What's the big fuss about riding in the winter, anyway?
Google sponsored links
Wildcard
Keep in mind, this is not meant to be inflammatory, but rather to satisfy my curiousity and perhaps encourage some to re-think their winter cycling strategy.
I read and hear about people who spend hundreds of dollars on top-notch outdoor clothing and gear to be able to commute in the winter, and who rarely go riding without an adequate weather "game plan", so to speak.
But why?
I did some reading on the winter forum before tackling this winter's riding, and came away with the perception that winter riding is an incredibly dangerous and complicated affair. I made myself a list of things I needed to get to ride through the winter (I rode last winter, but very little). I ended up procrastinating and before I knew it I had bought nothing and snow was coming within the next few days. So I bought a cheap, used but functional $20 (CDN) mountain bike with slicks. I also got myself a pair of snow pants for about $15 and ski goggles for about $25, and about $10 of miscellaneous purchases (a can of WD-40, a small pouch to protect U-lock from snow/slush, and an ordinary messenger bag - used).
Total = $70 - bike included. (items I already owned include regular winter boots, cheap winter & spring coats, good gloves, a helmet, a hat and a neck warmer)
I now ride comfortably and well-shielded from the cold, and have encountered no particular problems even in extreme weather. I've ridden on snow, slush, and even patches of ice with my mountain bike on slicks and have yet to fall in about a month of commuting 5-6 days a week. In -30 celsius temperatures, I'm riding with a plain old winter jacket I've had for a few years with a T-shirt underneath.
So again I ask, what is the big fuss about riding in the winter?
PS - I don't mean to be arrogant; I'm genuinely confused.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
There really isnt any big deal about it. Like most things people riding in winter is easy once u try it. Tonight we got a big ice storm. I went outside and helped 3 of the women i work with get the ice off their windows and open their car doors that were frozen shut.
Then i rode home. Had i left them to their own devices by the time they were ready to roll i would have been home.
I'm riding a SS cruiser bike with moustache handlebars, a brooks b-17 seat, and a coaster brake. It has fenders, lights, and 2.1 inch knobbies. Rides like a champ.
GradStudent
I'm not a winter commuter yet, but am reading this forum to help get prepared. From my point of view, it's not the cold that bothers me, I'm worried about riding in the dark. Personally, that's my stumbling block. Theoretically I know a good light set will make me visible, but the roads I commute on are busy, and I'm just worried about not being seen. (I feel like cars don't see me in the daylight!)
I have ordered a light set though, and as soon as it comes in I'll try winter commuting for a week and see how it goes.
vtjim
Wildcard: Welcome to the club. :)
This is my first winter commuting season, and as I said in another post somewhere: I feel like I've discovered a new religion and want to convert everyone I see.
Tires are what makes it fun. Good knobby snow tires. With studs if you're riding on really slick stuff a lot. Then all you need to worry about is dressing properly and lighting if necessary.
jharte
Funny thing is it's all relative. I commute and tour in the winter. I like the challenge. I do ride sidewalks when I can or need to if traffic is heavy and roads are icy (lilke this morning). As for the money? That IS the challenge for me.
I have purchased all of my winter cycling clothing from thrift stores. I have several fleece pullovers (purchased in the summer very cheap), fleece socks, Timberland boots, silk baselayer, lined waterproof pants, Columbia jacket, balaclava. All of these things were purchased in the summer at a thrift store really cheap. For me that is part of the fun. I usually hit the thrift store for summer wear during winter months. Lots to choose from, and prices are usually even less. Buy it when you don't need it. You will almost always find it. I also like the weather. It's easier for me to stay warm in the winter that to stay cool in the summer. I love the snow. :D
tulip
Not all of us are lucky enough to be Canadian, much less Quebecois! We're wimps down here, give us a break! I'm from the southern US and I never learned to drive in the snow, and I don't expect that I ever will, unless you offer me a job in Quebec and I'll be right up (really!--I speak French and everything) :)
However, I can ride my bike in the snow, and if it ever snows here this winter, I will. But just be understanding that where I come from, a couple of snow flurries sends hoards of folks to the grocery store for gallons of milk and loaves of bread, schools shut down, and people go into panic mode. People do not know how to dress for the cold to go from their house to their cars, not to mention for a 10-mile bike commute.
Most people here cannot imagine riding a bike in anything less than a 70-degree Saturday in May. It's okay that we get excited about doing something different and daring (yes, daring) from the rest of the masses south of the border.
btadlock
All my winter riding is trail riding, mostly late afternoon into early evening, no commute, ( I work from home, so my commute is pretty easy :D )
I think that quality gear is a requirement for trail riding, as it requires that you be self-supported. I got stuck at 7800ft, 4 miles from the trailhead the other night when my lights gave out, had to wait for 1.25 hours for a buddy to come and get me down.
I have quite a bit of winter stuff, that I have gathered over time, and use for multiple winter activities, (snow shoeing, snowboarding, snow shoveling!), regardless of whether it is bike specific gear or not.
I really look for quality, performance winter gear, but I still use the standard wool sweater under the wind jacket quite a bit.
timmhaan
it was a "little" bit complicated for me because i want to continue riding as i was during the summer. for me, i'm doing a lot of longer training rides in the 2-3 hour range. i don't want to carry extra clothes so what i wear needs to keep me warm and comfortable for that long. pants and big winter coats just wasn't what i was looking for.
once i had a good base layer everything else is easy. i can just add layers as it gets colder...no big deal. other than equipping my bike with lights i've done no other modifications to it. i have to clean the drive train a bit more however because the slush and water. but, yeah, once i started riding this winter i don't think it's a big deal at all.
Roody
I'm with wildcard. Afficianados have a tendency to make things difficult because IT'S FUN to study on all that stuff! Me, I just like to ride. I get some good advice here but most I don't need. I ride on the city streets a lot, on trails when it isn't TOO deep, so I don't go for hours like many of you do. I wear normal winter clothing. If anything, I get too warm because I usually pedal pretty hard. But I feel it is prudent to wear enough clothing to stay warm if I do end up having to walk the bike home. (Hasn't happened yet, thank God.) I ride a plain old fashioned mountain bike with moderate knobbies. I would like to get some fenders for those wet winter days. I fall down about once a month, but snow and ice are very forgiving, especially when you have lots of clothing on to pad you. I bruised a rib last winter--painful but not bad enough to slow me down much. I admire those who have the dedication and intelligence to really make a science out of bike riding. As for me--if I thought about it too much, I wouldn't do it!
Roody
P.S. Don't forget your long johns!
thechrisproject
I went the same kinda route as Wildcard last winter. Cotton long johns, t-shirts and a winter jacket, just stuff I had around. Regular winter boots. The problems I had with that setup:
1) I slipped on ice
2) I was usually cold at first and then really sweaty by the time I get to work
This year I have studs and wicking clothes, and I couldn't be happier.
thechrisproject
I now ride comfortably and well-shielded from the cold, and have encountered no particular problems even in extreme weather. I've ridden on snow, slush, and even patches of ice with my mountain bike on slicks and have yet to fall in about a month of commuting 5-6 days a week. In -30 celsius temperatures, I'm riding with a plain old winter jacket I've had for a few years with a T-shirt underneath.
How far is your commute?
skydive69
Keep in mind, this is not meant to be inflammatory, but rather to satisfy my curiousity and perhaps encourage some to re-think their winter cycling strategy.
I read and hear about people who spend hundreds of dollars on top-notch outdoor clothing and gear to be able to commute in the winter, and who rarely go riding without an adequate weather "game plan", so to speak.
But why?
I did some reading on the winter forum before tackling this winter's riding, and came away with the perception that winter riding is an incredibly dangerous and complicated affair. I made myself a list of things I needed to get to ride through the winter (I rode last winter, but very little). I ended up procrastinating and before I knew it I had bought nothing and snow was coming within the next few days. So I bought a cheap, used but functional $20 (CDN) mountain bike with slicks. I also got myself a pair of snow pants for about $15 and ski goggles for about $25, and about $10 of miscellaneous purchases (a can of WD-40, a small pouch to protect U-lock from snow/slush, and an ordinary messenger bag - used).
Total = $70 - bike included. (items I already owned include regular winter boots, cheap winter & spring coats, good gloves, a helmet, a hat and a neck warmer)
I now ride comfortably and well-shielded from the cold, and have encountered no particular problems even in extreme weather. I've ridden on snow, slush, and even patches of ice with my mountain bike on slicks and have yet to fall in about a month of commuting 5-6 days a week. In -30 celsius temperatures, I'm riding with a plain old winter jacket I've had for a few years with a T-shirt underneath.
So again I ask, what is the big fuss about riding in the winter?
PS - I don't mean to be arrogant; I'm genuinely confused.
Winter riding is a pain in the butt! Today, instead of taking two water bottles, I had to mix one with Power Bar powder because it is so bloody warm here - around 80 degrees! It is so time consuming. :D
Portis
Having done it both ways i can honestly say that PROPER GEAR MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. Those that don't think it does, have never had the proper gear.
slvoid
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
Roody
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
True.
HereNT
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
Feel? I am all badass.
Merriwether
Wildcard:
You do make a good point, in that winter cyclists can get a bit gear obsessed, being cyclists and all.
And I agree with you that for many short, and not so short rides, it's possible to get by without any "technical" clothing or anything other than the bike itself.
In fact, on that subject, I think the warnings against the use of cotton are grossly overstated by ice bikers. I think ice biking has just unconsciously inherited some of the trepidation about cotton from backpacking. In the backcountry, cotton can be a real problem if it gets wet, since you've got nowhere to go. (In case there's anyone reading this who doesn't know it already, cotton loses its insulating properties when it's wet.) Cotton is fine for riding a bicycle on paved roads in towns, cities, and suburbs, though. Even though it starts to get wet from perspiration, it will still insulate you well for an hour's ride. Then you park and go inside. No problem. Cotton is so cheap and ubiquitous, too, that I don't think someone with a commute in built up areas should avoid it categorically. Sometimes one of my layers is cotton, even on long rides.
Having said all that, I can tell you've not yet tried to ride through significant snow, or mud, in which flotation from knobby mtb tires is important. In fact, we've got serious ice on the roads today, and the plowing is the usual sucky sort, so today's a day when I would really appreciate some studs. Without those, the fat, knobby, mtb tires are nice for staying on top of packed down snow, and sometimes for slogging through all the slushy crap.
On longer rides in cold temperatures, too, like more than an hour in 10F or below, I am not comfortable in a heavy jacket with ordinary clothes underneath. The more specialized clothing makes things much better.
Merriwether
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
Yeah, that is true...
jerrryhazard
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
yep, true.
I also agree about the cotton thing being a little overblown in regards to riding. From a point a to point b ride, it shouldn't really be an issue. But when I know I'll be out for an afternoon ride that may involve several stops for breaks, photos, food, I'll leave the cotton at home.
Last winter, I did the jeans/longjohns winter coat deal, and it wasn't too uncomformtable temperature wise. But I did not like the bulk. This winter I spent a little money on some gear, and I'm a little bit warmer, but a lot less bulkier. Makes me 'feel' more agile, and less like Michelen Man on a bike.
Portis
The continual warnings against cotton are sort of akin to the warning lables on some flammable liquids that tell you not to store them near an open flame. IOW, you could probably store flammable liquids in sealed containers right next to your furnace for a LONG time and probably have no trouble.
The reason it is a bad idea is because of the "what if?" What if the dog happens to run by, knock over the shelf, the flammable sealed can happens to land on a sharp protruding corner of the furnace and splash out into the furnace? Ka BOOOOM!!!!
Cotton clothing is similar. You can probably get by ok with it but...."what if?" You are new to winter cycling and you overdress. It is -10 F outside with a 20 MPH wind. Windchill is now very dangerous. You have been pedalling very hard and all of the sudden you feel warm. "man...i am almost too hot." 10 minutes later you discover that you are indeed to hot. You are sweating like a pig. Your cotton layer is absorbing the moisture and getting completely wet. Soon it freezes. You now have a layer of ice next to your skin. That is not good.
If you don't sweat you are probably fine but again the warning against cotton is a "what if?"
vtjim
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
guilty :o
SaskCyclist
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
What can I say.....I am an accountant. I have to do something to help my image.
Not that I am vain or anything.
clevernamehere
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
OK, since we're doing the confession thing...
Yeah... I'm guilty too.
I have to admit it feels pretty good to see the 20-somthing yr old guys at work hang up their bikes in October while I keep riding. Chaulk it up to mid-life crisis... (40's approaching rapidly) why can't I just get a flashy red sports car like everyone else? :(
thechrisproject
Admit it, winter cycling and cycling in conditions where people either say home or hide in their cars make you all feel badass.
Well, duh.
vrkelley
what is the big fuss about riding in the winter?
Safe ride today does not guarantee safe ride tomorrow. And the right gear really is essential. My crash last year was on an unexpected flooded trail.
Commute: Cycle 13 mi on steep ascents, decents through farmland, burbs, 3 cities. I'd ridden this route for 2 yrs. Road conditions that day:
Town 1: Snowing, no ice 20F, windy decent, gusts
City 2: Rain, very dirty roads, heavy traffic probably 30F
City 3: Windy, fog, poor vis. 25F (wind chill was a problem)
Normal commute until I turned on the deserted bike trail. Around a corner, I spilled on a 100' sheet of ice. Slide proably 15' on my back and the bike actually passed me. ;) Hit my head and if I've been knocked out, it might have been hours before someone found me.
A big factor is distance, varying weather + road conditions. Stay alert, Stay alive.
Roody
Who actually said anything about being a cotton-wearer? I don't invest in fancy winter clothing for the bike, but neither do I just throw on a bunch of layers of summer clothes. I wear thermal polyester long johns that weigh no more than tights but only cost $12/pair. My winter coat is a Columbia that only cost $100, but has lots of weird zippers that allow you to vent it in a lot of different ways (if I'm ever clever enough to figure tham all out!). I usually wear trail running shoes (like Nike ACGs or NB=ATs) that cost around $60, with an old pair of hikers for the snowiest days... So, for not too much money I have a versatile wardrobe that also works for my other wintertime outdoor activities. The point that you should dress warmly enough to walk the bike home in an emergency is an excellent point. In fact, on this thread, I was the first one to make it! :)
whydrive
The big fuss about winter riding? If you do not plan properly, you can get frost bite or worse. Some forethought and decent clothing and it is not a big deal.
And I am warmer with no cotton.
bostontrevor
For a commuter it's no big, probably. My commute is 5 mi (actually, I have an alternate 6 mi that allows me to stay on the street but not go over this nasty metal decked bridge that I use sometimes) and until this year I wore cotton outdoor clothing. Nothing out of the ordinary. I was fine but moisture management was an issue. I would arrive wet and rapidly chill if I didn't change right away. Double that distance though and you've got a problem.
This year I've finally added some wool and synthetic long johns to the mix--mainly because I decided to pick up a snow bike. I can stay out for much much longer and arrive warm. In fact since I ride street shoes in straps, my shoes have been quite wet the last few days. Rather than change into cotton sock and wear those in wet shoes, I'll leave the woolies on and stay nice and warm if a little damp.
Beyond that and you start getting into pretty specialized clothing. A lot of your standard issue outdoor stuff (jackets, fleeces, caps, gloves or mittens) can do double duty as bike gear and you'll save money versus bike specific stuff which tends to be much costlier. Occassionally you might want something that's bike specific (a skull cap, for instance). Often you can also save money with a little DIY. Rather than buying booties, some people will wrap their shoes in plast bags or ziplocs, and so on.
Roody
When you stop to think about it--Our not-too expensive department store outdoor clothing is probably better than the stuff Scott, Hillary, Peary and all those explorers wore to the poles or up Everest. We are a little spoiled?
vrkelley
When you stop to think about it--Our not-too expensive department store outdoor clothing is probably better than the stuff Scott, Hillary, Peary and all those explorers wore to the poles or up Everest. We are a little spoiled?
Well they didn't have to deal with bus-spray and road plows :lol:
bostontrevor
When you stop to think about it--Our not-too expensive department store outdoor clothing is probably better than the stuff Scott, Hillary, Peary and all those explorers wore to the poles or up Everest. We are a little spoiled?
Wool's been around a long time.
Roody
Wool's been around a long time.Yeah and also fur. Both pretty heavy and they get iced up bad. And nothing waterproof until (I'm guessing) at least the 1960s.
bostontrevor
waxed duck. oilskin.
we're not as smart as we think sometimes.
Roody
waxed duck. oilskin.
we're not as smart as we think sometimes.I don't know if you were around in those days, but oilskin was not waterproof. It was water-resistant for about 20 minutest at best! I agree that we're not much smarter than the old timers--nor are we as tough as they were!
SamHouston
Also consider frequency and duration of rides differ for different folks. My lady has a friend, her best friend that once commuted 15k each way all winter wearing her regular winter clothes with perhaps a layer for the brown snow to soil and different clothes/shoes waiting for her at the other end. For me its 5-6 hours a day regardless of conditions be it whiteout or whatever. For most of my compadres its 9-11 hours in the same. For that you need gear. If I went oneway then home again on a specific route i definately wouldnt need the setup I use cept on the coldest/whitest days, and there is mass transit if I wanted it for that.