Winter cycling is a great way to keep fit and mobile all year round. A suitable winter bike can be a regular city bike, a gravel bike or an electric bike, as long as it meets certain basic criteria. The most important things are reliability, good brakes, room for wide tyres and the possibility of fenders. In this article, we cover the key questions about choosing and using a winter bike.
Why should you cycle in winter and what kind of bike is suitable?
Winter cycling keeps you active and mobile even in the darkest months, saves you money and is often the fastest way to get around town. It also strengthens your resistance and improves your fitness when your body has to work a little harder in the cold air.
A normal city bike or hybrid bike works well in winter if you can fit mudguards and wider tyres. Gravel bike is a particularly good choice for winter use, as it offers enough space for wide studded tyres and has a stable geometry even on slippery surfaces. The mountain bike is also ideal, especially if you ride a lot on unploughed roads or trails.
You can use your summer bike in winter, but only under certain conditions. The bike must have space for tyres at least 35-40 mm wide and be able to be fitted with mudguards. We do not recommend wheels with caliper brakes for winter use, as moisture and salt significantly reduce braking performance. Check out VMSport's wide range of winter bikes and find your winter driving solution!
What are the most important features of a winter bike?
The most important feature of a winter bike is hydraulic disc brakes, that work reliably in all conditions. In wet and icy conditions, caliper brakes lose their effectiveness, making them dangerous in winter use. Disc brakes provide consistent braking performance regardless of the weather or tyre condition.
The frame must be spacious enough for wide tyres. Tyres of at least 35-40 mm are recommended, while 42-50 mm offer the best grip in snow and slush. Aluminium and steel frames can withstand the rigours of winter well, while carbon fibre frames should be treated with more caution because of salt and moisture.
The gearbox should be simple and reliable. A hub gearbox is the best choice for winter, as it is protected from dirt and works reliably in all conditions. A standard chain transmission will also work well, as long as you keep it clean and well lubricated. Fender mounts and light fitting options are essential for winter use.
Do you need studded tyres for a winter bike or will normal tyres do?
Studded tyres are essential if you regularly drive on icy or hard snow surfaces. They provide secure grip in situations where normal tyres slip out of control. In particular, studs improve braking and cornering grip, which is crucial for road safety.
Normal winter tyres without studs may be enough if you mainly drive on well-maintained, sandy roads and cycle paths. They work reasonably well in slush and loose snow, but are dangerous on ice. Wider tyres (40-50 mm) offer better grip on snow than narrow tyres because they float better on soft ground.
Many cyclists use studded tyres as front tyres only, which improves manoeuvrability and braking at a reasonable cost. This is a good compromise if you're on a tight budget. Fully studless tyres are only suitable for very mild winters, when the roads remain melted most of the time.
How does an electric bike work in winter and is it suitable for winter use?
The e-bike is ideal for winter use, but battery life is significantly reduced in the cold. In freezing temperatures, battery capacity can drop by 20-40%, which means shorter operating time on a single charge. However, the engine and electrical systems will work reliably even in extreme cold.
Battery storage is essential in winter. Store the battery indoors at room temperature whenever possible, and install it on the bike only just before riding. Do not charge a cold battery immediately, but allow it to warm up to room temperature before charging. This will significantly extend the life of the battery.
The advantage of an electric bike in winter is that you can adjust the level of assistance to suit the conditions. In slippery conditions you can use a lower assist for better control, while in headwinds or deep snow you can use full power. Many people even prefer an e-bike to a regular bike in winter, as it makes riding easier in difficult conditions. See VMSport's range of electric bikes and find your perfect winter partner!
What kind of maintenance does a winter bike require and how do you store it?
A winter bike needs much more maintenance than a summer bike. The most important task is to wash your bike regularly, especially after a salty slush. Salt corrodes metal parts quickly, so rinse your bike with clean water as soon as possible after riding. Pay particular attention to the chain, derailleurs and brakes.
Chain lubrication is critical in winter. Use chain oil for wet conditions, which will not freeze or flush away in humidity. Lubricate the chain more often than in summer, but wipe off excess oil to prevent it from collecting dirt. Check the condition of the brakes regularly and replace the pads if necessary, as they wear out faster in winter.
Preferably store the bike in a dry, warm place. If you have to store your bike outside, protect it with a tarpaulin and try to keep the saddle and handlebars dry. Tyre pressures drop in the cold, so check them regularly. Professional servicing before and after the winter season is recommended - we can help you get your bike into winter condition and make sure everything works safely through the winter.
A properly selected and maintained winter bike brings freedom and mobility even in the darkest months of the year. A Gravel bike offers a versatile option that works in summer and winter with a variety of tyres. The key is to choose a bike with good disc brakes, room for wide tyres and the option to fit mudguards. Regular maintenance and proper storage will keep your bike in working order year after year. Visit VMSport and let the experts help you find the winter bike of your dreams!
