Top winter gear

[cassie]

I subscribe to the idea that you don't need a lot of gear to winter cycle, but these are my top 4 items that I have found useful biking in a winter city.

1. Goggles - I think there are specific bike ones, but I just use ski goggles that work well. If there's a cold wind your eyes really feel it so these are my most important item!
2. Balaclava - being able to cover your face from that wind is also important
3. Cargo bike cover - my kids and cargo get the best protection
4. Bar mitts: I have Reynaud's so my hands get really cold and I need to do my best to keep them warm. These 45N ones are the best I have found and fit well on the Urban Arrow handlebars.

 

[Bike Shop Girl]

I found that I owned almost everything I needed from skiing except for solid warm and waterproof footwear that weren’t slippery on pedals. I ended up using Vans MTE boots for the last several seasons and love the traction on pedals!

 

[cassie]

I found that I owned almost everything I needed from skiing except for solid warm and waterproof footwear that weren’t slippery on pedals. I ended up using Vans MTE boots for the last several seasons and love the traction on pedals!

Oh I forgot we also swapped out pedals for ones with more traction for the same reason.

And we put on studded tires to handle the ice. The last few winters have had a lot of freeze and thaw cycles here so those have also been important.

 

[Kendra H]

Great list! We don't have much of a winter where I am, but I'm very cold sensitive so I use more winter gear than you'd expect! I love my bar mitts. Either a helmet liner or a hood under the helmet keeps my head warm, and fleece-lined Bogs ankle boots work for my feet.

 

[Benjamin in WPG]

Spy+ MIPS helmet (lined & ear coverage)
Scott Ultimate OTG dual lens goggles
Rock Bros balaclava for when it’s super cold
Rock Bros pogies compatible with bar-end mirrors.

 

[JBrannan]

• Definitely a budget pair of ski goggles were a game changer, from trying to use sunglasses and then struggling once the days were shorter.
• A buff/neck gaiter is my choice of gear for keeping my face warm, but my helmet (Lazer Urbanize) has a really good set of ear-protectors for winter. Last winter I had a different helmet and keeping my ears warm was a pain, although I've seen some great DIY helmet ear covers.
• Reflectors/visibility: I have a lightweight reflective vest (class 1, I think?), plus I've been using elasticized running reflective strips on my arms, to make signaling more visible after dark, but I was just gifted neon reflective lobster mitts for Christmas!

 

[Lemming_FFM]

Heated gloves are most important for me: I use Sealskinz for 'normal' cold conditions and Lenz for temperatures below zero Celsius.
Skiing underwear from UYN keeps me warm without having to wear a huge jacket - and if need be, I wear a heated vest from Simply.bike (unfortunately, the product is no longer listed on their website).

 

[Barb Schwendtner]

A winter bike helmet is a nice addition for the coldest weather. My Giro Timberwolf has small vents you can open or close on the fly, warm ear coverage, and a goggle strap keeper on the back.

 

[eashton]

I ride in Helsinki where it can get pretty damn cold and the only thing I really care about are warm hands, feet, and ears. I lean heavily on wool socks, wool glove liners under wool/thinsulate mittens, and a Buff merino neck gaiter. I also have a thin merino cap to wear under my helmet. Wind-proof ski pants and a down coat (wool under-layers in -20C or lower) keep everything else pretty warm and non-sweaty. I've tried so many of the more whizzy tech fiber gear, but I start to sweat every time and then I'm just cold and moist.

 

[Shaun Moulds]

I have a load to left over motorcycle gear from my pre ebike days that I still use. One being motorcycle panniers, properly waterproof and cheaper than the bike specific stuff. A good set of winter motorcycle gloves can work fantastic and most of all for the snow, Motocross goggles with stay fog free for much longer than normal protective glasses.

 

[Lemming_FFM]

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