This was the coldest day I've ridden to work yet, I believe. The Bank thermometer said -2F, which is childs play compared to some of you. I was well dressed, and the temp didn't bother me too much. I'm sure I can go much colder.

On the other hand, my bike was giving me grief. I switched wheels out last night and forgot that the rear cog on the new wheelset was set up for a different chainline (singlespeed). I noticed this about a mile into the commute when my chain derailed. I put it back on and it came off again after about 20 meters. So I turned around, zipped back home and put on the other wheel. This also involved readjusting the brakes due to differences in rim width.

On my way again. The ride up 5th avenue is uphill for about 2-3 miles. There was a slight headwind, but the bike was pedaling like there was a 20mph headwind. First gues was brakes were rubbing. Stopped, dialed out the adjuster on the levers, and checked the pads. They were both sitting about about an 8th inch from the rim (front wheel and bottom bracket both spin fine as well). Continued. Still hard pedaling. Stopped again, held the back end up and spun rear wheel, it seemed to spin fine - no brake rubbing. But, just in case, I undid the quick release and just ran with front brakes. The bike was still pedaling like the bearings were freezing up. At this point, anymore hassles were going to make me late, so I grunted it out. It felt like someone subtracted 3 teeth from my rear cog, and my legs have not burned so bad from a ride in a long time.

Now the bike is outside in the rack. Ride home is about 85% downhill. So, I'll see whats up with all this then. Visions of frozen bearings and snapping axles are filling my head. Really, I don't care, I just want to know what the deal is...

Rant over, forgive me