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 Lisa Curcio on November 27, 2013 at 4:42am
I use a skin care product called Aquaphor for my lips. It works far better than Chapstick especially when it is really cold.
Permalink Reply by David P. on November 27, 2013 at 4:58am

When i want to cover my face, I supplement the fleece cap I wear under my helmet with an old fleece headband that I found lying around years ago. Instead of wearing it around my brow, I wear it so that it goes over the top of the back of my head and covers my cheeks and mouth. My jacket takes care of my neck and I am still able to control airflow in and out of my torso through the neck to avoid overheating. I actually like this better than the balaclava that I have.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on November 27, 2013 at 5:13am

I plan to ride throughout winter as I usually do, but less mileage than in warmer months. I've taken a couple of Divvy trips this week.

Permalink Reply by Thedutchtouch on November 27, 2013 at 5:46am
I have to drive for my job, but plan to continue to bike for errands/fun through the winter just like I do in summer, except with a few more layers.
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on November 27, 2013 at 5:53am

Are the divvy's holding up in the snow and ice? I'm thinking that could be a great option for me in slippery weather since they have thicker tires than my road bike.

Anne Alt said:

I plan to ride throughout winter as I usually do, but less mileage than in warmer months. I've taken a couple of Divvy trips this week.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on November 27, 2013 at 6:03am

I rode one yesterday and had no problems.

Julie Hochstadter said:

Are the divvy's holding up in the snow and ice? I'm thinking that could be a great option for me in slippery weather since they have thicker tires than my road bike.

Permalink Reply by Nançois on November 27, 2013 at 6:08am

I am still riding, but not the whole commute this week--too icy to feel comfortable, plus I'm just plain tired and in need of a wee vacation. I will be back next week for the 8.5 x 2.

Permalink Reply by morebanjo on November 27, 2013 at 6:30am

I just got this Schampa combination gaiter/cap.  I was sweating in it when it was over 30 but it's PERFECT for sub-25 riding.  Has a thinner breathable fabric around your mouth/nose that should prevent chapped lips.   Schampa's stuff is marketed for motorcycle riders but it's good quality and much less expensive than a lot of the cycling company brands.  They have some lighter weight gaiters that would be good for over 25 but still cold riding.

Now I just need to figure out how to keep my hands warm...  Anyone have a good recommendation for gloves that keep you warm on a 15 degree morning like today? 

Any recommendations on a good balaclava?

I'm using a Buff now, in combination with a fleece cycling cap, and I think I could do better. I'm mostly interested in avoiding chapped lips, so I guess I'm looking for something that I can cover my mouth with and still breath easily. Or, maybe some good non-drying chapstick...

Permalink Reply by Mark on November 27, 2013 at 8:01am

I still bike every day.  Even if it is only from the train station to the Union office.  I bike a couple times to spin class as well.  Usually if the sun is out and shining, the roads are ok.

Permalink Reply by Reuben Hussmann on November 27, 2013 at 10:05am

I'm not loving the feel of my Nishiki 10 speed's tire control for slick conditions, especially with pannier bags loaded up for groceries and/or my laptop bag.  Still a bit iffy on using it as frequently as I thought I would.

 

With that said, I'm finding my Divvy membership to be incredibly useful.  I typically try to walk to work each morning (about 3 miles) only to then toss my laptop bag into the front panel and ride Divvy home.  Monday night, with a lot of black ice everywhere, I found the control to be actually pretty good.  The internal hub gears allow a smooth shift and despite them feeling very top heavy, I think they work well in the crappy weather (mainly because they are just heavy overall).

Permalink Reply by Steve Weeks on November 27, 2013 at 10:06am


Pearl Izumi "Lobster mitts" have worked for me down to -20F. They work even when they are wet somehow. I have at times tried insulating liners under them, but these don't seem to be necessary.

I've been out in very cold weather for a couple hours; my hands would be sweating through the gloves, yet they still keep me warm. They seem to have been redesigned since I bought mine, and they are a bit more expensive (I seem to remember paying ~$50 for them several years ago). See here: MITTS.

These are good gloves, but I think the "lobster" design is possibly the most important thing. The fingers are separated into two groups: the ring and little fingers hold the bars, and the index and middle fingers operate the brakes and shifters. Since there is less surface area than a five-finger glove, the fingers stay warmer. There might be cheaper versions, but Pearl Izumi makes pretty nice stuff; mine have lasted me five or more years.

Steve


morebanjo said:

Now I just need to figure out how to keep my hands warm...  Anyone have a good recommendation for gloves that keep you warm on a 15 degree morning like today? 

Permalink Reply by Steve Weeks on November 27, 2013 at 11:24am

The internally geared hubs and roller brakes work fine in very cold temps. I've got these on my "winter bike". The tires have a wider contact patch, and the bikes are heavier... these should help to some extent in snow, but not too much on ice. I guess it's too much to expect for Divvy to equip their bikes with studded tires!

Steve

Julie Hochstadter said:

Are the divvy's holding up in the snow and ice? I'm thinking that could be a great option for me in slippery weather since they have thicker tires than my road bike.


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