Snowmobile Covers

Icebiking (sometimes known as snowbiking) is the activity of cold weather winter cycling, often on snow and/or ice. Although cold weather and slippery surfaces deter many riders from cycling in sub-freezing temperatures, these challenges are readily overcome. more...

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Where roads are salted to melt ice, the corrosive effect of the salt on bicycles, particularly chains, is an additional challenge.

Techniques and equipment

Staying warm

Except for the extremities, specialized clothing is not necessary--staying warm is accomplished by layering any insulation layers and shells. The amount of insulation needed depends on exertion level and metabolism, and so typically must be determined by experimentation by each individual. Typically the right amount leads to feeling slightly cold for the first few minutes, after which the exertion leads to a comfortable temperature.

Keeping feet warm can be more difficult than in other activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, because the feet tend to be less active in cycling. Some approaches that have been used successfully include wearing thermal overshoes or oversized shoes with lots of thick socks, using insulated boots, using electrical or chemical foot warmers, or even wearing sandals which are easily expandable to fit more socks as needed.

Keeping hands warm can also be challenging. This may be because a tight grip on the handlebars and brakes both inhibits circulation and allows heat conduction into the handlebars. Types of gloves and mittens are discussed in a separate article. If it is really cold or if you are particularly sensitive to cold you can use pogies. These are insulated covers that fit over the handlebars of a bicycle. The rider puts their hands into the open end and has full access to the bike’s controls. The rider can use pogies either barehanded or with normal riding gloves. They are a common sight in Alaska during the winter.

Keeping the head and face warm is challenging because of wind on the face and because a helmet is often worn for safety, but cycling helmets are almost universally designed to maximize ventilation for hot-weather use. Helmet covers can be used to close the vents. A thin knit cap or technical beanie can fit under a helmet to increase insulation; thicker insulation under a helmet requires adjusting the helmet or switching to a larger size helmet. Balaclavas made for use with helmets that have a thin top portion and a thicker lower portion can be useful. Many icebikers use ski helmets, which often have adjustable ventilation and come with warm linings and ear flaps. Ear flaps are also available for bicycle helmets.

Ski goggles and neoprene face masks are useful for keeping the face warm and protecting from frostbite in very cold weather.

Read more at Wikipedia.org