Things I learned by commuting this winter.
 

This past winter (I'm typing this on a day that still has snow in the forecast, but figure it's close enough to the end to count) was both long and trying. As a fair weather commuter I didn't ride as much as some (most?) of you, but still managed to learn a few things when I did. The first kind of surprised me, and that was that I liked to wear a headband. I'd never worn one before, and tried one out after someone gave me one. I really liked it, and it seemed to be a lot better than wearing the balaclava until it was way to warm, and then taking it off. The second was that keeping the larger winter tires on helped to deal with the potholes and bumps left over from the winter. I would have rather reinforced the knowledge that avoiding potholes is a better idea, but evidently I've got some new attraction to them.

What did you learn this winter?

I learned that I *can* ride in the winter, that it's not so bad. Admittedly, I did take the short route in and ride on sidewalks and paths (rather than on the side of the road or bike lanes on the road) and I rode only a dozen or so times. As a result of the successful winter riding, I'm preparing a better (i.e., more suitable) bike for winter riding next year as I don't want to ruin the one I used this past winter. I also learned that I don't have the right gloves/mitts for winter (i.e., really cold) weather, nothing I have was able to keep my fingers reasonable temperatures until the end of the 20-25min (at -30C/-22F) ride so I may have to invest in pogeys for a truly comfortable ride.

I learned never under estimate how much longer it will take you to get to work. Especially when snow is fresh and streets are not plowed.

+1

I learned that as long as I'm prepared for the weather, I can bike when it's cold, raining, snowing, freezing, or combination thereof.

I learned that my cold weather gear is only good down to around 20F.

I like using light/fast tires; Schwalbe Kojaks on my folder and Continental Ultra Race on my roadbike.
The usual downside is they're more flat prone; especially when they've been used for a while. Next
winter I'll be using more flat resistant tires because it's not fun changing a flat in sub freezing temps.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/...eb11daf6_c.jpg14 Fahrenheit = minus 10 Celsius by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

I learned that it's possible to overdress even at 4°, and refrozen ice under snow can get really weird and challenging, and that drivers who are going to spend 6 hours plus in their cars think you're the crazy one for riding 40 minutes in the ice/snow storm. A few other things, but I seem to have repressed those memories ...

I learned that even in a city like Chicago where the major streets are kept pretty much clear during winter, the weather can be bad enough to make it impossible and dangerous to ride. Shocking that I just now learned that - after 4 years.

No. 1. Try it in a city that does not like to keep the streets clear of snow in the winter (like my fair city of Des Moines).

Uhh, no thanks :-)

But you know the combination of darkness and slush/ice on the streets just was frustrating. You don't see as well, and in the dark you are even more afraid of falling into traffic.

I learned not to overdress, that ski gloves are awesome, to wear eye protection even when it's dark, and that merino wool is a gift from God.

While I am sure nobody here will consider my mild northern CA winter a real winter, I did ride in below freezing temps a few times. The main thing I learned is I can ride when its cold if I dress right. I also learned its easy to overheat if you overdress and/or ride to hard. I also tried riding one time on a cold windy day in Lake Tahoe and was probably not properly dressed for the weather - this experience helped reinforce my respect for those of you who ride through harsh winters. Maybe next winter I will try that again with better gear.

I learned I need better winter socks.

I learned firsthand how much of a liability rim brakes can be.

M.

I learned that I'm capable of riding to work in single digit temps. I also learned that having dry layers at work is nice for the trip back home. I learned that I didn't save any money by commuting by bike. Any potential savings was quickly sent off to pay of better layers to keep me warm and dry. Next year I might break even. I also learned that you can't clean and lube your chain enough when ridding in slop. Finally, I learned that if I have to live in a place with cold, wet, and snowy winters upon retirement, it's not the end of the world. Although it's a damn sight closer than I really want.

I should have added that to my list. We didn't have any snow here in Memphis, but in the rain I found rim brakes really scary!

Nothing comes to mind. I miss the empty paths now that everyone is out, but that's the same every year.

I actually have had great luck with wet rims on my bikes. With the ice/snow, chunks of it got jammed between the brake pads and the rim - big problem.

M.

I have been winter commuting for years but I learned that one bike doesn't fit all winter situations. A new Fat Bike with studded tires would be nice to add to the stable.

Ha, I didn't think about this, but I guess I did learn how nice relatively empty bike lanes and MUPs are. I wasn't dodging 1,000's of tourists walking or on rental bikes. Soon I will be fighting or trying to avoid tons of tourists on some of the bike paths and the golden gate bridge.

One other thing I learned, related to this, is I actually like riding in the dark. A primary reason for this is less bikes and pedestrians on my route. If I left late enough, sometimes less cars too.

I learned that regular cleaning/oiling is really important, or the daily exposure to road salt will disintegrate the bottom of your bike. I also learned that my bike had a lower limit of about -25C (-13F), after which the back wheel would no longer engage. I'm going to try a different kind of oil in the freehub next winter and see if that helps. I learned that my 3" tires weren't necessarily any better than a regular 2" mountain bike tire, and I'm wondering how much difference a true fat bike would make.

I learned that there's always a chance you might fall in front of a car that can't stop, but once you get over your fear of a painful death it can actually be fun to ride in the snow.

I learned that leather boots aren't waterproof, even if the label says they are. And finally, I learned that merino wool isn't as great as I used to think. It keeps you warm, but you can't stop it from shrinking. I washed my merino sweater in cold water and hung it up to dry, but it shrank nonetheless, and now this thing could fit my ten-year-old daughter. This time next year I'll be making the same sweater into a pair of gloves. I do have a good polyester sweater, and it was far more reliable than my merino sweater.

Edit: I almost forgot, batteries die a whole lot faster in the cold.

I learned that studded winter tires are worth every penny.

I learned merino wool socks are the way to go

I learned that if your feet are going numb while wearing Sorel boots, you need to buy a bigger, heavier pair of Sorel boots.

I learned I like winter riding more than spring riding. I rarely get sick in the winter, but when spring time rolls around, I feel horrible.