Winter Cycling - Winter riding question: Thoughts

Little background,,, just got back into regular riding this spring,,, mostly to keep my weight in check and for peace of mind/fun,,,,,,,, I'm 45 years old,, I bike around 10-20 miles a pop give or take 4-5 times a week,,,

* I have a 2009 Jamis hybrid, that has fitted with Shimano 105, Mavic Equipe's, brooks saddle, etc,,, I'm very happy with the setup, but want to ride through the winter,,, I live in South Jersey so we don't get that much snow,, (most of the time) if we do it's usually gone it a couple days,, or the roads are clear,,,, I don't want to ruin my bike with salt or other things the winter and cold weather can throw at you,,,,, So I was thinking,,,,,,,,,

Should I,,,,

A. Get a winter set of wheels,,, I can pick up a set of Mavic Open Pro's (used) for around $100.00

B. Just get a cheap single speed to ride for the winter months,,, not alot of maintenance

C. Just ride my Jamis as is and don't worry about it,,, everything will be fine and in the spring,,, get a good tune up,,,,,,,,,,

D. other thoughts,,,,,,,,,,

here is a pic of my bike,,,,,,

thanks
glen

Little background,,, just got back into regular riding this spring,,, mostly to keep my weight in check and for peace of mind/fun,,,,,,,, I'm 45 years old,, I bike around 10-20 miles a pop give or take 4-5 times a week,,,

* I have a 2009 Jamis hybrid, that has fitted with Shimano 105, Mavic Equipe's, brooks saddle, etc,,, I'm very happy with the setup, but want to ride through the winter,,, I live in South Jersey so we don't get that much snow,, (most of the time) if we do it's usually gone it a couple days,, or the roads are clear,,,, I don't want to ruin my bike with salt or other things the winter and cold weather can throw at you,,,,, So I was thinking,,,,,,,,,

Should I,,,,

A. Get a winter set of wheels,,, I can pick up a set of Mavic Open Pro's (used) for around $100.00

B. Just get a cheap single speed to ride for the winter months,,, not alot of maintenance

C. Just ride my Jamis as is and don't worry about it,,, everything will be fine and in the spring,,, get a good tune up,,,,,,,,,,

D. other thoughts,,,,,,,,,,

here is a pic of my bike,,,,,,

thanks
glen

Just ride it as is...with the addition of powerful lights;) Spend some money and get something more than the $20 Cateye headlight/taillight pack, however.

The Magicshine 900 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_wobble) is about the best deal for a really bright light around.

...Unless, of course, you are trolling for a new bike and need validation for the spousal unit. In that case, get a new bike. A mountain bike would be a nice addition if you don't have one:thumb:

Just ride it as is...with the addition of powerful lights;) Spend some money and get something more than the $20 Cateye headlight/taillight pack, however.

The Magicshine 900 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_wobble) is about the best deal for a really bright light around.

...Unless, of course, you are trolling for a new bike and need validation for the spousal unit. In that case, get a new bike. A mountain bike would be a nice addition if you don't have one:thumb:



Really just looking for the best option,,,,,,,,,,,

other thoughts ,,,,,,,,,,

glen

The big question is, do you intend to ride below freezing? If so, studded snow tires should be on your list. I know that around here there's always a patch or two of ice that somehow doesn't get salted away. And I know from experience the results of hitting one of them without studs.

Then think about a second wheelset. It makes switching between road and snow tires much faster and easier. I also switched to plastic rim tape on my winter wheelset. The cloth stuff holds salty wetness and increases corrosion.

But I'm with cyccommute--first think about *really* good lights. Lights that drivers will see through their fogged-up, iced-over windows while they're texting.

TTT,,,, do not plan on riding in freezing rain, snow,,,

any more thoughts,,,,,,,,

What I find to be the tricky part is clothing. If you freeze your butt off, you'll wait a while before doing it again. Alternatively, the 'kid in a snow suit' has it's own problems.

The extremities are the worst. If you have old ski gloves, you can try them.
Something that will keep your feet warm and dry but still allow freedom of movement is a holy grail I'm still looking for.
I ilke clipless.

I found a Turtlefur bomber hat last year, but I couldn't find it in their catalog.
It has ear flaps that block enough of the wind that my ears don't hurt.

Take a look at some of the old winter cycling posts.

And consider a trainer or rower.

Hit Craigslist for a 250.00 beater.
Ohno