Icebiking
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Icebiking (sometimes known as snowbiking) is the activity of cold weather winter cycling often on snow and/or ice. Although cold weather and slippery surfaces deter many riders from cycling in sub-freezing temperatures, these challenges are readily overcome.
Where roads are salted to melt ice, the corrosive effect of the salt on bicycles, particularly chains, is an additional challenge.
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[edit] Techniques and equipment
[edit] Staying warm
Except for the extremities, specialized clothing is not necessary--staying warm is accomplished by layering any insulation layers and shells. The amount of insulation needed depends on exertion level and metabolism, and so typically must be determined by experimentation by each individual. Typically the right amount leads to feeling slightly cold for the first few minutes, after which the exertion leads to a comfortable temperature.
Keeping feet warm can be more difficult than in other activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, because the feet tend to be less active in cycling. Some approaches that have been used successfully include wearing oversized shoes with lots of thick socks, using insulated boots, using electrical or chemical foot warmers, or even wearing sandals which are easily expandable to fit more socks as needed.
Keeping hands warm can also be challenging. This may be because a tight grip on the handlebars and brakes both inhibits circulation and allows heat conduction into the handlebars. Types of gloves and mittens are discussed in a separate article. If it is really cold or if you are particularly sensitive to cold you can use pogies. These are insulated covers that fit over the handlebars of a bicycle. The rider puts her hands into the open end and has full access to the bike’s controls. The rider can use pogies either barehanded or with normal riding gloves. They are a common sight in Alaska during the winter.
Keeping the head and face warm is challenging because of wind on the face and because a helmet is often worn for safety, but cycling helmets are almost universally designed to maximize ventilation for hot-weather use. Helmet covers can be used to close the vents. Thin knit caps can fit under a helmet to increase insulation; thicker insulation under a helmet requires adjusting the helmet or switching to a larger size helmet. Balaclavas made for use with helmets that have a thin top portion and a thicker lower portion can be useful. Many icebikers use ski helmets, which often have adjustable ventilation and come with warm linings and ear flaps. Ear flaps are also available for bicycle helmets.
Ski goggles and neoprene face masks are useful for keeping the face warm and protecting from frostbite in very cold weather.
There is a saying amongst outdoors people that "cotton kills" because it absorbs perspiration readily and loses its insulation ability once it is wet. It also dries slowly. In a remote area the result can be life threatening. Both wool and synthetics such as pile and fiberfill retain much more of their insulation capability when wet. Used clothing shops are good places to locate wool sweaters (and pants too).
[edit] Staying upright
For riding on ice, studded tires greatly increase control. Turning or braking on ice without studded tires can easily lead to falling very quickly. Nokian Renkaat makes a wide variety of carbide-studded tires which work well and last a long time. Bike Nashbar has more recently introduced studded tires that have been reported to work well too. Innova studded tires work well but the studs wear quickly. Continnental also provides studded bicycle tires.
On snow, studded tires are not needed, except for the possibility of hitting icy spots. In deep snow, wide, low-pressure tires, sometimes on special wide rims, improve the ability to "float". With relatively little snow on pavement, narrow high-pressure tires can "cut through" the snow and grip the pavement better.
[edit] Visibility
Winter brings shorter daylight hours which frequently means cyclists will be riding in the dark. Bright lights and lots of reflective tape liberally applied to the helmet, clothing and bike can greatly increase visibility. Lights with external rechargeable batteries such as those that fit in the bottle holders offer much better visibility than the self contained ones.
[edit] Effects of salt and sand
Salt corrodes unprotected steel rapidly. This is particularly a problem for chains and other exposed drivetrain parts. A front fender with a large mudflap helps decrease the amount of salt spray reaching the chain. Bikes without derailleurs (single-speed or with internally-geared hubs) can tolerate more chain wear, and so can be a good choice. They also work well with chainguards or totally enclosed chain cases, which can protect the chain. "Rustbuster" coated chains and stainless-steel chains are also available and can help.
[edit] Bicycle selection
Because of the effects of salt and sand, icebikers generally avoid using expensive lightweight bicycles. Old mountain bikes are a popular choice. Some commuter bikes are available with internally geared hubs and chainguards or cases.
[edit] Advantages
One of the great things about cold winter exercise is that while your body generates heat and burns calories, you typically do not sweat very much due to the cool air. Most people do not bike to work because they fear arriving at work sticky and smelly. When you bike in winter, you arrive at work invigorated, sans sweat.
Building exercise into your daily commute guarantees a workout. Exercise generates endorphins so you will feel better despite the 'dark winter months'. You can keep your calorie burn-rate high so you don't need to worry so much about holiday eating.
[edit] Types of icebiking
Types of icebiking include road biking for sport or utilitarian purposes such as commuting; trail riding (usually on snow); and riding on frozen lakes and rivers.
[edit] Commuting
Winter commuting in areas that get snow and ice poses several challenges, including the need to travel in a variety of conditions, and conditions that may change greatly between a morning and evening commute. Depending on factors including the climate, the length of the commute, and the plowing schedule, some icebikers wait for the streets to be plowed, whereas others relish the challenge and vigorous workout of riding in snow storms.
[edit] Off-road riding
Off-road biking on snow is easiest on well-packed snow such as snowmobile trails, and with wide, low-pressure tires.
