Originally Posted by
Shiloh253
I'm moving to Laramie, WY in two days, starting on my 4-year degree at the end of august. Long story short: Driving is out of the realm of possibility for me due to vision problems. Public transportation is available in Laramie, but it's limited at best. During the winter it easily drops to -30F, with some wicked wind.
So, how would I go about cycling in that kind of weather? I'm applying to a few jobs that are close to my apartment, and school is less than a mile away. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
-Get a cheap, used MTB to beat up during the winter.
-Thick but flexible gloves
-Some form of parka/light snow jacket just to keep me from freezing to death
-Balaclava or shemagh for the face.
What should I be looking for exactly? I've ridden in the winter before, but never really had a chance to get used to it (had a friend who'd gladly drive me around this past winter when I needed it).
Thanks!
I have a lot of experience are riding sub-zero temps, I bike-commute year-round in Minneapolis. Coldest ride is -20F for 11 miles, all smiles. Here are some pointers:
Old MTB is good, disc brakes are a plus, and SS conversion is also good.
Flush and regrease the free hub, otherwise it can freeze at sub-zero temps... then you're walking (been there, done that).
Studded tires are a big help in the winter! I run
Nokian Mount and Ground on the front and
Continental Top Contact (non-studded) on the rear. The front tire is the most important for traction, steering, braking. The non-studded rear tire gives lower rolling resistance, making the ride 'faster'.
A good snowboard/ski jacket shell, it doesn't need to be heavily insulated, you create a lot of heat. Be sure it has vents, you'll want to open them to get steamy/hot air out of the jacket.
Pogies are GREAT! (Gupgum is a friend's business) & the bottle rack coozie works wonderfully.
Many people like snowboard/ski goggles, I can't wear them, they fog and freeze. I typically go with nothing over my face (see below), but I'm a freakish.
I hope this is helpful. Feel free to ask any follow up questions, I'm a huge fan of winter riding and would like to help other enjoy it too.
Here is my winter bike - 2005 Marin Nail Trail (I replace the fork this spring with a rigid fork, no value in suspended forks in the snow/ice):
Here are my layers for commuting 11 miles at -13F - many layers and lots of wool:
This is a selfie on a -15F day, I stopped to open vents to cool off. I get very hot riding in the winter.
