Riding a bike in winter – do the stations work?
Winter in Łódź doesn't mean our bikes go into storage. Cryptoreporter maintains 47 stations in full readiness even at sub-zero temperatures because we know traffic on Piłsudskiego doesn't disappear with the first snow. Check how we care for the equipment so you can safely get to work in December or January.
Service and equipment preparation for frost
We start preparations for winter as early as October. Our workshop at Piotrkowska 102 turns into an assembly line. Each of the 156 bikes in circulation must undergo a general inspection. The roller brake is most important – it must work smoothly even when moisture and salt get in. We use special grease that doesn't thicken at -10 degrees. Thanks to this, a bike ready in a minute is our standard, not an empty promise.
Road salt is the biggest enemy of metal. That's why our mobile teams, roaming Łódź in a white van, wash the bikes and stations with clean, low-pressure water every 3 days. We remove white residue from rims and frames to prevent corrosion. It's tedious work, but thanks to it, our 2021 bikes still look like new and won't fail you when you want to skip traffic on Piotrkowska on your way to a meeting.
Heads-up: In winter, chains can work louder due to sand and mud. If you hear grinding, let us know via the app. Marek or Tomek will come and handle it within 3-6 business hours. We make sure each of the 47 stations has at least 3 fully functional bikes, even in the worst slush.
There is no bad weather for a bike, only poorly chosen tires. We install deep-tread ones as early as November.
Electronics and contactless payments
Many people fear that in winter, payment systems at stations simply freeze. At Cryptoreporter, we use screens with increased moisture resistance. Last year, we replaced panels in 14 stations where system hangs occurred most often during high humidity. Now a city card (Migawka) is enough to undock a bike in seconds, without taking off your gloves. This is a great convenience when it's -4 degrees outside and an east wind is blowing.
If you prefer using your phone, our app is integrated with the most popular payment systems. The average bike unlock time in winter is 22 seconds. We know no one wants to stand in the cold fighting an app, so we simplified the interface to a minimum. You go in, scan the QR code, and ride. In all of 2023, we recorded only 7 reports regarding system problems on freezing days, which with 156 bikes is a great result.
Our data shows that 23% of customers regularly use the rental in December and January. These are mainly people commuting to offices in the center who are tired of looking for parking in snow-covered streets. For them, time matters, and that the bike is always there. Our system manages the fleet so that in the morning at stations in residential areas (e.g., Retkinia), equipment is never lacking.
Safety on slippery surfaces
Winter riding requires a different technique, but our bikes make it easier. They have a low center of gravity, which stabilizes the ride on bumps. The tires we mount for the winter season have a 38 mm width and a special rubber compound that doesn't harden in the cold. These aren't racing tires, but they provide confidence in corners on Łódź bike paths, which – let's be honest – aren't always cleared of snow first.
Lighting is another priority. In winter, darkness falls before 4:00 PM. Every Cryptoreporter bike has a hub dynamo, meaning the light always shines while you're moving. Additionally, we've installed reflectors on wheels and pedals so you're visible to drivers from 120 meters away. In December 2024, we checked light intensity in 99.1% of our bikes, replacing 11 damaged covers.
Remember a simple rule: brake earlier and use mainly the rear brake. Our roller brakes are progressive, so you won't lock the wheel suddenly, which on slippery asphalt could end in a fall. If you keep common sense and don't speed 30 km/h on icy cobblestones, you'll reach your destination safely and faster than a car stuck in traffic on Kościuszki.
A city card is enough to rent a bike even when the temperature drops below zero.
Practical tips for winter cyclists
Clothing is half the success. You don't have to look like a polar explorer, but good gloves are basic. Our handlebar grips are made of rubber that doesn't conduct cold as much as metal, but at -5 degrees without hand protection, you'll freeze quickly. We also suggest dressing in layers. After 10 minutes of pedaling, you'll feel warm, even if you felt shivers at the start. Last year we conducted a survey among 47 active winter users – most recommend light windproof jackets.
Fenders on our bikes are full and wide. This is important because they protect your pants from dirty water and slush. You can ride in a suit to work and if you avoid deep puddles, you'll arrive clean. That's the pragmatic side of Cryptoreporter – we give you a tool that works in real conditions, not just on sunny weekends in May.
P.S. If you plan a longer route, e.g., from Teofilów to Widzew, check your phone's charge level. Our stations are functional, but smartphones in the cold can die at the least convenient moment. It's worth having the Migawka card in your wallet as a backup plan. Pay and ride, without stress about the mobile battery.
