Winter Cycling - I'm Making a "Winter Warrior" Bike - Project

Alright, I just got my newer bike and am ready to start winterizing it to make a "Winter Warrior" for the Nov through March snow season. Thankfully I have a lot of time so I will just be updating this thread as I go along.

Checklist; (in no real order)

Bike Trailer
Rear Cargo Rack
Front Cargo Rack
Studded Snow Tires
Front and Rear Mudguards
Rear Rack Carrier Bag
Front Bike Light
Rear Bike Lights (2 for bike, 2 for trailer)
Portable Bike Pump
Bike Lock

And the Clothing checklist;

Light Rain Jacket
Snow Jacket
Waterproof Pants
Heavy Duty Dexterous Gloves
Winter Boots (Wool)
Skull Cap with Ear Covers
Winter Sunglasses / Goggles
Under Armour Shirts, Shorts, Pants
Heavy Duty Backpack

And here is the bike. A Trek 3700 series, all original.

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4452/dsci0055d.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/dsci0055d.jpg/)

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9498/dsci0034.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/i/dsci0034.jpg/)

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/1074/dsci0075r.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/i/dsci0075r.jpg/)

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/4478/dsci0076e.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/i/dsci0076e.jpg/)

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/3681/dsci0081u.jpg (http://img33.imageshack.us/i/dsci0081u.jpg/)

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2401/dsci0083.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/i/dsci0083.jpg/)

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/97/dsci0084o.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/i/dsci0084o.jpg/)

Nice. I'd add a new saddle to that list, the one on there is horribly bent.

Look at Old Mountain Man racks that bolt to the brake bosses. That frame is compact enough that a standard rack could present problems. Leave the front rack at the end of the list until you're absolutely sure you need the extra carrying capacity.

Also, as far as mudguards/fenders go, I find conditions often get to the point where I don't want them. They're great in a marginal rain but clog or get pummeled out of position or even into falling off in heavy snow. I have a 700c foul weather commuter with full fenders and a 26" winter warrior without them. Once there's enough ice and snow on the ground that the foul weather commuter can't handle it and the studs come out, I'm pretty much already in waterproof overpants, a waterproof jacket, and waterproof shoes. Mudguards would merely keep the water off of my waterproof.

BTW, in the summer, the winter warrior will emerge from it's chrysalis as the rumble bike. 26x1.9 K-Rads with drop bars, grocery panniers, and the occasional cargo trailer.

I have to agree that in snow you need fenders with a lot of clearance. Standard full coverage fenders are nice in wet conditions but in snow they do not have enough clearance. And the snow can get totally packed between the wheel and the fender.

Also, if the snow is frozen it does not get you wet anyway. You almost need two winter bikes. One with fenders and one without. If you are putting a rack on the rear it will act as a good enough fender for snow. That bike is almost perfect as a winter bike the way it is for snow. Just needs studded tires if you encounter ice and a rear rack to carry your stuff. It has an aluminum frame and a reliable coil spring and maybe oil damped fork. These are good for winter. More trouble free than air forks. The grips look like they are nice and thick which is good for winter as they insulate better.

...You almost need two winter bikes...

You people are my tribe.

jim