Winter cycling - assistance please

[sheep_go_baa]

Good morning. I would like some advice on how to prepare my bike for winter. I started commuting to work at the end of the summer and have not had any previous experience of winter cycling.
My commute is 13 miles each way with about 1/3 by road and the other 2/3 is along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. I am cycling on a Carrera Subway 1, hybrid bike - standard set-up.

I do appreciate that some of this has been discussed briefly on other topics, but I would be greatful for any thoughts and words of wisdom that anyone can provide.

Thank you in anticipation

 

[HLaB]

Other than putting mudguards on it there's not really much to do. You might also want to apply some grease/ lube to cables, pivot points etc. Also depending the state of the towpath it might be wise to clean it (the bike not the towpath ;-) ) and lube more often.

 

[Jezston]

What he said.

And get some thick gloves and overshoes.

 

[darthpaul]

And make sure you have enough layers to wear.

 

[steve52]

layers, layers, layers, and overshoes, ps this weekend will be a 4 layer event!

 

[steve52]

ps i got some kangaroo poo base layers really good vfm

 

[Jezston]

You've got what?!?

 

[sheep_go_baa]

Thank you for your help.

I will be investing in some trousers - still wearing shorts at the moment!! I have got some ski gloves, which are currently doing the trick with my fingers.

Would you recommend along the lines of studded tyres or similar to enhance grip in snow/ice, if so what would you suggest?


Has anyone got any ideas how to attach the bike to a plastic sledge for downhill sections?!!

 

[Lighthorse]

Good morning. I would like some advice on how to prepare my bike for winter. I started commuting to work at the end of the summer and have not had any previous experience of winter cycling.
My commute is 13 miles each way with about 1/3 by road and the other 2/3 is along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. I am cycling on a Carrera Subway 1, hybrid bike - standard set-up.

I do appreciate that some of this has been discussed briefly on other topics, but I would be greatful for any thoughts and words of wisdom that anyone can provide.

Thank you in anticipation

It might be an idea to make one of the layers a bouyancy aid. Learn to fall off the bike to land on your shoulderblades. If you go into the canal arms first, your forearms sink straight in and your head will be submerged. I would not commute along the towpath.

 

[sheep_go_baa]

It might be an idea to make one of the layers a bouyancy aid. Learn to fall off the bike to land on your shoulderblades. If you go into the canal arms first, your forearms sink straight in and your head will be submerged. I would not commute along the towpath.

Speaking from experience?? Is there an amusing (read embarassing for the victim) story behind this?

 

[Moodyman]

The canal is nice in summer, but this time of the year, it's very poor surface from Shipley onwards. I avoid it year round as it's slow - too many stiles and exposed stones.

Also, need proper lighting to be able to see in the dark.

Studded tyres are recommended in icy conditions, but MTB tyres fine the rest of the time.

Mudguards are a must as it's littered with muddy puddles

Layer up too.

Personally, I prefer the road as I can use the same tyres year round, and get way with basic LEDs. Plus I travel faster on the road.

'Paul_L' from this forum rides along the canal. Might be worth sending him a personal message for specific advice.

 

[scouserinlondon]

all the above. Esp the mudguards bit. Ensure you still have a firm grip of the bars and fast brake access in ski gloves. Get some decent lights.

Also TK maxx have buffs for motorcycling. Get one or two of them on your bonce for really cold mornings.

 

[DannO]

Winter gloves are a must

 

[Tonytony]

Good morning. I would like some advice on how to prepare my bike for winter. I started commuting to work at the end of the summer and have not had any previous experience of winter cycling.
My commute is 13 miles each way with about 1/3 by road and the other 2/3 is along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. I am cycling on a Carrera Subway 1, hybrid bike - standard set-up.

I do appreciate that some of this has been discussed briefly on other topics, but I would be greatful for any thoughts and words of wisdom that anyone can provide.

Thank you in anticipation

 

[Tonytony]

Good morning. I would like some advice on how to prepare my bike for winter. I started commuting to work at the end of the summer and have not had any previous experience of winter cycling.
My commute is 13 miles each way with about 1/3 by road and the other 2/3 is along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. I am cycling on a Carrera Subway 1, hybrid bike - standard set-up.

I do appreciate that some of this has been discussed briefly on other topics, but I would be greatful for any thoughts and words of wisdom that anyone can provide.

Thank you in anticipation

hi the best for winter is good tires.most of the winter i use continetal winter contact,but in snow and ice i put on my ice spikes