Did you know that fixies and single-geared bicycles are the best bikes for the winter?

As long as you have the proper accessories and maintain your bike, cycling in the winter can be fun! Luckily, the simplicity of single-geared bikes allows for easier cleaning, and they have fewer parts that could possibly rust from the salt.

Cold weather should not stop you from riding your single-gear bike! Here is how you can prepare your bicycle for the winter.

Switch to Winter Tires - It's Winter Cycling!

Bicycles need winter tires just like how cars do.

Their deeper tread depth or spikes provides more traction on wet and icy roads, so you can ride safely. Additionally, winter tires have better puncture protection, which is especially important with the extra debris on the ground that increases the chances of you puncturing your tires. 

Riding in snow is enjoyable, no matter in the city or in the trees, when you have the right gear. (Image by wirestock on Freepik)

 

Switch to an easier Gear Ratio for winter biking

Cyclists usually ride a bit slower under adverse conditions, with extra resistance due to slush or snow on the ground. It makes more sense to lower the gear ratio in the winter to increase efficiency. 

Fixies or Single-gear bike merchants, usually have winter gear sets that you can install for the winter. Some store may install it for you as well.

Switch to Fixie Configuration

The Freewheel and Brake Caliper can be frozen up during cold weather and not function as effectively as it would in normal weather. Rubber on the brake pads have lesser friction and braking ability reduces with the temperature.

 
If you have a flip-flop rear wheel, flipping it will instantly transform your bike into Fixie-mode.

Switching the drivetrain to fixie configuration (or Fixie-Mode) and making your pedalling engaged with the rear wheel will give you the best winter braking experience:

• The bike goes slower when you pedal slower
• The bike stop easier when you stop pedalling 

Something that help in the configuration:

Fixed Cog with ring OR Fixed Cog

Install a Mud Guard 

Don’t want to get your back splattered with slush?

Mudguards or fenders are the perfect solution! Opting for a simple clip-on fender or a zip-tided fender over a close-fitted fender will prevent snow from getting stuck under the guard while also stopping mud from spraying up.  And as for cleaning, a quick-release buckle design will easily detach the mudguards for cleaning.

With mud guard, your back won't get slush during your winter ride.

 

Have a set of Bright Front and Tail Light

It is very important to be visible on the road while riding in adverse conditions.  Drivers can easily draw their attention away due to many circumstances and cause attentional blindness. Keep yourself visible to other road users all the time to decrease the chances of accidents.

Here are some Front Bicycle Torch you can consider:

• Ultra High-Power LED Torch
• Merida High-Power LED Torch 
• Knog blinder Front light
• Dual T6 Front light
• Rechargeable 10-LEDs front light

And some strong tail light for your safety:

• Bionic Frog-style tail light
• COB High-Power tail light
• Auto-brake Tail light
• All-in-one Tail light with anti-theft system
• Rechargeable 10-LEDs tail light
• Dual colour tail light

Or, if you want the front and tail in a set:

• Lifeline Front and Rear Bike LED set
• Compact Front and Rear Bike LED combo

Dress appropriately in winter biking

The key to riding your bicycle comfortably in the winter is to dress warmly AND wind-breaking.

Jacket for winter riding

Wearing light breathable layers under a waterproof and windproof jacket will ensure protection from the snow and cold weather.

Gloves for biking in the cold

Investing in a good pair of gloves that are waterproof and padded to keep your fingers from freezing.

Sunglasses are important for snow biking

Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from the snow is also a good idea.