Studded tires are wonderful in icy conditions, but I don’t find them so much help in heavy snow. Most for my commutes, I travel on bare roads, which are about 10% ice covered. Translated that means every once in a while you run into a hockey rink!

These conditions are great for studded tires.

However, last week we had 14 inches of snow (worst snowfall in 30 years…) and I got a good taste of studded tires in snow…. lots of fish-tailing and occasionally I have to dismount to walk. It’s that bad.

I’m just hoping we get back to the normal ice-covered, light snow-pack.

Report this comment

Thanks a lot for the encouraging words folks and good luck this winter!

Report this comment

Interesting article. I commute by bike in St. jon’s from April until the snow flies and usually make it well into December. I use a vintage road bike which precludes winter riding but I have aquired a set of studded tires for my MTB that I tried out this morning. They allowed me to ride with confidence and I may extend my bike commuting season. Advice on clothing and footwear is right on. I dress in multiple layer on top to allow customisation to conditions.

Report this comment

Great article. I’ve been feeling crazy lately for considering winter biking, but now I’m feeling excited. Thanks for the information–I’m inspired.

Report this comment

Well thank you so much. I did mention a ski mask, by which I meant balaclava. I don’t really find it cold enough here to use one, that and as I said it fogs my glasses so the convenience of seeing outweighs the convenience of warm cheeks!

MUN BikeShare is having a series of bicycle related talks and events this fall, one of which is about winter cycling. It will be Saturday November 21st at MUN. Location to be determined.

Report this comment

Liked your article. I bike throughout the winter in the US Midwest (although I was born in and lived most of my life in Newfoundland).

I think your article covered all the bases. The only thing I would add for clothing is to use a balaclava. I find keeping my head covered really adds to the comfort of winter cycling. And I usually also carry one of those polypro face masks (which are really not much better than scarves…just more compact).

I’m really amazed that you cycle throughout the winter. I remember a great number of winter days where snow drifts were pretty high. Still, I also remember the amount of salt used on city streets.

I guess you must find winter pretty hard on your bike.

Report this comment