Winter Bike Commuting Gear Tips

I'm a 365 day bike commuter, and in Colorado, that means a fair bit of riding in cold weather conditions. This video will give you a list of items that will make your commute comfortable and safe.

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[philmccavity]

This guy is so infectiously positive and without being fake, nice tips too

[AlfredNazGates]

I just watched GCN winter tips and it was like wear wind proof clothing, use layers, use feet covers. But this is my kind of winter tips. From north bc where snow gets up to your hips, or vancouver island where its freezing rains.

[inspector]

Commuting in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for 10 years I like using an old ski/snowboard outfit. It's red so very visible and it gets down to minus 20 celcius here in wintertime...so you need to have a good outer shell and like you say, lots of layers under. I found I had to wear large winter boots and gloves because the feet and hands are first to get cold. Also...don't try to break speed records. Lower your tire PSI too. Ride an old beater bike because the road salt and grime will literally eat your nice bike. Oh...I found a ski helmet worked fantastic too.

[PRH]

Good overview. I ride daily down to -25 C. One thing I found that really "changed my life" are gaiters. I wear cross country ski boots with alpine gaiters in the winter on flat pedals. Warm and dry feet so change your psychological approach, you're happy and comfortable. The gaiters totally keep your legs protected from wind and wet. Oh, and I ride a single speed with drum brakes, impervious to weather. And yes fenders and studded tires.

[kerekes]

Skiing helmets are not designed to be used as a cycling helmet, on mine it was especially mentioned. The difference in not only the insulation but the protection too. In skiing accidents the stress on the helmet is very different than in cycling. Take care!

[ddiotte]

For hands I would recommend Bar Mitts vs heavy gloves. For feet I recommend 45NRTH footwear. I also recommend shell pants with zippers along the sides to put on and take off over shoes/boots. Studded tires for sure and they don't have to be fatter. I ride 700x35 studs in a mountain town for the past 7 years. The rest is pretty bang on.

[brianflanagan]

All very good tips. Took me years to learn what you explained in a few minutes. Couple of things I also learned. For morning winter commutes studded tires are invaluable for riding on black ice. Another was keeping my toes warm. After many painful mornings waiting for my toes to defrost I found small plastic bags covering just my toes between my wool socks and shoes did wonders. Later I also started using shoe covers.

[CuriousTraveller]

Studded tires is a must if it gets icy. It is actually a lot of fun to ride the bike in winter.

[sagehiker]

I set up a 1984 Trek “single track” with 2.75” studded tires, cheap full fenders, raised face fat pedals, Topeak rear rack with donated beautiful donated panniers last winter. Did not get it out much but I am actually looking forward to this winter coming up. All the components except the tires were used or NWT, all for about $250. Not bad for a two wheel cafe and shopping cart. We came up with the same solution for head gear. Ride in winter though, you are going to fall. Knee and elbow pads are a must for this senior.

[vallerner]

first snow today in NJ. went riding regular street bike with regular skinny tires. It was soo much fun. Love your energy. nice video

[GatheringSticks]

I ride at night in the winter so my goggles are slightly tinted snowmobile goggles.
I also plan to try heated rechargeable gloves this winter.
Loved your video and awesome suggestions.

[bilalbashir]

Thanks for making this video which is very helpful for me riding around Toronto

[awaitingthetrumpetcall]

Snow biking just popped into my head because I don't want to wait for spring. I'm glad I'm not the only one who wants to ride all year long. Thanks for making the video.

[SimplicityForGood]

get some spikes and go out on the lakes and streams and ride for fun, is only Winter a short time!

[iarreolav]

i saw that flower in the beginning and instantly knew it was in CO
lived there recently and i plucked a couple of those and brought them to wisconsin.
they dry super well and hold their shape.

[mainHERO]

Haha! You fulfilled my request! On the last video you posted about the new bike day, I requested that you make another bike commuting video and you didn't dissapoint. Thanks man! Stay warm and cozy!

[yexumaelf]

Thanks for the guide Ryan. I'm a biker from Boulder CO too and this is my first winter not having a car and commuting solely by bike. There's 3 inches of snow on the ground outside today. Wish me luck!

[bgymr]

I started biking a bunch this year and live in Pennsylvania. I'd like to carry the momentum of my newly found hobb-session into the colder months. I found your video helpful. Placed an order for a lot of what you talked about, and learned a hella cool word - balaclava.

[derickocrusher]

When you start a video with 'welcome to my bedroom' I can't help but stay to watch the rest of the video. I'm new to biking/winter biking. Your video was helpful especially the bit about merino wool

[Steevkaminski]

Snow biking is fun biking if you have the right gear!!!! Good advice