Winter Cycling - My Wet Winter Bike

One of the things that really drove me in this direction is my glasses. I haven't seen a workable solution to keeping my glasses clear. I figured I was going to spend several hundred dollars on winter bike clothes. I chose to build my bubble and try to solve the problems; wet/misty glasses, dark, cold, rain.

I also didn't want to spend a small fortune on lights, but I wanted really bright lights. Lights as bright as when I rode a motorcycle.

I also want/need enough saftey stuff so my wife can sleep while I ride to work at 5:30 am. i don't want her worrying about me out there on those wet dark roads.

If you can do all that with rain gear - let me know how.

You could try Rain-X on the wind wind shield. For the glasses visit a BMW motorcycle shop. There are several anti-fog sprays. I have one I use I'll have to go get but it seem to prevent mist from sticking to the glasses. It is a blue color and takessveral applications.

I did my first commute today. Other than a problem with a pedal. (something about reverse threads on the left side, yada yada yada, SNAP!)

Here is video of my climb up Lowell hill at 15% grade. I did make it all the way to the top, but it was tough. Heck it is always tough.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4bC56aE44

I like the comment, "fredtastic".

lol

But good job getting up that hill!

I like the comment, "fredtastic".

lol

But good job getting up that hill!

Thanks, I didn't go fast but I made it. Considering that when I started I was walking up that hill it is still a nice feeling to make it to the top (cue rocky theme on the steps in Philly...)

Did you ever find the brand name of the blue stuff?

I finally got a little rain test. The wiper works Ok but it doesn't make contact over its whole length. (I think I might be able to bend it or replace the blade with a better blade)

I had a light drizzle today and a head wind. I stayed nice and dry, even my shoes!

But it was slow going for a while.

On the plus side, I have reduced my off season by two months already. That will make it that much easier for me in the spring.

djwright RULES.

Cool dj. You solution would not work for everybody but I am glad it works for you

Cool dj. You solution would not work for everybody but I am glad it works for you

Thanks. I know I have ventured a ways off the beaten path. (Ok the dashboard is a little over the top).

But I am trying different things, seeing what works and what needs work. I will probably take a few weeks off form commuting during the coldest/wettest weather and start back up in the spring. But the whole point is to extend my riding season, and reduce my off season. so starting in the spring won't be like starting over.

Thanks. I know I have ventured a ways off the beaten path. (Ok the dashboard is a little over the top).

But I am trying different things, seeing what works and what needs work. I will probably take a few weeks off form commuting during the coldest/wettest weather and start back up in the spring. But the whole point is to extend my riding season, and reduce my off season. so starting in the spring won't be like starting over.

I think real innovation comes from people that think like you. You have a problem and are working through solutions. To top it off, you are enjoying the process. Kudos!!

That setup is totally awesome.

That setup is totally awesome.

Thanks, I hope to get it out in the rain this weekend.

We have had some really odd weather this winter. At least 2 weeks around the holidays with snow on the ground. But we have also had so clear and dry weather. So I don't have any excuse for not riding at least on the weekend.

I hope to get going here soon.

Dang, I have been a slug this winter. I finally got my bike out last weekend. Rode about an hour. Not too bad.

The rain in Seattle doesn't actually fall from above. it is just a wet mist that hangs in the air. So a visor on my windshield would work about as well as the visor on my helmet (which is not very well).

Gee I must live in a totally different part of western washington than you. The rain in Sumner has been coming down in buckets lately.

This has been a strange year. Some unexpected dry weather and some real downpours.