Winter cycling is a different kind of challenge. Between icy roads, freezing winds, and road salt, your bike and your body takes more of a beating than any other time of year. The right accessories don’t just make winter riding more comfortable, they make it safer, and way more fun.
At Quick Cranks, we ride through winter too. Thats why we have compiled a list of our top 5 winter cycling accessories for 2026. This is gear we trust for all types of riding whether it's for commuting, training, or trail riding, these accessories have you covered for when the temperature drops.
1. Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus Studded Tires
If there’s one upgrade that completely changes how your bike feels in winter, it’s a proper set of studded tires. While any studded tire will make the difference, we recommend the Schwalbe Marathon Winter Plus.
The Marathon Plus has an aggressive stud pattern and reinforced sidewalls to make sure that you get a reliable grip on frozen roads while still rolling efficiently on cleared pavement. The cold-resistant rubber compound stays supple in low temperatures, and helps maintain traction without feeling slow or sluggish.
Why we like it:
- Excellent grip on ice and packed snow
- Durable construction with SmartGuard protection
- Reliable rolling on mixed winter surfaces
- Variety of available sizes: 26”, 700c, and 20”
2. MINT’N DRY All-Conditions Ceramic Chain Lube
Think of ceramic lube like Teflon tape. It creates a slippery, non-reactive surface overtop of your chain. The ceramic particles reduce friction at every link, helping your drivetrain stay smooth, quiet, and protected from winter moisture and road grime.
The MINT’N DRY All-Conditions Ceramic Lube uses MINT’N DRY’s own proprietary ceramic-enhanced formula that penetrates deep into your chain links for long-lasting protection.
Why we like it:
- Works in dry, wet, and changing conditions
- Ceramic particles reduce wear and improve efficiency
- Corrosion and oxidation protection for winter riding
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Made in Canada 🇨🇦
3. 45NRTH Draugenklaw Flat Bar Winter Pogies
Cold wind is often worse than cold temperatures, especially for your hands. The 45NRTH Draugenklaw Pogies act as a protective shell around your handlebars, blocking wind and snow while letting you wear lighter gloves inside.
The open, rigid design makes it easy to get your hands in and out, which is perfect for commuting or riding trails where quick access to brakes and shifters matters.
Why we like it:
- Wind-blocking design for warmer hands
- Easy on-and-off installation
- Reflective accents for low-light visibility
- Maintains shape for fast hand entry and exit
4. Traverse WB Winter Cycling Gloves
Sometimes pogies aren’t practical, and that’s where a good pair of winter gloves makes all the difference. The Traverse WB Gloves use wind-block fabric with a polar fleece interior to keep your hands warm while maintaining dexterity.
The AX Suede palm with gel padding and silicone grip zones helps keep your hands stable on wet or frozen grips, while touchscreen compatibility means you don’t have to expose your fingers to check your phone or cycling computer.
Why we like it:
- Wind-resistant, water-repellent fabric
- Warm polar fleece lining
- Gel padding for comfort on longer rides
- Touchscreen compatible fingertips
- Reflective details for visibility.
5. Race Face Chester Pedals
Winter footwear is bulky, stiff, and often slippery which makes pedal grip more important than ever. A studded pedal is a must have for winter cycling. Our pick is the Race Face Chester Pedal, they feature a wide composite platform and aggressive pin layout to make sure your feet stay planted, even in wet or snowy conditions.
They’re built with durable internals and a tough nylon composite body, and they’re designed to handle everything from icy commutes to aggressive trail riding.
Why we like it:
- Wide platform for stable footing
- 11 traction pins per side for excellent grip
- Durable composite body with chromoly axle
- Fully serviceable with lifetime warranty
Quick Cranks Winter Riding Final Checklist
- Studded tires for traction ✔
- All-weather chain lube for protection ✔
- Hand protection (pogies or insulated gloves) ✔
- Wide, grippy pedals for secure footing ✔
Winter riding doesn’t have to be miserable with the right gear, it can be one of the most rewarding seasons on the bike. These accessories help keep you safe, comfortable, and in control.
If you're not sure which winter setup is right for your bike or riding style, swing by Quick Cranks. We're always happy to help you dial in your cold-weather ride!
