As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, staying warm and comfortable on your bike can become challenging. At London Bicycle Café, we know how unpredictable London’s winters can be—ranging from chilly to downright freezing, with temperatures as low as -25ºC. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive winter cycling guide, featuring our top products and services to help you ride through the season with confidence!
Bar Mitts: The Ultimate Solution for Warm Hands
Keeping your hands warm while cycling in the winter is crucial. Enter Bar Mitts, a game-changer for cold-weather cycling gear. We’ve tested the Mountain Extreme Flat Bar Version, and they’ve transformed our winter rides.
These mitts come with expanding bar-end plugs for easy installation, and once the plugs are in place, securing the mitts with the zippers and Velcro strips is a breeze. In temperatures ranging from mild to extreme cold, Bar Mitts consistently outperformed bulky winter gloves. Paired with light wool flip mitts for added insulation, your hands will stay cozy—even during long rides.
Pro Tip: On milder days around 0ºC, Bar Mitts might keep your hands almost too warm. It’s a luxury you won’t mind!
Still Cold? GORE Gore-Tex Windstopper Infinium Thermo Split Gloves
Extend your commute into fall and winter with these cleverly designed mittens. The split in the mitt allows your index finger to shift and break with ease while keeping the rest of your fingers sufficiently toasty. The tried and true Gore-Tex technology keeps wind
and water away so you can take on any riding conditions with confidence.
Lighting Up the Winter
With shorter daylight hours, proper lighting is crucial for visibility and safety. We recommend using a front light (150 lumens or higher) to illuminate your path and a rear light to ensure you’re seen by others in low-visibility conditions. A well-lit bike isn’t just about safety—it’s peace of mind during dark commutes.
Lezyne, Mini Drive 400XL/ KTV Drive Pro+, Light, Set, Black
*Tested and Recommended @ $89.99
The light utilizes Wide-Angle Optics lens design to provide 270° of visibility, durable, rigorously tested to IPX7 Waterproofing standards, and an integrated USB stick allows convenient cable-free recharging!
Mirrycle Mirror: Your Winter Safety Accessory
Visibility is key, especially in winter. Our go-to accessory for enhanced visibility and safety is the Mirrycle Mirror. It installs quickly with the included wrench and features a 3” round, convex glass for a wide field of view. Fully adjustable, it’s perfect for navigating through winter conditions when extra caution is needed. It’s a Mirrycle!!!
Schwalbe Winter Tire: Ride with Confidence
For year-round riding, nothing compares to the safety and reliability of Schwalbe Winter Tires. Whether you’re navigating icy paths or slushy roads, these tires offer excellent control. Their tungsten carbide spikes provide superior grip on ice, and the SmartGuard layer offers top-notch puncture protection.
Run them at minimum pressure for the best grip on ice, and at maximum pressure for quiet rides on ice-free roads. With reflective sidewalls and K-Guard puncture protection, they offer exceptional value at an entry-level price.
Note: We offer FREE winter tire installation, storage, and seasonal tire swaps with every purchase!
Winter eBike Care Tips
If you ride an eBike, winter care is essential to maintain performance. Here are some quick tips:
- Wash off mud and salt residues with soap and water after wet or snowy rides if you can.
- Store your eBike battery indoors when not riding in freezing temperatures and use a thermal cover for longer rides. Always charge the battery at room temperature.
- For long-term storage (3-6 months), keep the battery charged between 60-80%. Do not leave plugged in for long periods. Only while charging.
Need assistance? Book a service appointment with our mechanics specializing in eBike care!
Year-Round Service from Our Expert Team
Our Service Department is dedicated to keeping you riding, no matter the season. We offer a range of services, from basic tune-ups to custom maintenance packages. Unsure of what your bike needs? Start with a Repair Consultation, and our mechanics will assess your bike’s needs to ensure it remains safe, reliable, and winter-ready.
Tune-Up Packages
- Regular Tune-Up ($119.99): Includes drivetrain cleaning, wheel truing, headset and bottom bracket adjustments, and more. You’ll also receive discounts on additional labor or parts.
- Safety Check/Basic Tune-Up ($59.99): This basic inspection covers lubrication, tire pressure check, bolt securing, and a safety inspection.
We offer a full range of services, but please note that we do not work on most hub-drive motor bicycles, electric scooters, or gas-powered bicycles.
Stay safe and comfortable this winter with our expert team. Contact us at [email protected] or call 226-289-2670