I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on January 24, 2014 at 1:50am

I've not had any trouble with equipment. I wonder if internal shimano gears help?

My hands froze yesterday but other than that it was fine. It was not "twenty below", despite what the news said.

I do have trouble with my hands below 5 degrees. I can make it twenty minutes but then have to pull over to a starbucks or somewhere warm for a few mins.

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Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on January 24, 2014 at 5:10am

Joy! Tailwind!

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Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on January 24, 2014 at 5:18am

Beautiful ride today, sketchy like usual on the sidewalk between Irving and Kostner on Milwaukee, but there are no other options. Packed snow was much better than the wavy 4" of ice. Fact: Itchy wool socks are warmer than Smartwools

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Permalink Reply by Haddon on January 24, 2014 at 5:31am

I knew this pedal was getting sketchy, grinding a bit but I figured that I would last for a while longer and I have a pair of pedals ready to be unboxed in spring. Alas, today, of all days it seized and I hear a thunk and feel that odd 'I don't have a pedal anymore' feeling. I shredded the threads of the crank arm. Lucky was only a mile or so from work. Getting home will be a different issue, I always feel semi-humiliated when I take my bike on the bus or train. Haddon

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 24, 2014 at 5:35am

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Permalink Reply by Robert Underwood on January 24, 2014 at 6:50am

I also enjoyed a tail wind this morning, which is good since I was running a bit late. Pretty smooth ride, nothing crazy happened. bicycle operated like a CHAMP! Does anyone ever think of getting a FAT BIKE so they can ride on top of snow and ice and junk? it seems like a problem solver to me... I am 99% sure I will get one for next year. they have em on bikesdirect for like 700 or 800 dollars, which is cheaper than a Surly or something that costs 2 grand.

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 24, 2014 at 7:17am

Yes! the tail-wind was nice. This winter has me thinking about a winter specific bike for sure. The only issue with my current awesome daily rider (a two speed town bike conversion based on an '88 Le Tour frame) is snow getting stuck between the tires and fenders - oh wait, two issues, also I feel a bit bad trashing it with winter muck after making it somewhat beautiful.

I'm not thinking a fat bike so much as building up a winter commuter from some old mountain bike - something with a lot of room for fender clearance. A Fat Bike could be a lot of fun though - post some pics when you get it sorted.

Robert Underwood said:

I also enjoyed a tail wind this morning, which is good since I was running a bit late. Pretty smooth ride, nothing crazy happened. bicycle operated like a CHAMP! Does anyone ever think of getting a FAT BIKE so they can ride on top of snow and ice and junk? it seems like a problem solver to me... I am 99% sure I will get one for next year. they have em on bikesdirect for like 700 or 800 dollars, which is cheaper than a Surly or something that costs 2 grand.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 25, 2014 at 8:08am

Hey, Joel.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on January 25, 2014 at 9:52am

Yes, Gene Tenner is real. I'd recognize that pink flamingo anywhere, and as Gene documented, it was beautiful this morning/afternoon along the lake front. I didn't even mind those pesky half marathoners out there.

Oh, and btw, I put some Schwalbe Marathon Winter tires on my bike and they really kick @ss. Not even once did I feel like was about to lose control. I still won't lean into turns but the level of confidence they gave me was outstanding.

Gene Tenner said: