due to the recent soft winters. However, my commuter e-bike is for speed and during (black) ice conditions I prefer something grippy and to drive more slowly. Colleagues are asking me if I’m crazy because of the distance (54km round trip), but I’m healthier and fitter than last year.
In the 3 barriers, it is interesting you mention wind chill. I often laugh at wind chill when winter cycling as it doesn't really matter to me. I am creating a "wind chill" any time I am on a bike by moving at 15-25 km/h. (or faster on the roadie) That said, I do agree with your point in the way we talk about winter can be changed.
I don't ride very often during the winter. However, when I do I use the bar mitts, my ski helmet and I bring my ski goggles in case I need them. Unfortunately our city doesn't plow the "bike lane" along my route. They use it to put snow there when clearing the road. It's dangerous to try and ride as one can slip and fall into traffic because of the snow.
I'm in Ottawa and we have awesome bike lanes. for now, the Ontario government wants to start ripping them out for some reason. Anyway, I want to thank you for your attitude towards riding year round. This is my first year in over 30 years that I am attempting to cycle year round again. I'm not as young as I used to be, but I still enjoy my bike. We've had a few blizzards and it wasn't that bad. Only time I gave up and took the bus was when they were calling for freezing rain.vThe sides of the roads are tough to drive in, but I stopped caring about the cars, so I drive where I want and make them wait. I have the option because I don't drive main roads.
🚴👌👌👌👌👍👍👍thank for motivating people to take up the bicycle, it is clean, healthy and you get a wonderful feeling when you circulate through your city enjoying the views when you are on a bicycle, thank you 😊👍💫✨🙏
I really wanted to bike more in the winter but after seeing how poorly the bike lanes were cleared and having a really bad accident on ice last year, I gave up unfortunately. I still love seeing people out on their bikes in the snow though!
In 2006 I was in 7th grade. I got a mountain bike for Christmas because my bike had been stolen the summer prior. My parents felt bad that I wouldn’t be able to ride it until the spring. I didn’t care though. I bundled up and rode my bike everywhere. Today, I still find an excuse to ride my bike in the winter even though I work from home. Even if it’s just taking my laptop with me to the brewery on a Friday for a lunch.
Unfortunately, my commute is 36 miles round trip with 1,800 feet of climbing here in rural New England. It's just too far to do with any regularity in winter. I love this channel for the vicarious experience, though. I'm a fan!
Something that has certainly changed in the last 10 years is just the availability of information online. Instead of going "never biked in the winter before so it must be lethal" you can actually go and get information very easily on social media. While there is a lot of TH-cam content that is older than 10 years, the majority just isn't. Channels like yours are a good resource to point people to when they think about winter cycling but don't know how to do it safely and comfortably.
#2 hits hard here in Vancouver. Despite the City stating that the key commuter bikes lanes are cleared early in the day with specific ploughs bought purely for bike lanes it's very hit and miss. Experience has taught me that they are rarely cleared and usually when the thaw has begun.
I’ve only just found out that a neoprene vest like swimmers wear underneath your first, sorry over the top of your first layer makes all the difference in the winter, it’s amazing. Hope this helps someone.
Not trying to contradict you but all the "waterproof/breathable" fabrics are transitioning quickly to PFAS-free because some countries are banning the chemical next year. Any outdoor company who wants to stay in business will be changing over ASAP.
Scarves!!! North Americans, by and large (especially men) have never experienced just how much a game changer a nice wool scarf is in keeping warm. Especially when riding a bike - it's the difference between being perfectly warm and extremely cold when it's below freezing for me.
Bicycling on a fine layer of ice or compressed snow is a fantastic experience, even at temperatures down to -20 C (-4 F). Usually you have the cycle paths for yourself and white snow is much more pleasant than dark tarmac/gravel. For me the fresh and cold air boosts energy and makes you feel more alive. The worst thing is wet, slushy and dirty snow. I really hate that.
Goretex contains "forever chemicals" (which are bad). You might prefer to mention, for example, Fjallraven's garments that are water resistant using paraffin.
I so agree with the first negative. I get so tired of the complaints about winter. Some of my most memorable commutes have been in the winter. I don't see that changing unless I move Oulu.
I'm Australian. I'd never seen snow in a city before I lived in Europe. I rode a bike in winter when I lived in Denmark. It's not that bad! In fact, I loved it! If an Australian can do then surely Canadians can! (Sure, Denmark is not as cold as the mildest place in Canada but still)
We don't get snow very often where I'm at, but we do get a lot of sleet and some freezing rain with high winds. I think you still have to be crazy to cycle in that, even with the best gear. It's certainly not enjoyable.
Did my first two winter bicycle commutes this week. -12C and -8C respectively, and it was definitely easier and more enjoyable than I would have expected, but sadly I think I'll still have to wait until spring to keep at it. There's just too much cleanup required to keep the chain in good shape and the components salt-free, and my only real option to rinse things off in my apartment is to awkwardly try to get the bike into the bathtub which is bound to damage something sooner or later. While I am comfortable riding in traffic, it also doesn't help that drivers get way more impatient than normal if they see a bike lane that a cyclist isn't using, even if the bike lane is in an unusable/unsafe state while the road itself is clear and dry.
My attitude towards winter cycling unfortunately seems to reflects my city. Syracuse, NY has fairly nasty winters which (like many others) have moderated recently. Unfortunately our infrastructure is woefully inadequate for summer riders no less winter riders. The absence of safely separated lanes and the gear to clear them means cycling gets shut down for most of the winter. If I start winter cycling it will be for recreation and exercise but it will be tough to convince myself to invest when there is really nowhere to go. I appreciate your advocacy and remain optimistic.
As a mtber in an an area with bad bike Infrastructure for the winter season a fat bike becomes important for dealing with masses of snow left by cleanup. Different terrains and texture require me to be more safe in the mess.
Really cool segment, I just wanted to point out that the wind doesn't necessarily cool down the most internal and protected areas of the body which are coincidentally the most prone to sweating, and when , we try to open up a jacket a little bit to let the wind reach them, it becomes like you said even dangerous 😅 I got some colds like that
Here in sunny southern Ontario, we do not get real winter. However, it does snow and get cold sometimes. I have lived in this city all my life and learned a couple of things. Live near or on a bus route. Main roads and bus routes are cleared first. But two blocks on the same road past the bus route not so much. What we experience here is the constant cycle of snow, rain and snush. So it is hard to stay dry. Being wet and cold is no fun. But you still have to be a bit crazy, because drivers are more impatient and frustrated than in warmer seasons. And it still takes time to dress and undress when you prepare to go out.
I would say when it comes to waterproof breathable shells (which goretex is) that get a kind that doesnt use PFAs, forever chemicals, which are usually most present in the coating which causes water to bead. I know patagonia is a brand that is shifting to PFAs free coatings, I'm not aware of what other brands are.
That being said I'd rather someone use a potentially damaging garment if it means they're cycling to work rather than a car, since even the rubber produced from tires likely far outweighs the impacts of said garment (so long as it receives use for more than a season)
I think there was a real low point for sensible cycling in the 90s to 00s, my parents and grandparents rode their bikes all year and they have realy old fashioned "dutch" bikes, and nowadays sensible bikes are making a comeback, people like Shifter are part of this, thanks for promoting sensible cycling
Thank you! For the note and for the phrase "sensible cycling." That's exactly how I think about it.
May have something to do with the aging population.
Yep, first there was the race bike craze of the 80s, and then the MTB craze of the 90s that's still kind of ongoing, but sensible bikes for commuting and shopping groceries are seemingly becoming more common again. An the ebike explosion is helping, I guess in part because many of those buying ebikes are older people who value quality lights, mudguards, racks, baskets, and what not.
Hallmark is the answer, Please Hallmark give us a movie or two about Winter riders making a Snowy Connection!
Pretty funny but true, Hallmark movies can affect the common perspective!!!
Where could we tag them? This needs to happen. ASAP.
A big city girl moving after her new job in a small town where the local bike commuting specialist will be very handsome and also good at keeping the biking lanes in good condition. The ending... They winter-bike their way into the sunset.
@@tomimaanoja772 normally I do not care for Hallmark movies, but I'd watch the heck out of that
This is my first year of bike commuting through winter and so far it has been going great. One of the benefits in my city is that the shared bike/ped paths are almost completely clear of other users so it can feel like i have the entire thing to myself. I do hope that more people will get out and embrace winter cycling but for now i'm happy to enjoy the freedom and solitude.
Had someone tell me this morning that I must be hard core to bike today. It was -18C. I showed him my balaclava and goggles and said it wasn’t too bad. Gave studded tires a try a few years ago and have enjoyed it since. So nice not to have to put my bike away once the snow comes.
Dang man -18C is WILD! I thought I was hardcore for riding in -5C weather.
-18? I bow to you!
I have cycled in -18 C weather before in a dark, cloudless and windy night. But I should add that it was not very far, a bit more than 4 km. I don't consider myself hardcore.
I just watched bike rides videos in Irkutsk today. -18C long rides and two days ago -41C for regular commute. But it is natives runs.
It really is simply a matter of wearing appropriate clothing. Does everyone feel hardcore for being outside when it's 10C just because at some point it was 30C and they were wearing shorts? Not a chance. You just dress appropriately for the conditions and carry on.
Not gonna lie I used to think people ride in the winter are kinda crazy. And now I started riding too. 100% enjoying it. Documented it too.
Thank you for normalizing winter cycling and commute on bikes in general
This is so cool - I didn't realize that you are the person who wrote Frostbike!! My dad gave me a copy of Frostbike when it came out after reading it himself, since I was just starting to bike places year-round, and it really changed my perspective on cycling in the winter. More recently, I've been watching your videos. It's cool to realize that you are the author of a book that really inspired me! Thanks from a Saskatoon cyclist!
I love my e-bikes. I ride 10 miles (16 km) each way to work. Another gift of aging is getting very sweaty no matter the weather. I won't ride a regular bike to work because of this. I rode this morning at 16F (-8C) in the snow and loved it as always.
Perfect timing : I just made a couple earmuffs for my cycling helmet and I'll be testing them tomorrow on my way to work :) I feel I should point out that I live in Nantes, France, where winters are very mild and we rarely get any snow, but it still get pretty chilly this time of the year.
Great video, stay safe everyone !
I love Nantes!
I'm a Boomer (?) and, although I haven't ridden my bikes in winter since I was a kid, I would consider starting again to extend my riding season here in New England. Thanks for the videos. Enjoy them very much.
Fat biking (e or regular) is still very much a thing in areas where XC skiing is done. Something to consider.
@@cycologist7069 Yes. One of my bikes is an e fatbike. Thanks.
Boy, THAT was interesting! I've never heard someone talk about Winter Cycling before, much less about positive aspects, and MUCH less, a Canadian! Holy Cow! My Winter biking has been all in CT, USA, and all my winter experience has been here (20 yrs +), and I found myself agreeing with all your points, and the negative ones, too. I find Winter biking to be a function of income. Ride in the Winter, and one discovers, OMG, it's possible! Also, I focused on the (cheaper, but just as effective) military surplus gear. I have discovered that the only possible way to to upmarket bicycling gear is to put the term 'tactical' in front of it. See you in the slush!
One more advantage to cycle in the winter is you don't have to plow and scape ice of your entire car , just pick your bike and go, your butt will melt the snow on the seat
Indeed! Show pants: The ultimate vehicle de-ice solution
You nailed it there. I don’t have covered parking for my car and I can just bundle up and pedal to the gym in the pre dawn hours in the 20 minutes it would just to prep the car.
Great video. This is my second year biking through winter, and it has been a life changing experience. Very encouraged to see so many like-minded people commenting on their experiences as well. Keep riding and stay warm!
Ontario's Premier Doug Ford just passed legislation to remove bike lanes from Downtown Toronto. So sad, and very backward. I'll continue to ride in winter.
What a sorry excuse for a leader
Jason ( @NotJustBikes ) did a video on that, and the sheer amount of suppressed anger&fury is ... impressive, to say the least - th-cam.com/video/KgFCQ7jEZxI/w-d-xo.html
It’s unfortunate that they are removing the bike lanes, but this might also be the fix. After the lanes are removed they are going to find that the vehicle traffic is not getting better and probably it is going to get worse. Hopefully they will come to the realization that removing the lanes has made things worse. Midterm pain for long term gain.
Yeah, it took me about three weeks to put on my studs and went for my first ride today( -31 Winnipeg). The roads are pretty hard packed. No brown sugar in sight. So true about E bikes and keeping me un sweaty year round.
Thanks!
Cleared for people out for a walk, " aka people commuting by foot. 😁 I love that my city & county (Milwaukee, WI) clear the multiuse paths, bike lanes, and are much more vigilant about sidewalks being cleared!
I've seen quite a few bikes in the last few days as the chinook has cleared the pathways in Calgary. Now even though my daily trip has plowed pathways, the melt freeze situation means they can be treacherous. But these videos of my fellow Calgarian makes me more confident to go.
Thanks.
Riding all winter for the first time. Learning lots quickly.
When I got back into biking a few years back I had one major issue I had to surmount: biking in winter. So when I bought a bike I in part chose to buy it in January(I was mainly getting serious about it around that time so I didn’t want to postpone things until spring either), if I couldn’t get comfortable going out in the coldest month I probably wasn’t going to stick with it. As I got out and riding I realized what I already knew from regularly walking, which is that being outdoors where I live is relatively mild(high of 40F, low of 20F in January) and we get fairly few snow falls and most under 1” of snow. Pogies were a huge help for my hands but I’ll admit I do still struggle finding a good way to keep my face warm particularly for shorter trips before my body heats up.
Great video, Tom. Watching it brought be back to those early days and hosting you in our shop for a book launch. Good times. Happy 10 year anniversary to Frostbike.
Thanks to you and your book inspiring me, I now have winter tires on my bike and went for my first every winter ride yesterday. Thank you so much!
I am beyond happy that I found this channel. Ever since starting university I've been using my bike as my primary mode of transportation. And while it was pretty easy on campus, the surrounding city is less than ideal. Very little infrastructure outside of occasional painted gutters - many of which are ignored by drivers because no one feels safe using them!
Your winter cycling guides have been wonderful for learning about gear and mentality. Thank you much!
I cycle year round in Halifax, and winter studded tires have made the most difference for me. Winter tires have a compound that stays effective in cold temps, and the studs make them even better. I never even slipped last winter. And I think I've found a way to keep my fingers warm, but we'll see about that.
I struggled with frozen fingers trying out different gloves and mittens, but taking a leap of faith I tried pogies (the neoprene Bar Mitts he shows off in the video) and they’ve been great at keeping my digits warm by themselves or with glove liners, though most of my riding is between 20F-40F(-7C-4C)
@@jezzarisky ovenmits from the dollar store over your gloves work well too too keep hands warm.
@@jezzarisky One of these winters I'll have to try pogies, I just saw a fellow commuter yesterday with them.
I second (third?) the recommendation for pogies. Whether alone or with glove liners, they keep you warm while your fingers remain mobile.
The reason winter is portrayed so negatively is because most people associate it with dirty, salty snow, shivering while scraping ice off windshields, and excessive highway traffic accidents. Winter is actually a beautiful season when you 'touch grass' out in a bright, snowy wonderland
Hi Tom, from Winnipeg! Today it was -32°C before wind chill (which the pathetic 10 km/h wind raised to -41°!) and there was 2 others hitched up to the bike rack in addition to me! It. Is. Happening. Still feels like a major win to just get home alive though.
It's a major win to get home alive in Winnipeg regardless of how you get around lol.
I live in Winnipeg too, and I have to admit I chickened out the last few days. But I'll be back at it.
@@slaterpenna2797 And regardless of the time of year.
@@slaterpenna2797 What a clever original thought you had
Winter cycling in Winnipeg has been a bit scary, especially over the past few days. It's my first winter, giving it a try on a bike!
Your bike Frostbike is genuinely amazing! I absolutely adored your writing and storytelling.
I got a Priority Turi after watching your channel, which is very similar to the Onyx. I now try to ride bike in the winter as much as possible. If I hadn't seen your channel I wouldn't have known about it. Thank you Shifter!
Great video as always. I like winter and winter cycling, its nice to see more and more people doing it. In the end it all comes down to having good infrastructure.
Ebikes also allows for very high quality lights on the bike.
Add 1000 lumens to your helmet! LED lights & lithium batteries rock!
@@tomtrottier8135 Right, blind everybody thanks
There are so many good lights with cut offs (aka a car low beam style light pattern) at low prices you can have brightness and responsibility both at the same time.
@@xzcion what about children, dogs, puddle mirrors? You dont need god damn 1000 lumens! Idiocracy on every front!
@@tiortedrootsky Cars have much more than 1000 lumens.
I've been a fulltime bicycle commuter since 1992. Back then it was me and a handful of riders, based on the tire tracks in the snow, that rode during the winter. These days, I see all sorts from racers to mom/dad riding to the library or grocery store. I updated my snow tires after moving back to the Boise, Id area but haven't seen any ridable snow yet. I miss snow riding, slips/slides and falling are part of the fun.
In my city, operations on sidewalks, multi use pathways and bike lanes always start before streets. It’s not perfect, especially for bike lanes in narrow streets, but I’m glad it is prioritized!
I've read the book this year for the first time! Loved it
I honestly need to get around on my bike in the winter for the sake of health lol. It's a great way to halt "winter weight." Even on an ebike, it's a great way to get in some "commitment-free exercise." I typically use more juice on the way to work, so I'm not sweaty, but do more of the work on the way home. My wife and I got a second bike so that we could both use one in the winter, and the new one has fat tires. Holy cow it makes a difference! The Finns Tom mentions are right: it is like the pickup truck or off-road buggie equivalent of a regular bike. If anyone is too dreadfully scared of winter cycling but has the cash hanging around, it might be for you. Maybe ride one around before committing to the purchase to make sure you like it. There is extra rolling resistance and road noise. I also really miss the step-through frame of our other bike.
Shout out to those biking in Calgary. I live in a small town about 90 minutes from there, and I am blessed not having to deal with so many cars.
I do ride thru the winter now that I'm in a couple cycling clubs, I find the appeal of a social event centered around riding gets me involved more consistently. But you're right, the right clothing and great makes a world of difference! ❤
I’ve cycled through the Scandinavian winter since I was a pre-teen. I rarely use special clothes, and I ride my winter bike all through summer as well. I have used winter tires, studded and stud-free, in the past, but right now my gravel specific tires do the job just fine.
I like my motorcycle helmet, with snorkel, when temps dip below - 20C. New helmets are lighter and come with cool ways to keep the visor clear while riding a bike. I can dress lighter, yet still arrive warm and comfortable.
Thank you, Tom! I started winter cycling last year after checking out your advice on winter gear, and it made all the difference. Thanks to the Bixi system we have here, I was able to ease into it. Since then, I’ve upgraded to a belt-drive bike with an internal hub, and now I actually prefer riding rather than walking in the cold or slush. It’s more fun, and my feet stay warm and (mostly) dry. Having the right gear and a resilient bike completely changed how I feel about winter - I don't really mind it at all!
Terrific episode Tom. I've been following your TH-cam channel for 3-4 years. I enjoy your reports and appreciate your sincerity and enthusiasm. You're a talented bicycle journalist, educator, reviewer, and storyteller whose candor and humor make you relatable to a wide audience. You and Rivendell Bicycle Works' Grant Peterson should connect and collaborate sometime--I'm confident the outcome would be entertaining and beneficial to the bike community. As a senior citizen living in SE Michigan I ride my vintage Bridgestone mountain bike for the exercise and fun of it a couple days each week during the winter. Mostly when the wind isn't blowing too hard and snow isn't falling diagonally. After reading your book a few years ago I've ridden with more confidence and a greater sense of vindication. I frequently share it with friends and family who think I'm crazy. It hasn't changed their minds, but it's enlightened and amused them. Studded tires and better lighting have definitely made my rides safer and more enjoyable. I look forward to your next video.
20+ years of winter cycling experience. Commuting in Toronto (2-3x/week) and Boulder CO (daily), and now just recreation and shopping in Fredericton NB.
I just found myself nodding to everything in the video (like just about all of Shifter’s video content). A couple of things to add …
Keep the bike well lubed, even a little more than normally required is fine, it all helps (just watch your brake pads). This applies mostly to a conventional chain drivetrain but also to anything that moves (levers, etc.). With an ebike also use dielectric grease (or a good aerosol electric contact cleaner) on all the electrical connectors - in particular the battery connections. I also tape all of my connectors regardless of whether they are “waterproof” or not.
Speaking of ebikes I find they offer an additional winter cycling benefit. Stability in really rough rutted icy conditions. Now this absolutely means that studded tires are being used but I find that the ability to maintain some momentum without pedalling through the really rough icy stuff is very helpful in staying upright. In a similar vein most ebikes also allow you to put your feet down and still push through (carefully) the rough stuff. The downside of an ebike is a slightly higher center of gravity and the desire to ride a bit faster - that’s obviously not a good combination in slippery conditions.
Buy wool instead of the forever fabric.
Still cycle commuting here on Vancouver Island, year round; each commute leg has me riding for about 80 minutes. Even with our milder winter climate, some rides can be brutal. Drenched by rain at 1 or 2C I find far harder to endure than a ride at -5C, but clear. Heavy fog (which persists throughout winter) also condenses on me during many non-rainy days.
Thanks for these insights Tom.
Winter bike commuting is amazing, I’ve been doing it for several years. Breath of fresh air and some exercise. Not to mention it feels quite peaceful with the darkness
In late October the engine in my van (uk) blew up and now sits in my garage slowly being repaired. Not much longer now.
Walking and cycling have been my number one mode of transport closely followed by buses and trains.
There has been some beautiful weather and absolutely atrocious weather. I dread going out on my bike in the bad weather but, you know what, every time I get out I just love it.
I have the right clothes on and, increasingly, the right mental attitude. No being stuck in traffic jams. No struggling to find a parking space. My two panniers can hold a good load of shopping. I park right where I want to be.
This last month and a half have been a revelation. Friends and family think I am mad. I think I am the sane one.
Also a boomer. I have been commuting by e-bike in Kingston Ontario for 4 years now. The only thing that scares me now are the drivers. In particular those who are taught how to pass the test as opposed to how to drive.
I held off on winter cycling for a long time, but finally ventured into it last winter (after my younger brother had taken it up before). I bought a cheap used utility bike (single speed, coaster brake, fenders, step-through frame) and replaced the 26x1 3/8 front wheel with a 26x1.75 one so as to be able to get a studded tire. Rode it most of the winter (except when it dipped below around -15 or -20°C), then discovered that water had somehow gotten into the frame and frozen, cracking it. Undaunted, I stripped it down and bought another one for this winter. Have to admit I chickened out the last few days (as I write this it's -23, not counting wind chill). But I plan to continue.
Love riding in winter! Going on a nice ride tomorrow! No snow yet, but it will be around 0 - 3 Celsius. Just layer up nicely and you're good... And after like 10-15 minutes of pedaling, you all warmed up anyways.
I have been cycling in Montreal in winter since the late 1970’s, on an ordinary 10 speed back then and no special gear or clothing, I somehow made it work for me.
A friend of mine met someone who swore by road bikes as a way of getting around in winter. I think it might have been because they cut through slushy snow well but I could be wrong.
Winnipeg has in years past done a better job than this year clearing snow. A couple days after the recent snow, and I was still having a lot of difficulty as none of my designated routes had been cleared. I pick those routes specifically because they are on the list. It's good now. I have a gravel bike with studs and a fat tire bike without. Prefer the gravel for commuting and the fat for recreation, but when it's impassable, I ride the fat to work.
And lights. It gets dark early. A few years ago, I added studded tires to the mix. That was a game changer. This winter, I have been expanding the times I'm willing to ride (think twilight and not so much full dark), and lights are a big part of expanding when I'm able to ride this winter. Right as the sun is starting to rise, those lights make me that pinch more visible on my way to work. I'm not a huge gear guy, but the lights have made such a difference.
I love winter riding. I've been doing it for years. It used to be hard when I lived in Philly with almost no bike lanes. Now Philly's full of bike lanes. I live outside the city now, but rail trails and canal towpaths are everywhere connecting most cities and towns in Eastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey. I have a fat tire ebike with snow chains and a mountain bike with a studded tire. And when there's no snow or ice, I ride my cargo bike. Winter has become my favorite time of year to ride.
Glad to see so much progress!
Thank you for the encouraging video. I've lived in Winterpeg back in the '70s and on Vancouver Island more recently, but I now live high in the Pennines in the Yorkshire Dales National Park (no bike lanes here). Cycling on the Island was great...but not many bike lanes. Things might be better now. Winnipeg: Hmm? I was able to ski into work. I dont know what it's like now.
Here in the Dales, it can get very cold. Not the cold of Winnipeg with -20° to -30°, but a bitter really DAMP cold, with gusting winds. I'm not sure why, but the damp cold seems far worse than the dry cold of the Prairies! Here its also the attitudes of drivers, often with big SUVs, and the narrow lanes that make cycling more difficult, especially in winter. Another factor might be my age...hmm? But there are loads of cyclists, who, like me, pedal up and down this beautiful countryside...in our wet winter. So far this winter we've only had snow for about 24 hrs, back at the beginning of October. But weve had at least two severe rain and windstorms.
great book. i have my copy which you signed in Canmore. I see now there are vendors of Finnish bikes in Canada. Winter ride all the way.
Just did a 26 mile ride in the Buffalo area in 20 degrees weather. No one else on the bike trail. Great ride.
I love my Priority Continuum Onyx. Your book definitely helpful too.
Yay, I ride all year; it's only a matter of preparation and grit. I live in chicago. Blessings
If you’re serious about riding in snow and ice conditions studded tyres are a must. It makes no difference how good a rider you think you are-if your front tire hits a patch of ice leaned over or turning the ‘bars ,you’re going down.
..just a shout-out for MEC.. (Mountain Equipment Company) which is not a co-op anymore, but I think it is still a very good place to shop.. or even just browse.
4 is a really good point. I use the pedal assist mode to regulate my temperature. When I get cold on the cargo bike, I turn down the assist so I get warmer.
i live in minnesota, and all the fat bikes seem to migrate south with the birds each winter. you’d be unsurprised to hear that the bikes i see in mid-january tend to look more like yours
Surly Bikes are headquartered in Minnesota. Those seem good for Winter.
For point 1, if you want a fast winter bike, gravel bikes are now a thing and have great tyre clearance with a slightly more relaxed position which I love for commuting. 10 years ago I was commuting on a dutch bike, now it's a gravel bike with 40mm tyres. Winters are quite mild here, so it's more than enough for the one day of snow and the 2 weeks of frost.
One to feed the algorithm. I think a snowy winter is OK because its bright. If you have no sun, short days and just a muddy scenery its hard for me to like winter. But then again I enjoy spring even more
I rode my bike to work in winter. 20 degrees out. But I dressed accordingly and I was never cold or over heated. I saw it took 26 minute to bike to my job so I took it as a challenge 1 week into,that my first day was 25 minutes. The next day it was 23 the next two,days I had it down to 20 minutes one whole week my best time was 19 minutes simply because I had to use the bathroom it just gave me the push
Frostbike is a great book not just about cycling in winter, but about cherishing what you already have instead of yearning for something else.
going to do laundry today with my bike rack loaded and good grippy tires - im 59 and have biked thru over 25 winters !! today is minus 10 celcius and no worries!!
Just got my MTB fitted with studded tyres yesterday. I’m keen to try them, but in the Netherlands they are perhaps a bit overkill due to the recent soft winters. However, my commuter e-bike is for speed and during (black) ice conditions I prefer something grippy and to drive more slowly. Colleagues are asking me if I’m crazy because of the distance (54km round trip), but I’m healthier and fitter than last year.
It's 40C here. Staying cool and hydrated is a real problem 😅.
In the 3 barriers, it is interesting you mention wind chill. I often laugh at wind chill when winter cycling as it doesn't really matter to me. I am creating a "wind chill" any time I am on a bike by moving at 15-25 km/h. (or faster on the roadie)
That said, I do agree with your point in the way we talk about winter can be changed.
I don't ride very often during the winter. However, when I do I use the bar mitts, my ski helmet and I bring my ski goggles in case I need them. Unfortunately our city doesn't plow the "bike lane" along my route. They use it to put snow there when clearing the road. It's dangerous to try and ride as one can slip and fall into traffic because of the snow.
Excited to go to my city’s Critical Mass tonight in the slightly less than freezing temps. Merry CritMass
I'm in Ottawa and we have awesome bike lanes. for now, the Ontario government wants to start ripping them out for some reason. Anyway, I want to thank you for your attitude towards riding year round. This is my first year in over 30 years that I am attempting to cycle year round again. I'm not as young as I used to be, but I still enjoy my bike. We've had a few blizzards and it wasn't that bad. Only time I gave up and took the bus was when they were calling for freezing rain.vThe sides of the roads are tough to drive in, but I stopped caring about the cars, so I drive where I want and make them wait. I have the option because I don't drive main roads.
🚴👌👌👌👌👍👍👍thank for motivating people to take up the bicycle, it is clean, healthy and you get a wonderful feeling when you circulate through your city enjoying the views when you are on a bicycle, thank you 😊👍💫✨🙏
I really wanted to bike more in the winter but after seeing how poorly the bike lanes were cleared and having a really bad accident on ice last year, I gave up unfortunately. I still love seeing people out on their bikes in the snow though!
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
This is a truly awesome video. Thank you!
In 2006 I was in 7th grade. I got a mountain bike for Christmas because my bike had been stolen the summer prior. My parents felt bad that I wouldn’t be able to ride it until the spring. I didn’t care though. I bundled up and rode my bike everywhere. Today, I still find an excuse to ride my bike in the winter even though I work from home. Even if it’s just taking my laptop with me to the brewery on a Friday for a lunch.
Unfortunately, my commute is 36 miles round trip with 1,800 feet of climbing here in rural New England. It's just too far to do with any regularity in winter. I love this channel for the vicarious experience, though. I'm a fan!
What about winter makes it more difficult?
Something that has certainly changed in the last 10 years is just the availability of information online. Instead of going "never biked in the winter before so it must be lethal" you can actually go and get information very easily on social media. While there is a lot of TH-cam content that is older than 10 years, the majority just isn't. Channels like yours are a good resource to point people to when they think about winter cycling but don't know how to do it safely and comfortably.
#2 hits hard here in Vancouver. Despite the City stating that the key commuter bikes lanes are cleared early in the day with specific ploughs bought purely for bike lanes it's very hit and miss. Experience has taught me that they are rarely cleared and usually when the thaw has begun.
I love riding my bike I did ride my bike in the snow a few weeks ago my good old fat tire mokwheel ebike and I feel gifted to be a proud ebike elitist
I’ve only just found out that a neoprene vest like swimmers wear underneath your first, sorry over the top of your first layer makes all the difference in the winter, it’s amazing. Hope this helps someone.
My go to bike before I retired was a fixed wheel with studded tyres in the winter for my country lane commute
The issue with gore-tex is it's loaded with PFAS and other forever chemicals
Yes, I agree there are a lot of issues with outdoor clothing. Thankfully, there are more options to choose from these days than there once was.
Not trying to contradict you but all the "waterproof/breathable" fabrics are transitioning quickly to PFAS-free because some countries are banning the chemical next year. Any outdoor company who wants to stay in business will be changing over ASAP.
Scarves!!! North Americans, by and large (especially men) have never experienced just how much a game changer a nice wool scarf is in keeping warm. Especially when riding a bike - it's the difference between being perfectly warm and extremely cold when it's below freezing for me.
Bicycling on a fine layer of ice or compressed snow is a fantastic experience, even at temperatures down to -20 C (-4 F). Usually you have the cycle paths for yourself and white snow is much more pleasant than dark tarmac/gravel. For me the fresh and cold air boosts energy and makes you feel more alive.
The worst thing is wet, slushy and dirty snow. I really hate that.
Goretex contains "forever chemicals" (which are bad). You might prefer to mention, for example, Fjallraven's garments that are water resistant using paraffin.
I so agree with the first negative. I get so tired of the complaints about winter. Some of my most memorable commutes have been in the winter. I don't see that changing unless I move Oulu.
He's crazy to ride his bike in Winter! And I should know - I tried it (once).
+1 on weather reports! Weather reporters seem like folks who tend to be overexcitable!
I'm Australian. I'd never seen snow in a city before I lived in Europe. I rode a bike in winter when I lived in Denmark. It's not that bad! In fact, I loved it! If an Australian can do then surely Canadians can!
(Sure, Denmark is not as cold as the mildest place in Canada but still)
We don't get snow very often where I'm at, but we do get a lot of sleet and some freezing rain with high winds. I think you still have to be crazy to cycle in that, even with the best gear. It's certainly not enjoyable.
If I don't got studs in after freezing rain, I'm walkin'.
with gear, anything is possible.
Did my first two winter bicycle commutes this week. -12C and -8C respectively, and it was definitely easier and more enjoyable than I would have expected, but sadly I think I'll still have to wait until spring to keep at it. There's just too much cleanup required to keep the chain in good shape and the components salt-free, and my only real option to rinse things off in my apartment is to awkwardly try to get the bike into the bathtub which is bound to damage something sooner or later.
While I am comfortable riding in traffic, it also doesn't help that drivers get way more impatient than normal if they see a bike lane that a cyclist isn't using, even if the bike lane is in an unusable/unsafe state while the road itself is clear and dry.
Talk about backsliding - Doug Ford!!! Sheesh
You should update this book. I'd buy it.
Loved the video, agreed on the points. 👍🏾
Miss Calgary. ❤️ 🙌🏾
My attitude towards winter cycling unfortunately seems to reflects my city. Syracuse, NY has fairly nasty winters which (like many others) have moderated recently. Unfortunately our infrastructure is woefully inadequate for summer riders no less winter riders. The absence of safely separated lanes and the gear to clear them means cycling gets shut down for most of the winter. If I start winter cycling it will be for recreation and exercise but it will be tough to convince myself to invest when there is really nowhere to go. I appreciate your advocacy and remain optimistic.
Nice seeing someone shoveling his snow in the bike line @12:50 !
As a mtber in an an area with bad bike Infrastructure for the winter season a fat bike becomes important for dealing with masses of snow left by cleanup. Different terrains and texture require me to be more safe in the mess.
Really cool segment, I just wanted to point out that the wind doesn't necessarily cool down the most internal and protected areas of the body which are coincidentally the most prone to sweating, and when , we try to open up a jacket a little bit to let the wind reach them, it becomes like you said even dangerous 😅 I got some colds like that
Here in sunny southern Ontario, we do not get real winter. However, it does snow and get cold sometimes. I have lived in this city all my life and learned a couple of things. Live near or on a bus route. Main roads and bus routes are cleared first. But two blocks on the same road past the bus route not so much. What we experience here is the constant cycle of snow, rain and snush. So it is hard to stay dry. Being wet and cold is no fun.
But you still have to be a bit crazy, because drivers are more impatient and frustrated than in warmer seasons. And it still takes time to dress and undress when you prepare to go out.
I would say when it comes to waterproof breathable shells (which goretex is) that get a kind that doesnt use PFAs, forever chemicals, which are usually most present in the coating which causes water to bead. I know patagonia is a brand that is shifting to PFAs free coatings, I'm not aware of what other brands are.
That being said I'd rather someone use a potentially damaging garment if it means they're cycling to work rather than a car, since even the rubber produced from tires likely far outweighs the impacts of said garment (so long as it receives use for more than a season)