Have you ever been stuck in traffic as cyclists zip by you, completely unaffected by the gridlock that you’ve found yourself in? That model of efficiency by itself is a great incentive to commute by bike, but what happens when the temperature really dips during the winter months? Simple — you just need to have the right gear. If you have a nice collection of ski and snowboard gear, you’re already pretty well set!
Tires
While not a piece of gear, having traction is easily the most important thing you can do for your bicycle as things get slick, snowy, or slushy. After all, it doesn’t matter what you wear if you’re not able to keep the bike upright and those wheels rolling. The Kenda Klondike tires features anywhere between 100 and 400 carbide-tipped metal studs, depending on the tire type and size, that bite into the ground. Tires built for slick conditions are well worth the investment, especially if they can save you from a nasty fall.
Helmet
You probably already have a bike helmet, but those are often designed for maximum airflow and won’t do anything to help keep your head warm. That said, wearing a thick hat under a helmet can also negatively affect the effectiveness of the helmet, which is not something we recommend risking. Instead, look to your snow gear for a helmet. We’ve taken the Smith Vantage for a winter ride around Minneapolis, and it did an admirable job of keeping the cold air out when all its vents were closed.
Goggles
If you’re going to go with a snow helmet, then you may also want to opt for a pair of goggles. Unlike other recommendations on our list, however, going with a snow-specific model isn’t necessarily the answer. Potentially long waits at stop lights could lead to fogging, so mountain bike goggles like the Smith Squad MTB are probably better suited for your snow-riddled commute given their increased ventilation. For those really cold and windy days, Abom snow goggles have heated lenses to keep things fog-free.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm is critical for both comfort as well as being able to squeeze those brakes when it’s time to slow down, especially in an emergency! Once again, reach into your snow gear stash and find the warmest gloves you’ve got that don’t impede your ability to operate the hand controls. We like the Dakine Titan Glove (womens model is called the Sequoia) because it’s warm, includes removable liners, and has a Gore-Tex membrane to keep things dry inside. The options are virtually endless, and you could even wear surgical gloves inside an old pair of gloves in a pinch.
Jacket
If you’re aspiring to be an all-season cyclist, then flexibility is key. Going with a waterproof shell will mean that you’ll be protected from both snow and drizzle, but since cycling is an aerobic activity that’ll make you sweat, you should look for one with a good waterproofing and a breathable membrane. OutDry Extreme is a strong rival to Gore-Tex, and Columbia’s put it to great use in its top-of-the-line Diamond hard shell (womens), which is one of the best values on the market today. It’s completely seam-sealed, wicks moisture from the inside to out, and has abrasion-resistant panels on the shoulders so your backpack won’t easily wear down the jacket. If you’re looking for a larger range of motion, check out the OutDry EX Stretch Hood when it arrives in the spring.
If your conditions aren’t that extreme and you’re looking for an ultra-breathable option, the Lululemon Einn shell features a cape vent that helps expel air that enters through the front pockets. The cape vent opens with each vertical motion, too, so the more vigorous your activity, the more often the vent will open. With subtle, reflective details and lightweight construction, it’s also a great running jacket.
Pants
Dedicated cyclists will go for winter tights, but casual bikers will want to keep it a little more everyday-looking. You’re going to need pants with a good bit of mobility while cycling that are also able to withstand (and resist) the inevitable splashes you’ll encounter on the road. Snow pants are often too heavy-duty and baggy, which could mean contact with your bike chain, and rolling up snow pants looks silly. Thankfully, the Columbia Titan Peak pants (womens) offers four-way stretch and articulated knees for a full range of motion, and comes with a belt to further customize the fit.
How to layer yourself
Keeping warm not only requires layers, but the right type of layers that will wick moisture away from your skin. If you end up sweaty and clammy, you’ll be miserable, especially while out in the cold.
Base layer top
It’s hard to go wrong with merino wool, especially given the material’s sweat-wicking properties. Lululemon’s Metal Vent Tech short sleeve is supremely light and can act as a base layer as well as a T-shirt for running or training at the gym. The Columbia Artic Trek top is a good long sleeve option that is made with a stretchy Polartec Power Wool blend with Omni Wick, and has thumbholes to ensure that even your wrists remain covered. Women can check out the Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve, or Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Crew.
Mid layer top
The Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid jacket (womens) is super lightweight with a DWR ripstop nylon front and a waffle knit under the arms and on the back for the best of both worlds. This hybrid design allows the jacket to block the cold coming at you from the wind as you ride into it, and the airy back provides excellent breathability, which is critical if you’re wearing a backpack. The Helly Hansen Vertex stretch hoody, a more economical option, features a quick-drying honeycomb structure outfitted with a slick face fleece material that allows air to circulate on the inside. This helps with moisture management and has a positive effect on overall comfort. Those who don’t like the hood can also save $20 by going with the Vertex stretch mid layer (womens).
Base layer bottom
Cycling tights, especially those with padding, are a worthy option. If you don’t have those, however, consider a general base layering item that you can use for multiple activities, such as the HH Warm Pant (womens), which are made from non-itch merino and outfitted Lifa wicking technologies.
Footwear and supplies you’ll need
Once you have your clothes figured out, you’ll need good footwear, a pack, and a way to stay hydrated for long trips.
Footwear
By now, you should have noticed that staying dry is imperative to having a good ride. A pair of warm, lightweight hiking boots should do the trick in most cases. You’ll want to look for something with an aggressive tread, because if your wheels slip, you’ll want grippy shoes or boots to help you stick the landing. For urban excursions where you don’t want to look like you just came in from a hike, consider Danner’s Mountain 600 (womens), which is remarkably light — and attractive — for a hiking boot. It also has a Vibram Fuga outsole with a rubber compound that promises to grip well under wet conditions. If you’re so hardcore that you’ll cycle with clips in the winter, check out the Japanther from 45NRTH.
Backpack
If you’re cycling in the winter, chances are it’s because you have somewhere to you want to be and you have things to carry. Panniers are great if you have them, but nothing beats the versatility of a modern backpack. The Osprey Radial 34 features ventilated shoulder straps and suspended mesh backing, allowing for some of the best air flow around. Like your bike, this pack has a kickstand to keep it from falling over when set on its own. A handy stuff pock that’s perfect for housing a U-lock also makes it a great commuter pack, as does the integrated rain cover and a hook designed to keep your helmet in place when you’re off the bike.
Hydration
You won’t be sweating nearly as much on a winter ride as you would during a summer ride, so hydration is slightly less of a concern in the winter. Going with an insulated water bottle over a plastic one means that you can enjoy a warm beverage anywhere on your journey or at your destination. The Miir Wide Mouth comes in three sizes, will keep your drinks hot for up to 12 hours, and the wide opening makes it really easy to wash should you decide to fill it with something like hot chocolate.
