Winter is coming. Time to hang up your spokes and lament the loss of your gas-saving, fitness-building bike commute, right? Wrong! Riding through the exhilarating months of winter isn’t as challenging as you might think. With only a few minor adjustments to gear and clothing, you can ride comfortably—and safely—straight through ’til spring.

GRIPPING STUDS The first thing to consider is traction. If you ride where ice and snow seldom accumulate, your regular summer tires are perfectly adequate—just stick to dry pavement. If ice and snow are a concern, however, you’ll want to invest in a pair of studded tires. These specialized tires ($75-$150 each) feature dozens of tiny embedded metal studs that provide exceptional grip on ice and hard-packed snow. Manufactured by only a handful of European companies (most notably Scandinavia-based Nokian Tyres), studded tires are made primarily for mountain bikes—the choice for many winter riders due to the tires’ larger surface area and traction—though narrower versions are also available. (Keep in mind that riding through unpacked snow more than a few inches deep is extremely difficult, regardless of the tire.)

WINTER ADVISORIES Other than switching tires, a properly maintained bike is already prepped for cold-weather riding; no specialized oil, grease, or lube is required. In fact, your bike’s biggest winter enemy isn’t the cold. It’s the road salt, which can rust away gears, bike chains, and even the frame itself. Periodically rinse or wipe down your bike, especially before storing it for any length of time. The other significant winter hazard is darkness. Maximize your visibility, especially since drivers won’t expect cyclists on the road. Invest in some quality lights—front and rear—as well as reflectors for you and your bike.

DID YOU KNOW?
The first mountain bike race at the North Pole took place in April 2007.

WHITE-KNUCKLE RIDE? To keep your hands warm, you must wear gloves that completely block the wind—look for a nylon shell or windproof fleece. They should be thick enough to provide adequate warmth, but not so bulky that they interfere with your ability to work the brakes and gear shifters. Even with a good pair, it can be hard to avoid cold fingers at times, especially early in the ride before you heat up. To avoid this white-knuckle experience, consider a pair of bike pogies ($40-$100, depending on style and warmth). These windproof accessories wrap around the ends of your handlebars like oversized mitts, covering the brakes and gear shifters and extending upward to protect your wrists. Simply insert your lightly gloved hand inside the pogie and you’re ready to ride with warmth and dexterity.

WARM THOUGHTS To avoid brain freeze, you’ll need a thin windproof hat that comfortably fits under your helmet. To further reduce wind chill, consider a helmet cover ($20-$40). This lightweight layer stretches over the top of your helmet, prevents wind from whistling around your pate, and is often highly reflective as well. As temps drop into the 20s and below, you’ll also appreciate a windproof neoprene facemask. Lastly, don’t forget some sort of eye protection; the chilly wind will otherwise cause your eyes to water excessively. Sunglasses that offer interchangeable lenses are nice—simply swap in a clear or low-light lens, depending on conditions.

HOT BODY When it comes to the rest of your clothing system, think lightweight, breathable, windproof layers. You generate a lot of body heat as you ride, especially if you’re biking with higher-friction studded tires. Even when temps drop into the teens, most winter bikers will be comfortable riding with only a warm base layer and windproof shell. Thick layers will only cause you to overheat, and in cold temperatures, it is crucial to minimize the amount of body-chilling sweat you generate. Ride slow and steady, maintaining a sweat-free pace. For your feet, a good pair of windproof, insulated winter shoes or boots is usually the best way to go, though you can also purchase neoprene covers to slip over your regular shoes for extra warmth. If you typically use a clip-in pedal system, be aware that they usually attach to your cycling shoes with a cold-conducting metal plate, not the best choice when the mercury really plummets.