Originally Posted by
Shiloh253
I learned this hunting, but I think it applies here. Forgive me if someone's already posted this, but if you keep your extremities (hands, feet, fingers, toes) warm, it keeps the rest of you warm. There's nothing worse than going out in 18 degrees and realizing that your socks aren't
quite thick enough.
Also, quick question: What's the coldest weather you guys have ridden in before? It can drop to 40 below where I'm moving for school and I'm worried about stuff like the grease on my chain freezing.
I used to live in Northern Canada and I enjoyed driving my road bike on top of the snow where the skidoos had pressed it down firm. Also when it is really cold, the ice on the roads would be coated with a sandpaper like frost so by being careful, I drove all winter with my road bike slicks.
First year I put screws in my tires but it was like driving uphill all the time so I got rid of them. Gradually I discovered that as long as you are careful you can drive on whatever you like.
As you mentioned grease does freeze and I found that lower than -25 C (-13 F) the chain wasn't too interested in switching gears. By -35 c (-31 F) switching gears was very difficult. Probably would be a good idea to flush the chain in a solvent or diesel to get the crud off first because that is what makes it stiff in the cold, then lube it with something light like WD40.
Your face has to be well covered. Wear safety glasses that are very large so your face is protected.