Have you caught yourself thinking that with the advent of winter you will ride less, although you really like to cut through the bike in the summer? Cold, snow and ice - all this prevents us from cycling. In fact, there are bikes that are comfortable to ride in winter!

The K-trak kit is the parts to turn your two-wheeled horse into a snowmobile. The wheels on your bike are removable; a caterpillar is put in place of the rear, and skis instead of the front. If you own a bike with 20, 24 or 26-inch wheels, then you can safely order this kit for the winter. K-trak easily transforms an ordinary summer bike into a winter bike!

It was decided to replace the front wheel with skis due to the fact that the caterpillar burrows into the snow when driving fast. At the rear, the caterpillar only brings benefits: due to it, traction with snow is improved. This set is recommended for those who have wheels mounted on a cam to make it quicker and easier to modify the bike.

Surprisingly, the mass of a bike with K-trak practically does not increase.

Advantages:

• the most comfortable ride on snow;
• you can only buy a kit to modify your bike, not a whole new bike;
• easy to transform.

Disadvantages:

• it is impossible to drive on asphalt;
• difficult to steer the ski.

Very popular lately in Russia and the world, fat bikes are more versatile transport than K-trak. This is based on the fact that a fatbike is not only a winter bike, but also an all-season one.

This is a bike with very wide tires. Its advantage over the previous reviewed bike is that the owner himself can regulate the area of ​​tire adhesion to the road by inflating the chambers to a certain pressure. The wheels also create shock absorption, because usually the fork of a fat bike is rigid, and there is no rear suspension.

Fatbike will pass through the snow, and through the mud, and through the sand - the possibilities are endless!

In summer, instead of a front 26-inch wheel with a wide tire, you can put a regular 29-inch wheel.

Advantages:

• excellent cross;
• universality;
• the ability to customize it "for yourself";
• tires can be inflated to very low pressure.

Disadvantages:
the cost of the bike and its parts;
big weight.

This bike is the development of American scientists for riding on the ice of Antarctica. Everything driving performance bikes do not deteriorate at extremely low temperatures. Wide wheels, like on a fatbike, make it easy to overcome snow and ride on ice. This bike has a slightly smaller rear wheel than the front wheel, which gives the bike more stability.

According to the manufacturers, the bike was originally designed for special forces agents. Pedaling a bike with such wide wheels very difficult, so Ice Bicycle is only suitable strong people! For the average person, there is a model of this bike with an electric drive, which will make pedaling much easier.

Advantages:

• excellent cross;
• stability;
• maneuverability;
• the transmission performs well in all weather conditions.

Disadvantages:
hard to pedal
bike cost.

Cycling in winter

In order to ride in the winter, it is not necessary to buy a special bike. All you have to do is prepare your bike!

Preparing your bike for winter includes Maintenance all components of the bike, as well as the replacement of some parts.

If you have an expensive bike, then it is better to immediately abandon this idea. In winter, people sprinkle salt and other chemicals on the snow, which can adversely affect the suspension fork, frame, bushings.

Frame

The most frost-resistant material is aluminum. It forms an oxide film on its surface, which protects the metal from corrosion. If reagents from the streets get on damaged areas, you need to rinse and paint over the chipped area. Aluminum has the property of reducing fatigue strength in welds during its operation. Therefore, you need to check all the seams and look for cracks.

Movil must be poured into the steel frame, as it is more easily affected by corrosion. Steel needs to be checked even more carefully than aluminum, because after the winter it can simply become unusable. Chipped sections of the frame must also be cleaned and tinted.

Magnesium is a much more reactive material than aluminum or steel. A magnesium frame is generally not recommended for winter riding unless you want to ruin it.

The titanium frame is well suited for the winter, you just need to check the seams after the trips. It is very difficult to cook titanium, so it is better not to allow cracks to appear.

Carbon is an organic material. It does not undergo oxidation, but it has another problem: brittleness at low temperatures. In winter, cyclists are much more likely to fall due to snow and ice, so the risk of a carbon fiber frame breaking increases.

Fork

Understand that if you have, it will come to an end. At low temperatures, the elastomer hardens and ceases to perform its function. Then the fork can completely seize.

The ideal option for winter will be the purchase of a rigid fork. Also suitable spring-oil or air-oil. The oil in the forks thickens, but does not completely freeze.

Fork chips, like frames, need to be detected and painted over in time.

Magnesium alloys don't like salt, so wash your bike after riding and check for damage.

brakes

V-brakes are useless in winter and also dangerous! The rim is covered with a thin crust of ice, and the pads will simply slide over it. Disc brakes work great in winter. Hydraulic brakes are best, but if you don't want to spend a lot of money, you can buy one mechanical disc brake. You need to put one brake on the front wheel, since the front brake is the main one.

On ice, it is better not to slow down or do it as carefully as possible. One wrong move and you will be on the ground.

Lubricant

Grease thickens at low temperatures, so all bearings must be serviced with a special grease. Go through the bushings, bottom bracket and steering column and lubricate them with low temperature grease.

Riding in winter can adversely affect the condition of the chain. Wash and lubricate the chain after almost every ride. Reagents from the streets are chain corrosion initiators. If it rusts, you will have to buy a new one, even if you used it for the first season.

The planetary bushing is protected from external influences. No road chemicals will ruin it, so it is best suited for driving on ice and snow.

Switches

If you have a multi-speed transmission, put in the optimal gear and do not shift in the cold. The shift spring is dub and shifts poorly, therefore, in order to avoid breakdowns, it is better not to touch the gears at all.

If you still want to use the switches, take an aerosol against mud, snow and ice with you on the road. Treat the switch rollers and spring with it.

wheels

When leaving a warm apartment on the street, in the cold, it falls. Check the cameras and pump them up as needed.

Winter ones come in very handy. It will be easier for you to steer and keep your balance. You just need to get used to them and run them in dry weather so that the spikes fit correctly into their seats.

Studded bike tires are expensive, and some DIYers simply put screws in summer tires!

Pedals

The sole of the shoe in winter will slide on ordinary pedals or, as they are also called, “stompers”. The best shoes for winter are adjustable spikes, they hold the foot perfectly. Contacts seize at low temperatures, so it is better to replace them with conventional pedals. If you fall in winter, it is more difficult to get out of them, so the risk of injury increases.

Other

It is better not to use a bike computer, because it is unlikely to work in the cold. Also, some metal parts may oxidize in it.

Plastic components of the bike, such as fenders, are best removed as they will become brittle. There is a risk of accidentally breaking them.

Lubricate the cables and shirts. The hydrophobic properties of the lubricant will keep moisture out of the shirt. If moisture does get in, the operation of the brake or switch will be impaired.

Preparing a bike for winter is not so difficult. The main thing is not to miss a single point, and your bike will thank you.

We figure out whether a special bike for the cold season is a necessity or a luxury.

WHAT IS A "WINTER BIKE"?

In short, a winter bike is the second (third, fourth ...), relatively inexpensive bike that you ride in winter (have you ever seen this?).

Although it's usually little more than just a dirt bike: Mud fenders, cheap (or old) wheels and wide tires are all things that should be fitted by a winter bike user.

You can also add a pump placed on the frame to deal with the inevitable punctures, a bigger saddle bag for spare tubes and clothes, and of course a decent set of lights. In general, things, the need for which is dictated by common sense.

You can, of course, have just one bike and stock it with all these things for the winter, but constantly changing parts depending on the weather can be cumbersome, because you just want to get out of the house and ride.

Plus, in muddy cold weather, your bike will be subject to much more wear and tear, so if you want to keep your best bike in good condition for as long as possible, it's worth considering a late fall (winter, early spring) inexpensive spare bike.

WHY DO YOU NEED A WINTER BIKE?

By default, we will assume that you are not going to hibernate from December to May, and that you are determined to drive all this time. Ride on the street, not in the room on the simulator ...

Winter inevitably brings with it bad (for a cyclist) weather, as well as dirt, salt and potholes. Under such conditions, your bike can very quickly become covered with a black coating of chemically aggressive shit (excuse me generously, but there is no other word for it), and this negatively affects the gears, braking surfaces and the frame itself. Not to mention, you'll be in the mud too, and wet bottoms aren't the best companion on long winter rides.

What to hide, in winter your bike is not easy, and there is nothing worse than watching your half a million rubles, your pride, your joy, your favorite bike slowly dissolve in the mud. You just shouldn't use it in winter! Plus, summer can now also be damp and cold here (just remember the past), so you can perceive your second device as a bike “for bad conditions”.

WHICH BIKE IS BETTER?

A winter bike can really be anything: an old road bike, a cross bike, a gravel bike, or even Mountain bike. Many, having bought a new bike, put the old one aside and forget about it, although they may well use it as a “winter” one.

Winter bikes usually have metal frames instead of carbon, and if you're buying new, aluminum is a smart choice. Sure, you can use a carbon bike, but it's usually more expensive and you'll probably regret using it mercilessly in the worst weather with all that slush on the road.

The choice of a winter bike, of course, inevitably relies on the possibilities of your budget, but you could buy (or build) a decent car for bad conditions for 50 thousand - we assume that this is much less than your main handsome man is worth.

WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO IN A WINTER BIKE?

As already mentioned, the installation of fenders is necessary - they will not only prevent you from getting wet, but also protect the one who rides with you (if any) from splashes and dirt, and also protect all parts of the bike from negative impacts.

To be able to fit the fenders, you need a bike with clearance for them - so make sure there is enough space between the stays to fit them.

If you're going to put fenders that require bolts to the frame, make sure the frame has holes for those bolts (most carbon frames don't).

If you are going to fit 25mm or 28mm tires, also make sure there is enough clearance between the stays and between the brake pads.

It's not a bad idea to move the fit from your main bike to the winter bike so they match up and you can easily change from one to the other, so compare the fit setup or you might get uncomfortable when switching between them.

DISC BRAKES

Disc brakes for road bike gaining popularity and now they are not as expensive as they were a couple of years ago.

More reliable and confident braking, especially in wet conditions, makes disc brakes good choice for winter bikes. Plus, removing the conventional rim brake calipers also means you have more room to fit the mud fenders.

WHICH WHEELS SHOULD I USE?

Maybe on a basic bike you can afford the lightest and most explosive carbon wheels, but on a winter bike you need something you really need to match something more suitable (and cheaper).

Since the wheels will be exposed to water, dirt and chemicals on the roads, care must be taken that they can withstand all this rubbish well, or at least they would not be a pity. Many people have a set of old aluminum wheels for just such a purpose (maybe hand-bought, or leftover from the main bike, or just bought on sale).

Suitable wide tires with puncture resistance and wet tread are also a good idea. Most tire manufacturers offer at least one winter model.

WHAT ABOUT GEARS?

With all this extra equipment on board, your winter bike will inevitably be heavier than your main machine. If this is not the case, then it is better to swap your bikes.

A heavy winter bike will ride slower (weather and road conditions will also play a role), so you are unlikely to set speed records on it. However, wait until you get back to your best bike, and you'll feel like you're just flying it up familiar climbs.

Some people use lighter ratio gears on their winter bikes to make it easier to move the extra mass uphill. We'd recommend a compact 50/34 chainset paired with a wide range cassette with a large 28 tooth (or even 32) cog. However, other cyclists prefer to exactly repeat the gear ratio of their main bike.

It probably makes no sense to install something from Shimano Dura-Ace or Campagnolo Super Record on a winter bike - mid-range groups like Shimano 105 will fully provide reliability and functionality, as well as save money when replacing parts worn out in bad conditions.

IS A SPECIAL WINTER BIKE NEEDED?

Some manufacturers offer ready-made winter bikes complete with mud fenders. If you have money it can be good option. But if your budget doesn't allow for it, then an inexpensive used bike might well be a good alternative.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR WINTER BIKE?

Keep an eye on your winter car and check its components regularly, paying particular attention to wear on the rims, brake system, tire condition, bottom bracket, headset and hub bearings. The chain and transmission components must be well lubricated to withstand wet conditions.

Lubricating the chain with a light lubricant after riding in wet weather or after washing it prevents it from rusting and wear, especially if you have driven on sandy and salty roads.

Later, when the bike is dry, you can wipe off the light grease and replace it with a higher viscosity grease, as it will wash out less while riding.

However, keep in mind that greases have side effect- they "collect" dirt, forming a black paste that wears out components with frightening ease. Make sure that this paste does not build up too much, and clean the chain and cassette gears more often.

IS IT POSSIBLE WITHOUT A WINTER BIKE?

Of course. You can continue to ride your regular bike all year round, but just be aware that you will inevitably have to deal with increased component wear, which can cost you dearly (most likely more than a spare bike).

By the way, there is even something interesting in this, something fun - to change from a top-end bike to an inexpensive one, but suitable for any conditions, on which it’s nice (and not a pity) to have fun in bad weather.

In addition, it will make you appreciate your best bike even more and, when you get back on it, feel again how good it is and how you fly it.

Features of training and cycling in winter

A bicycle, as many might think, is not only a summer means of transportation. Every year on the streets of our city we see everything more people for whom winter is not a hindrance. If you decide to join their ranks, then you probably have a lot of questions:
How do you prepare your bike for winter?
- how to dress before leaving?
- how to ride a bike in winter?

We have prepared answers to all the questions that you may have before the first winter trip.

Advantages and features of skiing in winter

Winter cycling has its own advantages and features that must be taken into account when preparing and operating a bicycle.

Pros of winter skiing:

• It is much more pleasant to ride under falling snow in winter than in the rain in summer. Winter frost is easier to bear than summer heat and if you are cold, you can just speed up and warm up. In the summer, intensive driving, on the contrary, can lead to discomfort from the heat. Although, it should be noted, the clothes of a cyclist should be adequate at any time of the year.
• The summer road with pits and puddles is transformed in winter. On the other hand, the asphalt road, on which there were no pits and potholes in summer, is covered with ice in winter.
• Everything that can lead to tire punctures in summer (nails, glass, etc.) ends up under the snow in winter.
• On soft snow, tires wear out less than when driving on asphalt.
• Winter - good time to practice skiing skills extreme conditions- by analogy with extreme driving a car.

However, there are also features that must be taken into account:

• At negative temperatures, the grease in the bearings thickens, which makes the bike ride harder and the reel less effective.
• When the bicycle is moved from a heated room into a frost, the tire pressure drops noticeably. It is necessary to keep this in mind and, if necessary, pump up the cameras.
• In winter, it gets dark much earlier than in summer, so you should take care of additional reflectors. It is better to use flashlights very carefully, because in the cold the batteries can oxidize.
• It is better not to use cycle computers in winter, because their liquid crystal screens stop reproducing information at low temperatures.
• It is worth removing all the plastic parts that you can do without - plastic becomes very fragile in the cold and there is a risk of breaking them.
• It is extremely important to avoid sudden braking followed by wheel locking, as well as sharp turns at high speed.
• You should not wash your bike before you go out - it will instantly freeze up, and, most importantly, the brakes and other components of the bike may stop working.
• Friction, or more correctly, the grip of tires with the road depends on temperature. The lower the air temperature, the better the grip. And vice versa, when the temperature is closer to zero, “porridge” forms on the roads, then the grip level is much worse.
• When driving, bicycle tires are intensively deformed. Some of this energy is converted into heat and heats up the tire, causing the wheels to “tan” less and roll better. Therefore, in winter it is better to ride at a moderately fast pace. In addition, good speed allows you to keep warm in the cold.

Winter equipment for a cyclist

Good warm clothes- a must when cycling in winter. It is important that you wear clothing that is safe and comfortable for you to ride. Winter clothing for a cyclist must meet the following requirements:

• Should not restrict movement or interfere with control.
• Should not reduce visibility.
• Should not be too warm or too cold.
• Must be windproof and waterproof.
• Must be visible to drivers and pedestrians.

The approach to choosing clothes should be such that at first, as soon as you go outside, you are cool, and that after five to ten minutes of active skiing you are well warmed up, but not sweaty. Sweating in the cold is extremely undesirable, because if you sweat, you can only dry out in a warm room. If, nevertheless, the underwear has become wet, then you should go without stopping, not allowing yourself to cool down.

For cycling in winter you will need:

Jacket
- underwear
- trousers
- hat and helmet
- shoes
- gloves
- glasses

It is better to dress in “layers”, that is, wear several layers of light clothing.

The first layer is thermal underwear. The task of the lower layer of clothing is to keep warm and remove moisture. Cotton underwear is undesirable, since the body sweats quickly in it and cotton, absorbing moisture, does not allow it to evaporate. It is better to choose thermal underwear of well-known brands.

The second layer is insulating. The best option is a fleece sweatshirt. Fleece has excellent thermal insulation qualities, is wear-resistant, perfectly removes moisture, dries quickly and is very pleasant to the touch.

And finally, the third layer is a waterproof and windproof jacket or windbreaker. The task of outerwear is to protect against wind and snow. However, don't go overboard with the top layer: it shouldn't be too warm, and it should also allow your body to "breathe".

Trousers
Shoes

Trekking boots with a warm toe are quite suitable for winter skiing. You can also pay attention to shoe covers made of special materials that help retain heat. Important point- while skiing, the feet are almost motionless and at low temperatures they begin to freeze even in warm shoes. If you begin to feel that your feet are freezing, stop and vigorously walk and run for a few minutes.

Hat and helmet

As in summer, great attention should be paid to safety and do not forget about the helmet. It is also important for the head to provide protection from cold and wind. The ideal "clothing" for the head is a balaclava made of special materials, which can be found in sports shops. When choosing a hat or balaclava, keep in mind that a helmet should be put on top without any problems.

Gloves

You can use fleece gloves or not too bulky ski gloves. It is important that the hands are warm and that at the same time shifting gears and operating the brake levers is comfortable.

Glasses

To protect your eyes, you should wear ski or motorcycle goggles, while the temples of the goggles should be plastic, since the metal in the cold can freeze to the skin.

Bicycle preparation and maintenance in winter

Every car owner is well aware that you need to prepare for winter, but how to prepare a bike for winter is not an easy question. Of course, the arrangement of a bicycle is much simpler than a car, but it also needs to be carefully looked after and prepared for winter skiing. Many experienced cyclists, by the way, have a second bike for riding in the winter. Such a bike usually has a more modest hitch and often a stiff fork.

Frame

It is advisable to hold the bike for 10-15 minutes in the entrance before going outside, so that the frame “gets used” to the cold. It is recommended that you do the same on your return for a smoother temperature change. Sharp changes are undesirable. It is also necessary to keep the frame free of snow, ice and salt, because if there are chips or scratches on it, they can be susceptible to corrosion. It is best to immediately clean, degrease and tint them.

Fork

For winter riding, forks with spring-oil or air-oil shock absorbers, as well as rigid forks, are suitable. Suspension forks do not like salt very much, so they should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after each trip around the city. Forks with elastomer dampers perform poorly in cold weather as the elastomer hardens and loses its elasticity. It is worth noting that some people prefer to put a rigid fork in the winter - skiing in the snow is not too hard anyway, and you can save a good suspension fork.

Ropes and shirts

Before the start of the winter season, it is worth checking the condition of the cables and shirts. Faulty cables and jackets can cause gear shifting to fail or, much worse, brakes to engage. A common cause of malfunctioning switches and brakes is moisture getting inside the cable jackets and freezing it there. As a result, the cable can completely freeze and stop moving. To avoid this, it is necessary to periodically lubricate the cables and their entry points into the shirts.

brakes

In winter skiing conditions, disc brakes are most preferred - hydraulic or mechanical - they are reliable, work effectively in any, even very adverse, weather conditions. Of course, you can also ride with rim brakes, but this must be done with extreme caution, since the effectiveness of rim brakes in winter is greatly reduced. This is due to the fact that the pads and the rim are iced up, and when braking, the pads simply slip along the rim.

gear shifters

In winter, switches may stop working if snow or ice builds up in them. In this case, the switch is simply stuck in one position. To minimize this possibility, it is necessary to treat the switches with a lubricant (for example, WD-40) that has water-repellent properties.

Chain

One of the most vulnerable components of a bicycle in winter is the chain. When riding, a mixture of snow, salt, sand and road reagents is packed into the chain. And if you do not periodically clean and lubricate the chain, it can quickly rust.

Tires

In winter, you can ride on regular tires, but in terms of safety and more comfort, you should pay attention to winter studded bicycle tires. Studded tires differ in structure, tread pattern, as well as the number of studs and rows of studs on the tire. On the most advanced tires, up to 350 spikes are placed in 3-4 rows in the center and in the side parts of the tire tread. On such tires you can confidently ride even on ice. However, if you do not plan on such extreme riding, you can get by with tires with 50-200 studs placed in two rows.

cameras

As already mentioned, it must be borne in mind that tire pressure drops in the cold. However, you should not download them. Let them better sag a little under your weight - so the area of ​​\u200b\u200bcontact with the snowy road will increase.

Wings

In city conditions, it makes sense to install full-size fenders on your bike for better mud protection. When riding outside the city, where the snow is clean, you can get by with the usual lightweight quick-release wings.

Light fixtures

In winter, daylight hours are very short, so you should take care of lighting devices in order to ensure good visibility and be visible to pedestrians and motorists. Behind you can install a flashing LED lamp. You can also put a flashlight with LED or halogen lamps on the steering wheel. If you have planned a long route in the dark, then it is worth remembering that at low temperatures, the “batteries” run out much faster. Also, additional spoke reflectors and clothing with reflective elements will not interfere.

Bike maintenance

In the winter season, all bicycle components are subjected to increased loads and quickly wear out, rust, and collapse. This is due to adverse external influences - snow, ice, salt, reagents do their detrimental work. Negative temperatures lead to thickening of the lubricant in all rotating units, which can disrupt their operation, and they can be worn out and even destroyed. Therefore, after each winter outing on a bicycle, it is necessary to carefully put it in order - clean and lubricate.

winter skiing technique

If you have non-studded tires, and there is ice on the street, then it is better to postpone the bike ride. On such rubber, you can quite comfortably ride on freshly fallen or compacted snow - and relatively safe, and you will enjoy it.

On tires with a small number of spikes (up to 150), you can move more boldly and in more adverse road conditions. But do not make sudden movements, brake sharply - despite the presence of spikes, it is very easy to send the bike into a skid. The most comfortable and safe riding is on tires with a large number of studs (up to 350) arranged in four rows. On such tires you can even ride on ice.

On any tires, you should avoid driving on a side slope - it is better to go around such places, or dismount and walk this section of the road on foot.

The brakes must be maintained at all times. To do this, lightly apply the brake while driving and drive with the brake lever depressed for several meters. First, the brake pads will slip, and then they will begin to cling to the disc or rim. It is worth doing this every 10-20 minutes so that the brakes are constantly in a state of readiness.

In winter, you need to brake gently and intermittently, otherwise the bike may go into a skid. It is better to press the rear brake first, then gently - the front.

• in winter it is better to ride on densely packed snow
• do not drive on ruts and try not to drive on slush
• turn smoothly, on a large radius, avoid sharp turns
• don't go to car roads- this is extremely dangerous in conditions of a narrowed roadway, insufficient visibility, the presence of a track - all this significantly increases the risk of accidents
• try not to make sudden movements
• always be prepared for the fact that there will be ice under the wheels, keep your hands on the brake levers in order to slow down in time

With a reasonable approach, it is absolutely safe to ride a bike in winter, but you need to take into account some features

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Many of those who read this article have thought about questions such as: is it dangerous to ride a bike in winter? Will something happen to the bike? How to prepare your bike for winter riding? How to drive on ice and snow? What subtleties need to be taken into account in such a bike ride?

Riding a bike in winter is not dangerous but very useful and fun! Below I will answer possible questions and give advice so that winter trips bring positive emotions and a good experience!

Is it dangerous to ride a bike in winter?

With the right approach, winter cycling is safe and comparable to normal warm-weather riding on dry pavement. There are some subtleties that need to be observed while riding and considered when choosing equipment. Someone believes that a bicycle is a summer means of transportation that is absolutely incompatible with winter. Of all the people I know, only those who have never tried it have said this. Who dared to do this, the following winters actively ride around the city and city parks.

With a reasonable approach, it is absolutely safe to ride a bike in winter, but you need to take into account some features.

Is the cold dangerous and how to prepare the bike for winter?

A bicycle is a simple technical mechanism that can withstand the most frosty weather without any consequences (there is some subtlety with a hydraulic brake, old models can deteriorate in frosty weather, but those that are put on modern bicycles are able to withstand the "Russian" winter).

At temperatures less than 15 - 20 degrees, experienced riders go out who know their abilities and the abilities of their bike.

For amateurs, I would call “comfortable” temperatures up to -15 degrees. At this temperature - with any bike there will be no problems. The only thing that happens is the grease on the cables \ in the bearings \ switch \ etc. thickens. From which it follows that the speeds / brakes can be more tightly switched. In order to minimize this problem - make sure all vital parts of the bike are lubricated(preferably once a month "update"). A dampened fork also becomes less "soft" in the cold, which also needs to be taken into account.

The pressure in the wheels needs to be made weaker so that there is good grip on snow and ice, it is worth putting it “toothier”, otherwise it will slip and slip. It gets dark early in winter and dark time days are better to use, which will allow you to see you and you.

Cold for a bicycle is not dangerous if it is prepared for winter:

• Watch out for lubrication
• Make the tire pressure weaker (from 1.5 to 2.0 atmospheres)
• "Toothed rubber"
• Equip your bike with lights

Features of cycling on ice and snow

In winter, care is required when ice is encountered on the roads. It should be understood that the grip of the wheels is noticeably worse than in summer, and the braking distance increases.

It is better to brake by pressing both brakes, but first press the rear brake, and only then, with less force, the front! To maintain stability, do not press the handle "to the stop", carefully slow down, not allowing the wheels to lock.

You should not slow down on turns, you need to slow down first, and only then start turning. Moisture can accumulate on the brake pads and need to be “dryed out” more often. When turning, you should try not to tilt the bike, because on a slippery area it can slip to the side.

In icy conditions, movements should be smooth, extreme caution is required, and it is better to avoid such areas.

Riding on loose snow good fitness training! Only endurance, inflated legs and enthusiasm can help with this.

The speed on the switch is smaller, we pedal faster and forward! The pace of driving is required to be selected individually, it must be moderately fast so as not to freeze.

When driving on slippery areas, maximum accuracy and smoothness of movements are required:

• Brake by applying both brakes, but be sure to first apply the rear brake, and then, with less force, the front
• When braking, do not allow the wheels to completely lock
• Dry your brake pads often
• Turn smoothly, being careful not to tilt the bike.
• When driving on loose snow - set a low speed on the switch and with a uniform effort, without stopping, pedal
• Choose the optimal driving pace for you (for each type of surface)

Choice of clothes – essential element cycling in cold weather. If you dress warmly, you can sweat quickly; if you dress coldly, you can freeze. This issue needs more attention, and it requires a separate article, which you will read later.

Thank you for your attention, especially to those who read to the end! Year-round season and fair wind!

[email protected]

Comfortable and quite interesting invention modernity is a winter bike. The peculiarity of this unique development lies in the versatility and the ability to attach to any type of bicycle. And thanks to a convenient hinged design, the model turns into a winter version, which has more advanced characteristics and has excellent cross-country ability in extreme conditions.

Briefly about the main

Ktrak bikes are a winter interpretation of bikes that quickly gained popularity and worldwide recognition. This vehicle has become an innovative solution of Canadian scientists. Thanks to attachments, any bike can easily turn into a hybrid model of a bicycle and a winter snow scooter. The Ktrak bike is fairly easy to assemble thanks to a simple and detailed instruction manual and a complete set of parts.

Installation feature

The winter bike of the legendary Ktrak brand can be quickly transformed into a hybrid model that resembles an interesting all-terrain vehicle. Mounting this vehicle easily performed independently, without outside help. To do this, first of all, instead of the front wheel, attach a special ski, and add a caterpillar structure to the rear. Thanks to design features such a bike is able to easily overcome any depth, without slipping.

purpose

It should be noted that the named winter bike is designed exclusively for severe weather conditions. His element is steep mountain slopes and descents, snow-covered forest paths and impassable terrain. Sandy terrain, with high slopes and slides, will not be an obstacle for trips on it.

The only taboo for such a vehicle is the urban environment, which includes smooth asphalt and familiar roads.

Design features

To move freely on any soil, it is necessary to perform the simplest replacement manipulation rear wheel on a special caterpillar drive. The design of the latter is quite simple and includes a large wheel and several small ones that perform a transfer role. Thanks to the caterpillar-type drive, the contact of this vehicle with the soil is significantly improved, and the winter bike becomes more stable.

For lovers extreme sports and bicycle tires are the easiest way out. After all, its replacement will not allow you to experience all the "charms" of winter driving on snow-covered mountain slopes. And in order to feel all the advantages of extreme winter descents, you need a front specialized ski, which has an additional fork mount.

The replacement of structural elements entails a slight increase in the total weight of the bike, which, in turn, does not exceed 2.5 kg. The core of the ski is made of wood, the edging of this design is metal.

and its specificity

Such a high-tech feature of the model as rear-wheel drive is quite convenient and necessary in cold weather. The winter bike has a track made of reinforced polyurethane and a frame made of specialized. The main wheel of the structure is made of reinforced nylon.

The manufacturer of this innovative system has paid sufficient attention to reliability and user comfort. To provide these two important functions, a rather unique oil-type shock absorber with a gas boost has been patented. The addition of weight when installing rear-wheel drive is negligible and almost not felt.

Winter tires for a bike are not always the best choice for cold weather or for riding on sandy soil and mud. For driving on snowy slopes the wheel must be replaced with a ski. The manufacturer recommends that every winter rider equip their vehicle with a Ktrak system. It is compatible with any bike that also has a rear wheel.

Additional convenience will be the presence of a quick wheel change system, which is present in most modern models. This feature will allow you to install the innovative Ktrak system without the use of specialized tools.

Winter tires for bicycles

The Ktrak brand bike is not the only example of technology that can be used for extreme winter skiing on mountain slopes. It is possible to purchase a two-wheeled vehicle with special rubber and tires. His winter tires are equipped with special spikes and treads, which absolutely exclude skidding and sliding on ice.

There are two ways out of the situation, which are absolutely equivalent. In the first case, you just need to purchase a specialized winter bike. In the second - to equip an existing vehicle with winter attributes, among which it is necessary to include winter tires on a bike.

Price policy

Despite the individuality and rarity of this model, the number of its fans is quite large. The Ktrak brand presents a winter bike to the attention of buyers, the price of which is quite democratic against the background of highest quality products. The cost of a kit consisting of the front and rear parts of the structure is on average 31,500 rubles.