Mastering Cold Weather Cycling: The Art of Layering

Let us preface this blog by saying, if you have already experienced a Canadian winter you probably already have the clothes and gear you need to cycle through winter. We don't want you to think that winter cycling necessitates a big investment. 

With that being said, the team at Zygg has been riding through many a winters on many different types of bikes and we have collected some of our favourite clothing and gear to make us feel like winter warriors

How to layer

  1. Base Layer: Wick Away Moisture

The base layer is your foundation for regulating your temperature and moisture. We like a moisture-wicking base layer that draws sweat away from your body, preventing it from cooling you down. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are excellent choices.

2. Insulation Layer: Trap the Heat

The insulation layer is the one that keeps you warm. Depending on how cold it is, you can choose from a variety of options:

  • Long-sleeved jersey: A lightweight, long-sleeved jersey is great for milder winter days.

  • Thermal jersey: A thicker, insulated jersey is perfect for colder temperatures.

  • Fleece jacket: For super cold conditions, grab a layer designed to trap heat while allowing moisture to escape.

3. Outer Layer: Wind and Water Protection

The outer layer is your barrier against wind, rain, and snow. We like a jacket that is both windproof and waterproof with ventilation options like zippers or vents to prevent overheating. For your pants, choose a waterproof shell you can slip over your regular clothes.

Also Zygg riders get 15% off products at The Bike Doctor if you need an extra push to stay dry.

The purpose of layering is being able to adapt so depending on the weather and your activity level, you can easily add or remove layers. A good rule of thumb is to start your ride feeling a bit cool, knowing that your body temperature will rise once you start pedalling.


The Extremities

  1. Gloves and Accessories

When you’re rolling on an ebike, the wind from the speed can make your extremities feel the cold more.

  • We recommend a good pair of mittens or gloves and you can add some pogies to your ebike as well. 

  • Neck gaiter or balaclava: We love these as you can easily pull them up to cover your face and ears when needed.

  • Sunglasses. We know this may sound weird as we have grey days in winter, but if there’s snow on the ground, sunglasses help a lot with the glare. Some people like wearing their skiing goggles as well as it keeps the wind out.

2. Headwear

On an ebike you must wear a helmet but you have a few different options to insulate your head.

  • You can add a thermal cap under your helmet which also keeps your ears warm. You can add a cover to your existing helmet if there are a lot of ventilation holes.

  • Switch to a winter helmet which has integrated ear protection and some insulation

Do you use something that we haven’t listed? Let us know on social media!

Top Ways to Care For Your Ebike This Winter

As winter rolls in with its snowy landscapes and chilly breezes, it's time to gear up (literally!) and make sure your trusty e-bike is ready to conquer the frosty adventures ahead. In this friendly guide, we'll dive into some essential tips on maintaining your electric bike during the winter months. With a little care, your e-bike can be your winter wonderland companion, whether you're commuting or exploring the snowy trails.

  1. Cleanliness is Next to Bike-liness

Before we get into the technical stuff, let's start with the basics: cleanliness. Winter can be a messy season, and your e-bike is no exception. Road salt, slush, and mud can quickly turn your two-wheeled friend into a grime machine. Regularly clean your bike to prevent corrosion. Use a gentle degreaser, a soft brush, and warm, soapy water. Be extra cautious with the electrical components – avoid direct water contact. 

2. Tire Care

Tire maintenance is vital during winter. You can swap out the regular tires for winter tires with deep treads that provide better grip on slippery surfaces. Zygg offers a good quality studded tire which you can purchase from us for $220 and we’ll install them for you. Also make sure your tires are well inflated; cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop.

Here is the PSI for our ebike models:

  • Model R: 55PSI

  • Model Qx/Q2/A: 60PSI

If you have not been in for service for a while, make sure your tires still have good tread left. If the centreline of the tire is looking bald you should come in for new tires to enhance grip in slippery conditions.

Same for pedals. Worn out or damaged pedals will have less traction for your shoes or boots to grip.

3. Battery Love

Your e-bike's battery deserves some extra TLC in the cold. Store it indoors when not in use to prevent it from becoming too cold. Charging your battery at room temperature is also a good practice, as cold batteries tend to hold less charge. Remember that batteries can drain faster in chilly weather, we offer a second battery for some of our ebike models. Reach out to see if any are available.

4. Lubricate Your Chain

Winter conditions can strip your bike of its lubrication more quickly. Keep an eye on your chain. If it’s becoming noisy or squeaky it could use some chain oil. We prefer you bring the bike to us for oiling but any good, light duty, bicycle specific chain oil can work. Just ensure you wipe off the excess to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating. If your chain becomes very red with rust it may need replacing. Regular maintenance will keep your chain from rusting and ensure your rides stay smooth.

5. Check Electrical Connections

Electronics on the bikes and metal parts could wear out prematurely from contact with salty snow melt. Inspect and clean your connectors, ensuring they're free of moisture and corrosion. A little dielectric grease can help protect these crucial connections.

The last two are a bit more involved so if you’d prefer that Zygg do them, you can always bring in your ebike for maintenance or we can repair or swap it at your home.

6. Lights on

With days becoming much shorter in winter it is critical to ensure front and rear lights are working. On a Zygg your lights are integrated and linked to your battery so as long as you have battery left your lights will turn on. If one or both are not working properly, contact us for a repair as soon as possible.

Winter may bring chilly weather, but it shouldn't freeze your e-bike adventures. With these maintenance tips, you can keep your electric bike in top shape during the winter months. Remember to ride safely and enjoy the unique beauty of wintertime cycling. So, bundle up, hop on your e-bike, and let the snowy adventures begin! Winter can be an incredible time to explore, and your e-bike is your trusty steed through it all. Happy riding!

Your Winter Riding Questions Answered

What effect does the cold have on battery performance?

There are a few different ways that the cold affects your ebike battery.

It’s important to take care of your battery so it continues to work as optimally as possible. Always bring in your battery from the cold, whether you're at the office or overnight. The battery life will last longer if it’s not kept in below freezing temperatures for extended periods of time.

Don’t charge your battery the minute you bring it into a warm space. The battery can’t charge when it’s still very cold. It’s best to let it come to room temperature and then plug it in and charge it.

Your range will be affected in the winter and you’ll lose around 25% of the range you had in summer.

The ebike is getting dirty with slush, what should I do?

Though the ebike is rust resistant, slush and salt will eventually hurt the ebike and will start to degrade if your ebike is very dirty.

Take a cloth and use hot water to wipe down your ebike to wash away dirt or grime before it has a chance to settle in.

My lock has frozen, what steps should I take?

If one of the locks on your ebike has frozen and you can’t insert or turn the key the simplest fix may be to bring it inside somewhere warm like your home, a subway station etc to allow the frozen lock to warm up.

You may also consider carrying a small bottle of liquid ‘lock de-icer’, easily found at hardware and automotive stores.  If those still don’t work you should notify Zygg or bring your ebike to Zygg for lock service as soon as possible.

Should your ebike be locked outside when and the frame lock freezes you should notify Zygg as soon as possible so we may assist in unlocking the ebike. Don’t risk leaving your batteries on the ebike or the ebike itself locked up outside overnight. 

The days are getting shorter, will I burn out my lights?

As long as your battery is charged, your lights will stay on. If you notice that one of your lights isn’t working, reach out to us and we’ll repair or swap your ebike within 48 hours.

Can I ride in the snow?

Of course! You can ride your Zygg ebike in any weather. Like any weather that isn’t dry and warm we simply encourage you to ride more carefully, avoiding snow banks, and taking care of your ebike like wiping it down.

What are the best tires for winter?

All Zygg ebikes come standard with tires rated for ‘all-season’. We also offer studded tires as an option for $220. Contact us to book them as we usually sell out. Studded winter tires will offer enhanced grip in slippery conditions but care must still be taken in especially snowy or icy conditions. Studded tires can also negatively affect your normal battery range, so consider the cost/benefit to you and your style of riding when thinking about studded tires. 

Is it healthy to bike in winter?

Exciting new scientific research suggests that cold weather training burns more body fat, strengthens your heart and lungs, and boosts your mood over winter. So have a blast and ride through winter!

What temperature is too cold for cycling?

This is a completely personal decision. Your ebike will be able to ride even in colder temperatures so if you’re comfortable riding, your ebike will accompany you. We live by the Scandinavian saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.

Should I deflate my tires in colder weather?

You should always keep your tires at the recommended PSI. Fluctuations in temperature can cause your tires to feel softer sooner than milder times of the year. Here is the PSI for our ebike models:

  • Model R: 55 PSI

  • Model Qx/Q2/A: 60PSI