Winter Riding Part 2

After selecting a bike to ride as a winter bike, the next step is to get your bike set up for winter riding and the harsh conditions that come with Wisconsin winters.

A huge part of winter riding is keeping your bike working. Keeping your bike clean and lubricated will not only allow your bike to work better, it will also prolong the life of your bike and let it last longer than just the winter!

We stock a large selection of bike-specific lubricants and cleaners. We also have an amazing service department that will be happy to help you with your regular bicycle maintenance. Through the winter it is imperative to keep your bike fully lubricated, otherwise your bike will become worn or broken much quicker!

There are many products on the market that will help you ride more comfortably in the cold and through all kinds of conditions.

Studded tires are a great way to get over Icy roads and bike paths. They not only improve handling, they also make you much more confident over ice, which will help keep you upright on your bike!

We carry a number of different studded tires in both 700c and 26".

700c studded tires

Left: Schwalbe Marathon Winter, a great all condition, high stud count, high quality tire, $79.99. Middle: Continental Nordic Spike 120, a more treaded tire with a fast rolling middle section, good for the rider who wants a studded tire that will ride well in a verity of conditions, $74.99. Right, Continental Nordic Spike 240, high stud count, lots of tread, a great tire for the most extreme conditions.

26" studded tires.
Left, Kenda Klondike, lots of tread, lots of studs, a serious winter tire, $69.99. Middle left Schwalbe Marathon Winter, same as the 700c tire, just in a 26x1.75 size, this has been the stand-by winter tire, $79.99. Middle right, Continental Spike Claw 240, 26x2.1, another serious winter tire, high quality and very grippy, $99.99. Right, Continental Spike Claw 120, same as the 240, just with less studs, $74.99.

Fenders can keep you dry.

Full coverage fenders are the best at keeping you dry and as a result, warmer!

If your bike doesn't have the correct mounting point for a full coverage fender there are lots of clip-on style fenders that work a lot better than nothing!

One thing that is particularly annoying about winter is all the darkness

Lights are a must for riding all year!

If you are a serious commuter rechargeable lights are the best. We carry Light and Motion because they are the best!

Planet Bike makes some great lights. One of our favorites is the Super Flash tail light.

On top of a good set of lights there are lots of reflective products that will help you get seen!

Stay tuned for part 3 of "Winter Riding"!