Winter Cycling - My 2009-2010 wishlist

For me winter riding goes through March. Even though I'm only at the halfway point, I'm pretty much going to let it ride for the rest of the season in terms of equipment and clothing. It's already to the point where most of my riding is now in daylight. February is a short month and even though we can get a lot of snow in March, it usually doesn't stay on the roads long.

Besides that, I've blown the budget for this year ;)

So here's what I'd need or at least like for next year:

1. Some winter riding boots. My booties are worn out
2. Better goggles that won't fog
3. Some wind proof tights that are good down to the single digits (or teens at least)
4. better lighting system
5. a set of tires that are a cross between the Marathon Winters and the W106s
6. Maybe some new gloves. I've got some great mitts but they can be too hot

I'm sure I won't get all of that next year either, but a guy can dream ;)

I'm in similar winter riding situation as you, and will be riding through the winter. Get the boots, expensive but well worth it, I just got mine this season (Lakes) and love them. Start saving now for next year's season.

As for number 3. I've found that in the winter what keeps me warm down to single digits is merino wool base layer tights under denim jeans. yeah, not cool, but they work.

for number 2, I've had luck with Visorgogs, they're lab goggles, again maybe not cool, but work better than other goggles I've had in terms of fogging - though I wear glasses so I need goggles that fit over those.

On gloves, again down to lower 20s upper teens I've been happy with some fleece gloves I bought at Dicks sporting goods in the hunting section. Below teens, pricier pearl izumi lobster gloves have been great, never had cold hands with them riding down to about 0.

As I've said before, I love my winter biking, but it's not fun if you don't keep warm!

after I snapped the zipper off on my booties, I decided to take the plunge and buy some answer kashmir winter shoes last week. Much easier then booties. I like em. Besides that, I'm trying to just make it through winter with the stuff I have. My windproof bibs are starting to fall apart, and I've had to sew them up twice. Hopefully second time is a charm. I just want to make it to summer without having to buy anything else.

I'm in similar winter riding situation as you, and will be riding through the winter. Get the boots, expensive but well worth it, I just got mine this season (Lakes) and love them. Start saving now for next year's season.

Good to know, - thanks.



As for number 3. I've found that in the winter what keeps me warm down to single digits is merino wool base layer tights under denim jeans. yeah, not cool, but they work.

I don't have a problem keeping my legs warm with my current clothes. I change at work and my motive for better tights is to try and get by with a single layer at colder temps than I can now. It makes getting ready easier/faster. I don't doubt that I'll have to add a second layer when it gets really cold.



for number 2, I've had luck with Visorgogs, they're lab goggles, again maybe not cool, but work better than other goggles I've had in terms of fogging - though I wear glasses so I need goggles that fit over those.

On gloves, again down to lower 20s upper teens I've been happy with some fleece gloves I bought at Dicks sporting goods in the hunting section. Below teens, pricier pearl izumi lobster gloves have been great, never had cold hands with them riding down to about 0.

As I've said before, I love my winter biking, but it's not fun if you don't keep warm!

My fleece gloves and my good ski gloves are both on their last legs. Actually, I haven't even seen my ski gloves for a couple of weeks. I'm afraid my wife's thrown them away ;)

...
5. a set of tires that are a cross between the Marathon Winters and the W106s
...

Care to elaborate on what you mean? :-)

I don't have a problem keeping my legs warm with my current clothes. I change at work and my motive for better tights is to try and get by with a single layer at colder temps than I can now. It makes getting ready easier/faster. I don't doubt that I'll have to add a second layer when it gets really cold.



Endura Thermolite Windtex Clip-Bib Tights (http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=131&prod_id=171).


Bibs—no elastic waistband
Quick release buckles on the bib straps—easier to make yellow snow
Thermolite insulation
Windtex windproof/waterproof panels on the front and sides
Contoured/Articulating knee—easier pedaling
Ankle zips—easier on and off, zip over booties (but not boots) to keep the weather out.


Unbelievably warm. Other than my shorts, I don't add a second layer until single-digits F. Then I just add kneewarmers. I've only ridden to zero F. I'm guessing they're good to well below that before adding actual baselayers. They're far too warm to wear over freezing.

The web site says they're not available in the US. It didn't say that before, and I bought mine at my LBS. Since I ordered another pair and they haven't come in, we're thinking they're sold out for this season in the US.

Edit: They run small, so either buy local so you can try them on, or order a size larger than usual. I couldn't get the mediums over my quads. The large fit perfectly. (My Levis are 33W 34L.)

Care to elaborate on what you mean? :-)

I'm specifically looking for 35mm tires with a ton of studs like the Marathon Winter's AND the deeper tread of the W106s for better handling in snow. The Marathon tread is pretty shallow toward the center of the tire.

The reflective sidewall of the Marathons is a nice touch too.

I couldn't decide between the two and so I have one of each... seriously.

Endura Thermolite Windtex Clip-Bib Tights (http://www.endurasport.com/Product.aspx?dept_id=131&prod_id=171).


Bibs—no elastic waistband
Quick release buckles on the bib straps—easier to make yellow snow
Thermolite insulation
Windtex windproof/waterproof panels on the front and sides
Contoured/Articulating knee—easier pedaling
Ankle zips—easier on and off, zip over booties (but not boots) to keep the weather out.


Unbelievably warm. Other than my shorts, I don't add a second layer until single-digits F. Then I just add kneewarmers. I've only ridden to zero F. I'm guessing they're good to well below that before adding actual baselayers. They're far too warm to wear over freezing.

The web site says they're not available in the US. It didn't say that before, and I bought mine at my LBS. Since I ordered another pair and they haven't come in, we're thinking they're sold out for this season in the US.

Edit: They run small, so either buy local so you can try them on, or order a size larger than usual. I couldn't get the mediums over my quads. The large fit perfectly. (My Levis are 33W 34L.)

That might be just what I'm looking for. Thanks !

Does this winter stuff go on sale as the weather warms up? I am asking because I have never purchased cycling specific clothing before. Right now I am wearing waterproof construction pants(neon yellow) and rubber boots, when it gets really wet. Look like a farmer on a bicycle.

Look like a farmer on a bicycle.

That can be a problem with all the grow-ops they say you have out there. :innocent:

Post-season sales are generally better pricing, but the stock is limited. I hit pre-season sales. Discounts aren't as great, but the selection is better.

In this case, with the Endura bib tights, I walked into my LBS one October day and the manager thrust them at me saying, "You have to own these." He was right. And I don't regret paying $10 over list for them.

<SNIP>
So here's what I'd need or at least like for next year:

1. Some winter riding boots. My booties are worn out

I have highly venting SPD cycling shoes. Great in the Summer... useless in the Winter. I could not justify spending $200 to $300 on winter boots especially since my commute is only 10 miles RT. I put pedals with toe clips on in the Fall as the temps consistantly get into the 40's and lower. I wear my Merril Ventilator shoes. These are super comfy shoes, no sweaty feet, but they don't hold in heat particularly well. I added Toe Clip covers from SideTrak ($17) and I can not ride in my shoes to 12F without a problem. I can also use Winter boots, but they are just not that comfy to ride in.

2. Better goggles that won't fog

For Fathers Day my wife and daughter bought me Tifosi Glasses that came with inter-changeable lenses. I have been using the clear lenses all Winter with great success. I keep wind, sleet, snow out of my eyes, yet there is enough ventilation around them to prevent having issues with fogging. I've tried goggles before and they fogged up badly when used for cycling... fine for skiing.

3. Some wind proof tights that are good down to the single digits (or teens at least)

My Christmass gift to myself was the PowerShield pants from www.foxwear.net. That was the best $85 (shipped to my door) I've spent since getting the E-Vap coat from Lou. Custom made clothing at that price is amazing. The wind proof fleece is very comfy down to 12F. I found that around 2F it was barely OK on a low wind day. With a high wind day (15 MPH+ wind) I had to put on my rain pants as a wind barier and then I was comfy. The rear is breathable and the seat bottom/crotch area is re-inforced. For shorter 5 to 10 mile rides I don't need my riding shorts as I get just enough padding (without feeling the bulk of padded shorts).

4. better lighting system

I LOVE my generator hub. No worries about batteries for my main light. My B&M light is now 2 Generations behind. Next Fall I hope to upgrade to their newest light for about $110, it should put out 3 times as much as my current D-Lumotec Oval Plus LED light. I added a 1 Watt Blaze from Planet Bike as a front "flasher." I used to still have some cars pull out in front of me. Since using the BLaze I have not been cut off in the last 4 months. For my road bike going on club rides after work, the Blaze is just good enough to get me home on the nights that it starts getting light early as the Fall progressed. It is infinitely better than any $20 (or less) LED I've seen, but it would not be ideal as a primary light. On Flash Mode the batteries are used 50 minutes, 5 days a week and so far the 1st set is still working since November! For rear lighting a PB Super Flash is fantastic. The batteries will last a few weeks. I got rechargables and change them out every 3 weeks. I ahve an additional cheapy LED light as my backup.

5. a set of tires that are a cross between the Marathon Winters and the W106s

W106's are great. I would not mind having the reflective strip, but the studds are enough to keep me upright even on solid ice... not supremely stable, but I won't crash. Very descent in the snow (I live in Buffalo... get get plenty of snow).

6. Maybe some new gloves. I've got some great mitts but they can be too hot

I got Climmits from http://www.sidetrak.com/eng_title.html These are fantastic and much cheaper than the Pogies I've found elsewhere. They work great. I can now ride with simple thin full fingered gloves down to 2F without a problem. No more bulky gloves that get all sweaty (old Gortex gloves... easily overwhelmed by the amount of sweat my hands can produce).

I'm sure I won't get all of that next year either, but a guy can dream ;)

The latest B&M LED headlight is my dream for next year. There are even better lights out there, but for around $110 I'll be able to get it past the wife... $200-$300 for some of the others is just too much.

Happy riding,
André

I'm specifically looking for 35mm tires with a ton of studs like the Marathon Winter's AND the deeper tread of the W106s for better handling in snow. The Marathon tread is pretty shallow toward the center of the tire.

The reflective sidewall of the Marathons is a nice touch too.

I couldn't decide between the two and so I have one of each... seriously.

haha, so what do you think between the two?

I debated between the Marathon Winter and the w106's to. In the end I got the Marathon Winter's. They seem slippier in snow than the other 40c studded tires I tried (I think they were the cheap Innova ones), but they also seem faster (I was cruising at 15-16mph on my upright handlebar bike last night - when I was on the snow-free road). I wonder if the w106's would have been better?

Aaaah, buyer's remorse... :-)

haha, so what do you think between the two?

I debated between the Marathon Winter and the w106's to. In the end I got the Marathon Winter's. They seem slippier in snow than the other 40c studded tires I tried (I think they were the cheap Innova ones), but they also seem faster (I was cruising at 15-16mph on my upright handlebar bike last night - when I was on the snow-free road). I wonder if the w106's would have been better?

Aaaah, buyer's remorse... :-)

Having them on the bike at the same time makes it hard to evaluate them. For example, this week has been the first time in several weeks that I've spent much time riding on bare pavement. It seemed up until late last week we were getting at least some snow every few days.

Anyway, the bike sucks alot with these two tires on bare pavement compared to the A10s that I had on before. Now, I don't know which tire sucks worse, only that the combination ain't so great. Part of the problem is that they're not inflated to a very high PSI because I've still got a lot of snow and ice to deal with.

The Marathon Winter is on the front and it seems to do a pretty good job with the icy ruts. Not perfect but pretty good and I have to deal with some really bad ruts. As far as snow goes, I still slip quite a bit on churned up snow. The W106s look like they handle snow better due to the deeper treads but the Schwalbe may shed snow better, - I can't really tell.

For me winter riding goes through March. Even though I'm only at the halfway point, I'm pretty much going to let it ride for the rest of the season in terms of equipment and clothing. It's already to the point where most of my riding is now in daylight. February is a short month and even though we can get a lot of snow in March, it usually doesn't stay on the roads long.

Besides that, I've blown the budget for this year ;)

So here's what I'd need or at least like for next year:

1. Some winter riding boots. My booties are worn out
2. Better goggles that won't fog
3. Some wind proof tights that are good down to the single digits (or teens at least)
4. better lighting system
5. a set of tires that are a cross between the Marathon Winters and the W106s
6. Maybe some new gloves. I've got some great mitts but they can be too hot

I'm sure I won't get all of that next year either, but a guy can dream ;)

I've blown my budget too! :) But I think I've pretty much cobbled together what I need for the very snowy and cold environment we get here in Canada.

I gave up on cleated systems and just stuck to platform pedals all winter. Used an old pair of Salomon snow hikers that have enough room for thick socks and chem toe warmers.

My oakley ski goggles seem to work fine on the bike - but only in really cold (minus 20 or colder) weather. Otherwise they fog.

I found a pair of tights at the Ibex sale last fall: climawool front, wool back, that I've used all winter, with various layers underneath.

The best lighting system I've ever used is my current set up, made by Ay Up! of Australia. Up to 24 hours worth of rechargeable batteries, multiple lighting options, very easy to set up and switch lights from bike to bike. And the batteries seem to hold up to the cold just fine! See here (http://www.ayup.com.au/) (http://www.ayup.com.au/)

Marathon winters and Ice Spikers worked well for me! I figure the extra rolling resistance will get me in better shape! ;)

For milder days, I use Ibex gloves.

Having them on the bike at the same time makes it hard to evaluate them. For example, this week has been the first time in several weeks that I've spent much time riding on bare pavement. It seemed up until late last week we were getting at least some snow every few days.

Anyway, the bike sucks alot with these two tires on bare pavement compared to the A10s that I had on before. Now, I don't know which tire sucks worse, only that the combination ain't so great. Part of the problem is that they're not inflated to a very high PSI because I've still got a lot of snow and ice to deal with.

The Marathon Winter is on the front and it seems to do a pretty good job with the icy ruts. Not perfect but pretty good and I have to deal with some really bad ruts. As far as snow goes, I still slip quite a bit on churned up snow. The W106s look like they handle snow better due to the deeper treads but the Schwalbe may shed snow better, - I can't really tell.

Ooooooh, you're that same guy who posted about how your Nokian A10's weren't cutting it on ice!

It's funny though, you said about the A10's 'Well, my summer road tires are 23mm slicks and trust me, the A10s are nothing like those !" And the w106's and Marathon Winter's are nothing like the A10's...at this point, are you going like 5mph? :D haha

(I'm just kidding - I was out 2 nights ago on my Schwalbe Marathon winter tires in St. Paul, and on the cleared road I was going 15mph. It's not my summer road bike (19mph), but it's not *terrible*...)

Ooooooh, you're that same guy who posted about how your Nokian A10's weren't cutting it on ice!

It's funny though, you said about the A10's 'Well, my summer road tires are 23mm slicks and trust me, the A10s are nothing like those !" And the w106's and Marathon Winter's are nothing like the A10's...at this point, are you going like 5mph? :D haha

(I'm just kidding - I was out 2 nights ago on my Schwalbe Marathon winter tires in St. Paul, and on the cleared road I was going 15mph. It's not my summer road bike (19mph), but it's not *terrible*...)

:) I like to whine.

When I said the A10s were nothing like my 23s, I meant that as compliment. The person I was replying to said he was concerned about them because they looked like road slicks. They're definitely not road slicks.

From previous years I'm used to taking a big speed hit when I go from my 23mm slicks to the 1.95" studded tires on my MTB. The A10s were a pleasant surprise in that regard. You definitely lose some speed with them but not as much.

The Marathon Winter/W106 combo is slower than the A10s from what I can tell. I haven't had the opportunity to run them at full pressure yet, so maybe it won't be so bad in the end. I think I did hit 15 mph on them last week... going downhill with a tailwind ;)