This was my first winter of bike commuting. Weather was unusually mild in this area -- not very cold, and very little snow. I skipped a couple of cold weeks, the first due to being off work at the end of December, and the second due to catching the flu right after the New Year. Other than that, I gave myself a reprieve on one day when it was well below zero, and had some days of "excused" car use due to family schedule complexities.

Since this was my first experience with real winter commuting, I learned a lot about about what clothing I need for different conditions, and how to configure my bike. So it was useful even if it wasn't heroic. I gradually let myself try colder temperatures, and had a couple of decent rides at roughly -10 F. That's kinda where I have to begin thinking about my safety if the bike breaks down and I have to hoof it.

I've shown the bike before, but it's pretty boring: An entry level Gary Fisher rigid steel mountain frame, 26" wheels with Nokian 160 studded tires, fenders, rack, basket, kick stand. I installed a taller stem and swept handlebars. This "cockpit" is a necessity because I can't reach drops any more, and straight bars pound the hell out of my wrists.

There were relatively few days when I strictly needed the studs, but the weather is unpredictable around here, from morning to evening. It helps me get motivated to take the bike out in the morning, if I know that I can get home in the evening, no matter what happens to the weather. This is true in the summer as well. The carbide studs have shown no visible wear so far.

After a few weeks, I was cleaning things up, and noticed that the FD was really getting full of crud, plus I had not shifted it at all. So the bike is now a 1x7 with the chain on the middle front ring. It's not highly geared, but I'm not highly fast. I might see about replacing the larger ring with some sort of plain disc to protect my snow pants.

Clothing: LL Bean hooded ski jacket -- the hood can go over my helmet. Wind proof hat under the helmet. Fleece muffler. Wool sweater under the jacket if it's super cold. Waterproof ski mittens -- my shifter is thumb actuated. Baggy Columbia snow pants. Extra layer of socks if needed. Leather boots. I also have a ski helmet and goggles with clear lenses if it's super cold.

I'm middle aged and quite un-athletic, riding an inexpensive bike, so this should serve as encouragement to anybody who is thinking of riding through the winter.