Originally Posted by
PatrickGSR94
But you're expending much more energy on a bike than you do walking or just standing around.
No necessarily, commuting is not a bike race you don't NEED to push it. And in the winter, pushing it really isn't a good idea from safety perspective (typically less than ideal weather).
Originally Posted by
PatrickGSR94
If you're standing or walking, you can carry an umbrella in the rain. Not so much on a bike.
Yes, if you are the type who uses an umbrella, you would need a raincoat. But it doesn't need to be a bicycle design. Also, given the notorious wind I am not sure an umbrella would be practical in the OP's Chicago area even when walking.
Originally Posted by
PatrickGSR94
Also you don't generally break a sweat in the cold while just walking or standing around, but you very well might on a bike, which presents its own set of challenges.
Again, there is no need to break a sweat when commuting any time of the year, but especially in the winter. It is commuting not a bike race.