Good bike for winter commuting?? Help :D
04-14-15 | 12:32 PM
#26
Mostly harmless ™
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,462
Likes: 243
From: Novi Sad
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
+1 to FrankHudson's advise, especially the studs.
To add to this great advice, have a backup plan/emergency contact! I have broken down in sub-zero temps (once a bent rear-dérailleur after slipping on ice [no studs on that ride] in cross winds), it can be extremely difficult to just get your fingers out in the air just to make a phone call!
I also always carry chemical warmers in my panniers when it is cold, along with additional layers if I have to wait for a ride.
To add to this great advice, have a backup plan/emergency contact! I have broken down in sub-zero temps (once a bent rear-dérailleur after slipping on ice [no studs on that ride] in cross winds), it can be extremely difficult to just get your fingers out in the air just to make a phone call!
I also always carry chemical warmers in my panniers when it is cold, along with additional layers if I have to wait for a ride.
04-14-15 | 12:45 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 111
From: North of Boston
Bikes: Kona Dawg, Surly 1x1, Karate Monkey, Rockhopper, Crosscheck , Burley Runabout,
04-14-15 | 02:26 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Bikes: Five active bikes: 1983 Diamondback RidgeRunner (early production mountain bike), 1951 Raleigh Sports 3spd, 2012 Novara Safari, 2013 Schwinn 411 IGH, 2016 Jamis Roughneck Fatbike; plus a Trek T900 tandem shared with the family
Well, yes you can walk that distance, which is good as a B plan. And I'm sure somewhere there's a walker's forum where most folks will prefer hoofing it to a bike ride. And there are I'm sure a lot of skiers would prefer to ski it. I understand there are some places where riding tauntauns is the way to go (and tauntauns have that wonderful B plan). But bike riders might choose biking because they want to, because it's more fun for them (and because it's faster than walking).
My experience is that yes, there a days that are less fun, but even in a MN winter climate, there a lots of great days too.
My experience is that yes, there a days that are less fun, but even in a MN winter climate, there a lots of great days too.
04-14-15 | 08:44 PM
#29
Anywhere I roam
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 261
Likes: 23
From: Rockies, U.S.A.
Bikes: Three blind bikes
If it's in your affordability, I highly recommend a Surly Karate Monkey. You can put any size of 29" or 700c tires on it because they are the same rim diameter, plus you can mount disc brakes. Remember, taller tires are ALWAYS better in snow, and disc brakes are ALWAYS better in snow. If you buy a steel framed bike new, make sure to have the insides of the tubing treated with Frame Saver or lindseed oil before you start riding it.
