I think I'm done for the season.
12-07-11, 11:54 AM
#51
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Sounds like no motor is discouraged. Winter can do that. Ice is a big issue for me. Snow as long as it's not too deep is doable. Most of my commute is on a bike path which the local metroparks group does a great job clearing. However, I hate riding in traffic on snow and ice days- must exercise extreme caution. However, my dislike of driving coupled with my need for aerobic activity and love of cycling keep me going in all weather.
12-07-11, 03:41 PM
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I wish rain was the only thing I had to battle in this upcomming season. Instead I'm stuck spinning out in snow and dealing with Minnesotan drivers who should never have been given a license until they prove they can drive in the snow without crashing into things.
12-07-11, 08:53 PM
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I was worried about the summers but I ended up riding in 114* heat. My afternoon commute was downhill and it was just fine. Then I was worried about my winter commute in the morning but that is uphill and I think I've just about got a practical setup (clothes) to come in just below our average winter lows so it looks like I may end up being comfortable commuting year round.
12-08-11, 01:21 PM
#56
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I'll ride down to freezing, after that too easy to go down and none of my bikes will take Marathon Winter tires. Fortunately the temps here rarely drop into the freezing range. Other than that, there are no bad riding days, only bad equipment/clothing days. A well maintained bike with fenders, and good winter clothing will generally keep you from being miserable.
I was about to start a thread by the very same name.
Last year I did 5,000 miles including commuting the entire year round. I just don't know if I can do it again.
I have all the gear (magicshine, showerspass, lobster mitts, balaclava, studded tires) and four different bikes to choose from (including a belt drive IGH w/drum brakes); that's not the problem. And i don't feel particularly unsafe, even at night when it's raining.
It just takes too long.
what is normally a 45-50 minute commute in is at least an hour and can take 1:15 by the time the snow has piled up and blocks me from filing past traffic at an intersection. The ride home, normally 1:10 can take an hour and a half for the same reasons PLUS it's dark on the way home.
Worse, whereas in summertime I just grab a helmet and go, winter riding requires more time to suit up with all the layers. Given the huge temperature swings in Boston, I often take extra jackets or two types of gloves just in case.
And yes, the OP is right that changing a flat in subfreezing temperatures completely sucks.
I'm thinking it's just not worth it this winter.
Last year I did 5,000 miles including commuting the entire year round. I just don't know if I can do it again.
I have all the gear (magicshine, showerspass, lobster mitts, balaclava, studded tires) and four different bikes to choose from (including a belt drive IGH w/drum brakes); that's not the problem. And i don't feel particularly unsafe, even at night when it's raining.
It just takes too long.
what is normally a 45-50 minute commute in is at least an hour and can take 1:15 by the time the snow has piled up and blocks me from filing past traffic at an intersection. The ride home, normally 1:10 can take an hour and a half for the same reasons PLUS it's dark on the way home.
Worse, whereas in summertime I just grab a helmet and go, winter riding requires more time to suit up with all the layers. Given the huge temperature swings in Boston, I often take extra jackets or two types of gloves just in case.
And yes, the OP is right that changing a flat in subfreezing temperatures completely sucks.
I'm thinking it's just not worth it this winter.
I'd like to find one, but haven't had much luck. I'm surprised to hear when asked about depositing over $100k that's mainly going to be held in reserve that some banks feel that not charging us anything for holding our money is a good deal for us. What's the chipcom credit union got to offer me? A new tire?
12-09-11, 06:41 PM
#57
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I rode from Beijing to New Delhi last summer and got exactly 1 flat tire. 4,500 miles, Schwalbe Marathon XR for the win!
12-12-11, 11:45 AM
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Sadly the XR is no longer made. There is a new tire for 2012 that is taking its place however, the "Mondial". I think Schwalbe got an earful when the discontinued the XR a couple years ago and thus the Mondial rose out of its ashes.
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