Winter 2014 Victory Lap
 

This winter has been a long one, cyclist or not. Had I not commuted the past 3 winters I would not have been able to tackle this one. I've ridden every day with just a couple days missed due to repairs. I've built up my used rigid MTB for winter riding, and even this beast has taken a beating. This winter has claimed the following, in order of failure:

-Brake pads
-Derailleur (used and already worn, converted to single speed)
-Stripped hub pawls in -15deg F ride / new rear wheel
-Studded tires from craigslist
-Broken chain (snapped side plate)
-Dead lights (cheap lights, condensation)
-Drive side crank arm (fractured it accelerating from an intersection last week, rode 4miles one legged to work)

Next week looks like I could pull out the fair weather commuter, but at this point I feel like taking the winter bike for a victory lap - it earned it! I just replaced the cranks with a set from an old bike and took the studded tires off so it is ready for its curtain call. I have an odd attachment now to this slowpoke...

Anyone else feel the same way?

This was my first winter commuting

No need for studded tires over here in the PNW, but I strongly, strongly considered ripping my fenders off tonight. Given that this IS the PNW, that would be stupid... so I didn't in the end.

I wore through brake pads about every 3 weeks this winter.. seemed really excessive

Put some slicks in its Easter basket!!!

Ride it once a week in the summer so it remembers you next winter.

Twenty bucks.................it's earned 'em.:giver: