noobie winter biker

[madman91]

Hello,
I have ridden in the winter before but only on the best weathered days and on snow plowed streets. I have a set of standard questions to ask.

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?

2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?

3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?

4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?

5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.

6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?

7) Snow pants or regular pants?

3,6,7 are opinion questions

Thanks for reading! :D

madman

[smurfy]

#1 would for me have to be no. I have MKS platform pedals on my winter commuter and I want to get Powergrips by the time winter hits here.

#2 I have ski/snowboard gloves and they work great. I wear hiking boots w/regular inner socks and a thick wool outer sock.

#3 BMX freestyle helmet w/backlava under it and maybe scarf.

#4 homemade studded tires w/self-starting screws (192 screws ft., 128 rr).

#5 I dont have a sus fork but I keep away from the headset when I'm hosing it off (I know that probably doesn't help you too much).

#6 no.

#7 regular pants (I usually wear either bluejeans 1 size too big w/longjohns or trackpants w/sweatpants under).

Also all this depends on how long/far you are going to ride and how low temp. you are going to be riding in. I don't ride at all below 15 degreesF rarely ride below 20. No rides longer than 7 miles at one time (distance to work).

[clevernamehere]

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?
I wouldn't... need to be able to put foot down FAST. I might consider powergrips (http://www.powergrips.com) though.


2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?I wear "lobster claw" mits (like snowmobile mitts, but split so you have two fingers in each 1/2), with fleece liner gloves. These have kept my hands toasty down to -39c. I've found my fingers sometimes start out a bit cold, but warm up quickly once I start working hard on the bike & increasing blood circulation. I bought a pair of Columbia winter hiking boots that are rated for extended use at -35c. I wear these with 2-3 pairs of socks. below -35 I'll add Hot Shot Toe Warmers similar to these (http://www.eders.com/Heat-Factory-Toe-Warmers-p2768c622-path0.html) for added safety.


3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?
I wear a fleece "skull cap" under my helmet on cool days, a balaclava under the helmet on cold days, both on really cold days. I also duct tape over the vents when its really cold (dorky I know, but it helps keep the heat in)


4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?
dunno 'bout this one... I use studded tires... don't get the cheap ones with mild steel studs, they wear out FAST. Get tires with carbide studs or build your own with screws.


5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.
I just use a bit of soap & water to wipe down my bike... I don't worry about it too much though & it seems to do ok. I have a fixed fork though.


6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?
I have a pair of clear-lens ski goggles that I wear to keep snow out of my eyes & for comfort when it's REALLY cold. They tend to fog up after 10 to 20 minutes unless it's really cold. I try to breath out more forcefully to get the moist air away from the lens.. this seems to help a bit.


7) Snow pants or regular pants?
I wear lined wind pants or track pants. When it gets really cold I wear a pair of fleece long johns under them. Oh, and a pair of liner cycling shorts under it all.


This is all based on my first Winter commuting season (2004/2005). There are many others with more experience. You may want to check out IceBike.com (http://www.icebike.com)

Hope this helps

[madman91]

Thanks guys

But one thing to keep in mind. It usually doesnt drop below 20f during the day, maybe 15 or 10 on cold days but those i can last. ( in c i think its like -5 or similar )

studded tires=little metal thingies sticking out? How about on streets that are plowed then what?

thanks

madman

[cdale56]

1) In snow/rain/sleet I wear goretex boots and do OK with Time Atac pedals. Not the most comfortable but these rides tend to be short. In drier conditions I go with one size larger shoes, two layers of socks(liner with smartwool hiking socks), neoprene booties and sometimes a chemical toe warmer, but that system is not waterproof.

2) I found a pair of goretex gloves on sale on Nashbar last year and they are the best thing. I always had problems with the fingers. I have tried about everything and nothing worked before.

3) Head gear depends on temp and conditions, I wear a balaclava, thin fleece ear band and also keep a goretex helmet cover on all year. Also a neck gaiter was about the best thing.

4) Thought about buying a cheap chain and wrapping it around wheel, but how will brakes work? Studs sound good in the right conditions but not for me here. Tires cost more than the bike is worth. Someday maybe....

5) Used to use a garden house, used a beater last year and barely cleaned it, why bother when it will get all yeachy again anyway?

6) Yes, even though snow melts, frozen stuff still hurts. I use cheap clear safety glasses from places like Home Depot.

7) I use triflex tights(Performance) which are the best for all cold weather conditions. Was disappointed in PI Amfibs. If really wet, cheapo rain pants

[clevernamehere]

Thanks guys

But one thing to keep in mind. It usually doesnt drop below 20f during the day, maybe 15 or 10 on cold days but those i can last. ( in c i think its like -5 or similar )

studded tires=little metal thingies sticking out? How about on streets that are plowed then what?

thanks

madmanOh... sorrry... I thought you were asking about WINTER cycling, not winter cycling. :D

[PaulH]

1) I don't use clipless pedals any time of the year, so wouldn't know.
2) Downhill ski gloves work fine. Since I ski, I consider them free.
3) Helmet goes over hood of two-ply Gor-Tex overcoat.
4) Nokian W106 studded tires go on in December, off in March
5) Fenders, partial chaincase, internal gears, drum brakes. I clean the bike off in the spring.
6) I don't wear glasses.
7) Normal office suit and tie; Gor-Tex overpants.

General principle: Wear somewhat less than you would wear for a brisk walk to the store. If you are not cold at the start, you are overdressed.

If it rises above freezing during the day, plowed roads will ice up in the evening. Studs are good.

Paul

[trick]

How about on streets that are plowed then what?


decent knobbies and good fenders. and watch out for ice. even though they're plowed, they still tend to get wet, and that freezes.

your main issue in Chicago, most of the time, is going to be less the cold than the wind. If you can stop the wind, you can get by with a lot less clothing than you think you need. Some polypro thermal base, sometimes a light sweater, and then windshells usually does it for me (and sometimes i leave the jacket half-zipped). Oh, and double socks, with low-rise hiking boots for my feet, and heavy gloves with polypro liners (though that's not always enough for longer rides). Generally, if you have decent circulation, if you keep your core temp up enough, you don't need to go super-bulky with your hands, just enough to hold in some heat. Head and neck can be tricky, too. A good scarf is worth it's weight, as is a good hat.

[crazybikerchick]

Hello,
1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?

I ride my "beater" bike about town in the winter which I use the strap toe clips with (loosely). Makes it easy to accomodate winter boots instead of shoes should the conditions warrant.


2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?

Glove liners, and then nylon gloves or mitts on top that break the wind. Or the lobster claws are pretty warm. *Wool* socks, (stay away from cotton), and winter boots (insulated inside) if its super cold.


3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?

I generally find hats and helmet quite difficult to wear together. For most winter weather I wear thin ear warmers designed to be worn under a helmet under my helmet. When its icy cold I might go with hat under helmet but its a pain because helmet must be adjusted bigger. When its -40C/F (like once a year) I go with a hat and then a parka hood over the hat and forgo the helmet.


4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?

Chains? Dunno about those. Some people use studded tires but I think they would wear down when the roads have been cleared (which is most of the time) so I would think they are only useful if you are riding on uncleared trails. (or like swapping tires back and forth often)


5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.

I'm bad with bike maintenance in the winter, hence riding a "beater" and getting it tuned up in the spring. Wiping the whole thing down can be helpful.


6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?

I don't wear glasses normally. I have tried sunglasses with clear lenses in them during snow but find they tend to fog up more than helping keep the snow out of my eyes.


7) Snow pants or regular pants?

Legs are usually one of the last things to get cold especially when you are moving. So regular. But if its super cold, a pair of longjohns underneath. I like bike pants too with nylon fronts because they are more comfy to ride in than jeans and break the wind.

[Juha]

1) Clipless? No. I want to use real winter boots and to be able to quickly put foot down if needed. Clipless is also an effective heat sink when the weather gets cold enough.
2) Skiing gloves. Good boots (no sneakers), with e.g. Gore layer. Instead of wearing 6 socks in each foot, get a set of warm insoles. Combine that with the boots, and you will seldom have to wear more than 1 pair of socks.
3) Pair of earmuffs when it's cold. Thin silk balaclava when it's COLD. Both when it's COLD. And a normal summer helmet on top no matter what.
4) A pair of studded Nokian W106 (http://www.suomityres.fi/bike/images/w106.jpg). Regarding your question about studded tyres on plowed streets... no biggie. Quality studded tyres wear minimally even on bare pavement (you will notice the rolling resistance, though). Non-quality studded tyres wear fast. Really fast.
5) Salt is not a big problem where I live, but I would be concerned on its effect on drivetrain.
6) No goggles.
7) I use Drymaxx (gore imitation) rain gear with enough layers beneath it. Stay away from anything cotton when considering layers.

--J

[tandemonium]

I've been winter riding technical single track and snowmobile trails for over ten years. I've ridden for hours at temperatures down to 10 degrees. Here is my two cents worth.
Regarding your questions:
1)Get a set of Crank Bros. Eggbeaters clipless pedals. They don't clog if you have to dab or push a hill. The cleats can be mounted for less ankle rotation to escape the pedal. They don't get impossibly stiff like the brand S hardware in the cold. With clipless you can pull upward and complete your pedal rotations when spinning loose on climbs, plowing through drifts, or dropping into hidden ruts. There is no comparison between clippless and flats. I'd never go back to flats after trying a good clipless setup.

2)Cold toes - try a set of 'booties' over your riding shoes. The Performance booties with zippers at the heals will completely seal your ankle and shoe from the elements. There will be a small rubber area to cut out so that only the shoe cleat is exposed. Don't buy booties that secure with velcro. The velcro fatigues and will eventually come loose when stretched while pushing. Cold fingers - I tried a lot of gloves and fell in love with the cheapest I've ever used. Lowe's sells rather thick Thinsulate gloves with curved fingers and a gripping material on the palms. $8!! I have name brand cycling gloves that I paid much more for that have become my backup pair. Don't buy tight gloves. You need an air pocket at the finger tips and room for your hand to expand when gripping the bars tightly.

3) helmet stuff - Go to your LBS and get a helmet cover. It may have three sections to it. One section might be made of a material that is less breathable than the other two sections. Duct tape or better yet gaffer tape over a few of your helmet vents as you see fit. This is a matter of trial and error. Place the helmet cover over the helmet. You can always remove some tape if things warm up. Don't tape over all the vents as your head will need some ventilation or it will become wet then cold. I spray water repellent on my helmet cover, booties, and the top side of my gloves. The bright orange covers can help prevent you from being shot or run over by a snowmobile. Dress brightly. Check out this link. http://www.nashbar.com/profile_moreimages.cfm?category=&subcategory=&sku=12455&brand=
The tail keeps snow from going down your neck, the brim keeps your lenses from accumulating freezing precipitation.

4) I don't use chains. I use deep lugs and low tire pressure. I don't see how chains would clear the chainstay.

5)That salt problem - I use shock boots (Lizard Skins) in the winter. A minor portion of my rides encounter salt. I tend to ride more trails than streets.

6)glasses - I wouldn't ride without them. Good cycling glasses ventilate properly and resist fogging. I didn't say they won't fog. If the glasses fog it will be when you stop or climb slowly. Just turn your head slightly to one side while moving and the glasses should clear. If stopped, stand with your back to the wind. Those cheap safety glasses or racket ball glasses available from the sporting superstores fog rapidly. Don't use an antifog spray unless you are sure it won't damage the lenses. I tried a major manufacturer's guaranteed safe antifog spray and it turned a new set of lenses opaque.

7)pants - I agree a lot with the post by cdale56. Performance Triflex tights are my favorites. I too returned a set of PIs. My preference is riding shorts underneath unpadded Triflex. I bought a set of bibs for those 10 degree days. They do block a lot of chill to my chest but can cause sweat to collect if the temperature or my exertion level rises. Consider the depth of the crotch of the pants. If the crotch is too low it will snag if you move behind the seat on decents or encounter one of those pesky creative dismounts.

also - cover your face. A frost bitten nose can be a nasty experience. A fleece lined neoprene face mask from Target works great if you cut and enlarge the mouth and nose vents. I don't like balaclavas. They seem to freeze in front of my noise and mouth and restrict breathing.
Get a jacket with pit zips, a back vent/flap, and a longer tail to cover your back side. Don't skimp on the jacket. You want to be comfortable in changing conditions right? Buy the jacket larger so that you can get your hydration under the jacket. This helps keeps the water tube from freezing and allows your rear vent to ventilate as directed by the pit zips. Performance and Nashbar have great jackets. The jackets don't need to be thick. They will look more like a wind breaker. You will be generating a lot of heat that will need vented... even at 10 degrees.

I hope this save you some of the trial and error that I encountered.

[madman91]

thanks tandemonium!,

seriously that cleared up all my follow up questions,


thanks

[HiYoSilver]

Hello,I have ridden in the winter before but only on the best weathered days and on snow plowed streets. I have a set of standard questions to ask.

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?
No, it's cold enough without metal on the feet.

2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?
Fingers used to get cold from being macho and riding years at 50F and no gloves. I went the other way. I got great gloves. I actually got them for motorcycle riding, and to my surprise they work great for cycling. They are ice climbing gloves. All other gloves gave me cold hands. Take a look at Black Mountain gloves. Only thing warmer, is an insulated pouch to put your hands in. But it doesn't get that cold in chicago. Windy, yeah, but not bitter cold.

3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?
ski mask, ala balacava

4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?
Not yet, schwable makes some good studded tires, for now I'd rather drive on the few snow days we get.

7) Snow pants or regular pants?
goretex

[Portis]

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?

When it gets below 20 F, I loose the clipless and just use winter hiking boots.

2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?

Your toes and fingers should never get cold. You are doing something wrong. On my hands I wear a thin pair of poly gloves with a thick pair of convertible thinsulate mittens over the top. Mittens are much better that any glove. You need air around your fingers to keep warm.

The same with feet. I wear oversized shoes with one pair of light wool socks covered with a heavy pair if temps are in the teens or lower.

3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?

ONe word. Balaclava. Forget the fancy covers, etc. You will be plenty warm with a lightweight balaclava.

4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?

I use studs when ice is on the ground.

5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.

Water. Just rinse it off.
6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?

I wear visorgogs. They are safety goggles that work great for winter cycling.

7) Snow pants or regular pants?

Powershield winter tights. Custom made by Lou at Foxwear in Idaho. Simply the best there is.

3,6,7 are opinion questions

[FireTeamCharlie]

I myself ride my BMX during the winter, so I may have different experiences then you guys, but I usually ride more then 3 miles when theres no school( ie snowdays)

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?
Sure I do it all the time.
2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?
Wear a full fledged snow mobile suit, the New england winter is harsh and usually I ride in 10 degree weather going downhill about 30 mph.
3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?
Snow mobile helmet when its bad out.
4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?
I use Maxxis dirt tires.
5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.
Brush all the snow off, take it inside, and whiped it off with a wt rag and soap then dry it off with towel. The salt wreaks havoc on your bike.
6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?
Nope Snowmobile helmet.
7) Snow pants or regular pants?
Regular pants when its above 20, Full fledge snomobile suit when its fricken cold.

[pinkrobe]

Hello,
I have ridden in the winter before but only on the best weathered days and on snow plowed streets. I have a set of standard questions to ask.

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?

2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?

3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?

4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth?

5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.

6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?

7) Snow pants or regular pants?

3,6,7 are opinion questions

Thanks for reading! :D

madman
1. Sure thing! As long as you can keep your feet warm, and you're able to get in and out of the pedals at slippery intersections, that is...
2. Mittens! Shifting is passe...
3. Helmet over balaclava, or get a really big helmet and a toque. Or two toques and no helmet.
4. I've seen a couple of guys with chains, but they weren't moving very fast. A better option might be spiked tires. They're great on ice and a lot faster than chains.
5. Use a high pressure sprayer. Just kidding! :) A rag works well. Letting your bike dry and then wiping it down with a damp rag is better than a hose, IMHO. Less messy too.
6. Usually.
7. I wear some fancy pants from MEC. They are lycra tights with a Gore-tex front. Great during chinooks or when it's wet and cold out.

[madman91]

winter doesnt scare me no more!

[richardmasoner]

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?

If conditions are icy I ride my ice bike. This is a beater MTB with powergrips instead of clipless pedals and a studded tire on the front.

2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?

Lightweight ski gloves for the hands. On my road bikes I'll wear my summer cycling shoes with wool socks and a baggie over the socks and under the shoes. In wet/ice/snow I use the icebike plus Goretex hiking boots.

3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet?

Hat under, helmet straps very loose.


7) Snow pants or regular pants?

Water resistant shell if it's wet.


Visit and join ICEBIKE.ORG for great winter cycling information.

RFM

[tibikefor2]

1) Would anyone even think of using clipless pedals in snow/ice/winter?

I use clipless crank brother candy c pedals, never had a problem

2) My fingers and toes constantly get cold. I have full finger gloves and 2 pairs of socks with my sneakers. What do you guys do?

I wear a heavy polar fleece glove and then a goretex mitten over the glove.

I use chemical foot warmers when the temperature is below 20 degree F. I use neoprene shoecovers over my cycling shoes.

3) Helmet over hat or hat over helmet? I wear a balaclava under the helmet.

4) Does anyone actually use chains on their tires or is that a myth? I use nokian studded tires. Pricey but the best as the studs are made with carbide.

5) What should i clean off when my bike is salty from the streets? I heard that can destroy your fork.

I use windex.

6) During snowfall do you wear glasses?

I wear glasses with cat crap anti fog.

7) Snow pants or regular pants?

I wear tights from www.foxwear.net. They are windproof in the front with an articulated knee and breathable in the back.