2013 Winter Biking: What I Learned Today

So, not trying to take over for the I Rode Today forum, but it's got a million comments, so let's start a Winter Bike thread for this season.

What I learned today, riding from Rogers Park to 5600 West on Belmont, and back, via various side-streets (and then lots of Montrose) and Hopleaf:

When rats are road-killed in this weather, they freeze into little blocks of bloody ice (2800 block of West Montrose).

When I'm cold enough, I will aim for the jets of steamy air coming up from the storm sewers--quite refreshing (1900 block of West Winona).

Biking in the city is a constant learning experience.  What'd you learn lately?

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1zt7hr8qm0y90Permalink Reply by 1zt7hr8qm0y90 on January 14, 2013 at 11:27am
I learned to always check the rim for ice. Even though I cover my bike with a tarp the freezing drizzle and condensation froze on my wheel in a smooth undetected sheen. I went for the brakes and NOTHING! OH OH! AHHHHHH!
Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on January 15, 2013 at 4:28am

Today I learned to check one's fly (zipper) before leaving the house. I guess I was bundled up enough elsewhere to make up for it, as nothing froze off.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on January 15, 2013 at 4:34am

Two layers of socks is barely enough below 20 with my usual biking shoes, and I really need to find some heavier wool gloves when it's this far below freezing.  Otherwise no problem.

Permalink Reply by Katie 4.0 mi on January 15, 2013 at 4:40am
Bike earmuffs are a girl's best friend :).
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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on January 15, 2013 at 4:43am

Have you ever tried shell mittens over a pair of wool or fleece gloves?  They don't offer much dexterity (better for grip shift than other shifting methods), but they're awesome for warmth, because they are windproof and create an additional air layer between your gloves and the outer shell.

Tricolor said:

Two layers of socks is barely enough below 20 with my usual biking shoes, and I really need to find some heavier wool gloves when it's this far below freezing.  Otherwise no problem.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on January 15, 2013 at 5:14am

Try a wind proof shell over them or a wind proof glove under them.  Wool is a great insulator when it does not have wind blowing through it but you put it out in the air on a cold day and it's insulating factor goes way down.

Tricolor said:

Two layers of socks is barely enough below 20 with my usual biking shoes, and I really need to find some heavier wool gloves when it's this far below freezing.  Otherwise no problem.

Permalink Reply by JimmyD on January 15, 2013 at 5:23am

Nice! Are those earmuffs knitted to your helmet straps? 

Katie 4.0 mi said:

Bike earmuffs are a girl's best friend :).
Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 15, 2013 at 5:33am

This solution works very well for me when it is below freezing.

Anne Alt 2-10 said:

Have you ever tried shell mittens over a pair of wool or fleece gloves?  They don't offer much dexterity (better for grip shift than other shifting methods), but they're awesome for warmth, because they are windproof and create an additional air layer between your gloves and the outer shell.

Tricolor said:

Two layers of socks is barely enough below 20 with my usual biking shoes, and I really need to find some heavier wool gloves when it's this far below freezing.  Otherwise no problem.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on January 15, 2013 at 5:51am

I'll give the shell mittens a try.  With bar end shifters dexterity's not a big issue.  I have heavier gloves but they also freeze each finger more than the wool and don't warm up easily.  Today was just a few degrees too far.

Anne Alt 2-10 said:

Have you ever tried shell mittens over a pair of wool or fleece gloves?  They don't offer much dexterity (better for grip shift than other shifting methods), but they're awesome for warmth, because they are windproof and create an additional air layer between your gloves and the outer shell.

Tricolor said:

Two layers of socks is barely enough below 20 with my usual biking shoes, and I really need to find some heavier wool gloves when it's this far below freezing.  Otherwise no problem.

Permalink Reply by koala on January 15, 2013 at 6:15am

I have learned:

  • When I get to the office, plug in the headlight to recharge before I do anything else.  Forgetting to recharge means riding home on the lowest power setting.
  • Unzip the shell and let some cool, dry air in before I get too warm and sweaty.  
  • One scoop of powered Gatorade in the water bottle helps keep it from freezing solid.  Sure, there was some slush, but I could still get a drink an hour into my ride this morning (18 degrees F).
Permalink Reply by Melissa on January 15, 2013 at 6:52am

Winter or summer, "dress for the second mile."  


alnj said:

I learned to wear one less layer than what feels comfortable when I step outside on a frigid day.
Permalink Reply by Katie 4.0 mi on January 15, 2013 at 6:55am

Yep - it's a knit band with two "pockets" that slip over the helmet straps. Sadly I can't take credit for the design. Definitely adds warmth and blocks the wind!

JimmyD 3.75 mi said:

Nice! Are those earmuffs knitted to your helmet straps? 

Katie 4.0 mi said:

Bike earmuffs are a girl's best friend :).

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