Originally Posted by mtalinm

I was about to start a thread by the very same name.

Last year I did 5,000 miles including commuting the entire year round. I just don't know if I can do it again.

I have all the gear (magicshine, showerspass, lobster mitts, balaclava, studded tires) and four different bikes to choose from (including a belt drive IGH w/drum brakes); that's not the problem. And i don't feel particularly unsafe, even at night when it's raining.

It just takes too long.

what is normally a 45-50 minute commute in is at least an hour and can take 1:15 by the time the snow has piled up and blocks me from filing past traffic at an intersection. The ride home, normally 1:10 can take an hour and a half for the same reasons PLUS it's dark on the way home.

Worse, whereas in summertime I just grab a helmet and go, winter riding requires more time to suit up with all the layers. Given the huge temperature swings in Boston, I often take extra jackets or two types of gloves just in case.

And yes, the OP is right that changing a flat in subfreezing temperatures completely sucks.

I'm thinking it's just not worth it this winter.