Cycling is only for summer and spring? That's not true. Even with snow in the winter you can go cycling - if you notice some gimmicks. Cycling in the snowy winter is a special challenge. But it can be mastered with the right equipment and the appropriate setting of the average radar.
1. be visible!
Particularly important for cycling in winter: be visible. In addition to the permanently installed electrical lighting, which must function properly, the wheel should still be equipped with reflectors - as completely as possible, at the front, rear, in the spokes and on the pedals. In addition, the tires typically have reflective strips. Anyone who does not have clothes with reflectors can alternatively or additionally wear a warning vest. In view of the increased risk of falling due to damp foliage and ice smoothness, it is advisable to wear a helmet, which should also have reflectors and additional lighting.
2. Put warm clothes in layers
For the wearer of the helmets the trade offers, by the way, special caps, which protect in winter from a cold head. This characteristic is also important for the rest of the clothing, because the driving wind cools very quickly. When cycling, it is recommended to wear several layers. The lower ones consist, if possible, of functional clothing which carries moisture outwards. It is best to wear wind- and waterproof and at the same time breathing-active clothing, which does not restrict the freedom of movement too much.
Important are, above all, good gloves and foot warmers. Mittens keep your hands warm, but they are a hindrance to the use of brakes and gears. Alternatively there are also three- or four-finger gloves. In order to protect the cold-sensitive feet, one should wear overcoats, which at the same time serve as rain protection. Additional warm-up protection is provided by warm boots, especially by kick-pedal boots with reflective tape.
A particularly convincing solution to cold feet are special winter boots for bikers, which optimally protect against cold and cold, but are also quite expensive. The retailer also offers arm, leg, knee and kidney warmers as well as facial masks. A protective goggle can prevent the tears of the eyes due to the cutting driving wind. Especially pedaled users are advised to have competent heat insulation, since they produce less heat due to their reduced physical activity.
3. Cold protection for the battery
Speaking of pedaled, the batteries react sensitively to cold, which is associated with loss of range. Therefore it may be advisable to protect the battery with a neoprene cover. The drive unit can also be protected with a special protective cover against dirt and damage.
4. Care: Protection against streaks
In addition, all wheels require special care in the wet-cold season. Especially brakes, tires and chain need attention. If you clean the chain regularly with an oily cloth, it removes salt residues and prevents the formation of rust. For other metal parts it is worthwhile to use special cleaning agents to prevent corrosion. This also applies to the varnish, which can become blunt due to scattering. During the summer tours possibly worn brake pads should be replaced, at the same time the lubrication of the brake cables is controlled.
5. Tires: Enough profile?
Since smoothness is the greatest enemy of any cyclist, the tires must have a sufficient profile. If the tires are already worn, the tire must be replaced immediately. Safety vest is the necessary equipment for your cycling. If you're on the road with narrow racing tires, you're better off driving on wider tires. These are particularly recommended for electric bicycles, since higher drive forces have to be transmitted to the roadway. If you also slightly reduce the tire air pressure, you can provide some better traction on snow. For those who want to be safe, special cycling tires are available, which offer more grip with their special rubber compound. For the ride on snow and ice you can even resort to tires with spikes.
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