For me, I’ll be using my 90s steel MTB.

I’ve already coated the inside of the frame with anti rust, got a rust resistant chain, and have studded tires at the ready. The studded tires will only go on if there’s persistent icy conditions.

Packed marine grease into my hubs, bb ends, and headset bearings.

On my todo list, I’ll be installing pogies/bar mitts, which have proven to be way better than any glove solution I tried last winter.

I also want to buy/make a mudflap to expend the front fender. This should prevent a considerable amount of grit, salt, melted snow from reaching my shoes, chain, crankset, etc.

As soon as salt goes down, my bike will get more cleaning around critical parts, and a frame wipe down after every ride.

I do have a winter cycling jacket and fleecy cycling pants, but feeling the cold on my body was never an issue last winter. A fleecy buff and helmet liner that gets over my ears are a must, and i may invest in a few extra pairs.

  • dlhextall@sh.itjust.works
    4·
    9 months ago

    This winter will be my third biking and here are a few learnings I’ve had:

    • No need for studded tires most of the time. I ride an old 26er with pretty big knobby tires and have a separate front wheel (which cost me 10$ if I remember right) with a studded tire for days that require it.
    • Keep your setup simple. I use a 1x9 gearing with a narrow-wide chainring to keep chain drops to a minimum. I’ve also heard lots of positive of riding single speed/fixed gear.
    • Mud guards.
    • Don’t overdress. This will be something you’ll learn along the way, depending on your own tolerance to cold, but you don’t need to wear a full winter jacket. In Montreal where I ride, I normally just wear merino wool base layers with waterproof pants and shell. Where you want to concentrate your efforts are hands and feet.
    • Showroom7561OP
      2·
      9 months ago

      I like the idea of having a front wheel to swap out. I may try this, since I really would rather not run studded if i dont absolutely need to. They tend to be overkill for 90% of the outings i take during the winter, but i guess it also depends on the winter. Some of our paved trails become slick with ice and can be quite dangerous to walk or ride on.

    • frostbiker
      2·
      9 months ago

      No need for studded tires most of the time.

      That depends a lot on your local conditions. Studded tires work great on black ice, when nothing else does. I will concede that stubby mountain bike tires do well in the snow.