Does anybody else here (from a cold weather place) ride outdoors all winter?
12-06-06, 06:38 PM
#26
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Yes, if it's dry, maybe MTB in the snow if I have enough time to get to the trails out of town.
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12-06-06, 07:05 PM
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How can I not? Sitting on my butt all winter just isn't an option - I'll get fat, grumpy(er) and spend every cent I got buying new gear...oh wait, I do that anyway. 
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12-06-06, 07:05 PM
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Yes
I ride all year. last year it was -15 F when I rolled out. Just for fun I tried to start the car. It didn't even turn over. I personally don't think riding in the rain or cold is crazy.
12-06-06, 07:12 PM
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Where is Machka with: "I ride in really cold weather. Look at my site."?
12-06-06, 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by paednoch
I personally don't think riding in the rain or cold is crazy.
I ride every evening after work (45-60 minutes, in the dark). Early in the morning on weekends. Usually in the upper 30's to the lower 40's. Who cares if it's raining? I spend 8-10 hrs. a day at work in the elements. Are we not men? (just have to.....we are devo). Last Saturday's ride: 2 hrs. in upper 30s and rain. Saw squirrels, wild turkeys, 3 ft. long stripers (bass), and several deer, including a 4-pointer. Had the road almost all to myself. Are you telling me you'd rather be home?
Last edited by jfblodi; 12-14-06 at 07:47 AM.
12-06-06, 07:23 PM
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Rode in 18 degree weather last Thursday and the wind was from the north and it was cold. If I can make it an hour it would be a good day in that kind of weather. That was the last time I was outside because we got 8" of snow on Friday. Its the longest I'v been off the bike (outside) since last March. I'll ride on the trainer until the sloppy snow/ice is gone. I don't have a MTB to ride in the snow. COLD weather riding may be a little uncomfortable but if you dress for it, it still better than the trainer. I have reached my milage goal for this year so let it snow all it wants this month. I'll take a cold January to ride in.
12-06-06, 07:40 PM
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About the mountain bike for snow...consider I'm trying to build up my current bike, I think I'll just look for 27" knobbies...
Anyone using flat pedals? They are absolutely terrible for wet use, since your feet just slip right off. The thing keeping me from upgrading is the combined cost of shoes and the pedals.
Anyone using flat pedals? They are absolutely terrible for wet use, since your feet just slip right off. The thing keeping me from upgrading is the combined cost of shoes and the pedals.
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12-06-06, 07:41 PM
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yes... cross bike or MTB for me this winter.. unless it's just cold, then the road bike still. i find that i just do shorter rides in the winter, depending on when my toes and fingers go numb 
... i just don't want to stop... and i REALLY F'N HATE TRAINERS/ROLLERS... there, I said it. lucky for me i work nights, so i can ride just about every day if i so please.
... i just don't want to stop... and i REALLY F'N HATE TRAINERS/ROLLERS... there, I said it. lucky for me i work nights, so i can ride just about every day if i so please.
12-06-06, 08:04 PM
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I think the issue for most isn't the cold, but that we work day jobs and darkness for most isn't enjoyable. If it stayed light til 9:30 but was only 35 degrees we'd be riding.
12-06-06, 09:07 PM
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Yes, of course, why not? 
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12-06-06, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by blickblocks
About the mountain bike for snow...consider I'm trying to build up my current bike, I think I'll just look for 27" knobbies...
Anyone using flat pedals? They are absolutely terrible for wet use, since your feet just slip right off. The thing keeping me from upgrading is the combined cost of shoes and the pedals.
Anyone using flat pedals? They are absolutely terrible for wet use, since your feet just slip right off. The thing keeping me from upgrading is the combined cost of shoes and the pedals.
Yes, I generally kept my SPD's on, but this year I went to DownHill Double Jump Platform Pedals. They have studs in the body that grip the soles of my boots very well. I'm using this set up as it seems I have to put my foot down a lot more than I use to to maintain control in deep slushy snow clumps. Winter biking is a big upper body workout.
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12-06-06, 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by ViperZ
Yes, I generally kept my SPD's on, but this year I went to DownHill Double Jump Platform Pedals. They have studs in the body that grip the soles of my boots very well. I'm using this set up as it seems I have to put my foot down a lot more than I use to to maintain control in deep slushy snow clumps. Winter biking is a big upper body workout.
12-06-06, 09:33 PM
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Lake winter boots, Underarmour, Campagnolo jacket, REI mitts (I'm adding some glove liners to this mix) and a misc variety of other layers. Got some heated fishing socks I'm going to try. And a fender, disc brake, and snow tire equipped cross bike. Snow, sub zero, whatever.
What I will be avoiding though: Long, fast descents in these conditions.
When the roads are simply too dangerous I break out the xc skis or climb an hour for 5 minutes of powder laden bliss:
https://www.batesphoto.com/bcski.html
What I will be avoiding though: Long, fast descents in these conditions.
When the roads are simply too dangerous I break out the xc skis or climb an hour for 5 minutes of powder laden bliss:
https://www.batesphoto.com/bcski.html
12-06-06, 10:05 PM
#40
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I rode in the rain so much this year I started to feel like Sponge Bob some weeks. Maybe slower than Sponge Bob, but spongy nonetheless.
12-06-06, 10:07 PM
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I don't really have past experience to draw on, but now that I have appropriate gloves, I've not had any problems with riding in the cold. I have 3 bikes to choose from at present (road, mountain and "commuter"), but will likely need to put some sort of snow-appropriate tire on the commuter to make it viable for, well, snow-riding.
My ONLY problem so far is that my eyes burn like the fires of hell after a while. It's actually worse when MTBing (on actual trails), so I think that may be a combo of cold + leaf dust making my allergies absolutely miserable. I do wear contacts, and they're a more permeable type than winters of yore... Acuvue Advance or some similar nonsense.
Does anyone here ride with goggles (ski goggles maybe?)? My regular cycling optics just don't cut it (though they help) if I'm out more than about 30 minutes (which is most of the time).
My ONLY problem so far is that my eyes burn like the fires of hell after a while. It's actually worse when MTBing (on actual trails), so I think that may be a combo of cold + leaf dust making my allergies absolutely miserable. I do wear contacts, and they're a more permeable type than winters of yore... Acuvue Advance or some similar nonsense.
Does anyone here ride with goggles (ski goggles maybe?)? My regular cycling optics just don't cut it (though they help) if I'm out more than about 30 minutes (which is most of the time).
12-06-06, 10:11 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by Mars
That is the coolest avatar ever.
Originally Posted by G5Ti
I don't really have past experience to draw on, but now that I have appropriate gloves, I've not had any problems with riding in the cold. I have 3 bikes to choose from at present (road, mountain and "commuter"), but will likely need to put some sort of snow-appropriate tire on the commuter to make it viable for, well, snow-riding.
My ONLY problem so far is that my eyes burn like the fires of hell after a while. It's actually worse when MTBing (on actual trails), so I think that may be a combo of cold + leaf dust making my allergies absolutely miserable. I do wear contacts, and they're a more permeable type than winters of yore... Acuvue Advance or some similar nonsense.
Does anyone here ride with goggles (ski goggles maybe?)? My regular cycling optics just don't cut it (though they help) if I'm out more than about 30 minutes (which is most of the time).
My ONLY problem so far is that my eyes burn like the fires of hell after a while. It's actually worse when MTBing (on actual trails), so I think that may be a combo of cold + leaf dust making my allergies absolutely miserable. I do wear contacts, and they're a more permeable type than winters of yore... Acuvue Advance or some similar nonsense.
Does anyone here ride with goggles (ski goggles maybe?)? My regular cycling optics just don't cut it (though they help) if I'm out more than about 30 minutes (which is most of the time).
Currently I use my Oakley M Frames and they have been OK. They fog a bit at slower speeds when my balaclava is covering my nose. Once I get warmed up I pull the bala down past my nose and they are fog free then. However as the temperatures get colder, I will start to use my ski goggles to get more face coverage and protection from freezing wind burn.
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12-06-06, 10:11 PM
#43
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yay December =0 miles so far
12-07-06, 12:45 AM
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Originally Posted by ViperZ
Yes, I generally kept my SPD's on, but this year I went to DownHill Double Jump Platform Pedals. They have studs in the body that grip the soles of my boots very well. I'm using this set up as it seems I have to put my foot down a lot more than I use to to maintain control in deep slushy snow clumps. Winter biking is a big upper body workout.
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12-07-06, 03:43 AM
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The Winter roads are fine, as long as they're salted, and the ice removed,for safety
reasons. IF you want to break an arm, leg or crack your head open, go ahead and
bike on an icy road, or a road mixed with snow AND ice......you won't know what
happened until your flat on your back, lying on an icy patch.
reasons. IF you want to break an arm, leg or crack your head open, go ahead and
bike on an icy road, or a road mixed with snow AND ice......you won't know what
happened until your flat on your back, lying on an icy patch.
12-07-06, 04:17 AM
#47
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I love riding in the winter. The only problem is when your water gets really cold or starts to freeze.
12-07-06, 05:30 AM
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Originally Posted by ViperZ
I commute 5 days a week to and from work, and then I'll go out riding on the weekends for fun.
During the commute I do have to ride more carefully because it's dark, and you tend to be in a hurry to get to work. I ride down a quiet side street most of the way, however once I cross the bridge, I get into Downtown traffic which can get hairy at times. You really have to watch out for the Chocolate mousse snow that has ice hiding under it, for it is slippery, and the snow will redirect your tires. I used a 240 count stud tire(s) that really helps. Having a good HID light also helps me to see the road ahead and any potential problems. I find it easiest to pick a path well in advance.
I dress with just a light base layer, a 100wt polar fleece, and a 3 layer Gortex Shell. For pants I wear a 100wt fleece pant and a 3 layer Gortex Shell. A balaclava on my head, DH ski gloves and I seem good from -10C to -30C so far. On the colder days I start out colder, but I'm warm with in 4 blocks, so far I think I have the clothing dialed in. Once it starts to get colder say -35C, I'll have to start wearing Ski Goggles.
Here are some pictures, because I like taking & posting pictures
-27C On the road to work
-15C Just Having Fun
During the commute I do have to ride more carefully because it's dark, and you tend to be in a hurry to get to work. I ride down a quiet side street most of the way, however once I cross the bridge, I get into Downtown traffic which can get hairy at times. You really have to watch out for the Chocolate mousse snow that has ice hiding under it, for it is slippery, and the snow will redirect your tires. I used a 240 count stud tire(s) that really helps. Having a good HID light also helps me to see the road ahead and any potential problems. I find it easiest to pick a path well in advance.
I dress with just a light base layer, a 100wt polar fleece, and a 3 layer Gortex Shell. For pants I wear a 100wt fleece pant and a 3 layer Gortex Shell. A balaclava on my head, DH ski gloves and I seem good from -10C to -30C so far. On the colder days I start out colder, but I'm warm with in 4 blocks, so far I think I have the clothing dialed in. Once it starts to get colder say -35C, I'll have to start wearing Ski Goggles.
Here are some pictures, because I like taking & posting pictures
-27C On the road to work
-15C Just Having Fun
Where are your winter photos???
BTW...for the southerners...-27C is about -17F
...and that's in the summer...Saskatchewan?? Regina??
Last edited by roadwarrior; 12-07-06 at 05:37 AM.
12-07-06, 06:22 AM
#49
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Originally Posted by blickblocks
I was considering going with either plain eggbeaters or one of the platformed varieties. The ones you are using are SPD compatable?
You could try some thing like these,
$54 CDN at MEC
Or these Half n Halfs $39 CDN at MEC
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12-07-06, 06:28 AM
#50
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Originally Posted by roadwarrior
Yeah, but you took those photos in July...
Where are your winter photos???
BTW...for the southerners...-27C is about -17F
...and that's in the summer...Saskatchewan?? Regina??
Where are your winter photos???
BTW...for the southerners...-27C is about -17F
...and that's in the summer...Saskatchewan?? Regina??
You mean these ones?
It was only -32C (-25.6F) that day
I'll be sure to take some -40C (-40F) this year for you folks Saskatoon
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