Cynthia Houghton-Parker and her intrepid son, Morgen, whooping it up last winter. They are on their Yuba Boda Boda with a 750 watt Bafang mid-drive kit. Dang, they look cool. Finally, in the nick of time, here's the 2017 fall/winter bike recommendations from VBike. Let's get out there! Yes, we can either hide from the world or embrace it. Riding a bike for transportation in these months takes some readiness and practice, but once you start doing it it just becomes infectiously fun and you can't stop doing it. Really!
And just to throw a few things out there, by biking you'll stay healthier and happier during the cold months, stave off winter body, and resist the colonization of mind, body, and spirit by oil and car corporations. Hmmm...just a few minor things to consider here.
Anything new to us takes some learning, prep and practice. And so it’s important for you to know that VBike is here to help you go further into the season. We really want to be able to pass on some of our accumulated know-how and experience. If you have any questions about any of these items, just drop us an email and we'll get back to you.
What follows are five rudimentary things to consider to bring on the glories of winter bike transportation and keep you safe and warm. We'll be following this up soon with more tips and skills. Read on...
And just to throw a few things out there, by biking you'll stay healthier and happier during the cold months, stave off winter body, and resist the colonization of mind, body, and spirit by oil and car corporations. Hmmm...just a few minor things to consider here.
Anything new to us takes some learning, prep and practice. And so it’s important for you to know that VBike is here to help you go further into the season. We really want to be able to pass on some of our accumulated know-how and experience. If you have any questions about any of these items, just drop us an email and we'll get back to you.
What follows are five rudimentary things to consider to bring on the glories of winter bike transportation and keep you safe and warm. We'll be following this up soon with more tips and skills. Read on...
#1 ... Basic Bike Maintenance
First up, here's a wonderful video on the ABCs of bike care. Check it out -
First up, here's a wonderful video on the ABCs of bike care. Check it out -
#2 ... For the Well Being of Your Chain
Chains and your entire drivetrain take a beating in the these months of rain, freezing rain, puddles, snow, and the dreaded salt. Wipe down your chain at the end of those real sloppy days and add lube and wipe again. If you are not sure, ask your bike shop folks which types of lubricant are best for winter riding. If your chain is squeaking or it is turning red - that just isn't the right color for a chain - lube and clean it up. Here's how to make it easier...
Chain Cleaning Kit - You can also purchase a good chain cleaner. There are several on the market. The Park Tool CG- 2.3 Chain Gang Cleaning Kit has received some good reviews and could be worth it for the ease.
Chain upgrade - For those of you with mid-drive systems or if you just want a super durable chain, the KMC X series chains (look it up) are perhaps the most affordable and wear resistant out there. Mid drive e-assist demands a lot from your chain, so get a good one.
Chain upgrade - For those of you with mid-drive systems or if you just want a super durable chain, the KMC X series chains (look it up) are perhaps the most affordable and wear resistant out there. Mid drive e-assist demands a lot from your chain, so get a good one.
Chain measuring tool - Lots of folks don't know that a chain wears out over time and it's important to replace it before it degrades your gears on the front and back. You can purchase a simple tool for $10 or under to measure your chain and determine when to replace it. The Park Tools company makes one that lots of folks use and there are all sorts of video instructions on its proper use. Be nice to your chain.
#3 ... Two Essential Winter Bike Items
Studded Tires Are the Ticket - Studded tires are real important for the slippery and snowy months. Probably the best source for info on winter bike tires is from the Peter White Cycles (of NH). Take a look at what he says, but truthfully you might be able to find a better price on any of the tires they sell from your bike shop or elsewhere online.
If you have any further questions about what sort of studded tire might be best for you, email us, but whatever you do, make sure to get tungston carbide studs. They will last way longer than regular steel studs. The best brand always seems to be Schwalbe, but again, don't hesitate to contact us for our biased, unbiased (hmmm...) opinion.
If you have any further questions about what sort of studded tire might be best for you, email us, but whatever you do, make sure to get tungston carbide studs. They will last way longer than regular steel studs. The best brand always seems to be Schwalbe, but again, don't hesitate to contact us for our biased, unbiased (hmmm...) opinion.
Lighting Your Way - Get good lights, front and back, from your bike shop. During the winter you may want to have your lights on even in the daytime and especially if the weather is acting up. There's also all types of great laser lights, bright LEDs and a host of other things that can be seen during the day. And if you are riding on backroads you should have a front light that puts out 800 lumens or greater.
And you should know that if you have an electric bike (particularly if you have a e-assist conversion kit), Burrow's Specialized Sports in Brattleboro is getting good at installing awesome and affordable lighting systems that tap right into your main battery. As seen to the above, the front light is 1000 lumens and the rear in visible from almost a mile away.
And you should know that if you have an electric bike (particularly if you have a e-assist conversion kit), Burrow's Specialized Sports in Brattleboro is getting good at installing awesome and affordable lighting systems that tap right into your main battery. As seen to the above, the front light is 1000 lumens and the rear in visible from almost a mile away.
#4 ... E-Bike Essential Sense
Be Really Nice to Your Battery Pack - Battery packs should generally be charged in conditions above 50 degrees and if the battery was out in cold temps, just let it warm up a bit before charging.
Also keep your battery pack inside the house and bring it out when you need it. This is a great advantage that e-bikes that over electric cars - we can bring our batteries inside and keep them warm. A cold battery has significantly less range, so if you commute to work on a cold day, we suggest you take the battery pack off the bike and bring in with you, unless you can bring the bike into inside and into a relatively warm place.
Also keep your battery pack inside the house and bring it out when you need it. This is a great advantage that e-bikes that over electric cars - we can bring our batteries inside and keep them warm. A cold battery has significantly less range, so if you commute to work on a cold day, we suggest you take the battery pack off the bike and bring in with you, unless you can bring the bike into inside and into a relatively warm place.
And never leave a battery pack outside to freeze!!
Grin Tech is a VBike supporter! The Best Battery Charger in the World! - If you really want to maximize the life of your precious battery pack, we suggest you get the Cycle Satiator from Gin Technologies of Vancouver, BC. The Satiator is waterproof, can charge a variety of voltages and chemistry types, and you can easily program in a number of profiles for super fast or slow trickle charging. And even more important is that you can select to charge your battery pack under 100% capacity!
We often use a 85% charge setting on our Satiator for the VBike fleet battery packs (we have lots of them) to greatly extend their lifespan, rather than consistently applying full charges. We will, however, do full charges once a month to make sure to balance out the battery cells.
At $300 or so, the Satiator is a big ticket for some folks, but with the potential of doubling your battery lifespan (maybe even tripling), it really makes good sense. Oh yeah, the Satiator barely heats up and is rock solid.
Note: Luna Cycles has their Advanced Charger for $100 that can be set to 80%. 90% or a full charge. It is nicely built and works adequately, but we found it a bit noisy and the adapter (that you have to buy if you have a barrel type charge port) was not as snug as we like. In our estimation, the Satiator is worth the extra $200 because it will charge almost any battery in your e-bike future and it is built to last a lifetime of use. In truth, we bought the Advanced Charger and returned it only to only purchase the Satiator. We're real happy we did!
We often use a 85% charge setting on our Satiator for the VBike fleet battery packs (we have lots of them) to greatly extend their lifespan, rather than consistently applying full charges. We will, however, do full charges once a month to make sure to balance out the battery cells.
At $300 or so, the Satiator is a big ticket for some folks, but with the potential of doubling your battery lifespan (maybe even tripling), it really makes good sense. Oh yeah, the Satiator barely heats up and is rock solid.
Note: Luna Cycles has their Advanced Charger for $100 that can be set to 80%. 90% or a full charge. It is nicely built and works adequately, but we found it a bit noisy and the adapter (that you have to buy if you have a barrel type charge port) was not as snug as we like. In our estimation, the Satiator is worth the extra $200 because it will charge almost any battery in your e-bike future and it is built to last a lifetime of use. In truth, we bought the Advanced Charger and returned it only to only purchase the Satiator. We're real happy we did!
E-Assist Bike in the Weather - Don't leave your bike out in the rain. Bring it somewhere to dry off a bit and store your bike in a dry place. Invest in a waterproof covering if you have to leave your bike outside in the element for long periods of the day.
#5 ...There's No Bad Weather, Just Bad Gear
For some folks this is a mantra, but others think they are, well, just plum crazy. If there's a truth out there somewhere we'd venture on over to side with the "bad gear" part and that having "good gear" is pretty much a game changer between you and the weather. Yes, you can always put on your 3500 lbs of an automobile (yes, you wear it as much as you "drive" it) or you can choose to embrace the world. More and more of us are ready to give it a go to the embraceable side, so here's some winter tips on gear to keep you in the real world (yep, where we actually live)...
The Noggin and Face - Get a hat that can cover your ears when needed and especially all of your forehead on frosty days. You can also get headgear made for winter sports for things like skiing. Some folks have a larger helmet for winter riding to accommodate more layers under. And balaclavas are certainly called for for full face protection. Scarves (tucked in to your jacket) and anything else that works will do!
Eyes - Some people opt for ski goggles and others just use clear or slightly tinted lenses. Experiment with what works for you. A visor on your helmet is also helpful to keep some of the snow and rain away from your eyes and face.
Clothing - Waterproof jacket and rain pants - the best bike specific stuff is made my Showers Pass, but there's a lot of good stuff out there. Dress in layers. We're in Vermont, we know how to do this!
Shoes - Use waterproof shoes. We really like having leather boots, like the Vasque Sundowners. They are easy to maintain and keep relatively waterproof if you treat them regularly with something like Aquaseal. They will also last for years longer than anything with Gore-Tex like stuff. For colder weather go to insulated boots.
Eyes - Some people opt for ski goggles and others just use clear or slightly tinted lenses. Experiment with what works for you. A visor on your helmet is also helpful to keep some of the snow and rain away from your eyes and face.
Clothing - Waterproof jacket and rain pants - the best bike specific stuff is made my Showers Pass, but there's a lot of good stuff out there. Dress in layers. We're in Vermont, we know how to do this!
Shoes - Use waterproof shoes. We really like having leather boots, like the Vasque Sundowners. They are easy to maintain and keep relatively waterproof if you treat them regularly with something like Aquaseal. They will also last for years longer than anything with Gore-Tex like stuff. For colder weather go to insulated boots.
| And here's the big tip...pre-warm your shoes by keeping the near your radiator, stove or whatever keeps you home warm.. Start off warm, stay warm. |
E-bike Rider with Bar Mitts Gloves - For those rainy, cold days the ideal gloves are kayaking gloves. For really cold weather one trick is to buy gloves that are a size too big for you and can also purchase liners and even use two liners for the super cold mornings. Also, keep your gloves and liners near or on your home heat source, like we suggested for your shoes. Nothing like starting off warm and toasty.
Bar Mitts - Bar Mitts are a must for those who really want to ride year round. Bar Mitts fit right over your handlebars (even if you have a side view mirror) and your gloves will fit right inside of them, keeping your digits warm and dry. They really work and will totally extend your bike transport season and even bring you right on to the other side of spring. The folks at Bar Mitts are big VBike supporters!
Bar Mitts - Bar Mitts are a must for those who really want to ride year round. Bar Mitts fit right over your handlebars (even if you have a side view mirror) and your gloves will fit right inside of them, keeping your digits warm and dry. They really work and will totally extend your bike transport season and even bring you right on to the other side of spring. The folks at Bar Mitts are big VBike supporters!
Some Final Words...
Let us know what you think about this 2017 guide and what others ideas you have, as well as what you think we might have missed here. Email us at [email protected].
And if you like what VBike is up to and want to see this quiet revolution go much, much further, then please don't hesitate to support us with a financial contribution. Click right here to contribute to VBike!
And if you like what VBike is up to and want to see this quiet revolution go much, much further, then please don't hesitate to support us with a financial contribution. Click right here to contribute to VBike!
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