Each climate requires different clothes. Don’t you agree? Being somewhat more stubborn than others, it took me two years to figure out combinations that worked well in all conditions. With an aim toward shortening the learning curve, I present the following discussions on clothing options. Now, just because you don’t see it here doesn’t mean … Read more
In winter everything becomes problematic. Even the simple bike computer. The problem is not the computers themselves, but trying to use them can be maddening when you have winter gloves, or worse, lobster claws or mittens on, and your fingers are an inch wide. Those little buttons are often hard to push. Since much winter … Read more
Besides the fact that they are out in the cold and the wind chill, your hands are also locked in the same position on the bike for your entire ride. This can reduce circulation and you can get really cold hands, perhaps frostbitten in short order. Many options help you cover your hands in the … Read more
A lot of people have asked me how I can ride through a New England winter. Dressing properly for the weather certainly has a great deal to do with my enjoyment of it, but I have to admit that I also really get a kick out of the looks on people’s faces when I ride … Read more
Biking is a great way to explore the world, no matter what the season is but not everyone has a suitable spot nearby. The good news for hiking enthusiasts is that hiking trails in the US and Canada offer perfect weather, stunning views, and convenient cycling all year round One thing I used to wonder … Read more
Winter cycling offers the opportunity to retain, and even enhance, your cycling skills over the whole year. There are very few days during the winter in which cycling becomes impossible. If you’re able to cross-country ski, then you’re ready to cycle. The secret to successful winter cycling is that you stay warm and dry, maintain … Read more
Discovering new bike manufacturers can go either way, they could turn out to be amazing and full of surprises or they could just disappoint. We recently discovered a Canadian Bike Brand by the name of HOVSCO and were stunned by their products. HOVSCO takes pride in making exceptional electric bikes and since these type of … Read more
I still have the beautiful Italian made rollers that I saved up for in my 20s, and also a wind trainer (a rear wheel stabilized in a truss). But more regarding equipment later. I live in an area that has on average 4 meters of snowfall each winter and temperatures routinely get down below -18 … Read more
Icebikers have special needs when it comes to the layers next to the skin. While normal outdoor winter activity may require a simple pair of cotton long johns under jeans, this simply won’t do for winter cycling. Cyclists produce great amounts of heat (and sweat) and the traditional approaches to warmth just don’t work. First, … Read more
Icebikers sometimes think themselves unique or inventive, and almost always believe themselves to be resourceful. These beliefs are all true of course, and athletic, competitive, self-reliant and macho suggest themselves frequently as well. Icebikers sometimes think that winter cycling is relatively new, an invention of the last 10 years or so, made possible by modern … Read more
There is frequently much discussion as to why we cycle slower in winter than in summer. There are several reasons put forward for this often-observed phenomenon, some of which are well-reasoned and some of which are pure nonsense. Why Are You Slower In Winters? Some of the reasons put forth for slowness in winter are … Read more
Winterizing a freehub is simply overhauling it with the right lubricant. This piece should help you decide whether you need to winterize your freehub and get you through the procedure if you decide to try. Manufacturers assemble freehubs with varying amounts of fairly thick grease in the bearings and pawls. At temperatures below about 20 … Read more
Looking in the various bike catalogs you see that the super warm tights are good down to – get this, 45 Degrees (F). Well, that takes care of October, but what about Winter? The availability of cold-weather tights has been spotty at best. This has caused some icebikers to seek other sources of clothing such … Read more
What to wear in the winds of winter? How to keep from freezing? This is what keeps a lot of folks from icebiking, fear of the cold. But as we have stated elsewhere, fear of overheating is more warranted. This is not to say that you can’t get cold out there. However, as long as … Read more
What’s there to know about keeping a head warm? You put on a hat and that’s all. But wait! There’s more to it. You lose a lot of heat through your head. When icebiking, the heat loss through your head can be a blessing if you are working up a sweat. However, most of the … Read more
What to wear on your feet is a big question and the source of much discussion among icebikers. There are basically two schools of thought on the subject. Use shoes designed for cycling, making additions or changes to accommodate the cold, such as adding neoprene booties over the shoes or Gore-Tex socks to retain the … Read more