Riding a bike through the snow is extremely difficult if you don’t have the right equipment. Your bicycle needs to be tough enough to handle icy roadways, rocks, chunks of ice, and more. Getting a bike for the snow community is a must-have if you’re riding to your workplace every day.
The best bike for snow commuting should have big, textured tires, a durable frame, changeable gears, and a comfortable seat. It also needs to have high-quality brakes, ergonomic handlebars for optimal control, and tough pedals. Popular brands for snow bikes include Mongoose, Hiland, and Schwinn.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following information about the best bikes for snow commuting:
- A list of the top bikes for your needs
- What you should look for when you’re getting a snow bike
- Popular brands that you can choose
Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike
Mongoose is one of the most popular brands in the cycling industry. With budget-friendly prices and mid-tier, they’ve continued to create excellent bikes. The Mongoose Malus Fat Tire Bike is a top choice for those who want a snow bike. You’ll be able to cruise through the hills and of flat land without a problem.
The Malus comes with 26-inch tires that are covered in a texture designed for off-road conditions. They’re perfect for snow, sand, and all sorts of other terrains. You won’t have to worry about sliding around or slipping over. The tires are four inches wide, which means you’ll be able to handle the bike with ease.
One of the most important features of this snow commuting bicycle is that it comes with a steel frame. You’ll need a durable frame to prevent it from breaking if you’re riding through intense terrain. This bike comes in four different color patterns, so pick the one you like and have fun riding through the snow!
Pros
- Made with 26-inch tires that are four inches wide
- Created by a trusted, well-known company
- The front and rear brakes are designed to stop instantly
- Comes with a steel frame for optimal durability
ECOTRIC Fat Tire Electric Bike
Electric bicycles, also known as E-bikes, are sweeping the industry by storm. They’re fast, energy-efficient, and they don’t require too much effort. When you’re pushing through the snow, the ECOTRIC Fat Tire Electric Bike will allow you to move at the desired pace. It’s not too lightweight, but you’ll be able to control the acceleration easily.
Every charge pulls you up to 19 miles, so you won’t have a problem making it to your job, a friend’s house, or the store. This 58-pound bike can carry over 250 pounds, making it a good choice for most people. It’s a bit on the tall side, so it should only be used by teens and adults.
These powerful bikes can push up to 23 miles per hour. The removable battery can be charged and replaced as often as you’d like. Some customers prefer to carry multiple batteries so their bike is always ready to go. Combined with the chunky tires and the comfortable seat, it’s a great choice for snow riders.
Pros
- Rides at 23 miles per hour for up to 19 miles
- Comes with chunky tires for optimal handling and control
- Easier riding experience since you don’t have to pedal as much
Outroad Mountain Bike
The Outroad Mountain Bike has a lot of similar features to the previous bicycle, aside from the fact that’s it’s not electric. Instead, these manual bikes come with chunky tires and durable frames for better control on any terrain. The designers claim that it’s the best choice for people between 5’2 and 6’ tall.
The stylish rims not only improve the appearance, but they also provide a lightweight, smooth ride. Despite the reduced weight, it can carry up to 200 pounds. Shift between gears and stop as soon as you need to with all of the controls at your fingertips. This 21-speed bike is all you’ll need for snow commuting.
In addition to handling and durability, snow bikes need to offer comfort and security. Fortunately, you’ll get both of those features on this Outroad bicycle. The stabilized pedals make it easier to take sharp turns and pedal quickly without slipping, while the cushioned seat allows you to stay relaxed.
Pros
- Easy handling and maneuvering are the name of the game with this bike
- It’s a great choice for a wide range of heights
- Several speeds allow you to ride uphill, downhill, and on flat surfaces
Hiland 26 Inch Mountain Bike
Hiland made an excellent mountain bike designed for a variety of terrains, including snow. If you choose the Highland 26-Inch Mountain Bike, you’ll be able to enjoy the lightweight 17-inch frame, bulky tires, and smooth handling. You’ll also be able to choose from either three or six spokes to accommodate your riding style.
The pedals of this bike are made out of a durable material that lets you push through all of the action. If you’re having a hard time scaling a hill or cycling through snow, change the gears and make it easier instantly. This is a 21-speed bicycle, so you shouldn’t have any trouble making it work for you.
If you decide to go through with this bike, you can choose from black, black & orange, or black & red. Regardless of your color choice, you’ll be able to take advantage of the dual braking system and the reflective light that keeps you illuminated throughout the day.
Pros
- Comes with multiple color combinations and spokes
- Quickly cycle through gears or use the dual-brake system at your fingertips
- Made with a durable, lightweight aluminum frame
- Comes almost fully-assembled; Just connect 15% of the parts and start riding
Hiland 24 Inch Mountain Bike
Hiland has another top-notch mountain bike to commute through the snow. The Hiland 24-Inch Mountain Bike has plenty of similar features as the previous bike, but there are a few hidden gems that make it a unique choice. For example, it’s made out of long-lasting steel rather than lightweight aluminium.
Many of the differences are based on personal preferences, including the textured handlebars and alternative gear-shifting mechanism. You’ll be able to choose from either black or white, both of which come with off-set colors to make it look even better. Twist the shifters for access to the 21-speed gears.
The textured tires on this bicycle allow it to cruise through any terrain, including snow and ice. They’re a bit thinner than the aforementioned Hiland bike, which means you’ll be able to take sharper turns. However, they’re not as good for handling. Use your judgement to decide which is a better fit for you.
Pros
- Decent alternative to the previous Hiland bicycle
- The thin tires allow you to move quicker without losing traction
- Switch through the speeds with the twisting gears on the handlebars
- Holds up to 300 pounds, making it good for almost everyone
Schwinn High Timber Bike
If you’re ready to step your cycling up to the next level, Schwinn offers a couple of excellent snow bikes. The Schwinn High Timber Bike comes with an aluminium frame, but you can also choose the steel frame. You can choose from five tire sizes, making this bike an option for people of all sizes.
Once you’re done selecting the height, you’ll be able to look through a plethora of colours. These choices include coral, orange, silver, yellow, and plenty of others. All colours come with black handlebars and seats. Speaking of which, both parts are textured and padded to make them more comfortable while you’re cycling.
This 7-speed bike comes with textured, chunky tires that make snow cycling a breeze. The all-terrain tires slice through snow, sand, and any other surface. If you’re riding on the road, you won’t feel the uncomfortable bumpiness that most all-terrain tires cause. Despite all of the high-quality features, this bike only weighs 30 pounds.
Pros
- The lightweight aluminum frame comes with multiple tire sizes
- Several colors to look through before you get the bicycle
- Made with knobby, thick tires that are good for any terrain
- Perfect for people who want to upgrade their cycling experience
Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike
Another top-of-the-line bicycle is the Schwinn Bonafide Men’s Mountain Bike. It’s a bit bigger than the previous Schwinn bike and it comes with many more features. The price might be a little bit higher, but most cyclists find that it’s more than worth it when they’re trying to optimize their handling and control.
The wheels are 2.25 inches wide, but they’re 29 inches tall, which is much bigger than most other bikes. It’s recommended for tall riders, which could be an issue if you’re not over 5’8. However, those who exceed the height limitations will find better acceleration. Each bike comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
The suspension system on these bikes is what takes them to the next level. They’re able to dip up and down when you’re riding on bumpy surfaces. If you’ve ever commuted through snow on a bike, then you know how rough it can be with the wrong equipment. Fortunately, these bikes are an ideal fit.
Pros
- Made from one of the best brands in the business
- Designed with massive 29-inch knobby tires for control and acceleration
- Includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty
Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
Hardtail bikes sometimes get a bad rap for being uncomfortable, but experienced cyclists find them better for control and handling. The Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike is an excellent example of why you can have a good time riding a hardtail bicycle. They’re comfortable and they come in a wide range of sizes to fit everyone.
When you’re done choosing the size (they range from 20 to 26 inches), you can pick out the color and the speed. These bikes come as 6-speed or 21-speed bikes, making them perfect for tough terrains. The steel frame on these bikes is made to be tough enough to handle tough drops, while the suspension keeps you supported.
These bikes are much more affordable than most others on the list. They’re not going to break the bank, so you can gett a good discount and cruise through the snowiest weather. The tires are 1.95 inches wide, which means they’re narrower than the others, too. However, the tires are the same width at 26 inches.
Pros
- It comes with one of the lowest prices on the market
- Made as a hardtail bike for better manual control
- Comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and two speeds
- Designed for all riders over 13 years old
NCM Moscow Plus Electric Mountain Bike
Last but not least is the NCM Moscow Plus Electric Mountain Bike. E-bikes are fairly common for riding in the snow, but this bike takes it to the next level. It has knobby, chunky tires that are tall and wide. You can choose either 27.5 inches or 29 inches, both of which are a bit taller than most other mountain bike tires.
These bikes are also longer-lasting than the other electric bike on the list. They can push between 30 to 70 miles or more, depending on the weight of the load and the speed that you’re going. It’s a little pricy, but you’ll receive a built-in LED screen to keep track of everything. The comfort, traction, and size are perfect for riding in snowy weather.
The handlebars are one of the most unique features on the bike. They’re formed to fit ergonomically in your hands, preventing soreness in the toughest conditions. Choose between matte black and matte white and start pedaling!
Pros
- Comes with an LED screen to track the speed and battery life
- Each battery lasts up to 70+ miles before it needs to be recharged
- Choose between two different colors and tire sizes
- Cruises up to 20 miles per hour
What to Look For
When you’re trying to find a bicycle for commuting in the snow, it’s important that you look out for a handful of features. A regular roadbike won’t be tough enough to push through the ice, but a lot of mountain bikes are too heavy to get the job done. However, there’s a sweet spot between the two of them that we’ll discuss today.
Here’s what you should look for when you’re getting a bike to commute in the snow:
- Make sure the tires are textured. Textured tires allow you to roll over all sorts of terrain, including snow. Keep in mind that snow is often filled with rocks, dirt, ice, and other debris that can make it too difficult to navigate for traditional bike tires. Luckily, every bike mentioned on the list has the proper tires for snow cycling.
- Check if there are one or two brakes on the handlebars. Your bike needs to have front and rear brakes so you’ll always be able to stop on time. It’s no secret that snow and ice can be slippery. Without the proper brakes, you’ll slide around and get into all sorts of unwanted accidents.
- The handlebars need to be gripped, ergonomic, and comfortable. When you’re riding through rough terrain, such as snow or hail, your handlebars will be bumping around a bit. When they’re padded, you’ll be able to stay in control and glide through the snow, regardless of the incline.
- There should be excellent suspension on any bicycle that you choose to ride through the snow. You never know when the ground will be uneven or you’ll have to go uphill. The suspension will allow you to glide over the surface rather than feeling incredibly uncomfortable throughout the ride.
- Speaking of padding and suspension, you should make sure that you like the seat. If it’s uncomfortable, you’ll spend too much time moving around rather than enjoying the ride. Although all of the bikes on the list above come with comfortable, soft seats, you’re obviously able to change it for one that you prefer.
As you can see, it’s important to know what you should look for when you’re buying a bike for commuting in any weather. Whether it’s snowing, raining, or clear as day, any of the bikes on this list will do just fine. The three most important factors are comfort, control, and traction.
Conclusion
Getting the best bike for commuting in the snow will make your rides much easier. Never try to use a regular bike for the job or you’ll end up losing your grip. It can be quite tricky to ride a roadbike in the snow, not to mention the fact that the tires usually aren’t big enough. Check all of the features seen throughout this page and find the one that works best for you.
Here’s a quick recap of the post:
- Make sure you’re comfortable riding the bike (seats, handlebars, and suspension are important).
- Ensure that the materials are tough enough to handle a rough ride.
- Choose the proper tire size to prevent yourself from discomfort or injury.
- Your snow bike should have two sets of brakes so you’re always able to slow down.
