The Chainlink

Bike Winter newbie thread

Because we all need to share triumphs and disasters with other people!

This morning's chilly ride went well, although I'm starting to wonder how I'll keep my face comfortable in January when I'm already wearing a balaclava over my cheeks right now. Gloves kind of failed: I was testing out some Garneau wind-blockers, and my pinky fingers went numb partway through. Looks like I'll be back to the Bar Mitts-and-gloves combo soon, unless I can figure out something else without dropping too much cash.

Also: I'm not sure about anyone else who's doing this for the first time, but I'm gonna have to invest in fleece bike pants. The snow pants shell + heavy capilene tights just aren't doing it for me.

Random winter experience: using my bike like a crowd control device to move a squirrel out of the traffic lane. I think he'd been grazed by a car; no visible injuries, but not interested in moving, either. It was a very gradual procession to the sidewalk. I'm pretty sure I amused/confused more than a few motorists who passed me on Oakbrook by MLK.

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Permalink Reply by R Vance Brinkerhoff on November 23, 2011 at 1:21pm

i feel obligated to point out that "microfleece" is a synthetic fabric, made in a lab as an approximation of wool. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_fleece my favorite part is the "disadvantages section" which outlines flammability and static properties.)

 

also, you can bet that if a website doesn't stamp "made in the USA" or list any sourcing information for their materials in their FAQ (http://www.zanheadgear.com/main/page.aspx?PageID=2070) it's probably made by sweat shop children in the third world. 

 

there are some great bargains on Etsy where you can buy from people who make stuff themselves. (http://www.etsy.com/listing/82811748/handknit-wool-helmetliner-or-w...) or http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=balaclava&...)

 


kiltedcelt said:

Even better price -

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/zan-microfleece-neck-warmer-a...

The hat portion is pretty good, although I wish it would come down a little further over my ears. As it is it barely covers the bottoms of my earlobes. The neck gaiter portion feels awfully snug to me and I suspect the couple times I wore it, it wasn't really cold enough yet. Poke around on Sportsmansguide.com - there are a LOT of inexpensive but decent products that will work for winter commuting.


Jason Mui said:

I got one of these last year on sale at REI.  It's quite warm and fits under a helmet quite well.  But it looks awfully goofy without your helmet.

http://www.rei.com/product/820830/turtle-fur-polartec-windbloc-fros...

Robin Babb said:

This will be my first winter to bike through, also, and I'm trying to stock up on gear now. I've been trying to find some kind of warm cycling cap that will cover my ears and that can fit underneath a helmet - any suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Zoetrope on November 23, 2011 at 3:55pm

Like this!  http://www.etsy.com/listing/83109453/slice-of-pizza-sleeping-bag-w-...

 

If only we could bike in one. 

 

R Vance Brinkerhoff said:


there are some great bargains on Etsy where you can buy from people who make stuff themselves. (http://www.etsy.com/listing/82811748/handknit-wool-helmetliner-or-w...) or http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=balaclava&...)

 

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on November 23, 2011 at 9:26pm

And if people worried about the flammability of their outerwear, the Santa/Dreidel Rampage wouldn't be possible.



kiltedcelt said:

Yeah, the next time I'm in a fire-fight or roll over an IED on my bike I'll make sure to worry about the flammability of my beanie. Sheesh...

 

Permalink Reply by John Sirovatka on November 24, 2011 at 10:00pm

My favorite finger solution is a pair of neoprene gloves. A buddy of mine wears kayaking gloves. Mine were marketed to waterfowl hunters.

Permalink Reply by Adam Sterling on November 28, 2011 at 12:22pm

I don't see any of those Etsy handmade things that can fit easily under a helmet. Polarfleece isn't wool, very true, but it'll keep you warm all the same.

 

Also, the sweatshop comment can be applied to a cornucopia of products, not at all limited to cycling. Outfitting yourself w USA made winter cycling gear will set you back a grand or so. Have fun.

 

If you hawk the sportsman's guide site, you'll find some great stuff. I'm from MN, they're headquartered there, their physical shop is like a surplus store. It's awesome. I just used they're/there/their in one sentence. Gooooo Monday.

 

R Vance Brinkerhoff said:

 

also, you can bet that if a website doesn't stamp "made in the USA" or list any sourcing information for their materials in their FAQ (http://www.zanheadgear.com/main/page.aspx?PageID=2070) it's probably made by sweat shop children in the third world. 

 

there are some great bargains on Etsy where you can buy from people who make stuff themselves. (http://www.etsy.com/listing/82811748/handknit-wool-helmetliner-or-w...) or http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?search_submit=&q=balaclava&...)


Robin Babb said:

This will be my first winter to bike through, also, and I'm trying to stock up on gear now. I've been trying to find some kind of warm cycling cap that will cover my ears and that can fit underneath a helmet - any suggestions?

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on November 28, 2011 at 5:51pm

Adam,

 Thanks for the tip on The Sportsman's Guide site- I'd never heard of them before I saw your post.

 I've always been a crazy Campmor catalog cat, (4 consecutive hard C's- cool, huh?), so it's nice to have another alternative for outdoor gear. 

 -f


Adam Sterling said:

 If you hawk the sportsman's guide site, you'll find some great stuff. I'm from MN, they're headquartered there, their physical shop is like a surplus store. It's awesome. I just used they're/there/their in one sentence. Gooooo Monday.

 

Permalink Reply by Adam Sterling on November 29, 2011 at 3:59pm

I've gotten the campmor catalog for over half my life. Other places may have more of something in particular, but all in all, those guys are about as solid as it gets, esp. if you're a $value conscious person. After looking at their catalog, walking into a Moosejaw store makes me want to barf. They are also a single store operation in NJ. In the days of REI, support an independent business.

Fran Kondorf said:

Adam,

I've always been a crazy Campmor catalog cat, (4 consecutive hard C's- cool, huh?), so it's nice to have another alternative for outdoor gear.

 -f

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on November 29, 2011 at 4:25pm

I guess I believe that biking in winter doesn't involve fancy stuff to wear- my fingers and toes are usually the only parts that will get cold, as a balaclava, ski jacket or just warm layers and pants (I like my fleece lined leggings) keep the rest of me pretty comfy during the 8 mile commute to work, especially since I heat up pretty quickly.  My take on biking in winter is if you can keep your fingers and toes warm enough, you really won't have to worry about the rest of your body getting all that cold- hence some decent mittens and handwarmer packs are my best friends- along with some nice warm winter socks and decent boots/shoes. 

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on November 29, 2011 at 10:49pm

So, is this thread only for clothing choices?

 

I'll eventually concerning myself with keeping my bike clean in the face of salt and slush. Most sites seem to say, "get a winter beater." Well, I don't want to. 

 

I've got full fenders on my bike, and I'm hoping that'll keep a lot of the crap off, but how much do I need to worry about drivetrain components? I'd hate for all my stuff to go bad by spring-time. Also, will my spokes and wheels be susceptible to rust as well?

 

Permalink Reply by Michelle Gregorek on November 29, 2011 at 10:52pm

+1


Anxiously await replies.

 

Jim S said:

So, is this thread only for clothing choices?

 

I'll eventually concerning myself with keeping my bike clean in the face of salt and slush. Most sites seem to say, "get a winter beater." Well, I don't want to. 

 

I've got full fenders on my bike, and I'm hoping that'll keep a lot of the crap off, but how much do I need to worry about drivetrain components? I'd hate for all my stuff to go bad by spring-time. Also, will my spokes and wheels be susceptible to rust as well?

 

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on November 29, 2011 at 11:11pm

I haven't had any additional winter wear and tear issues with my spokes or wheels and I ride both steel and alloy rims. I did ditch my road bike with a derailleur after the first winter through because my front and rear derailleur were totally SOL by May. I also did a terrible job at preventative maintenance throughout that first winter but suffice to say, regular riding and three months without maintenance will destroy your drive train if that's the info you were looking for, Jim.

Last winter I road an 8 speed cargo bike with a rear derailleur and cared for it on a bi-weekly basis. I also rode an internally hubbed personal bike with a chain guard and did zero winter maintenance but in the spring the cargo bike was still worse for the wear while the ignored bike was in acceptable shape. The mediocre quality of the shimano parts might speak to the repairs required but I have to believe that if you can minimize the number of moving parts on your winter commuter you'll be in better shape come spring, otherwise forming a healthy detachment from the condition of your beloved bike might be a logical next step.

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on November 29, 2011 at 11:14pm

Fenders go a long way to prevent problems. Depends where/how you store your bike overnight. This'll be my fourth winter with the same year-round commuter and I give it a sponge bath every week or so with warm soapy water when it's sloppy. Clean the drive train and lube every couple of weeks. I also store it inside every night in 40-50 degree temps. The vast majority of winter riding is done on dry pavement. 

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