This may be your first time venturing into the realm of colder season commuting & pleasure riding. In cities like Vancouver & Toronto, urban cycling in autumn & winter has its own particularities. With a few small adjustments, you can go the distance on your bike & ebike throughout the whole year. Get prepared, be comfortable, stay safe and have fun!
Always check the weather before heading out, as it fluctuates greatly.
Know when the sun rises & sets; it may affect when you feel confident to ride.
Plan your route accordingly, with the least obstacles, poorly groomed or uneven road & bikeways.
With every Zygg Ebike Subscription, ZyggCare - free bike repairs and maintenance - is included. The Vancouver & Toronto Zygg Experience Centres staff a team of Service Technicians and Rider Experience Associates on the ready to keep you riding year-round.
Zygg’s Service Manager Salvador Ayala - an avid cyclist who clocks 40 km a day going to and from work - has some great tips for all levels of riders during the upcoming season:
TAKE IT SLOW AND ADJUST YOUR STYLE OF RIDING
With changing temperatures, varied precipitation, and falling leaves (& flurries !), you must take it slow. Be conscientious about streetcar / railroad tracks, manhole covers, and all road surfaces which may become slippery during rainy fall days, and especially during morning frost, black-ice and snow. Piles of leaves and painted street-lines may also become slick. Stay seated in the saddle to gain more control from the back of the bike.
Avoid puddles which can mask deep potholes, uneven terrain, sharp objects or oily automobile emissions.
Feather or “pulse” your breaks on & off until you feel them begin to grip. By feathering the brakes you help remove the water and dirt that keeps the brake pads from effectively gripping the rim.
BE SEEN: MAXIMIZE YOUR VISIBILITY
Shorter days, earlier, darker evenings, and often conditions with glare & compromise make it paramount for you to stay visible. Always travel with good front & rear lights. All Zygg ebike models come with lights built in. Add reflective strips to your outerwear, panniers, knapsacks, or even fashionable “Hi-Vis” jackets, gloves and helmets to make you really stand out!
Cycle Toronto has created a “Stay Visible” video with tips for keeping you seen and safe.
KEEP YOUR BIKE CLEAN
Wet, dirty roads, fall leaves, and the dreaded salt, ice & snow kick up a lot of debris, making your chain, tires and bike grimy. For optimal performance, clean your bike as best as you are able after each ride. Salvador suggests a good wipe-down with warm water - - better yet, a mix of diluted alcohol and water. If your bike does not have front & rear fenders (all Zygg ebike models do), install them. Your clothes will thank you!
MAINTAIN THE CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE
One small thing Zygg asks of every e-bike subscriber : check your tire-pressure once a week and keep it pumped to the correct PSI. This will improve your battery range (charge) and help you avoid a flat-tire. The guide levels are as follows :
The Model A: 60 PSI
The Model G: 55 PSI
All Model Qs: 60 PSI
The Model R: 55 PSI
When the temperature drops, however, with the potential of ice and snow, having slightly less tire pressure (or, a tad “softer” tires) will aid in slip and grip. Please make this adjustment moving towards the winter months.
LAYER UP:
Layer up with breathable tees, turtlenecks, hoodies, and keep warm and dry with a flexible jacket / shell as a wind-breaker on top. Gloves are a must. Waterproof, slip-resistant shoes are a bonus! Try a thin neck warmer, gaiter or beanie under your helmet to block the chill.
Now’s the perfect opportunity to visit an awesome, local bike shop for new gear, accessories, and clothing. Here are just a couple to set you in motion:
On The Rivet
8 East Broadway, Vancouver
Bateman’s Bicycle Shop
960 Bathurst, Toronto
