Winter Cycling - What do you all think of my "Winter Warrior"?

I just took some pictures of it yesterday and finished just in time, because it's snowing right now. I've still got some work left but here it is...

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6642/dsci0050c.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/i/dsci0050c.jpg/)

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6787/dsci0049p.jpg (http://img266.imageshack.us/i/dsci0049p.jpg/)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/419/dsci0052o.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/dsci0052o.jpg/)

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/2941/dsci0041a.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/dsci0041a.jpg/)

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9963/dsci0035d.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/dsci0035d.jpg/)

A single pannier for small loads -
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2476/dsci0053k.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/dsci0053k.jpg/)

Dual panniers for winter riding -
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9017/dsci0061h.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/i/dsci0061h.jpg/)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9650/dsci0062t.jpg (http://img404.imageshack.us/i/dsci0062t.jpg/)

Might want to look into some metal BMX platforms with pins so your feet don't slip off. I'm not a fan of plastic pedals, even if metal ones do rip up your leg. Aside from that, looks like you've got a good start. Are you planning on getting studded tires? (I don't know where you live and how harsh the winter is.)

Sharp looking bike and I really like those panniers. If you decide you need full fenders, you can use P-clamps. I have a mountain bike without eyelets on the fork, too. I just used P-clamps to install SKS commuter fenders. Your local hardware store should carry them. Here's what you'd be looking for.

http://www.armadaleautoparts.com/userimages/Electrical/p_clamps.jpg

Lookin sharp! I wouldn't change a thing, except maybe adding some reflectors :)

Looks good... I also don't know if your climate warrants studded tyres.

Plastic reflectors help but reflective tape is the way to go as it can add 360 degrees of reflectivity at a much higher intensity and will even glow in the daytime.

These tyres also use 3M Scotchlite on the sidewall.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/tronbike1.jpg

full-fenders w/mudflaps, no need to get filthy.

IF you can't find a p-clamp as suggested above, and with a suspension fork it will probably be difficult, then you can use a zip-tie with an eyelet.

Such as this:
http://www.drillspot.com/pimages/409/40938_300.jpg

electrik,

The fork on my mountain bike is a suspension fork. It's circumference at the point where I attached the arms of the front fender is 4.25 inches, two 1 1/4th-inch P-Clamps worked perfectly. The hardware store had even larger P-clamps available.

http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL442/7447283/14154973/377846325.jpg

electrik,

The fork on my mountain bike is a suspension fork. It's circumference at the point where I attached the arms of the front fender is 4.25 inches, two 1 1/4th-inch P-Clamps worked perfectly. The hardware store had even larger P-clamps available.


Yeah, I didn't want to string them together... nobody around here stocks p-clamps over 1.25" and since the size I needed was a larger "non-standard" size(maybe the 4" size you mentioned) I just settled for the zip-tie. Things were getting out of hand time-wise looking for a fender mount.

So far the zip-ties have been working great at holding up a plastic fender... apparently the plastic is good till -40c, UV resistant and can hold quite a few kg - though i wouldn't try to mount a rack with them.

electrik,

Sorry that you can't find them. Have you tried one of the big box hardware stores, like Home Depot. Also, I had to describe them to a sales person at my local Ace because they don't call them P-clamps. Once I described what they looked like, the clerk took me to them. Better yet, print off a photo and show it to someone. My local store had them in the aisle with plumbing supplies.

electrik,

Sorry that you can't find them. Have you tried one of the big box hardware stores, like Home Depot. Also, I had to describe them to a sales person at my local Ace because they don't call them P-clamps. Once I described what they looked like, the clerk took me to them. Better yet, print off a photo and show it to someone. My local store had them in the aisle with plumbing supplies.

Yes, tried every hw store around... even a specialty fastener store, no dice, nobody was going to order some unless I wanted about oh, say... 150. So far, I am satisfied with the zip-tie solution and I haven't looked back.

Thanks for the comments guys. I will need to get some carbide studded tires eventually but the route I take will more than likely make them useless (especially during the time I travel since I could just ride in the middle of the road because I use side streets).

I am going to be looking into fenders more, I just wanted to get an idea of how wide I would need to get them. The only problem is with the rear fenders as there is not enough room under the pannier rack. The pannier rack has a full cover so it's not like it's a big deal, it's the front I'm worried about with my suspension.

I have a nice fender kit on my road bike that I will post once I fix the tire (you can see the other bike in the background with its flat tire). But that is a daytime only bike on clear days.

I actually used the extra "P-Clamps" I have to install a light on the road-facing side of the bike on the rear;
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1410/dsci0040n.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/dsci0040n.jpg/)

I used some strong utility zip ties to get the rear fender in place (they are wrapped around the kick stand plate). The rear fender is meant for a seat post set up but obviously that doesn't work with a rear rack. So I turned it upside down and made it fit perfectly where it is. Looks pretty cool there too.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/7208/dsci0039q.jpg (http://img188.imageshack.us/i/dsci0039q.jpg/)

Needs a Ktrak to be a true winter warrior. :p

hummm, i am not a big fan of rimbrakes, but i ride in the snow, and have had times where i had to do a controled crash with them to stop because of no breaking power due to the snow getting on the brakes