Winter 2015- who's still riding?

Traffic 'round these parts dropped off pretty dramatically a few weeks ago... hard to tell from the "I rode today" thread who's still riding, as one would have to conclude that Gene is the only one out there most days by reading it....

Who's sticking it out and plans to continue to ride pretty much every day regardless of weather?

(Was winter 2013;   2014 starts on p. 36;   2015 starts on p. 61)

 

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Permalink Reply by Rich Evans on January 16, 2013 at 12:39pm

Cabelas silk longjohns are on sale, too.  I use 'em from about 20 degrees and below, and they're a light, comfortable and surprisingly toasty base layer -- especially under a wool mid-layer and something to break the wind. They breathe well, and don't leave ya stinky. 

Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on January 16, 2013 at 4:36pm

I need a good solution for keeping my feet warm while still using my MKS toe clips.  I cant fit in insulated boots with the clips, and heavy socks and my usual Sambas just don't do it.  It takes a good 30 minutes at work for my feet to thaw.  Any suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 16, 2013 at 5:11pm

Skip the clips for winter and get nice fat platform pedals; I want to be able to get my feet on the ground as fast as I can in the winter anyway.

Dave Grossman said:

I need a good solution for keeping my feet warm while still using my MKS toe clips.  I cant fit in insulated boots with the clips, and heavy socks and my usual Sambas just don't do it.  It takes a good 30 minutes at work for my feet to thaw.  Any suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Holly on January 16, 2013 at 5:19pm

Went on a Chicago Critical Lass route planning ride tonight after work. Critical Lass is tomorrow evening. Ladies join us, please! 

The wind was intense on our way home, but the rest of the ride was pretty awesome. I seldom Riverwalk to LFP and it is wonderful at night in the winter. 

Details here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/322639704504570/

Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on January 17, 2013 at 4:38am

I like the idea of attaching neoprene to the clips.  

Doug, the problem is when the pedals get wet or my shoes are wet from stopping, they constantly slip off the pedals.  For a 9 mile commute it is annoying to get pedal slippage.  I was told that Ergon makes a pedal that is good for preventing slippage and keeping your foot properly aligned.

Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on January 17, 2013 at 5:00am

We know that we're definitely riding in early tomorrow!  See you in Daley Plaza at 6:30am for Winter Bike to Work Day!

 

 

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 17, 2013 at 5:01am

The inexpensive BMX platforms on my frankentown are quite grippy wet or dry. All the BMX pedals I've seen have the little spikes for traction. And they look kind of awesome. 

Dave Grossman said:

I like the idea of attaching neoprene to the clips.  

Doug, the problem is when the pedals get wet or my shoes are wet from stopping, they constantly slip off the pedals.  For a 9 mile commute it is annoying to get pedal slippage.  I was told that Ergon makes a pedal that is good for preventing slippage and keeping your foot properly aligned.

Permalink Reply by Rich Evans on January 17, 2013 at 5:23am

Considered clipless? The cost of shoes/pedals is kind of steep, but you do offest that a bit by not beating the crap outta your street shoes. And with SPDs, you can actually walk in the cleats -- I take my bike up and down stairs in 'em. I've got an 8.2 mi commute, and love mine. I keep street shoes at work, and that helps a lot.

Tony Adams 6.6 mi said:

The inexpensive BMX platforms on my frankentown are quite grippy wet or dry. All the BMX pedals I've seen have the little spikes for traction. And they look kind of awesome. 

Dave Grossman said:

I like the idea of attaching neoprene to the clips.  

Doug, the problem is when the pedals get wet or my shoes are wet from stopping, they constantly slip off the pedals.  For a 9 mile commute it is annoying to get pedal slippage.  I was told that Ergon makes a pedal that is good for preventing slippage and keeping your foot properly aligned.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 17, 2013 at 5:34am

Yes I've considered clipless thanks. It is just not for me. It runs directly counter to my entire bikey schtick. I want my biking experience to be an entirely seamless part of "ordinary" life. No spandex clown suits, no special shoes, so stupid looking helmets etc. In my ideal world, using a bike is the most normal, simple, painless and inexpensive way to get around next to walking - and with a much larger range and greater cargo capacity than walking. 

Clipless pedals also mean that you can only loan the bike in question to someone who either has the correct shoes or happens to be your shoe size. 

It is a work in progress. I wear a pretty stupid looking helmet. 

Rich Evans said:

Considered clipless? The cost of shoes/pedals is kind of steep, but you do offest that a bit by not beating the crap outta your street shoes. And with SPDs, you can actually walk in the cleats -- I take my bike up and down stairs in 'em. I've got an 8.2 mi commute, and love mine. I keep street shoes at work, and that helps a lot.

Tony Adams 6.6 mi said:

The inexpensive BMX platforms on my frankentown are quite grippy wet or dry. All the BMX pedals I've seen have the little spikes for traction. And they look kind of awesome. 

Dave Grossman said:

I like the idea of attaching neoprene to the clips.  

Doug, the problem is when the pedals get wet or my shoes are wet from stopping, they constantly slip off the pedals.  For a 9 mile commute it is annoying to get pedal slippage.  I was told that Ergon makes a pedal that is good for preventing slippage and keeping your foot properly aligned.

Permalink Reply by Dave Grossman on January 17, 2013 at 5:54am

My brother in law is constantly trying to sell me on clipless.  All four bikes I own have either clips or platforms.  I just like the simplicity of wearing most any type of shoe anytime on my bike.  Like Tony said, it is a simple part of my life that I use for transport.  I do ride for sport with singletrack but even then I ride big ole platforms.  I hear bibs keep the gut tucked in nicely though.

Permalink Reply by Rich Evans on January 17, 2013 at 6:10am

Whatever work for you, and lets you keep riding, works.  To each their own, but I do love my spandex clown suit, gore-tex shell, clipless boots, and thermonuclear light array on cold windy nights on Higgins Road :)

 

Permalink Reply by daWillinChi on January 17, 2013 at 6:20am

Amen to that. But... it isnt spandex!

I actually like fact that I have clipless shoes specifically for biking, thus keep my work/play shoes clean. Especially on rainy days.

Now, where can I get one of those thermonuclear light array?



Rich Evans said:

Whatever work for you, and lets you keep riding, works.  To each their own, but I do love my spandex clown suit, gore-tex shell, clipless boots, and thermonuclear light array on cold windy nights on Higgins Road :)

 

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