Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Holly on January 15, 2013 at 1:41pm

I don't really need leg gaiters. The freezie feeling is from the knee up, but thanks anyway, Anne.  I was referring to a neck/face gator neck warmer that I had last year. It was better than anything I've found which means I have to make my own or keep searching. Most are too thin and/or not wide enough. 

Lisa--thanks for the tips.

Anika--I'd like to have a route that included beaver sightings. 

Anne Alt 2-10 said:

Wrong kind of gator, perhaps?  ;)  Maybe gaiters would do the trick, but they're more effective from knees to ankles because that's what they're designed for.  Rain pants might also work if you don't work up too much heat and end up getting sweaty. 

I've often found that riding at slower speeds in rain pants during colder temps can be a good combination.  The rain pants block wind well and create an extra air insulation layer between regular pants/tights and outer shell.  Pedaling slower reduces chance of sweating and wind chill factor.

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Permalink Reply by yai danche on January 15, 2013 at 7:00pm

i'm surprised at all the people who say their legs are freezing.  maybe mine are just well insulated in body fat???  my fingers and toes are pretty damn cold by the end of my 20 minutes commute despite the insulated windproof gloves and hiking socks (which are insulated in the toes).   i could do with an extra layer (glove liners and sock liners), but I've managed without so far.  

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Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on January 16, 2013 at 4:43am

The key to warm feet are goretex leather shoes and wool socks.

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Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 16, 2013 at 10:46am

Leather isn't necessary. I got some of these Bogs:

http://www.amazon.com/Bogs-Jamison-Waterproof-Hiking-Black/dp/B004K...

this year and they've been great at keeping my feet warm and dry. I'm not even using any special socks. They are a bit clunky and fill up my toe clips a bit more than is ideal, but I'd rather be warm.

Apie 10.64 said:

The key to warm feet are goretex leather shoes and wool socks.

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Permalink Reply by Haddon on January 16, 2013 at 5:36pm

Learned that if you go to Aldi for food and get a Snickers and start eating it as you ride away it'll be a hard chew pretty quick.

H

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on January 16, 2013 at 5:38pm

HA! But if you buy ice cream it won't melt by the time you get home.

Haddon said:

Learned that if you go to Aldi for food and get a Snickers and start eating it as you ride away it'll be a hard chew pretty quick.

H

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on January 16, 2013 at 5:39pm

A tail wind is MUCH better than a head/cross wind.

#preachingtothechoiragain

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on January 18, 2013 at 3:41am

Rechargeable heated insoles like these:  http://www.verseo.com/thermosoles.html

help keep your feet warm even when standing around in the Daley Plaza for about 45 minutes.  They really work when you are moving! 

I learned this from Gene Tenner, BTW

But Julie, the small is a size 6-7.    They can be trimmed, but I am not sure they can be trimmed enough for your tiny feet!

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Permalink Reply by JimmyD on January 18, 2013 at 3:48am

Today I learned I should check my personal calendar more often... because I totally forgot about the Winter Bike To Work Day Rally at Daley Plaza this morning (from 6:30am to 9:00am)!!! I'm already in the office and there's no way my boss would appreciate me leaving. Oh well.... if any of you reading this are in the area, the rally ends in 15 minutes.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Bertocchini on January 18, 2013 at 6:11am

I learned that we live in a really great city. I had the opportunity to attend my very first Chain-link Bar gathering. I had a fantastic ride home from Cunneen’s last night, weaving my way south and west from there all the way back home to Chicago & Western. The neighborhoods were wonderful, the night cold and crisp, the ride uneventful, giving me time to enjoy my surroundings. Thank you to Bill and all of the Chain-Linkers for their warm welcome. Congratulations to Andrew for his Derailleur Award.

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Permalink Reply by Haddon on January 18, 2013 at 2:50pm

Learned that I'll probably never be a Bike Messenger in Winter.  I did 45 blocks each way, coming back the wind was constant and stiff.  Got home and dropped my bag, laid down on the couch and went right to sleep.  Not sure how they do it.

h

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Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on January 19, 2013 at 4:50pm

I've been sidelined since the middle of December but I hope to start riding again soon. I'm in the market for the type of jacket you described with pit and chest pocket zips, ideally something in bright orange or neon yellow that won't cost more than I paid for my bike. Can you make a specific recommendation, please?

JM 6.5 said:

1) I couldn't agree more with being cold to start my ride to avoid being overheated within 10 minutes.  To best regulate my body temperature I like to ride in a windproof jacket with pit zips and two chest pocket zips.  If I get too warm I can open the pit zips to vent a little, and to cool down even more I can open the chest pockets to let some cold air in.

2) Balaclavas are a lifesaver, even if I look like a fool.

3) For me personally, avoid Lakeshore path.  The path gets heavily-salted and leads to rusted cables/chains, etc.  That, plus ice in certain parts from the lake spray.  The surface streets are relatively salt free and clear within a day or two of light snow due to the traffic.  (Sort of related but off-topic: I have never understood why the city uses salt on lakeshore path instead of sand.  Salt is horrible for the lake.)

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