Grabbing KOMs and being a local legend doesn’t have to end when days become shorter and temperatures drop. You’ll lose your epic tan lines and all your aero gains from the layers you need to wear, but you can at least stop shaving your legs. Might need that hair for extra insulation.
Winter Stoke
A guide to riding outside all year round
You’ve heard it all before, layers are the best option when dressing for any outdoor activity, just make sure your fingers and toes are extra warm. Moving at high speeds, we cyclists create our own windchill. I recommend dressing like it’s 10 degrees colder.
Pro Tip: Put electrolytes in your water bottles to prevent them from freezing.
The bike you currently have is the best bike for winter riding. In icy conditions, I wouldn’t go anywhere without studded tires. If you can fit them on your bike, you’re ready to grab some segments. My weapon of choice for all winter riding is the Giant TCX Advanced Pro 1 Disc. CX bikes will provide the ideal gear ratio for plowing through or up the snow.
Pro Tip: A second set of wheels will make it easier to go from trainer to street or bare street to sleet if you only have one bike.
The more fluffy white stuff you have to deal with the wider the tire you’re going to want. You’ll be able to ride on a 700x30 in a city like Calgary after the snow is packed or removed. Grab a headlight & tail light and experience the thrill of night rides. Beware, all bike lights are blinding to pedestrians, when passing I cover most of my headlight with my hand.
Pro Tip: Keep a smooth cadence to prevent spinning the rear tire.
Just because the gravel has turned white doesn’t mean you can’t ride it. Most #whitegravel roads are smoothed out because of the packed snow. You will be so happy riding outdoors, that it will outweigh any kind of nerves or discomfort from riding in winter conditions. I started riding year-round 5 years ago, it has been transformative and brought me so much stoke.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, let someone know where you are going and have a reliable way to contact help in case of a mechanical.
Riding down a snowy single track on a fat bike is insanely fun. I’ve always seen fat biking as a slow meander on groomed trails but I was wrong. Fat bikes can rip! Do yourself a favour and yeet down some local trails. Seriously, find that flow, rail some berms, get gnarly.
Pro Tip: Fat bike tires need less pressure than you think, play around to get the best combination of grip, speed, and control. Depending on your weight and conditions, 5 psi might be enough!
Thanks for reading! I hope I was able to encourage you to get outside for a ride. Please feel free to contact me via Instagram - @jordanbikesycc
All photos were captured by the ultra rad Lori Andrews. Check out more of her work on Instagram - @theoriginal10cent
