Cyclists brace for seasonal shift as snow and frost approach Southern Finland

The seasonal shift for cyclists is set to begin this week as forecasts predict snow, sleet, and nighttime frost in Southern Finland. This means busy days ahead for bicycle shops. Cyclists typically switch their tires more gradually than motorists. “Cyclists haven’t started heading out in large numbers yet, but the rush will begin this side in a few days,” says Ville Järvinen, owner of Järvinen Pyörä and Urheilu in Lahti.

The number of winter cyclists has been increasing annually, boosted by the rising popularity of electric bikes, which make winter cycling more accessible. The surge in electric bike usage has also led to an uptick in demand for maintenance and tire changes.

A recent call to local bike shops revealed that the cost of changing bicycle tires is approximately €35. Electric bikes are generally heavier and more complex than traditional bicycles, featuring technologies that require care when handled. “Electric bikes almost always come with hydraulic brakes, which should not be tampered with by those lacking expertise. Proper maintenance also requires a bike stand, as maneuvering them can be difficult,” explains Järvinen.

The increasing number of expensive and complicated bikes has sparked demand for new services, including tire storage facilities. The first bicycle hotel in Finland opened five years ago in a shopping center in Helsinki, and similar establishments are now available in multiple locations.

Järvinen opened Lahti’s first bike hotel around the same time as the one in Helsinki. Operations have started positively, with a growing number of customers year after year. “We currently have several dozen bikes stored, and the tire hotel holds hundreds of tires. Most bikes coming in for storage are electric,” Järvinen notes. The demand for bike hotels is rising, as many hesitate to leave high-value bikes in apartment building storage rooms that may not be secure.