"How do you bike in the winter?" (*it's easy in Toronto)
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- Опубліковано 6 січ 2020
- North Americans underestimate how easy it is to bike during the winter, especially for most daily commutes! I explain in the video.
I was on my way downtown and thought I'd say a few words about biking in the winter. I constantly hear people saying cycling throughout the winter in Canada is impossible. Then how come so many "frostbikers" do it every year?
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I forgot to mention that I'm running one front studded tire throughout the winter... and haven't found the need to run both back and front yet! We'll see how this winter goes
what is your advice for the first timers for a winter biker? especially me come from a tropical country? and also the tires, shall i need a front and rear studd tires?
@@renzericsongabuya7842 I actually cover a lot of that in this recent video but maybe I'll make a video on that specifically! 👉 ua-cam.com/video/xMoAwVsjVPs/v-deo.html
A lot of my Montreal friends started winter biking this year, so I made a guide for them, would love to hear your thoughts! ua-cam.com/video/QQXk0AqXjDo/v-deo.html
@@BenDurham oh just realized you made a video too, I'll check it now, I'm sure will be able to improve my setup :)
You are so right. I always have that conversation with people about winter cycling. "How can you do that?", "Oh it's not possible." I always respond with "what season do people ski in?" Most respond with "oh, right". It's a similar workout and I always get a good workout and am well warmed up. Toronto is a very temperate city and really doesn't get a lot of snow on average. Great video as usual, by the way.
Haha clever ski reasoning! I'm a content/video specialist at my work which involves a lot of sitting as well, so the morning and afternoon warmup is always welcomed - especially in the relatively warm Toronto climate! :)
My wife takes the car too while I cycle to work. 5C or so in the mornings here in Britain at the moment and people think I'm strange for cycling. I work in IT, I sit on my arse all day, cycling helps me get a lot of exercise.
5C is PERFECT riding weather! Luckily most of the people you see on your ride can think you're strange and it doesn't change your life!
I do content creation/video editing and sit more than I'd like to as well. Even with constant breaks with a sit-stand desk, I find myself excited every morning to bike to work... and yearning to bike home! Such a pleasant workout!
@@BenDurham I feel like your more aware of your surroundings compared to a driver too. You take in the scenery, however urban it is.
Really enjoy your vlogs, keep up the riding, huge respect!
@@SpenceHoshi I can definitely say I'm much more aware than when I'm in the car. Thanks a bunch, it means a lot! :)
Saguenay hit -46°C yesterday. Still went biking.
Wowww, that's impressive! I bike until -30C or so but you're hardcore at -46C!
How long are you able to last out there at that temperature?
I’m in Winnipeg and 1st time ebike and frostbiker. So far so good, loving the freedom on the streets even at -30 windchill. I got headed grips that helps a lot. ❤️
Woooow yeah, -30 is getting chilly! That was like Winter Bike To Work Day 2020, here in North York. 'twas -27!
Studded winter tires is a must and then you can ride when its icy outside.
When it comes to winter biking, it's not the cold I'm too concerned about. Rather, the road conditions and of course, cars. Most importantly, black ice. I'd rather not have a car slide off the road in my general region and have no time to react or have no way out. Otherwise, I would ride in wintertime, no problem.
Separated grade separated cycling infrastructure that's plowed regularily is what you're looking for!
Write your local ward councillor and put that on their radar :)
It's when the slush freezes into ice. That's the problem. I'm trying to get Transportation Services to get the winter maintenance people to go out and sweep away the slush during the warm spells.
I also bike in Canada in cold weather I use ski helmet / ski goggles/ snow pants/ and layered jackets + THICK GLOVES, I don't have pedal assist on my ebike so I have 2 thumb throttles so you can warm up one thumb at a time, and your bike / my bike doesnt stop. Yes I also run studded schwable winter tires.
Great video with a practical persepctive!
I biked about 10 winters in Ottawa now Toronto winters are a breeze. If you are city road biking you don't need studs, I've never used them. I like skinnier tires for snow, cuts right through. I think staying lit up is the most important thing.
Ooo that's great feedback to hear! I definitely prefer having studs on the front, if only for that safe feeling. Especially after having hit black ice twice before - it's definitely an investment in my health.
I 100% agree that staying lit up is key. I've seen a few cyclist who are like shadows and I shake my head.
Hey from montreal suburb, my first year winter biking/commuting on an ordinary gravel bike with studded tired, only 1.5 km to go to the job so its easy ! Wish there were more people doing it so far so good !
Also the look of every driver faces(and even pedestrian) seeing us in negative temperature is itself priceless and worth every moment ahah
I am in Montréal this winter and the main thing that has demotivated me is that I don't have mudguards and the roads are filled with smashy snow so I don't think I'll do it but I agree that the cold doesn't seem to be a problem
Exactly! The cold typically isn't there for long either just because of climate change making everything warmer. But my guards are easily installed at a bike co-op near you and then you'll be able to! :D
First time on your channel. Instant subscribe!
Thanks! Cheers
This was incredibly helpful. I'm going to try it out and see if I can cycle from Regina to York University. It will be my first time moving to a cold country, so excited to try it out
I suggest doing it on a day that you're not busy first so you can take your time and enjoy yourself & learn your route(s)!
But also, the really cold weather only starts around December thru to March :)
🏆 Hey Ben !... Just found your channel...GREAT !!!! 🏆 ....Subscribed...
I like this advice, I’m gonna bike in the snow tomorrow, exept the sidewalk has snow packed on, but I’m gonna test it🥴
Just be careful not to hit ice without a studded tire! :)
side roads take two to three days to clean up the snow after the storm. at -11 at night, I have to open the zips of the two outer layer during the ride. suffocating and soaking with sweat. that's the experience of the food courier.
Hey Ben,
This is such a great video!
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Could you please share links of the accessories you use(Thermals, gloves, balaclava, jeans)? Especially the mittens which work in -30°C.
Also is there any good protection for palms which can be fitted on the bicycle so as to avoid wearing gloves? I've seen many cyclists having fitted them but have not done any research on them.
Thanks!
Thanks and glad this helped!
I did an extensive video recently on my winter biking gear here :) 👇
ua-cam.com/video/xMoAwVsjVPs/v-deo.html
I haven't had any wearing of the palms on my gloves. My MEC gloves are about 6 years old and are still kicking!
Lemme know if you have any questions - cheers!
I've got an e-assist and i'm warmer on my non-ebike. I ride through the winter but not on snow days because my tires are crap. Most of the snow is cleared after a few days though. Yes, overheating is a bigger problem than the cold. Handle bar pogies (same thing you use on snow mobiles are excellent), only need light gloves even in really cold weather.
Love to hear of other people's frostbiking methods! I definitely like having the ability to regulate my heat on the e-bike. I end up burning up most rides 😆 especially with this suuuuper mild winter :O
I bike in winter to go to school and mostly my path is mostly soft snow
Nice
DO you use studded bike tires to commute in Toronto in winter?
Have you used bar mitts to put your hands in?
I wear a toque all winter and most fall+spring in Vancouver, and it rarely gets below freezing here
Vancouver hardly even gets winter. It’s by the ocean and the ocean has such a large thermal mass and currents that bring warm water. It prevents extremely hot or cold temperatures. Here in ontario it is so much worse. Last few years though have been abnormally warm but there are still really bad days.
Ya but you bike in rain half of the year so no
I live in Madrid right now and I use my bike for my work commute. You won't believe the amount of people that asked me how I was able to bike in the winter (typically temperatures oscillate between +2 and +12).😂😂
One thing I notice is that it is much much harder to bike during summer. First of all it is much less safe because as we wear less clothes, our skin gets more exposed if we fall. And second and more importantly, the temperatures... It might be 25-28 in the morning when I leave for work, but usually when I come back home it can get over 35 consistently for months (July and August). Add up the fact that the city is really hilly (+100m ascent on 3.5k on my way back, almost on one go) and it gets dangerous for your health, even with an e-bike. You can always wear more layers when it's cold, but above a certain temperature threshold, even casually going out to buy groceries is a hazard for your health.
I might have to move to Canada for work and I have been binging this channel and it has been really helpful. It's also very nice to see people that have a similar view on mobility ❤
Hi there!
This video is truly helpful. Remains everybody that less can be more hehe
I have a Q: Is your jacket for ski? I want to buy a good one to the coming winter and I’m between a regular commuter and one for the snow.
Thanks!
Checking in from December 15th 2023... it was 10 degrees today by the gods it was warm
What jacket is that?
I'm cycling every single day, no problem... but I did have to make my own mitts to go on top of the warmest mitts I could buy. So we do have a product problem. Just with the mitts.
Im planning to get an ebike... im living in Toronto too.... thanks for advice bro
No problemo! If you haven't already, check out this video too. It's a bit more in depth on ebike suggestions and pretty recent :) ua-cam.com/video/mlKsCIJ95lk/v-deo.html
Hey Ben, I ride in toronto as well, Any tips or need to protect the battery, controller etc on the Ebike? i see some plastic on your bike just not sure if your covering certain things on purpose as I also use an Ebike.
That was my DIY ebike and the plastic was protecting my controller from the rain and/or any water :)
The battery was also "upside down", but I turned it "right side up" in 2019 and didn't have to protect its wiring. I know it looked horrible but 🤷♂️ haha
Other than that, you can get neoprene sleeves for your battery for the cold weather. But I haven't ever done this and regularly bike throughout winter.
That’s great and all but these clips are anxiety inducing, we still need good biking infrastructure
Oh FOR SURE! Glad I recorded this way back when. We're back in London, Ontario now and the bike infrastructure is getting a lot better! Even if Not Just Bikes (check out his awesome youtube channel!) hates the place haha.
@@BenDurham he has been spoiled by Amsterdam for sure!
Hi, just found your video. My UofT friends always say I'm crazy for biking in the winter. Do you have any tire recommendations? Especially on tight turns, I've wiped out a few times.
Yes I do! Studded tires are KEY! Yes, they're pricey (CAD $125'ish) but they'll last you 4-6 season! And when compared to wiping out and breaking a wrist or other limb, it's so, so, so worth it.
And here's my best tip of all: you don't need to buy two, just one! The front wheel is what really matters. If your back wheel slips, it's usually not a big deal. If your front wheel slips, you can die if you're in traffic 🙈! I've biked a few winters now with just one studded front tire and haven't slips at all! Cheers and thanks for reaching out!
@@BenDurham Thank you! I followed your advice and purchased studded tires (Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro). I installed them both on the front and back. No slipping this season! Thanks for all the good advice on your channel.
@@MatthewHoHiWorld That's AWESOME to hear! So no to slips from now on.
I recently put out a video that would've probably been more helpful for you to do with why and how you need studded tires. Check it out (there are a few extra tips about storing them during the summer, etc.) - ua-cam.com/video/6WVfxdigK6o/v-deo.html
Cheers to safe biking!
Durable Durham. Keep up the great work.
I like it. Durable Durham 😅
I'm planning to get an electric fat bike but was worried about winter commute..
Thank you - now I'm not :)
Fat bikes are good but I would hazard I guess that you don't need the fat bike for winter. Started tires are probably the most important thing to get and started fat bike tires are pretty expensive compared to their smaller counterparts.
Hey man it was a great vid.
And I've got a bike it's kinda broke where do you think I should go fix it up.thanks man have a great day
Depends on where you are but check out a local Bike Co-op - otherwise, a local bike shop! Either can help you out but bike co-ops are less expensive and more DIY than full-service (thus the lower cost). Cheers!
Alright thanks for letting me know.cheers
Spotted Downsview park area, my old neighbourhood
Downsview is SO nice! But it's now also our old neighborhood. Moved back to London, Ontario.
Hi Ben, What do think about Amego Ebike store in Toronto Downtown ebike prices, are amego 26 inch tire step through ebike are good deal ? Vs ordering it from rad or other sellers, I really appreciate if you could help , thanks
I've seen some Amego ebikes around the GTA and I like 'em! From what I've seen, they have good specs... but at a cost. Here are some quick pros and cons from my experience below. Otherwise, this is a video I did recently on ebikes going into 2021: ua-cam.com/video/mlKsCIJ95lk/v-deo.html
Pros: in-store repair! A lot of direct-to-consumer ebikes are a LOT cheaper, but if you have issues or need replacement parts, etc., you need to contact the company and have things shipped out to you. And then you have to do all the work yourself. This is a big pro for buying from local ebike stores and a pretty huge con of direct-to-consumer, especially if you're not handy.
Cons: Less powerful specs for your money. i.e. Generally smaller batteries and lower wattage motors.
TL;DR:
- if you've got more money than time (and don't want to DIY), go for Amego or other local ebike shops.
- if you've got more time than money (and don't mind or want DIY), go for direct-to-consumer brands (like RAD or Ride1Up)
Cheers!
Please explain how to overcome the black ice. Personally I wear the casual pant ( maybe cotton) over the jeans. It works.
Don't die there's no way around it.
I would say that winters in Toronto are quite mild compared to winters in Winnipeg, it’s colder and for the most part there’s more snow in Winnipeg than in Toronto, and there’s some trails that they don’t plough in the winter in Winnipeg which is kind of a pain.
Lol or calgary or montreal or halifax or ottawa, toronto doesn't represent canada anymore than hawaii represents the US
@@dixonhill1108 I guess you could say Edmonton, Saskatoon, or Regina have way worse winters than Toronto too
@@wpgtransitfan0333 anywhere north of barrie/east of vancouver.,
Canada a big country and on December 22nd where I am it’s fricken colder than that.
What gloves do you like best for winter biking? Shoes?
Made a video on that already, actually! Here it is :) 👇
ua-cam.com/video/xMoAwVsjVPs/v-deo.html
I'm up in northern ontario and I don't think they clear the cycleways in winter. Though they are building more each summer nowdays so hopefully that will get better! I want to work up to being brave enough to ride in winter haha
At least ya don't have to deal with 1000s of cars trying to kill you! For you, a fat-tire ebike with studs would be the ultimate setup! (I have a video about studded tires somewhere on my channel, too) :)
3:33 Hi, thank you for your video. What do you use to protect your phone during rainy or snowy day???
That's actually why my phone isn't in my phone holster in my rainy/winter videos - I try to put it in my pocket to protect it. Not helpful when I need to look at it for directions... but on those days, I just pull over every few blocks and make sure I'm headed in the right direction 🤷♂️😅
If it's raining or snowing lightly though, I just put it in the holster when I can for short periods of time.
You can also get cases like this (amzn.to/3aGmCl9) for your top tube and that would protect your phone from moisture. Wouldn't protect it all that much from a long time in the cold though (although most trips aren't longer than 30 minutes which would probably be fine)!
Hope this helps! Cheers and happy holidays!
Plastic zipper bag
@@unities82 ziplock bags definitely work, too!
Hy I m here your 1000th subscriber 👍❤️
Yaaay! Thanks, man! Means a lot! More reason to keep on putting stuff out more regularly haha
Will it be good to use in nova Scotia Sydney how much weather we can use it can we use it in below 0 degree
I bike even after a huge snowfall if that's what you're asking! Actually way more fun that way - if you have studded tires, that is!
i been doing this in finland for some time. works fine with studded tires but the slush can make it a bit difficult but i think mtb tires might help with that. also the slush is kinda annoying because it makes my socks wet but riding in snow and ice is not really an issue.
also i wear probably even less clothing than you but that's because i don't really use my ebike motor. honestly it's fine without motor. i thought i needed it but no. like i guess it might help when climbing snowy hill but we don't have that many of those here.
I wanna know some rules, can i ride on passenger street? I'm in Windsor, Ontario
For sure! Here are all the details though: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/driver/electric-bicycles-faq.shtml
AHHH the coywolves are so hard to capture on camera! Need amazing zoom.
Can you please tell which ebike that you are using and if possible recommend me 1 ebike under 1500 cad for my school ( 10-14 km round trip )
So this was a DIY one that I built using a kit online. But I've since put 10,000km+ on my Ride1Up 500 that was about $1400 CAD after fees and taxes. They now only have the Ride1Up 700 but it's still quite nice.
I always recommend the step-thru versions because they're so much nicer!
I live in Buffalo and I bike in the winter
Awesome to hear! Not too far from London, Ontario!
Which model of e bike are u using
A DIY ebike! Maybe I'll do a video tour of it at some point but pretty much a 14Ah battery and a 1000w hub motor from eBay
Want to get a ebike, to try food deliveries. What are the laws for ebikes in Toronto, Ontario?
I believe the laws in Ontario impose a fairly low 500w limit to ebikes. But there's very few ways cops can enforce that if you don't have stickers on and if you're not being stupid and going overly fast.
I did a video two or so months ago on the 2 bikes that I'd get going into 2021. Here 'tis! ua-cam.com/video/mlKsCIJ95lk/v-deo.html
I bike all winter in Michigan USA
Love to hear it! How cold does it get and how much snow?
@@BenDurham where i live temperature go down -20 f n around 100 inch of snow
Ha I've been biking to school for the last 4 years throughout the winter. My bike is an average city bike and it does me fine. Just don't bike on heavy snow days. For the cold I wear layers, hat and gloves (very important) or your hands will freeze. Most of the time the main roads are clear of snow so I have no problems. It's just the cold if I'm not dressed properly I might freeze a bit. Other than that I enjoy biking and I think it's fine to bike in winter. I'm thinking of even starting to bike for Uber eats who knows
Btw I'm I'm North York, Fairview mall area
Right near me! And I did some UberEATS deliveries in Montreal in 2018 on the same bike in about Sept/Oct (right before the snow fell hard) and it was a REALLY wonderful way to explore the city!
I applaud you for frostbiking for the last 4 years - you have me beat by one year! Let's see who can keep their streak going for longer 😜
how often do you wash your jacket tho
I just wipe it off. And I dunno like once every 1-2 months?
Do I need winter bike tries ?????? I want to bike in the winter but not sure how good my tries are.
Honestly, you can get away with most tires during the winter BUT I strongly suggest a studded front tire for if you hit ice!! I just made a video about all the gear I use... but I should probably make one where I cover winter tires exclusively. Here's the link to that video anyway though: ua-cam.com/video/xMoAwVsjVPs/v-deo.html
@@BenDurham okay thank you ☺️
Are fat tires better for slush or snow for winter biking?
If you KNOW you're not going to hit any ice, fat tires are amazing for slush and snow! But I personally prefer studded tires because when I hit ice (not uncommon), I don't slip at all!
Fast tires essentially allow you to "float" over the snow... Which is handy when you're riding less on roads and more on uncleared pathways.
Hope that helps! Cheers
@@BenDurham thanks for the reply, confused though, so are fat tires better for ice than thinner tires? But thin studded tires are better for ice than thicker tires? Am I understanding that correctly?
@@raczyk My understanding is that studs will bite into the ice and stop you from slipping. Studs as in metal studs, not rubber. Any tire, wide or narrow will slip on ice.
Hi, is it legal to ride bike on main road tho? I live in north york but im not sure ...For example Don Mills road
Without a bike lane
Yep! Although it's sometimes not safe: thus the 1000w hub motor that helped me get up to speed quickly!
It's actually safer than using the sidewalk though: because people see you on the road because "you're that damn cyclist that's in my way!"
Thx for your reply bro. I also just checked ..its illegal to ride on sidewalk..."The fine for an adult who rides a bicycle on a sidewalk shall be $60."
I was riding bike on main road today, its slushy, and get little splash by passing vehicles
@@BenDurham Exactly..If they're pissed off with you, that means they can see you.
I want to sell my car (I live in northern Nevada) and ride my e-bike full time. My commute to work is 22 miles round trip. I want to do this to work on paying down debt, and to challenge myself. I am terrified. But I want to do it
Before selling your car I would go ahead and try to live a whole month without your car first. I'm 100% with paying off debt asap so that's a great idea!
You can often rent cars or trucks if you need to, too. For such a long commute though, make sure you have a way of getting picked up or repairing a flat if you get one which sometimes happens everyone or two years depending on how many nails and crud are on the road.
Studded tires in the winter are key, too. And lights!!
@@BenDurham thanks for all the suggestions! I’ll go October car free and see how it goes :)
oh extra care requires on slashy road.
Is the salt from the roads eating away at your bike frame?
It might be but the frame's 10 years old and the last 2yrs have been everyday biking in all conditions. I've swapped out a few components and gone through 2 chains so far.
I'll probably upgrade in 1-2 years or so? We'll see!
Do you find the salt destroys yours?
@@BenDurham I don't bike in the winter! Hahaha
@@BenDurham In Ottawa, so winter is a bit of a different animal here...
@@barryhayes7164 haha I grew up in Aylmer, Quebec so I feel ya with the different weather! I'd still be extremely tempted to try biking at least 80% of the time in Ottawa though! I'd 100% have studded tires on there as well. Just have the one front studded tire on here.
As long as you have a good ass glove and drink your good to go. I live in North York too and it’s fuckibg freezing ex.: -18…
Big mitts ftw!
Thermal jeans?
The cold is one thing. The issue is the City of Toronto does not maintain bike lanes. It is a shit show.
Fair play! That's why I rode on the road in Toronto so often: because cars warm up the snow and you get to ride on a fairly smooth surface (compared to paths and sidewalks).
Just watch out for black ice.
A studded tire on the front wheel solves that! I just put out a video on that, actually :)
Thanks
6:42 -$110 for you by low
Toronto isn't Canada any more than Hawaii is the USA, By Canadian standards toronto doesn't get an actual winter.
True, but we still do it in Edmonton. It’s about infrastructure
If I could keep my feet and hands warm I would.
"cayote"
lol whoops! coyote*
This is super misleading. This might be the case in Toronto, but I have been winter commuting in Calgary every day for ten years and the winters are tough. Snow dirt (snirt/brown sugar), ice, hardly any light, heavy snow fall, dark during commute times, freezing all the time (-20 or colder lots of morning, unless it’s a chinook), weird wind blown snow that builds up over the bike trails, snow plows push all the snow over to the side of the road so you can’t ride off to the side, so your now in traffic, in the snirt, trying not to crash, the winters destroys your bike (salt), hands are always cold… Ya, it’s not for the light of heart. I have had numerous close calls with cars that were pretty scary.
This video is a great example of what’s it’s like to bike in the winter in the prairies:
ua-cam.com/video/EANM9tQCPa0/v-deo.html
It's not biking. It has an electric motor.
Who cares?
As soon as homie started talking about balaclavas, goggles, and vaseline I knew he oversold his intro a bit.
Definitely not overselling
You don't.
Since 2018, yep!
So you're obviously wrong.
Ugh. Dog lovers are terrible.
Oh no - that's me! I'm a terrible person... but I'll accept that. DOGS ARE THE BEST! 😆
It's not really a winter when you can stand there without a warm hat and have your jacket open and talk without col air coming out you mouth. Lame!.......
Come to the REAL NORTH and experience REAL WINTER BIKING.
😂 you're hilarious! It wasn't winter yet at the timr. I obviously did this in the fall so that I wouldn't have to freeze my ass off in the cold! 😜
It's definitely snowing and cold right now and I can promise you I don't want to be outside doing this video in these conditions!
@@BenDurham Toronto doesn't get winter it's slightly colder than vancouver.