Bring on the Snow!

I rode through the rain this morning and despite my coat flipping up exposing my knees to the wet, it was blast.  My current commute takes me up a small portion of the North Channel Trail.  It is amazing to be zooming through a forest and over a peaceful creek after only having minutes ago battled traffic on Milwaukee.  I saw a buck in the field along the path, and several does darted across in front of me.  Absolutely incredible!  I have seen deer before but have never been so close in such a tranquil setting.  

 

I noticed that the weather people are forecasting snow for Wednesday or Thursday.  It seems my first bike winter is beginning!  I am having trouble dressing for the weather, I keep anticipate being cold, wearing too much clothes and ending up sweating.  I'm hoping to get this skill learned before winters sets in.  I read some advice the other day, if you are not cold when setting out, you are wearing too many layers.  Any other advice for a Bike Winter newb?

 

Happy riding everyone!! 

 

April

 

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Permalink Reply by Gin on November 9, 2011 at 2:59pm

There is a Bike Winter group, but not one just for newbies. I really enjoyed the "I rode today. Did you?" thread from last year that basically became a chronicle of the winter and allowed for a lot of back and forth between new and veteran folks. Maybe this or another thread will play the same role.

 

Also, for those on facebook, can you like Chicago Bike Winter? https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoBikeWinter

Permalink Reply by Michael A on November 9, 2011 at 3:32pm

Last year was my first bike winter as a commuter,it gets easier as you learn your limits and what it takes to keep YOU warm. Another way to regulate your body temp is by adjusting the effort you pedal. When I find myself too cold I pedal faster or in a harder gear, When I find myself sweating or too warm I ease off or open the front of my jacket some, a small vent cools you off very quick. I prefer cycling specific winter gear to ride in, fleece lined bike tights over regular bike shorts have been enough for the coldest days. On top I use a winter base layer, a bike jersey and a fleece lined winter jacket. When the temps dip below 20 or so I will add an additional layer. I commute over 25 miles per day and travel the LFP for the majority of my route. Using >  http://www.cbike.com/campagnoloneckhoodcoverc124.aspx  over my mouth and nose depending on temps to warm the air as I breath. Winter gear can get very expensive, but you will see a lot of people wearing $400 north face winter coats waiting for the bus. You can ride past them warm and comfy while they are clutching their starbucks cup for warmth. Keep your fingers, toes, ears, and nose warm and the rest of you will be more comfortable. Lastly, take extra care of your bike, a flat tire or a mechanical problem is a lot easier to deal with in the summer then in bitter cold. 

 

I did not see a single rider along the LFP on my commute yesterday or today..... Come on folks, once you do this a few times in really crappy weather you gain the confidence that you can ride through anything. Yesterday's ride home took 1 hour 11 minutes averaging about 11 MPH, that was into the crazy headwinds in a steady soaking rain while pulling a 65lb trailer.

Permalink Reply by Justin Villar on November 9, 2011 at 5:34pm

I have to disagree with the advice to ride fat tires through the snow. I've been running 23's for the past couple of winters and don't have any problems. It's less about tire width in the snow and more about keeping your butt in the saddle and as much weight as you can put over the rear wheel so it doesn't slide out from under you. The tendency is to stand up because it feels like you have better control, but this just increases your chances of falling. Too, knobbies might be nice to grip the snow, but how often do you actually ride in the snow in Chicago? They plow regularly, and I'd rather not have those knobs squirming under me when I corner on the pavement. 

 

Permalink Reply by Joe Torres on November 9, 2011 at 7:19pm

This is my Snow Bike:

Notice how wide the tires are? The tires are made to "float" over snow and sand running about 8psi of pressure.

Oh yeah, if you don't want to wear mittens then get a pair of these BarMitts.

 

Bring on the snow!

Permalink Reply by DanGer 8.2mi on November 9, 2011 at 11:44pm

i agre with Justin.  fat tires just pick up snow. i use 38's slickish and that works fine, i tried studded tires, meh. good for ice, slow on pavement. i also like a fixed gear because the brakes never slip or fail when wet.   bring it!! =D

Permalink Reply by judy s on November 10, 2011 at 1:03am

yes dressing for the real cold is difficult.   Just layers, ones that wick away the sweat.  I was able to lift my bike up over the mounds of snow on our last blizzard in Feb and ride to work with my mountain bike, winter biking is a wonderful thing.   It will just take practice on adjusting your layers to your own body heat.  Hands are very important, they freeze up real quick, also your face.  Good luck

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on November 10, 2011 at 4:04am

 I respectfully disagree- they NEVER plow the bike lanes. EVER. Too close to parked cars for the plows.

 I'll take my fat ol' knobbys with some air let out any day over skinny road tires for better control.

 And, I'm surprised no one has mentioned footwear during this thread. I recommend some waterproof snow boots w/a removable liner & some good wool socks. I can stomp through anything and stay nice and dry all season.

 -f

 



Justin Villar said:

I have to disagree with the advice to ride fat tires through the snow. Too, knobbies might be nice to grip the snow, but how often do you actually ride in the snow in Chicago? They plow regularly, and I'd rather not have those knobs squirming under me when I corner on the pavement. 

 

Permalink Reply by Scotto 6.8 on November 10, 2011 at 4:21am

Snow flurries on the ride in this morning at Wells and Oak.  

 

I'm ready for this winter.  I aborted most of last winter due to my not finding mittens that kept me warm (I was too cheap).

 

This morning felt great!

Permalink Reply by ID on November 10, 2011 at 4:55am

I'm also entering into my first bike winter.

 

I ride a single speed with a pair of 30mm Cyclocross tires on it. I have seen a few people mention that they ride fixie during the winter and am considering adding a fixed cog on my hub and giving it a whirl, however, how do you guys on fixies and SS deal with the wind?

 

I don't mind the cold or the precip, but damn, there is nothing more exhausting than pedaling a 42-16t single speed into a 20mph headwind out of the North (or South for that matter.) And is it just me or is there *always* a headwind? :)

Permalink Reply by Duppie on November 10, 2011 at 5:03am

I recently got a pair of these:

 

Got to wear them for the first time this morning. Warm and cozy, and classier looking than my previous solution (Pearl Izumi Amfib tights). Here is to American manufacturing!

Permalink Reply by Justin Villar on November 10, 2011 at 5:36am

Get drops, or just grin and bear it. It's good for you. I mean, probably, right? Also, winter is a great time to perfect your skidding because the roads are usually a little more slick. As for them not plowing the bike lanes and floating over snow and sand and hauling your bike up snow banks, I think everyone is just thinking about the after-blizzard conditions last winter. It's rarely like that, and when it is you can just ride in the middle of the lane. That one's ours too, when the bike lane is unsafe. 

Ian Dinsmor said:

how do you guys on fixies and SS deal with the wind?

Permalink Reply by Michelle S on November 10, 2011 at 8:42am

Deal alert for the ladies: Rampage brand "fleece-lined" tights are at Filene's Basement on State, $6.99 a pair. It's not really fleece, but more like a soft cotton, so it's not bulky, but very cozy. I can't wait to wear these. Bring on the snow, indeed.

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