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Bicycle Commuting

Randy I.
Randy I. Sendmail

As the Weather Turns!

posted over 2 years ago | Report

As the weather turns colder, do you continue to commute?
If so, what do you do to keep warm?
I've done a few cold commutes, one being 27°F (-3°C), the issues I had was feet, butt and eyes!
1. feet, I purchased shoe covers and think I solved that issue.
2. rear end! I have leg warmers that work great for the legs but are there shorts that are thicker?
3. eyes? what do you do about the ice cold wind in your eyes ? My eyes water so bad I can't see! of course its dark in the am and soon will be dark in the pm... I put the full face cover thingy on (balaclava (sp)) but don't have anything for the eyes!
Thanks all ,

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6 posts

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  • Matt S.
    Matt S. Sendmail

    ski goggles.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Michael O.
    Michael O. Sendmail

    Ditto on the ski googles. Here's some other items:

    1. Warm gloves.
    2. Thin hat under the helmet, or ear muffs. I recently read you're not supposed to wear anything under a helmet, so I'll have to research this some more.
    3. Studded tires like the Nokians. Awesome. They won't get you through the super heavy snow, but once it's plowed, and packed down and slippery, it's like riding on train rails.
    4. Windbreaker pants or gore-tex.

    Google "ice biking" for other tips, including tires, etc.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Dagfinn
    Dagfinn Sendmail

    Cycling below freezing can be wonderful. Usually much nicer riding weather than +4º C and rainy.

    Well, for the butt you need some shell in addition to your cycling shorts. Goretex is good if conditions are wet (rain/sleet). Below zero you can wear almost anything, as staying dry isn't the problem. There are cycling pants made for applications like these («super roubaix»). Pants for XC skiing or winter running tights are other good options.

    Overshoes are always nice. But there are winter cycling shoes, as well, and they aren't necessarily expensive, even. Winter shoes and overshoes will keep you supercomfy on most rides.

    Using ski goggles is usually overkill. Just get yourself a pair of sportsglasses with clear or light orange lenses.

    Warm gloves are very important. Bring an extra pair on long rides. (Stuff them in a plastic bag to keep them away from moisture.) Keeping my hands warm is the biggest issue for me personally, and I often bring a pair of goretex mountain mittens (over another pair of gloves) just in case. (Shifting can be a little tricky, but for winter riding I prefer bar end shifters anyway.)

    No reason to stop riding. I've ridden quite a bit at -20º C. You will be a little slower (with studded tires and snow piling up), but as long as it's possible to drive a car, you can ride your bike – with proper preparation and attitude.

    Good luck!

    posted over 2 years ago | edited over 2 years ago | Report

  • Dagfinn
    Dagfinn Sendmail

    Did I mention wool? A thin wool shirt next to your skin works wonders. Below 10º C nothing beats wool.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Kevinakamax
    Kevinakamax Sendmail

    Starless is 100% right. I made a similar post on another thread and I agree completely! Starless lets get together in January for a ride!

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

  • Dagfinn
    Dagfinn Sendmail

    Sure! Put on a studded front tire yesterday. (Early mornings and altitudes can be a little icy, even now.) But today it was really mild. I'm kinda looking forward to winter riding, actually. Speed becomes unimportant, you can just relax and ride, since it's impossible to make comparisons, anyway.

    posted over 2 years ago | Report

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