Call us crazy, but here at VanMoof we love winter cycling.
Maybe it’s our Amsterdam roots. When you live in a city that gets more rain, snow, wind and hail than sunshine, you start to see every forecast as perfect pedalling weather. And on a frosty December day, when the rest of the world is crammed inside trains and stuck in traffic, there’s nothing more exhilarating than two-wheeling your way through the city.
Having said that, we understand why a ton of our riders put their bikes away around this time of year. As days shorten and temperatures drop, there should be a medal just for getting out of bed. Plus, all that snow and ice can make it feel less chill, more extreme sport.
Here’s the VanMoof guide for turning that summer cycling fling into a year-long love affair. We hope it’ll help you love winter cycling as much as we do, and prevent any Fripple* along the way.
*Frozen Nipple
1. Be a part-time bad-ass.
We’ll be the first to admit we’re fair-weather winter cyclists. Blue-bird winter days. Hell yes. Artic-like blizzards. Hell no. You don’t need to cycle every single day from now ‘till March to be a total winter cycling boss. Just wait till the weather report hits that sweet spot between minimum danger and maximum happiness, line up a warm fire and a hot toddy at the other end, and pedal pedal pedal.
2. Channel Rihanna.
Now’s your moment to shine brighter than a diamond. Call us European, but when it comes to staying safe on your bike in winter, we think bright lights are even more important than a good helmet. Keep them on 24/7, and if you’re lucky enough to be rolling on a VanMoof this winter, enjoy those high-powered (and pedal-powered) LEDS. If you’re not, why not?
3. Love thy extremities.
Your torso, arms and legs are tough as hell, and as soon as you start cycling they’ll stay warm. Your head, hands and feet however, are total babies. All it takes is a few minutes of cycling in the cold and wet for them to be miserable, and once they’re miserable, your whole body will be miserable. Invest in the most waterproof shoes and warmest gloves you can afford, develop a strong hat game, and always always always keep a spare pair of socks in your pocket.
4. Know yo’ snow.
To the winter cycling rookies in our team, all snow looks terrifying. Over time we’ve learnt (the hard way) which types of snow to embrace, and which ones to avoid like the plague.
Snow Type: Melted
Looks Like: Cocoa Cola Slushy that’s been out of the freezer too long.
Safe For Cycling: Yes
Snow Type: Fresh.
Looks Like: Thin layer of icing sugar.
Safe For Cycling: Yes
Snow Type: Packed
Looks Like: Ice-skating rink in need of a good groom.
Safe For Cycling: Nope
Snow Type: Blizzard
Looks Like: A David Attenborough polar bear special.
Safe For Cycling: Hell No.
5. Wipe weekly. Lube monthly.
There’s no such thing as a no-maintenance bike, especially in winter. All that cold, salt and grit can mess with the moving parts, even if your bike maker has been smart enough to make the frame from rust-resistant anodised aluminium.
If you ride daily, give it a good wipe-down once a week with a sponge and water. When it comes to lube, our Head Bike Doctor’s golden rule here is less, but often. If you’re a daily rider we recommend you grease your chain once a month with a wax-based lubricant.
