Cold-weather biking

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Cold-weather biking, cold-weather cycling, or winter biking is the use of a bicycle during months when roads and paths are covered with ice, slush and snow. Cold weather cyclists face a number of challenges in near or below freezing temperatures. Urban commuters on city streets may have to deal with "[s]now, slush, salt, and sand", which can cause rust and damage to metal bike components.^[1] Slush and ice can jam derailleurs.^[1] Some cyclists may bike differently in winter, by "slow[ing] down on turns and brak[ing] gradually" in icy conditions.^[2] Gaining traction on snow and ice-covered roads can be difficult.^[3] Winter cyclists may use bikes with front and rear fenders,^[1] metal studded winter tires^[4] and flashing LED lights.^[1][3] Winter cyclists may wear layers of warm clothes and "ea[r], face, and han[d]" coverings^[5] may be used. Specialized winter bikes called fatbikes, which have wide, oversized tires that are typically inflated with low pressure, are used in snow trail riding and winter bike competitions.