When temperatures drop, roads develop a new hazard: ice and snow. Many cyclists choose to avoid riding altogether during the freezing season. But with proper preparation, you can continue cycling safely throughout winter.
Every winter we update our Winter Riding Guide with advice for riding in harsh weather conditions. This guide also includes years of comments and suggestions from experienced cyclists—full of valuable insights. Some techniques focus on preparation, while others focus on riding skills. Let’s start by getting your bike ready.
Prepare Your Bike
Install Studded Tires
Even the best regular tires have almost no grip on thin ice. If you expect to encounter black ice—often found at the bottom of small hills or anywhere water flows across a country lane—install studded tires such as Schwalbe Marathon Winter or Continental Nordic Spikes.
Use Tubeless Tires
The main advantage in icy conditions is that tubeless setups let you run very low tire pressure without risking pinch flats. You can buy dedicated tubeless rims and tires, but even standard rims and tires can work with sealant and electrical tape. Home-made tubeless setups usually hold up to around 50 psi, which is enough for winter surfaces.
Use Flat Pedals
You may lose some pedaling efficiency, but flat pedals give you more control and let you quickly put your foot down if needed.
Consider a Fixed-Gear Bike
This is where the benefits of a fixed gear really shine—something old-school riders have always known. You can slow down without using brakes and maintain traction on the rear wheel, which is extremely helpful on slippery surfaces.
Lower Your Center of Gravity
Lowering your saddle slightly reduces your center of gravity. It also makes it easier to put both feet flat on the ground if you need to regain balance. Another hidden benefit: on very slippery roads, starting off while seated becomes easier because the extra weight helps the rear wheel gain traction instead of spinning out.
Keep Hands and Feet Warm
Feet
Waterproof shoe covers, thermal socks, and winter cycling boots are all excellent choices. Cold feet can ruin a ride quickly. Instead of wearing multiple pairs of socks, add insulation outside the shoe—this helps blood flow to your toes and keeps your feet warmer.
Hands
Warm hands are even more important. Good gloves are essential. If you get cold easily, wear thin liner gloves underneath your winter gloves. Handlebar mitts or brake lever covers are also useful. They reduce wind chill and prevent metal levers from freezing your fingers. Metal conducts heat quickly, so this might be a good excuse to upgrade to carbon or plastic brake levers.
Choose Safe Routes
Think Twice About Quiet Backroads
Quiet country lanes may be nice in summer, but they are rarely salted in winter. They are often the most slippery.
Main Roads Are Safer—but Stay Alert
Even main roads can have icy edges. Wet and slushy snow tends to collect near the curb. Don’t ride too close to the edge—it limits your maneuvering space and increases the risk of slipping on ice. And if you fall, you definitely don’t want to land near the curb.
Leave Extra Braking Distance
On icy roads, slowing down takes much longer. Anticipate this when approaching intersections or whenever you need to reduce speed. Remember: drivers also need more time to stop.
If You’re Choosing a Winter Bike, Consider Disc Brakes
Disc brakes offer more stopping power and are less affected by wet conditions compared to rim brakes.
Best Strategy: Choose Dry Routes
If you can, simply pick a route that avoids ice altogether.
Riding Techniques on Ice
Don’t Use the Front Brake
There is a saying: “Front brake for slowing, rear brake for stopping.” But not on ice. Losing traction on the front wheel happens suddenly and is almost impossible to correct.
If you find yourself on a patch of ice, the ideal approach is to pedal smoothly and ride through it.
If you must slow down:
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Fixed-gear bike → ideal
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Non-fixed bike → use the rear brake very gently
In countries where icy roads are common, riders practice sliding the rear wheel on purpose so they know what to expect during an emergency.
If you must use the front brake, apply very light pressure together with the rear brake. The idea is simply to reduce speed slowly—never let the front wheel stop rotating.
If the rear wheel slides:
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Immediately release both brakesIf the rear wheel slides:
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Immediately release both brakes
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Decide whether to keep pedaling or put one or both feet down
Don’t let your instinct to “just stay on the bike” override good judgment.
Road Camber Matters
On icy roads, the slight slope of the road surface becomes a problem. Your tires contact the ground at a sideways angle rather than directly underneath, making traction even worse.
Stay Smooth
Avoid sudden steering inputs. Keep your pedal strokes smooth and avoid very low gears, since spinning too fast can destabilize the rear wheel.
Final Advice
If you’re properly prepared, winter riding can actually be fun—really!
But it’s not a requirement. If conditions look too dangerous, take a break. Ride the bus, the subway, walk, or stay home scrolling through your favorite cycling pages.
And who knows—after reading this, maybe the weather will warm up again!
If you have your own ice-riding tips, don’t hesitate to share them with other riders!
