Hey Tom, love your videos! Maritime winter cyclist here. I haven't been super diligent in maintaining my bike this winter and a lot of the components are rusting, especially the chain. Do you have any recommendations for components like the carbon belt that won't rust and are also not too heavy on cost?
Chains will rust, but they are easy to replace and relatively affordable. If you're going to spend any money on anything, I'd recommend the internal gear hub. That was the real game-changer for me. Very low maintenance and very reliable. If cost is a problem, just keep your bike clean and you should be fine!
For one winter I had an apartment with the bathroom just inside the door. I'd put the bike in the tub, close the curtain and rinse it off. The bike ran superbly that winter.
Get a Rohloff 14 speed then, which provides a wider range than most current derailleur systems (range 526 %) or if that is not enough Pinion 18 speed. I highly recommend, if you can afford it and are going to make use, that is.
I have the same bike as Tom. I think it’s worth pointing out that the internal hub is heavier than a typical derailleur. So if you live on a floor other than ground level without a elevator maybe consider a different bike. The rear of the bike gets exceptionally heavy when you have a bag full of groceries on the back as well.
This is true. I'll also point out, as you'll see in an upcoming video, that it tends to freeze up on my if I'm riding below about -20C (-4F), so that's something to watch out for as well.
Hmm, your bike doesn’t have a front fender, full coverage fenders are essential for winter riding. Re: internal hubs, in my experience they stop shifting when the temps get down to -10 C (except the Rohloff, but that’s a 1509 dollar hub)
I first read the title as "What to look for in winter bike shorts" - and was like yes, finally some winter-specific shorts for me to wear. Very disappointing.
I specifically bot a belt drive bike so I can wash it in the tub without making an ungodly greasy mess and it works! I wash the bike every two weeks, otherwise yes, rust can become a problem. The big caveat here, belt drive stuff is very niche, so it’s EXPENSIVE!
Normally I'd complain about the rain, but here in drought-stricken Northern California we've been suffering with temps in the mid 60's F and sunshine, alternating with low 40's and sunshine. All of it dry, and lovely riding weather. Sorry not sorry. :-D
I store my bike inside after a good winter ride and it's a good idea to also put some cardboard underneath . An overnight storage space might be difficult if you live in one of the bigger apartment complexes but sometimes parking is available under the building . I sometimes take my bike to the car wash in winter and for 3 bucks for the wash I use their brushless hose method because I wouldn't ride through all those spinning moving brushes. These car washes are all automated so there aren't any employees there to bark at you . Sometimes I wash both my car and bike at the same time with the bike being in the bike rack because my garden hose and tap are frozen for three months.
Oh oh and those Mits that connect to your handle bars put some hand warmers in there and some foot warms in your boots. You can find them at the front of Jax. They may or may not have the mits there
Winter riding is better than summer riding. You sweat less. For a winter bike you can also just buy a super cheap one and enjoy it, wash it off every once in awhile at a car wash or something with hot water.
When approaching speed humps in winter NEVER cycle into the curb. It fills with ice and even on warm days the ice DOES NOT MELT due to the shelter of the hump.
I want you to ride your bike as much as you can in the winter. Please choose one of the 4 following locations: 1) on Main St. West in North bay 2) on Franklin Ave. in Yellowknife 3) on Mackenzie Road in Inuvik 4) on the east bound express lanes east of Kennedy Rd., Toronto during a freezing rain storm in February
You forgot having a hub motor in the front wheel, for a bare minimum All-Wheel-Drive e-bike. A hubmotor front & rear would be better. Quality hubmotors from Grin Tech, on a quality full suspension bike, and suspension tuned for your weight & feel, is the best.
My IGH on my Priority bike freezes up after about 10 minutes below 30 degrees F so I have to ride it however it is at that point-no shifting! @Shifter do you have the same issue?
I do have one steel framed bike, my real road bike, but it's going to be shelved for most of the winter. The two others have aluminum for the frames and are more the workhorses compared to the one race horse. I really do prefer disk brakes for worse weather, and I have that for those two bikes, but like with the hub drive and the belt, we kind of just use what we have don't we? I think the only people who'd have studded tires would be the ones living in routine ice and snow. Snow and ice here is an off and on thing where you're not going to be willing to install tires like that for it. If it's really poor for the road and weather, there is always driving.
I came from a tropical country, and I used to use my bike to commute in there and now here in Canada... I have been living here for 4 years now... and at first the winter was very new for me... your videos were very helpful to me because I wanted to ride my bike even on snow, I could see that's perfectly possible... !!!! I really love ride on winter season under very low temperatures... I love challenges! Thanks, buddy!
Staying on top of your maintenance is the cheapest option. It is fairly easy too because it is only a matter of cleaning and greasing, no adjustments involved.
As long as you clean it. Make sure that if there are dings exposing the bare paint, maybe give them a touch up if you have extra paint. Otherwise, just keep it clean, especially the moving parts.
Took your advice and bought this exact bad boy, two years in and been great. Tip though, if you're in a super cold climate, upgrade the belt.
Great to hear you've been enjoying it. Yes, I did snap a belt in the cold before I upgraded. Good advice.
I live in Ireland and use my bike all year round. No 1 thing I do in winter degrease and relube with ceramic wet lube. My chain is still perfect!
Big fan, highly recommended tips
Hey Tom, love your videos! Maritime winter cyclist here. I haven't been super diligent in maintaining my bike this winter and a lot of the components are rusting, especially the chain. Do you have any recommendations for components like the carbon belt that won't rust and are also not too heavy on cost?
Chains will rust, but they are easy to replace and relatively affordable. If you're going to spend any money on anything, I'd recommend the internal gear hub. That was the real game-changer for me. Very low maintenance and very reliable. If cost is a problem, just keep your bike clean and you should be fine!
IGHs freeze and won’t shift when it gets below freezing. At least mine did. (3-spd Gary Fisher commuter)
Just as good as summer riding? Not in my city and it's in your province too. Good tips though. Winter cycling beats not cycling, always.
Best tip is to just not ride when it's below freezing. Y'all crazy if you do
Good tips, but I especially like the last one. The key is to just get out on your bike, whatever bike it is. Also, take care of your bike.
Totally -- you don't really need any special gear to ride in winter.
Not me following this advice and then having to spend 10+ hours rebuilding my entire bike 😭
For one winter I had an apartment with the bathroom just inside the door. I'd put the bike in the tub, close the curtain and rinse it off. The bike ran superbly that winter.
A bike shower is something we may all need.
Last week, I just gave my bike a bath in my bathtub as well 😅
I hate having to clean the drivetrain, but I also love the gear range of my drivetrain…
This is the tradeoff. My hatred for cleaning bikes is greater than my need for a wider gear range.
Get a Rohloff 14 speed then, which provides a wider range than most current derailleur systems (range 526 %) or if that is not enough Pinion 18 speed. I highly recommend, if you can afford it and are going to make use, that is.
Lol I have my shitty walmart bike for winter rides
And nice bikes for good weather.
This is a fantastic strategy, and I followed it for many years
We truly appreciate your support. Thanks so much for rolling with Priority!
I have the same bike as Tom. I think it’s worth pointing out that the internal hub is heavier than a typical derailleur. So if you live on a floor other than ground level without a elevator maybe consider a different bike. The rear of the bike gets exceptionally heavy when you have a bag full of groceries on the back as well.
This is true. I'll also point out, as you'll see in an upcoming video, that it tends to freeze up on my if I'm riding below about -20C (-4F), so that's something to watch out for as well.
@@Shifter_Cycling does it unfreeze after some pedaling? Or just donezo
Hmm, your bike doesn’t have a front fender, full coverage fenders are essential for winter riding. Re: internal hubs, in my experience they stop shifting when the temps get down to -10 C (except the Rohloff, but that’s a 1509 dollar hub)
Why no front fender? Don't you like dry feet?!
Broke it, and still haven't replaced it. And yes, my feet are wet.
I first read the title as "What to look for in winter bike shorts" - and was like yes, finally some winter-specific shorts for me to wear. Very disappointing.
🤣. Title changed. 'Winter shorts' noted on list of future video ideas
Hmmm, I may have the Gates belt on my bicycle much too taut! Great, concise video Tom, and yes Calgary uses a crazy amount of salt on the pathways!
It's more likely mine has too much slack! I tightened it after I watched this footage.
I'm in Calgary, do we salt the pathways here? I want to start riding in winter this season and I'm terrified my bike will be destroyed from the salt.
I specifically bot a belt drive bike so I can wash it in the tub without making an ungodly greasy mess and it works! I wash the bike every two weeks, otherwise yes, rust can become a problem. The big caveat here, belt drive stuff is very niche, so it’s EXPENSIVE!
Just Great Tom! Tired of snow? Move to Auckland NZ... ahem.. you might get sick of the rain in winter tho'
I can handle snow much easier than rain!
Snow is a blast to ride in, especially on smooth road racing tires. Rain is just... everything is wet
So I shouldn't be using my 1950s Raleigh with a 3-speed internal to get around town in winter?
Only if you promise to clean it every day.
Bro lives in alberta. If he can ride in the winter, no one else has an excuse😂
Normally I'd complain about the rain, but here in drought-stricken Northern California we've been suffering with temps in the mid 60's F and sunshine, alternating with low 40's and sunshine. All of it dry, and lovely riding weather. Sorry not sorry. :-D
Looks much like my Trek District. Gates belt drive.
Nice bike , unik and good tips, i like that..please bike come here tom.!! 😂 ( Joke )
Deal!
@@Shifter_Cycling wow..amazing..( i'm hallucination only 😂 ) but its real you very good person tom ... 👍🏼✌️😉
I store my bike inside after a good winter ride and it's a good idea to also put some cardboard underneath . An overnight storage space might be difficult if you live in one of the bigger apartment complexes but sometimes parking is available under the building . I sometimes take my bike to the car wash in winter and for 3 bucks for the wash I use their brushless hose method because I wouldn't ride through all those spinning moving brushes. These car washes are all automated so there aren't any employees there to bark at you . Sometimes I wash both my car and bike at the same time with the bike being in the bike rack because my garden hose and tap are frozen for three months.
Why would they care what you wash? Its your 3 bucks
Oh oh and those Mits that connect to your handle bars put some hand warmers in there and some foot warms in your boots.
You can find them at the front of Jax.
They may or may not have the mits there
Don't forget to leave your helmet at home.
Winter riding is better than summer riding. You sweat less. For a winter bike you can also just buy a super cheap one and enjoy it, wash it off every once in awhile at a car wash or something with hot water.
When approaching speed humps in winter NEVER cycle into the curb.
It fills with ice and even on warm days the ice DOES NOT MELT due to the shelter of the hump.
I want you to ride your bike as much as you can in the winter. Please choose one of the 4 following locations: 1) on Main St. West in North bay 2) on Franklin Ave. in Yellowknife 3) on Mackenzie Road in Inuvik 4) on the east bound express lanes east of Kennedy Rd., Toronto during a freezing rain storm in February
You forgot having a hub motor in the front wheel, for a bare minimum All-Wheel-Drive e-bike.
A hubmotor front & rear would be better.
Quality hubmotors from Grin Tech, on a quality full suspension bike, and suspension tuned for your weight & feel, is the best.
Sadly my commuting bike has 26" / 590 wheels and I can't find winter tires for it 🙁
My IGH on my Priority bike freezes up after about 10 minutes below 30 degrees F so I have to ride it however it is at that point-no shifting! @Shifter do you have the same issue?
No front fender? Check your belt tension, it looks loose. Bar Mitts are also pretty essential for winter commuting IMHO.
Beautiful. Great advice for most, and even allowed for us maintenance freaks. 😊
How did you attach your bag to the rack? Is there a special mounting feature?
How does the proton lt hold up when bike riding? I’ve heard it let’s a lot of air flow in. Doesn’t this make it chilly when riding in the cold?
I do have one steel framed bike, my real road bike, but it's going to be shelved for most of the winter. The two others have aluminum for the frames and are more the workhorses compared to the one race horse. I really do prefer disk brakes for worse weather, and I have that for those two bikes, but like with the hub drive and the belt, we kind of just use what we have don't we? I think the only people who'd have studded tires would be the ones living in routine ice and snow. Snow and ice here is an off and on thing where you're not going to be willing to install tires like that for it. If it's really poor for the road and weather, there is always driving.
I am desperatly looking for fenders for my fatbike.
Where's your FRONT FENDER??!!
What is your winter cycling kit?
No, winter riding where it’s cold enough for snow to stick is not as good as summer riding.
Alluminum is even less corrosion resistant than steel....
Sliding on the ice on my bike is such fun -_-. I still do it tho😂
Thanks bro. I have a hardtail with no fenders :)
I am hear in Canada Edmonton can you suggest a bike can use winter a good one
Two wheel gear bag shout-out!
Buy a fat bike. Problem solve.
Do you think fat tire mountain bikes are better in the winter?
Do people get more flat tires on their bikes in winter?
I dunno, I counted 10 things.😉
Check that belt tension there bud
can you be honest with yourself and your audience? riding in winter sucks and thats okay. thats how seasons work
It doesnt though. It’s fine as long as the infrastructure there. You can have your opinion, but dont state it as a fact.
How much does all that cost?
Nah too cold
I love riding bikes ,been riding 50 year's now and its so awesome of the sun 🌞 comes out 🇬🇧, a very rare event here in Derbyshire 🤣⚡🇬🇧👍🇺🇲💯🤠
Never ride on the road
Why no front fender?
That belt loose
Carbon belt???
What kind of bicycle is that ?
Priority Continuum
Thank you for your advice on the front studded wheel
It might have (by god's will) saved my ass all winter ❄️ and in russia it's a lot of winter
I came from a tropical country, and I used to use my bike to commute in there and now here in Canada... I have been living here for 4 years now... and at first the winter was very new for me... your videos were very helpful to me because I wanted to ride my bike even on snow, I could see that's perfectly possible... !!!! I really love ride on winter season under very low temperatures...
I love challenges!
Thanks, buddy!
That continuum is a really nice bike. I used to have a novara Gotham. It was a nearly identical bike. That thing was indestructible.
Only tip I'd add is face gear! Absolutely a must for winter riding is some sort of face covering, helps immensely with the frosties.
Staying on top of your maintenance is the cheapest option. It is fairly easy too because it is only a matter of cleaning and greasing, no adjustments involved.
I always dream having a bike that has stainless steel frame and belt drivetrain so i won't annoyed by the chain grinding sand and grits
The Priority 600x with the gates belt drive! I love that bike!
I noticed the priority bike! I just got a priority bike, 3 peed internal hub, belt driven. Love it much more than my old mountain bike!
In my country we don’t have snow that’s why we love winter so much and when it’s sunny it’s sunny nothing is changing how hot it is
Looks like my Trek District 4!! I need some studs this winter
"...and you'll be f-"
I wonder what he was going to say
Smooth and fast looking bike
Best stress relief-studs.
Best vid. Could be longer. But good start for idea
You may be the first person to ever tell me my videos are too short 😂. Thanks for watching.
Would it work to have a stainless steel bike?
As long as you clean it. Make sure that if there are dings exposing the bare paint, maybe give them a touch up if you have extra paint. Otherwise, just keep it clean, especially the moving parts.