Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
Yes, Fat Bikes are popular in my area as winter bikes. Certainly, using a fat bike on trails and well frozen lakes is more interesting than trying to share the road during winter. When riding during winter I have correct clothing and equipment. As a commuter is Chicago I built a monstercross bike and installed studded tires. However, I discovered that temperatures below 25f were unpleasant due to perspiration and damp layers. Rides longer than an hour were not enjoyable for me.
.
This is probably more appropriate for the Winter Cycling forum, but there are ways to deal with the perspiration. Some simply use newepaper. I have a friend who uses anti persperant liberally on his trunk before he rides. I prefer a merino wool base layer. Clothing technology continues to improve.
Also, yes, riders are shorter in the deep cold. But unless you have really great mental strength, rides longer than an hour on a trainer are also difficult.
Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
Rides longer than an hour were not enjoyable for me. I also found studded tires to be painfully slow going. I do enjoy a sunny day with mostly dry pavement when temperatures are above 25f, and I'll ride during winter on ideal days. I keep a Cyclocross bike with gravel tires and fenders just for wet, salty and gritty conditions, but I use discretion.
.
Yup, studs slow you down. But you get a good workout and the outdoor scenery in winter can be beautiful.
Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
I actually like the trainer. Structuring a plan and getting all the benefits from the technology is interesting to me. Once or twice a week I'll load a virtual ride using data I saved. I can recreate the outdoor experience with enough realism to be very satisfying. The interval training and sessions that provide base miles are less enjoyable, but are an improvement over inactivity.
That's where you and I part, for sure. I hate the trainer. Zwift has made it much better for me, but I'd still choose to be outside on any day when it's not really dangerous.
To each their own.