'04-'05 Winter preparation thread

Zin

How many of my fellow winter commuters are starting to think about what needs to be done before the winter cycling season? Since winter comes early in Montana, I am starting to put my list together.

What follows is a quick "To-do" type list. I hope that by us sharing what each of us is doing, or going to do for the winter season, it will help those who are new to, "EXTREME CYCLING" :rolleyes:

Bike repairs?
Need new BB on my HEAVY COMMUTER.
Tune up the HEAVY COMMUTER.
New chain for the HEAVY COMMUTER.

Equipment upgrades?
New lighting system.
Nokian studded tires.

Clothing purchases?
Neoprene booties to cover the cycling shoes.
Full finger gloves for days to warm for the real cold weather gloves.Route changes?
Checking out routes within the city that may be better/safer in snow and ice conditions.

Work out routine?
Back to the weight bench.

Safety assurance?
Cell phone.
New spare batteries for lighting systems.

Psychotherapy
Ongoing.

So, what is your list?

The BikeForums Team

-adv-

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lala

I'm thinking about the singlespd beater I'm going to build for the winter. Been eye-ing the frames at my bike coop and just this morning thought briefly if I have any wheels available for this "new bike."

I hope to move to colorado springs, so i'm not sure if i need this at all. I understand precipitation is less than half of cleveland, and the snow melts quickly, usually.

timmhaan

in a way, i'm kind of looking forward to having empty bike paths again. although this upcoming winter, i'm going to invest in good quality clothing. i was freezing last winter!!

bicycledisciple

Yes, clothes--of the thermal variety . . .

HereNT

I plan on getting some new clothing - last winter was long johns, fleece and a leather outer layer - way too sweaty. Not sure exactly what I'm going to get, but something.

Proabably also get some ski goggles, too.

The winter beater needs new chainring and rear cog, rear wheel and bottom bracket need re-packing, headset probably needs work too. Frame needs re-painted, new cranks... just about everything really.

Money needs to be saved and plans made for a winter vacation with my Bianchi track bike - she's way too pretty to risk on the Minnesota roads with all of the salt they use. I hope I can actually take her out on a few rides, but I'm not too optomistic about it :(

Portis

I've been busy scouring ebay and finding absolutely no deals.

caligurl

Portis

since i just got my first bike a couple weeks ago.. this will be my first winter of riding!

i already have a jacket (sleeves zip off), one long sleeve jersey (intend to get more)

i need tights, shoe covers, warm gloves and something for my ears! i'll be checking out this section to see what else to add to my list!

i'm in the desert... so don't have to contend with snow (plus i'm too much of a baby to ride when it's that darned cold!)

You won't need much if you aren't going to ride when it is "darned cold." Anything above freezing and all you really need is a pair of tights, maybe an ear band for your ears, LS jersey, Lightweight jacket, and some gloves.

Zin

You won't need much if you aren't going to ride when it is "darned cold." Anything above freezing and all you really need is a pair of tights, maybe an ear band for your ears, LS jersey, Lightweight jacket, and some gloves.

Agreed. There are some of us crazy guys in the nothern tier that ride below zero and in the snow.

There is nothing as peaceful as commuting to work at 6:30AM on fresh powder with a crisp temperature around 20F...:D

HereNT

Try riding to work at 0F on freshly plowed roads and then riding home at -10F with a light dusting coming down. All the cars get freaked out by the road report on the news and move slow when you head home.

I love it - they all just sit there!

pinerider

N7!! We're neck and neck @ bikejournal.com!!! I'd better get out and get some kilometres in!!

This is a very timely thread, this past weekend I took my studded tires off my winter commuter (old Norco Bush Pilot) and put slicks on it for the summer . I've been riding either the good MTB or road bike since the winter, have somehow managed to miss riding in the rain most of the time. The old trusty MTB commuter (Norco Katmandu) needs a new drivetrain, it's hanging in the basement until I figure out what I'm going to do with it (it might be a 3 speed for next winter).

Winter plans include building a 3 speed commuter bike (I'm doing a landfill bike rescue project at work, lots of raw material), I'll need booties for my clipless shoes that I didn't have last winter, a better lighting system and some new clothes. Guess I'd better start saving $ for winter now!!!
I thought I'd have some Nokian studdies on the list, but I rode half of last winter on my $20 ea. Innovas, they seem to be holding up well. (I have a spare wheelset and only ride the studdies when there's snow on the roads).

Istanbul_Tea

Cool thread (no pun intended!) as I was thinking today.... "I miss winter & snow".

Could someone offer up an opinion on which of the 3 Nokian models would be best for our needs?

We will be riding on streets & sidewalks with everything from fresh unpacked snow to grey colored much snow to ice & black ice.

Thanks

Zin

Hey pinerider! You'll be passing me up soon! I crashed on the way home from work today. I may not be on the bike for a day or two. :(

Zin

Istanbul_Tea

I can go as wide as 2.35 in the 26 inch variety.

Zin

I can go as wide as 2.35 in the 26 inch variety.

Hakkapeliitta W106 I think would be the most versitile. It should give you enough studs to work well in ice conditions. That is, provided your not doing anything radical.
http://www.nokiantyres.com/bike/images/w106.jpg

If you are going to get into radical winter cycling, then I would go for one of the more aggressive tire offerings. h

Stubacca

I've been thinking about the same thing lately myself.

I finally got around to picking up some fenders last week, and just have to fit them. We've had a lot more rain in Denver this summer than the past two years which sorta caught me out. Anyway, I'll have the fenders ready to go.

I've got some 700x32 knobbies to throw on the commuter later in the year (which should be plenty for Denver winters), but need to get:
new lighting system
neoprene booties or winter clipless shoes
better full fingered gloves
better winter jacket

I'm also toying with building my old hybrid frame into a singlespeed winter beater. I have most of the parts to do it, but need to buy new wheels, handlebars (moustache, baby!), brake levers, fenders and cranks. Might even flip-flop the hub to be able to have a try at fixed gear riding while I'm at it.

And all of this being mindful of being just about to enter into my first mortagage... goodbye renting!

HereNT

Might even flip-flop the hub to be able to have a try at fixed gear riding while I'm at it.

Word of advice if you're going to try the fixed side - don't wait until it's icey out to try it for the first time! It's true that they handle and stop a lot better than freewheels on the ice, but it'll be squirling all over you when you first start learning to stop it by backpedaling...

hubs

I plan on getting some new clothing - last winter was long johns, fleece and a leather outer layer - way too sweaty. Not sure exactly what I'm going to get, but something.

(

Here in Chicago I'm good down to about 10° with tights, nice wool socks, a performance material (wicking poly) long sleeve T, fleece and a windbreaker on top. Both the windbreaker & fleece have alot of zippers to regulate. That's my standard outfit until about 40° where either the fleece or windbreaker has to go. And the fleece comes off my legs at about the same.

Shoes -- boots, I'm not totally resolved. Usually I wear medium weight wool socks and those ankle high duck boots (good in slush which splashes around with the salt here) ... I use power grips so I have a lot of flexibility in footgear.

Yeah winter sounds kinda fun right now when the weather is getting pretty steamy mid-day.

Guest

I have my winter tires, and I'm currently getting ready to winterize my beater bike. I'm also installing bike hooks in my apartment so I can get the good bikes ready to put away for the winter without hassle. I changed the components of my beater bike, and the front der. will be changed in the next couple of weeks. I got new brakes for the beater bike too. As far as clothes, I'll just use the winter clothes I used last year. I'm not looking forward to winter, but I will be ready for it!

Koffee

Gojohnnygo.

I have rode the last four winters with out fenders and it's about time to get a pair. I'm sick and tired of all that slop and snizzle flying all over me. Who knows they may even help with that nasty krackel that gets spit back up at you and stings like hell.

I'm sick of SKS and it's time to be cured of it. :D

Zin

Its interesting to see that lighting systems seems to be a fairly common upgrade listed. For those who may not have had the chance to read the BIKE GEEK thread on lighting systems, click here. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=42629) You will find a ton of information regarding different options for lighting your way this winter.

Hope it is helpful.

Bob

Guest

Ah fenders! I have one for the rear wheel, but didn't think about the front wheel. I guess that's my next purchase!

Koffee

vrkelley

BIKE GEEK thread on lighting systems, click here. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=42629) You will find a ton of information regarding different options for lighting your way this winter.

Hope it is helpful.

Bob

Yes. Thinking about rebuilding another light like the one I posted in Total Geekiness. Excellent light. Total weight is too heavy. But then maybe it's worth it.

Guest

Zin

Is there a way we can get a list of the stuff we should be getting ready for the winter months? Every time I think I have everything, I read the thread and think there's something I'm missing!

Koffee

Hi Koffee! Here is a list of resources for the winter cyclist:
http://users.rcn.com/icebike/
http://www.winterbiking.com/winter/winter.html
http://www.joeclark.org/gearingup.html

There is a Chicago specific page on this next one:
http://www.bikewinter.org/

I hope these help. ICEBIKE is considered the authority for the winter cyclist.

Bob

Guest

Thanks!

Koffee

vrkelley

>>http://www.winterbiking.com/winter/winter.html

Pogies?? These are attached to the bar right? So how do you shift when your hands get too hot to have the mits on?

Machka

WINTER??? I can't believe you people are calmly discussing getting ready for WINTER!!!

I'm still using everything I need for winter!! It sleeted here on the July long weekend!! I rode through the night on my 600K in full-fingered gloves, balaclava, booties, tights, armwarmers, two jerseys, and jacket ... and I was FREEZING!!!

I've only been experiencing anything like SUMMER for the past WEEK!!

Don't worry about winter yet! Enjoy the summer!!

But to answer the question - I have been thinking about my winter preparation . . . .

. . . . I'm going to AUSTRALIA!!!

vrkelley

WINTER???
I've only been experiencing anything like SUMMER for the past WEEK!!

THANK GOD FOR GLOBAL WARMING! :D

Machka

THANK GOD FOR GLOBAL WARMING! :D

Where??? Where is it warm??? I'd like a little global warming to come through here. We've set records for coldest May and June and it has been a VERY cold winter.

vrkelley

Where??? Where is it warm??? I'd like a little global warming to come through here. We've set records for coldest May and June and it has been a VERY cold winter.

ha ha! "Thank God for global warming" means...if it weren't for global warming and smog-o cars, we'd have an ice age instead of cold weather! Hope it warms up soon.

-v

Seanholio

This will be my first "winter" commuting. Since I live in the Silicon Valley area of California, many on this list may think that I won't actually experience a winter. Our overnight lows rarely get down below the 40's, so all I have to do is prepare for some rain. We get about 2 heavy rainstorms, and the rest are generally fairly mild.

I figure I can get by if I pick up:

1 Beater bike
1 Rain pants
1 Rain jacket (lightweight with many zippers, vents, etc)
1 pair of shoe covers
1 set of lights, since I don't currently commute after dark

If I snap in my yellow sunglass lenses, I should be good to go.

Mostly, I think I will just have to increase the maintenance frequency, to be sure that there is enough lube in all the required places.

Maybe I'll get a beater up at my in-law's as well. They live where it actually, whatchamacallit, Oh yeah! It SNOWS up there, so I could actually tool around on a bike and see what this is all about. ;-) [/self-mockery]

KrisA

I've been thinking about another snowy freezing Saskatchewan winter for a while now. I was debating between fixing up my wifes old bike for a winter beater, using my good bike minus the suspension fork and expensive cranks & clipless peddles, or buying a new beater. After looking into the costs associated with the first two options I think I'm going with #3. I saw a 2004 Trek 3500 (http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2004/mountain/3500.jsp) at an LBS for $240CDN. I think this would make a great winter beater, alm frame so it hopefully won't rust out like my last beater, rigid fork, el-cheapo components... sounds like a winner. If I buy it I think I'll put an old flat bar on it as the stem has far too much rise for my tastes, throw a worn out Innova studded tire on the rear and a new Nokian Extreme studded on the front, probably mounted on a wheel from my good bike to make for easy changes between studded and knobby. My only concern is whether the alm frame will hold up to -30c riding, well, I guess that's what warrantee is for! :p

Other than that all my gear from last year should serve me well for another winter.

Augie

What about preparations for all of us for whom "winter" means "flooding"? Here in the Willammette Valley, we get ridiculous amounts of rain from October to April. It probably doesn't command the same amount of preparation as our Northern friends put in, but still - for me, this is my first winter commuting in the rain. I'm thinking rain gear, gloves, etc. Any other things I should know about?

Juha

I've got some 700x32 knobbies to throw on the commuter later in the year (which should be plenty for Denver winters), but need to get:
new lighting system
neoprene booties or winter clipless shoes
better full fingered gloves
better winter jacket

My 2 euro cents: I was about to comment on the clipless setup on ice, but I take it from your tyre choice you don't get that much ice (or hard packed snow) in Denver? So this may not apply to your situation directly.

I have tried riding clipless in snow/ice, and I did not like it one bit. It may be just me, but even with studded Nokians I felt uneasy being firmly attached to the bike. I feel it does give you some advantage in spinning (in snow you need all the help you can get), but it sometimes makes bike more difficult to handle and the cleats are a heat sink. I use platforms and good winter boots, and I've ridden comfortably well below -20C. One should also consider the fact that mechanical problems that would be just annoying in the summer can be real ordeal in the winter (try fixing a flat, for example). You should be prepared to walk some distance if everything else fails.

--J

naisme

I'm with Juha, clipped in for riding in the winter makes me nervous. One thing missing from a lot of lists is wool sweaters. They are great! And affordable. I hit the consignment shops, all of which are gearing up for the fall, and bag a bunch of wool sweaters. They just improved my whole experience last year. I combined them with a Pearl Izumi windshirt with zip off sleeves, and a polypro long sleeve shirt underneath. I was toasty, although the -4 ride got me a little hyperthermic.
I suppose part of my preperation is looking for a better hydration system. There doesn't seem to be one. I also need new boots, and wool socks. I found the chemical toe warmers really helped keep the toes toasty, as did taking a break. I don't know what it is about riding, but my feet tend to go numb. I have to shake them back to life, or like last winter, get off the bike and walk a little. It is just remembering these little things.
All of this may change if I move to Washington, I may have a two sets of studs to get rid of. I am already contending with too many bikes to move. Like two winter beaters that have also been fun summer commuters with upgrades to BB and HS.
I'll miss riding my single speed roadie.

ajkloss42

When buying lights, try to make sure that the switches are operable with think gloves or mittens. I typically make sure I have at least two headlights and two taillights. Once you are outside in -20 windchill or colder, you can only expose your hands for about 15 seconds before they start to freeze, especially if they've been sweating inside your gloves. In the event of mechanical trouble, I think a cellphone is a must, and at least $20 to pay for a taxi or buy the friend who picks you up dinner. In addition to flats, it seems there are a number of ways to make a bike stop going (freewheel trouble, chain breakage, etc.) that you really can't fix roadside when it's cold without sacrificing a finger. I find that two pairs of heavy gloves (like Pearl Izumi lobsters) are essential for commuting on the coldest days; wear one pair to work and then the other pair home. Wet gloves suck.

As for clothes, a head-to-toe base of a moisture wicking fabric is essential. Mountain climbers seem to get the warmest gear. I wear mostly Marmot polypropolene year-round: it's good as a base when sailing on those chilly Great Lakes and good under your other warm stuff on the cycle in the winter.

I have trouble keeping my feet warm; a pair of oversized Sidi winter shoes with Smartwool hiking socks and a pair of wool socks oven them with shoe covers seems to have been helping, but then it got warm. I prefer riding clipless in winter, but if you can't find a way to keep your feet warm, platform pedals with big ol' boots may be the way to go.

Anybody have any good tips for keeping frost off goggles in -15 to -20 F? I've tried the usual "cat crap" and other anti-fog products with only limited success. People have suggested paint-ball goggles to me, but no one I know has tried anything in deep sub-zero.

Seanholio

I suppose part of my preperation is looking for a better hydration system. There doesn't seem to be one.

Naisme,

Have you checked Camelbak's Thermal Control Kit (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=36368&parent_category_rn=4500806&vcat=REI_SEARCH) to help your hydration needs? I don't know how low it will go, as far as tempurature, but the insulation should help. Additionally, the Camelbak Unbottle is insulated, so it would keep your water liquid longer than a plain bladder.

Daily Commute

Thinking ahead to winter, the one thing I'm looking for is a good new light. I have a Sigma Mirage X dual. Using the low beam really isn't enough. Using the high beam kills the battery way too fast. I'm thinking about investing in a NiteRider Flamethrower, but I doubt the light is worth THAT much money. I'm also looking at Nite-Hawk Dual Phoenix Not quite as bright. Not quite as long-lasting, but 1/2 the price. I'm thinking about getting an additional 5w bulb, so the combination would be 10w/5w. That would give me the option of riding with 15w, 10w or 5w instead of the standard 30/20/10. 5 watts seems perfectly fine for most street riding. And the lower overall wattage would make the batteries last longer. (Of course, the NiteRider Digital Evolution would do a similar job for about the same price, but with only one bulb.)

A friend had a couple problems with his Nite-Hawk light, but he said their customer service did an excellent job of fixing the problems. Has anyone had a problem with a Flamethrower flaming out? For that kind of $$$, I expect near perfection.

My commute in winter is 30-45 minutes, depending on the route I take and my energy level. A good part of that is through unlit bike path through a forest. I ride over some ice and snow.

naisme

Naisme,

Have you checked Camelbak's Thermal Control Kit (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=36368&parent_category_rn=4500806&vcat=REI_SEARCH) to help your hydration needs? I don't know how low it will go, as far as tempurature, but the insulation should help. Additionally, the Camelbak Unbottle is insulated, so it would keep your water liquid longer than a plain bladder.
I do have a Camelbak, the M.U.L.E. I think. I did get an insolation sleeve, but it still allowed the bit valve to freeze up. The other thing I noticed last year with the cold and fluids is trying to keep them warm for an hour on a bike in sub freezing temps is difficult. I declined to use the Camelbak, for a lot of reasons, main one the discomfort of it on my back. Other than that I enjoy the item, and use it more when I am MTBing than commuting.

HereNT

When buying lights, try to make sure that the switches are operable with think gloves or mittens.

I've got the quark light shown here http://www.vistalite.com/vistalite_03/03flashers.html and love it for just that reason. You move the light up and down to change modes, there's no little button to hit. When my bike was stolen last winter, the only good part was that when I got it back, it had one of these on the seatpost. That one eventually died about a month ago, but I got another at the LBS for like 14 bucks. The quick release is nice, too - you can take it off wearing heavy gloves, but it doesn't go back on as easy. It's only a couple of seconds in light gloves, though. It's hard to get them to light when you first get them, but gets easier once it's been broken in for a couple of weeks. The only real problem I had was as the other one was dying, it got too easy to switch modes, so I'd sometimes turn it off by hitting too big of a bump in the road. It's never much fun to get where you're going and realize that you had no blinky going as you took that lane earlier.

I've never used it as a belt-clipped light, or tried the armband that comes with it, so I can't vouch for those (although arm or leg bands might be better in the winter because you could put them on inside).

I think it's a pretty nice winter light.

naisme

Gloves. I just remembered I need gloves!

Ronocerous

There is nothing as peaceful as commuting to work at 6:30AM on fresh powder with a crisp temperature around 20F...:D[/QUOTE]

Oh, baby...

Portis

I do have a Camelbak, the M.U.L.E. I think. I did get an insolation sleeve, but it still allowed the bit valve to freeze up. The other thing I noticed last year with the cold and fluids is trying to keep them warm for an hour on a bike in sub freezing temps is difficult. I declined to use the Camelbak, for a lot of reasons, main one the discomfort of it on my back. Other than that I enjoy the item, and use it more when I am MTBing than commuting.

So what do you use for Commuting in the Cold? I have a brand new Camelback hanging in my garage that i just haven't gotten used to. I used it once this Summer but also didn't like the weight on my back. I consider it one of my least wise cycling purchases to date. I am much happier with bottles. :mad:

jasoncd

Hi all,

My list of things to do include:

- Repack bottom bracket
- Repack bearings in the rear wheel
- getting two new wheels so I can alternate studded tires for knobbies quicker
- Two new nokian studded tires (can't wait)

When repacking my bearings any word on lubricants to avoid?

I have Vistalight night sticks that have worked very well. The lights are very easy to out on and easy to direct the light. The main downfall of the nightsticks is the handlebar brackets are prone to breaking after a while. Thus having extra brackets is a must. For all canadians do not bother going to your local cycling store because they'll charge you $20 for the damn bracket. Instead buy it online in the US for $4US.

For clothing this year I bought a great base layer. This is probably the most important layer to buy. The second most important layer is your shell (breathable yet keeps the wind out).

It is not the cold that kills but the wind!!!

Cheers to a memorable winter full of fresh powder broken by two wheels instead of four!

Jason

Zin

Hey Jason! Glad to see you made it over here! We are a bunch of die-hard winter cyclists here. The store of knowledge of these great folks is impressive!

Welcome!

gcasillo

Just got my Performance order today.

Gloves. Check.
Tights. Check
Wool socks. Check.
Neoprene booties. Check.

Gotta get a good light. I've been eyeballing a Niterider Flamethrower as I leave work after dark during the summer even. A light is a must get.

Got a balaclava. So my priority right now is outerwear. During the coldest stretches, it gets down to 20 or so degrees here, but Winters are always wet, pissy wet, you know. From rain, sleet, or just snow melts.

I need recommendations for outerwear to stave off this kind of climate then. I have polypropolene and silk undies a plenty from my backpacking gear and middle layers. I just need a good wind/waterproof shell.

(Reminder to self) Don't forget the reflective tape!