Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on September 12, 2011 at 9:10am

You can do it Michelle!! Keep those fingers and toes warm and the rest is cake.

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Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on September 12, 2011 at 9:36am

It is starting to feel less lonely out there in bicycle winterland.

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Permalink Reply by Michelle S on September 12, 2011 at 1:09pm

Thanks, Ash. Cold doesn't affect me so much, but the heavy darkness, slush, and generally poor visibility makes me extra nervous about traffic safety. I do have lights, fenders, and balloon tires. I just need to get up the nerve, and maybe you'll all inspire me!

Ash L. said:

You can do it Michelle!! Keep those fingers and toes warm and the rest is cake.

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Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on September 12, 2011 at 4:46pm

You'll love being known as the "adventurous one" or the "crazy one" around the people you know.:) Plus you get to be outside. What's the alternative? Being indoors for 5 months+? For me, thanks, but no thanks. Plus you'll enjoy it and feel invincible once you get your gear game down.

Michelle said:

For many years, I've bike commuted from mid-March to mid-October, and was feeling pretty proud of myself. This year, my goal was to continue until Thanksgiving. You're all making me think my goal is too wimpy. Hmm, winter biking? Hmmm....

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on September 12, 2011 at 6:14pm

Next thursday? It will probaly be in the 70's.

I went swimming today so if you guys want to talk winter and go Christmas shopping go ahead! Winter if far too long as it is.

 

I'll talk to you in January when it's actually cold.

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Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on September 13, 2011 at 1:17am

Aww...the idea of going south for the winter is making me sad now.

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Permalink Reply by Lizzy M. on September 13, 2011 at 3:03am

So I often read in winter biking discussions about people's winter beater bike, so I'm curious how much damage will winter riding do to my bike? If it's not damage to the bike from riding in winter, what's the reason for having a winter bike?

 

This is the first year I've used my bike for every day commuting, so I'm not really sure how much riding I'll do in the winter.

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on September 13, 2011 at 3:16am

The slush, dirt and road salt can do a number on your drivetrain and rust up your chain and gears- although if you can store your bike inside and clean up the goo and yuck after riding (such as rinsing/washing the salt and slush off, re-lubing the chain, etc), your bike should be fine.  I commuted almost everyday the last two winters except for some of the extreme weather, and if I could, when I got home each day I would haul the bike in the basement over a drain (some take their bikes in the bathtub) rinse off all the salt and slush, dry it off, and re-lube the chain if it needed it.  My bike ran just fine all winter long.

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Permalink Reply by igz on September 13, 2011 at 3:17am

depends.  for everyday commuting, expect significant wear due to rust.  all them shiny steel bolts - rust. any steel parts - rust. derailleurs and brakes will not be happy. if its a steel frame, make sure the paint is good. one will always say to clean clean clean, but its difficult to do that after every slushy/salty ride, especially if you commute daily.  i thought having a spray bottle to wash away salt and grime would help, but you really wont get everything and then you have to lube up right away. and then there is freezing, of course. 

 

i cant fit a traditional fender on my bike, and it may be part of the problem with keeping my brakes free from seizing up twice a season, but going with alternative braking solutions such as coaster brakes or fixed gear riding has benefited my frustration levels. i stripped my daily commuter to its most basic, my winter maintenance troubles went away.

Lizzy M. said:

how much damage will winter riding do to my bike?

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on September 13, 2011 at 3:26am

I agree with Iggi, it is difficult to clean after every ride and anything shiny will get rusty and/or crusty. My current daily rider is already an older bike so I guess I don't think about the shiny parts since most have long since lacked shine :)  I am lucky that I can bring my bike indoors at my office to clean it off as well as have an apartment basement with a muck sink and drainage floor.  I am sure not everyone has the luxury or time to clean their bike constantly, either.  I have seen a lot of people just get an old mountain bike or single speed for winter commuting, too. 

 

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Permalink Reply by Bliss BT on September 13, 2011 at 4:54am

I just recently bought a fancy new bike and can't really afford getting a beater for a while, but I am thinking of splurging and getting some different tires to get me through the winter.  Can you guys recommend a brand I should look in to?

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Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on September 13, 2011 at 5:01am

Hmmm...something I read about keeping your bike outside (protected/covered) is better than inside due to sudden extreme temp changes wreaking havoc on your frame and metal shrinkage/expansion. Anybody explain it better? Can't remember where it was (maybe here on the link a few years ago).

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