Yes, cycling in freezing conditions is fine as long as you are prepared for the cold. A general rule is to avoid cycling when you wouldn’t be comfortable or prepared to walk as far as you are planning to ride. In the unfortunate event of a ride-ending mechanical, you may have to return on foot so make sure you have the right clothes and gear.
Weather Report: Cycling Through Snow and Cold Temps
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 13, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
The days are short but your cold-weather rides don’t have to be! Follow these winter cycling tips and enjoy the coolest time to ride an e-Bike.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
When it comes to winter cycling, I’m a proud graduate of the school of hard knocks. I’ve experienced my fair share of cold-weather trauma and shivering situations to know a thing or two about preparing for cooler conditions. But now when winter rolls around, I know what I’m doing. Learn from my mistakes and follow these toasty tips for cycling through snow and cold temps.
I’ll preface this by saying that you don’t have to get a whole new wardrobe or winter-specific bike to ride during the colder months. Winterize your setup with items like warmer layers, fenders, an insulated (hot) water bottle, and wider tires and you’re pretty much 90% of the way there. Successful winter riding is more of a technique and preparation thing than having the latest and greatest GoreTex jacket or fanciest gear
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Wear those layers
Winter cycling is like an onion— it’s all about layers. Or at least I think that’s how the saying goes. But seriously, wearing enough good-quality layers is the secret to enjoying winter riding. Layering up insulates you better and allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions or easily remove clothing when you work up a sweat. Get base layers (bottom and top) and mid-layers that can fit under a rainshell or thicker pants. As you may have heard, “cotton is rotten” and wool is a much better fabric choice for wet and cold conditions, especially for long-sleeve tops and socks.
Now I love my sleek, high-tech winter apparel, but it’s not necessary for winter riding. By braving cold temps, you’re already earning enough badass points to trump any fancily clad cyclists staying home that day. Wear ski gloves, winter boots, wool sweaters, and any other gear you already have that will keep you warm, even if they’re not explicitly designed for cycling.
Ride with lower tire pressure
As the temperatures drop, it’s time to drop your tire pressure as well. Adjust your tire pressure to the lower range of what your tires recommend (not too low to get pinch flats) and you’ll have more grip and control. Winter riding means slick conditions, rainy roads, slippery leaves, and snow or ice. If you need a bigger upgrade, you can buy wider, knobbier tires and there are even metal-studded tires if you frequently ride through snow-covered streets.
Riding in slushy, snowy, or icy conditions follows the same logic as riding in the rain. Proceed with caution and ride slower than normal, allowing more time for braking. Avoid braking or accelerating during corners, especially with powerful e-Bikes or hub-drive models.
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Keep your hands and feet warm
Toasty toes and fingers are the dreams of any winter cyclist and, like most dreams, it’s hard to achieve but not impossible. Keeping your extremities warm is key to having an enjoyable ride whereas your core can be a bit cooler— it’ll warm up as you ride under all those layers.
Invest in some high-quality gloves (or mittens) and maybe even carry a second pair on rides. Waterproof shoe covers and cycling boots help keep the cold air chill and rain away from your feet. Thick socks are a good idea, too.
Fenders are your friend
Keep your backside dry and free of mud by using a rear fender— it’ll also limit wheel spray that gets in the face of anyone riding behind you. Of course, you can rock a complete set of full-coverage fenders to stay as dry as possible. Nearly all bikes can accommodate fenders or you can install temporary ones that simply strap onto the seatpost or insert into the saddle.
Lights aren’t just for Christmas trees
Bright front and rear bike lights are a must-have during the whole year, and they’re even more important during the winter. Daylight is in short supply in the cold months so most afternoon rides or post-work commutes will require you to turn on those lights.
And if you’re feeling like a Christmas tree, get in the spirit with additional lights on your helmet, backpack, or pedals (yes, there are pedals with integrated lights). Complement the illumination with hi-vis clothing for even more rider safety at night.
Keep electric bike batteries warm
Cold temperatures and long battery life don’t go together. Your e-Bike battery will still work fine, but you can expect a shorter range if you ride in especially cold weather. Extend the life of your battery by storing and charging it indoors. There are also insulated sleeves for batteries to help keep them warm. For winter warriors who ride tons of miles, find your next long range e-Bike or used electric bike at Upway!
Wash & dry cycle
Just because your bike gets wet, doesn’t mean it’s getting washed. Actually, it’s probably getting dirtier the wetter it gets. Salted road slush and mud being sprayed everywhere will increase wear on your bike’s components, so make sure to wash your bike regularly. After washing, dry the bike as best as you can to prevent excessive exposure to moisture. Wash, dry, lubricate, ride, repeat.
Fat-tire bikes for winter riding
Fat-tire bikes are a smart choice for winter riding because of the oversized tires that “float” through snow and offer better traction. The low tire pressure and large contact patch of the big tires are ideal for trekking through snow-covered trails or icy roads. Upway has a huge selection of fat tire e-Bikes that will boost you through blizzards and blustery months.
Check out our fat tire electric bikes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bike in below-freezing temperatures?
Do you need a winter bike?
A dedicated “winter bike” isn’t required to ride during the colder months. Some riders enjoy the convenience of having an additional bike that’s already prepared with wider tires and fenders, but you can winterize your e-Bike with just a few tweaks.
Are electric bikes waterproof?
Yes, e-Bikes are designed to withstand rain and frequent washes. The motor and battery are protected by heavy-duty seals and channels to draw away any moisture. Avoid leaving your e-Bike out in downpours for an extended period and don’t use a power washer around the electrical components.
Key Takeaways
Protect Your e-Bike: Store and charge the battery indoors, use fenders to avoid wheel-spray, and wash regularly to maintain performance.
Explore Fat-Tire e-Bikes: Fat-tire electric bikes are perfect for winter, providing traction and stability on snow-covered or icy roads.
