How to bike through the winter in comfort and style

How to bike through the winter in comfort and style

Secret no. 4 to making the most of the city this chilly season

January is a sad time for cyclists, when they’re forced to lock up their wheels for the season, sardine into overheated streetcars and watch their beloved bike lanes turn into snowbanks. Not this winter. The city’s coughing up $650,000 to clear the most popular lanes—Sherbourne, Queens Quay and any others with more than 2,000 daily riders—making winter cycling feasible for the first time in forever. Of course, a safer ride isn’t necessarily a more comfortable one. For that, here are six picks to keep the winter cyclist cozy and clean.

Winter Guide 2015: Revolights Skyline 360s

The ultra-cool (and maybe a little excessive) Revolights Skyline 360s are USB-rechargeable, synchronized to your speed and look stolen straight out of a scene from Tron. $300. Revolights.com.

Winter Guide 2015: Sugoi Zap

The shape-shifting Sugoi Zap jacket is coated with micro–glass beads that are invisible by day and neon-bright by night—no batteries required. $160. Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop, 517 Bloor St. W., 416-533-4225.

Winter Guide 2015: Giro Shackleton

The Giro Shackleton helmet is an all-season marvel. Its earflaps, neck roll, winter lining and adjustable vents keep the heat in when you need it and come right off when you don’t. $150. Bateman’s Bicycle Shop, 913 Bathurst St., 416-538-2453.

Winter Guide 2015: Axiom's Roadrunner LX Reflex

Axiom’s Roadrunner LX Reflex full-coverage fenders stop slush and dirt from kicking up onto your back with rubber mudguards and sleek, weatherproof frames that leave enough room for studded tires. $35. Bateman’s Bicycle Shop, 913 Bathurst St., 416-538-2453.

Winter Guide 2015: Two Wheel Gear Classic 2.0

Two Wheel Gear’s Classic 2.0 rack-mounted, waterproof pannier is a Bay Street commuter’s best friend; it has enough space for a suit, a pair of shoes and a laptop, and it folds into a soft-shell messenger bag. $219. Twowheelgear.com.

Winter Guide 2015: Gore's Fusion Windstopper

They’ll make you look like a lobster, but Gore’s Fusion Windstopper split-finger, silicone-coated gloves will keep your hands and wrists toasty and still let you brake and shift gears. $80. Sweet Pete’s Bike Shop, 517 Bloor St. W., 416-533-4225.

The Winter Hater's Guide to Loving Winter