Spectrum: While there is currently no onset of winter in northern Germany, the south is sinking under the white splendor. For cyclists, however, this does not mean that they have to do without their favorite means of transport. Together with the pressedienst- Fahrrad, Velomotion will show you how to get ahead safely by bike in the snow.
Safe cycling in the snow: Tip 1 – winter tyres
Although winter tires are not compulsory for bicycles like for cars, it is still advisable to use tires with a higher profile in wintry conditions. The Marathon GT 365 from Schwalbe (EUR 39,90 per tire) is a good choice for temperatures down to freezing point and light snowfall. It is referred to as an all-season tire and, compared to other trekking tires, has a lamellar profile and a special rubber compound that promises better grip. On icy roads, spiked tires (e.g. the “Winter” from Schwalbe for 39,90 euros per tire) are unavoidable. In contrast to cars, these are permitted for bicycles. The spikes grip the ground and prevent the wheels from slipping.
Click here for the Velomotion leaderboard with studded tires:
Safe cycling in the snow: Tip 2 - The right tire pressure
Anyone who does not have special winter tires or is too lazy to replace them should reduce the air pressure to the minimum permitted. This increases the contact surface of the profile and improves traction. An air pump with a manometer is essential for the adjustment. An excellent pump is the Airmenius from SKS (RRP 99 euros). Mountain bikers and fat bikers generally have the advantage that the profile offers better traction and clears itself faster. That's why some cyclists use an old mountain bike as a winter bike. The air pressure tip also applies to spiked tires: they roll better with maximum pressure, with minimum pressure more spikes grip at the same time due to the larger contact surface.
Click here for the Velomotion list of the best floor pumps:
Safe cycling in the snow: Tip 3 – clean and maintain the chain
To prevent the drive train from rusting in snow and mud and damaging other parts of the gear system, the chain should be regularly maintained, especially in winter. For winter use, water-repellent, highly viscous chain oils are recommended (e.g. "ChainJ" from Pedro's / 9,99 euros for 100 ml). They are designed to maintain lubricity even in snow. Chain wax (e.g. "Chain Wax" from Tunap Sports / 11,95 euros for 125 ml) also helps in winter to apply an additional protective layer to the chain. A chain guard (e.g. “Hülse” fromfahrer Berlin / 19,50 euros) helps to keep dirt or snow from the tire away from the chain. "EPT" chains from KMC (from 39,95 euros) are also suitable for year-round riders with hub gears (to the KMC company story on Velomotion), which are significantly more resistant to salt water thanks to their anti-rust coating. Of course, a completely rust-free and almost maintenance-free belt drive would be optimal, such as from Gates, which is often used on modern e-bikes with hub gears.
Some care tips before, during and after winter in our still relevant article from 2014:
https://www.velomotion.de/2014/11/wintercheck-4-pflegetipps/
Safe cycling in the snow: tip 4 – set the lights correctly
In heavy snowfall, cyclists should also wear lights during the day. Many headlights in hub dynamo operation (e.g. "IQ-XS" from Busch & Müller; 79,90 euros) have a sensor-controlled daytime running light. All you have to do is switch them on and the headlight takes care of the rest. Cyclists only have to check that they are installed correctly: It is important not to dazzle oncoming traffic and to be able to see and be seen yourself. For a rough guide, the brightest spot of the headlight should be about ten meters in front of the bike on the road. Of course, this also applies to battery lighting.
Click here for the Velomotion best list for battery lighting:
https://www.velomotion.de/bestenliste-fahrradbeleuchtung-stvzo-akku/
You can find some tips on the subject of light, also in the event of possible problems, in our article:
https://www.velomotion.de/2014/11/wintercheck-beleuchtung/
Safe cycling in the snow: Tip 5 – check the brakes
Wet, dirt, snow and condensation accelerate wear on the brakes. It is therefore advisable to always keep an eye on the braking function. Hydraulic disc brakes generally enjoy the advantage that they work more independently of the weather than mechanical and rim brakes. The brake pads should still be about 1,5 millimeters thick. Rim brake pads have clearly visible indentations on the braking surfaces. If they're gone, it's time to replace the brake pads. The specialist will also be happy to help.
You can find tips on the correct setting and troubleshooting for rim brakes in our article:
https://www.velomotion.de/2014/11/wintercheck-2/
Safe by bike in the snow: Tip 6 – special feature of e-bikes
E-bikers should note: Battery performance drops in cold temperatures. This is a general problem with lithium-ion batteries, which is also known from smartphones. Therefore, in winter, the battery should be stored and charged at room temperature and only inserted into the bike shortly before the start of the journey. A neoprene cover (e.g. "akku cover" from driver Berlin; 29,90 euros) helps the battery to reach and maintain the operating temperature and protects it from moisture.
https://www.velomotion.de/2016/11/e-bike-im-winter-elf-tipps-vom-fachmann/
Safely cycling in the snow: Tip 7 – Appropriate clothing
When the bike is winterized, it's the cyclist's turn. Warming and insulating jackets are mandatory in snow. The "Men's Cyclist Padded Parka" from Vaude (200 euros) is characterized by a cut that supports the cyclist's posture and also protects the elongated back. For underneath, it is best to follow the so-called onion principle. A thin layer of functional underwear as a basis takes over the moisture transfer - merino wool has proven itself here. The insulation layer (e.g. sweater or fleece) helps to retain body heat. The weatherproof top layer protects against external influences. Waterproof softshell trousers (e.g. “Naughtvind Softshell” from 45Nrth; 249,99 euros) provide protection against the wet and the cold. Wind and weather-resistant winter gloves (e.g. "Sturmfist" from 45Nrth; 99,99 euros) and a hat under the helmet should be part of the basic equipment. To protect the feet, the winter specialist also offers special winter cycling shoes that have clipless pedal-compatible soles (e.g. "Wölvhammer"; 339,99 euros). In the best case, the clothing products should have reflectors for more visibility. Alternatively, reflective buttons and Velcro (e.g. "Button" from Driver Berlin for 5,95 euros) can also be attached.
You can also find some suitable leaderboards here:
https://www.velomotion.de/2015/01/bestenliste-fahrradhandschuhe-winter/
https://www.velomotion.de/bestenliste-traegerhosen-winter/
https://www.velomotion.de/bestenliste-regenjacken-test-fahrrad/
In addition, some care tips for clothing that is particularly stressed at this time of year:
https://www.velomotion.de/2016/11/radbekleidung-pflege/
Safe cycling in the snow: Tip 8 – Riding technique and saddle adjustment
Icy patches or snowdrifts are a major source of danger for cyclists in winter. Then it's best not to steer or brake, stay calm and let the bike coast. In order to minimize the sources of danger, you should drive as far as possible with foresight. When there is snow, slippery areas can also be covered quickly. Therefore, it is better to brake early and always slow down before the curve. A tip: if you lower the saddle a bit, you can get both feet on the ground better in an emergency. This increases the sense of security and makes it easier to intercept if you do start to swerve.
Safely cycling in the snow: Tip 9 – transporting children and loads
The bicycle is becoming more and more popular as a means of transport in cities. Whether for children, luggage or for tradespeople. Three-wheeled vehicles have the advantage that they are extremely stable and therefore a small skid on wintry roads does not bother them. Incidentally, this also benefits riders of recumbent tricycles. That's why cycling parents appreciate the advantages of a child trailer compared to a bicycle seat, especially in the winter days. In the trailer, the child should also be protected from the cold by an optional footmuff (e.g. from Croozer from 79,95 euros). A rain cover (34,95 euros) protects against moisture.
Safely cycling in the snow: Tip 10 - Legal
Cities and municipalities are obliged to regularly clear cycle paths of snow and ice. If a cyclist has an accident on a path that has not been cleared, he can assert liability claims against the local authorities. However, the cyclist should have adjusted his speed to the weather conditions and not accelerate further in an icy curve, for example. In the event of a fall, the police must be informed in any case so that the circumstances are documented. There is a legal peculiarity if the mandatory cycle path is not cleared. Cyclists are then allowed to switch to the lane even if there is an explicit obligation to use the cycle path.