The Money Mustache Community
General Discussion => Share Your Badassity => Topic started by: dabighen on November 20, 2018, 07:40:24 PM
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Snowed like crazy here in NH the last week or so but biked to work while snowing and roads covered in snow.
Any tips out there on best ways to prevent rust from road salt?
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Sorry. No advice for the road salt but I had to post a "winter biking" pic.
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This is going to be my first winter biking in Toronto, my plan is just to quickly wash the drive train every day and use wet lube.
I`ll see what needs to be replaced at the end of the winter. Bought the bike new last spring for 500$ so it`s not exactly a `beater`but the price of individual replacement components does not come out very high. I expect to replace at least the chain in the spring.
Any different thoughts from people about using studded tires? I haven't gotten them, from what I've heard about 1/2 people say you don't need them the others say it' s a godsend. Oh well always have the option to take a bus if it gets too icy.
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I bike in the winter on salted roads - salted maybe 4 months out of the year? They use brine here, which I think helps. But I just wash my bike once winter is over. Clean the chain about monthly - should probably do that more. This is my second winter with my current bike (a folder, so everything’s pretty close to the ground) and I think I’ll replace the shift/brake/dynamo wires after this winter.
I used to have a bike with a full chain case and when I switched I really worried about the salt, but it’s been less of an issue than I thought it would.
Regarding studded tires, they give me more confidence when there’s been a lot of freeze/thaw so a fair amount of ice around. That said, I’m considering not putting them on this year. They do make biking more work and I also have a bus option that I haven’t had before.
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No snow where I live and I even avoid biking in the rain, but GuitarStv has posted about his year round bike maintenance in Canada:
I ride in a temperate climate . . . not too much rain during the summer, constant snow and salt during the winter. In summer I do the following about once a week (150 - 200km):
- Wipe the chain, cassette, and chainrings clean with a rag
- Apply some light liquid bike lube (prolink pro gold is what I'm currently using)
- Wipe off excess lube from the chain before the next time I go riding
In the winter I do the same, but every 80 km (two short rides or one long one). I use a heavy, sticky lube in the winter (White Lightning Wet Ride).
In addition to the above, I'll use a chain cleaner with some degreaser or take the chain off completely and soak overnight in degreaser every 2-3 months. Then you dry it out and relube.
As far as bike cleaning goes:
Again, the conditions will dictate the cleaning necessary. Riding in snow isn't too terrible for your bike. Especially cold, clean, fluffly snow. Riding on slushy, gritty, salty roads is really hard on components though - and that's what roads around here are like from mid November to mid April. My approach is to fill a large watering can with hot soapy water immediately after I come home from a wet/slushy ride. I pour some water over the chain, the cassette, and the chainrings, then over the rest of the frame. Then bounce the bike a couple times to get most of the water off before it freezes. I'll use a rag to quickly clean off surface much from the cassette and chainrings, and to dry the chain out. Then I apply lube to the chain, brake pivots, and occasionally the derailleur pivots. The whole procedure takes maybe 5 - 10 minutes once you know what you're doing.
^ This knocks the worst of the salt off everything and helps prevent corrosion.
BEFORE the winter happens I do some bike related winterproofing:
- Remove brakes and grease pivots with waterproof grease
- Check wheel bearings and re-grease with waterproof grease
- Remove any bolts into the bike frame and then grease with waterproof grease (all those bolts holding on your fenders and rack)
- Add fenders to the bike (keeps a lot of shit off your drivetrain)
- Take headset off and grease it with waterproof grease
- Grease cables with a light lube (prevents water from getting in the cable housings and playing hell with your shifting/braking when it freezes)
AFTER the winter I'll do the following:
- Measure chain for stretch and replace if necessary
- Replace cassette every two or three chains
- Replace cables every year (cable housings every two years)
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I don't road bike but do ride mountain bikes year round. We don't do the ice/snow thing for the most part, but....
Rain gear: Northwave waterproof shoes. Gore or other quality waterproof gear. Sealskinz gloves. Good smartwool socks like Darn Tough. Helmet cover if it's pouring (this can get hot). I LOVE my fuzzy towel poncho thing to change out of the wet stuff immediately post ride.
Bikes: Finish Line Wet chain lube, Mucky Nutz fenders
House stuff: Pressure washer with 'nice' nozzle to blast off mud without damaging seals. Grease gun to keep pivot bearings in shape. A f'in towel to get it dry. :D
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I second the snow tires, I have Nokians carbide studs, and they Last forever many years, and they do making riding a little tougher.
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I try and clean my bike weekly, just a squirt with the hose and keep the chain well lubed. I love my studded tyres! I tend to just run one on the front unless it gets particularly bad which makes it much easier to pedal. Word of warning...dogs hate the noise they make (like snap, crackle, pop if that means anything to you guys in the US) and often start going crazy as you ride past
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Update: bought a watering can (for flowers) and that did pretty good to rinse today.
Regarding studded tires (i dont spell it tyers cause im a bumkin) i found zip ties do great for a cheap alternative.
Clothing: bar mitts are the shit! Also overboots keep feet wicked dry.
Having fun with it so far. Just spent $400 on plugs and wire tune up. You know what doesnt require that: BIKES! For that cost i could buy a new bike. Which makes me not worry about salt even more.
Great comments everyone!
Matt
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Snowed like crazy here in NH the last week or so but biked to work while snowing and roads covered in snow.
Any tips out there on best ways to prevent rust from road salt?
My only advice is to buy a cheaper bike for winter... one with good traction tires that you don't mind getty rusty and abused a bit.
They say cars rust more if they are freezing to warm to freezing more often (stored inside). Maybe leave the bike where it will stay colder?
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In winter I fimd that the main enemy is wind. Where I live it gets really cold, so I only bike when it’s above -15 celsius. Even then, pedalling keeps me warm with just a thin wool or polypro undershirt, a thick fleece jacket, and a REALLY windproof shell. Windproof mitts over thin fleece gloves. Nice thick pastic bags over my toes inside light hiking shoes, wool socks. Ordinary winter tights for the legs, but on the coldest days I put baggy mtn. bike shorts over those. A balaclava thing for the neck, face, ears. Gore tex works well but isn’t truly needed, I find. Great if you see some at a thrift store.
If you pedal at a snappy rhythm in easy gears, you create less wind and go slower, but stay toasty warm from the effort. Most days I start unzipping layers if the wind goes down, and if I stop I stay warm quite a while. Your body is a furnace! Just don’t let the heat out.
Wind is enemy #1, but low visibility is #2. You don't see as well if you have stuff around your face. Drivers have foggy windshields, are messing with their heaters, and of course phones. And it's dark for longer. Be twice as alert!
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No snow where I live and I even avoid biking in the rain, but GuitarStv has posted about his year round bike maintenance in Canada:
I ride in a temperate climate . . . not too much rain during the summer, constant snow and salt during the winter. In summer I do the following about once a week (150 - 200km):
- Wipe the chain, cassette, and chainrings clean with a rag
- Apply some light liquid bike lube (prolink pro gold is what I'm currently using)
- Wipe off excess lube from the chain before the next time I go riding
In the winter I do the same, but every 80 km (two short rides or one long one). I use a heavy, sticky lube in the winter (White Lightning Wet Ride).
In addition to the above, I'll use a chain cleaner with some degreaser or take the chain off completely and soak overnight in degreaser every 2-3 months. Then you dry it out and relube.
As far as bike cleaning goes:
Again, the conditions will dictate the cleaning necessary. Riding in snow isn't too terrible for your bike. Especially cold, clean, fluffly snow. Riding on slushy, gritty, salty roads is really hard on components though - and that's what roads around here are like from mid November to mid April. My approach is to fill a large watering can with hot soapy water immediately after I come home from a wet/slushy ride. I pour some water over the chain, the cassette, and the chainrings, then over the rest of the frame. Then bounce the bike a couple times to get most of the water off before it freezes. I'll use a rag to quickly clean off surface much from the cassette and chainrings, and to dry the chain out. Then I apply lube to the chain, brake pivots, and occasionally the derailleur pivots. The whole procedure takes maybe 5 - 10 minutes once you know what you're doing.
^ This knocks the worst of the salt off everything and helps prevent corrosion.
BEFORE the winter happens I do some bike related winterproofing:
- Remove brakes and grease pivots with waterproof grease
- Check wheel bearings and re-grease with waterproof grease
- Remove any bolts into the bike frame and then grease with waterproof grease (all those bolts holding on your fenders and rack)
- Add fenders to the bike (keeps a lot of shit off your drivetrain)
- Take headset off and grease it with waterproof grease
- Grease cables with a light lube (prevents water from getting in the cable housings and playing hell with your shifting/braking when it freezes)
AFTER the winter I'll do the following:
- Measure chain for stretch and replace if necessary
- Replace cassette every two or three chains
- Replace cables every year (cable housings every two years)
Two slight addendums to the above that I've been doing to improve the process:
- At the start of your cleaning routine blast the chain with some WD-40 (I know, I know . . . but you're just using it to degrease. You'll be wiping it off, and re-applying lube).
- At the end of your cleaning routine, spray a little silicone based water repellent stuff (http://www.jigaloo.ca/ (http://www.jigaloo.ca/)) on your derailleurs (use a bit of cardboard to keep it off your rims).
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In winter I fimd that the main enemy is wind. Where I live it gets really cold, so I only bike when it’s above -15 celsius. Even then, pedalling keeps me warm with just a thin wool or polypro undershirt, a thick fleece jacket, and a REALLY windproof shell. Windproof mitts over thin fleece gloves. Nice thick pastic bags over my toes inside light hiking shoes, wool socks. Ordinary winter tights for the legs, but on the coldest days I put baggy mtn. bike shorts over those. A balaclava thing for the neck, face, ears. Gore tex works well but isn’t truly needed, I find. Great if you see some at a thrift store.
If you pedal at a snappy rhythm in easy gears, you create less wind and go slower, but stay toasty warm from the effort. Most days I start unzipping layers if the wind goes down, and if I stop I stay warm quite a while. Your body is a furnace! Just don’t let the heat out.
Wind is enemy #1, but low visibility is #2. You don't see as well if you have stuff around your face. Drivers have foggy windshields, are messing with their heaters, and of course phones. And it's dark for longer. Be twice as alert!
I agree with you whole heartedly on the wind! First few times i rode without eyepro and eyes dried pretty bad. Cheap safety glasses did the trick.
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Studded tires are definitely worth it if there's any chance of ice. If your front wheel hits ice you're almost guaranteed to fall. Around here they don't salt the bike paths, and snow will often melt in the day and refreeze overnight.
If you want to save money, just get a studded tire for the front. A rear wheel slide is controllable if you have good bike handling skills, but a front wheel slide is not.
If you watch Amazon, studded tires seem to go on sale late in the summer when they are selling the least. I've gotten a few for less than $30, I think. There are some tires with two rows of studs and some with four. Two rows is a huge improvement over no studs, but four rows is only a slight improvement over two.
A mountain bike tire works fine for the rear if you don't opt for studs on the rear.
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I don't ride on bike paths very often, but would never even attempt it around here in the winter as they're not maintained. Even the bike lanes on the road are not plowed or salted all winter long (actually, snow plows seem to use them to store extra snow from the road). :P
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I picked up a set of Schwalbe "marathon winter plus" studded tires for my commute. 11.5 miles each way x5 days a week on my ebike. izip E3 dash on rural roads western NY. I love them! I did see them on sale during summer then promptly waited until fall for the price to go up, darn. The roads are plowed well here but you still encounter lots and lots of ice. I was mad at myself for paying full price, but, they have kept me in the game instead of taking my car. Still a bargain in the long run. I don't mind paying up for high quality footwear either. I tried just commuting with a cheap "all season" type tire and it did not work out very well. I had a minor mishap on some ice once and it was the classic front tire slip. It is amazing how fast it happens, I was on my a$$ before I knew what even happened. Paid 75 a tire but if they keep me from hurting myself even once they will be well worth it. Happy riding out there everybody.
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Paid 75 a tire but if they keep me from hurting myself even once they will be well worth it. Happy riding out there everybody.
+1
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Paid 75 a tire but if they keep me from hurting myself even once they will be well worth it. Happy riding out there everybody.
+1
i had purchased studded tires years ago for seattle winter commutes after an icy night or two. found that i never used them because i didn't want to keep them on all the time for the 95% of time that roads were fine. and, i found my tolerance to bike in icy conditions dropped a lot after a broken hip from biking (not my fault). just not worth the risk. i already do 5k miles a year for my bike commute. a few days off to be safe is NBD.
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Paid 75 a tire but if they keep me from hurting myself even once they will be well worth it. Happy riding out there everybody.
+1
i had purchased studded tires years ago for seattle winter commutes after an icy night or two. found that i never used them because i didn't want to keep them on all the time for the 95% of time that roads were fine. and, i found my tolerance to bike in icy conditions dropped a lot after a broken hip from biking (not my fault). just not worth the risk. i already do 5k miles a year for my bike commute. a few days off to be safe is NBD.
I had a similar experience. Bought studded mtb tires and found that I lost the motivation to put them on the bike for the 2 or 3 rides each year when conditions warrant them.
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Paid 75 a tire but if they keep me from hurting myself even once they will be well worth it. Happy riding out there everybody.
+1
i had purchased studded tires years ago for seattle winter commutes after an icy night or two. found that i never used them because i didn't want to keep them on all the time for the 95% of time that roads were fine. and, i found my tolerance to bike in icy conditions dropped a lot after a broken hip from biking (not my fault). just not worth the risk. i already do 5k miles a year for my bike commute. a few days off to be safe is NBD.
I had a similar experience. Bought studded mtb tires and found that I lost the motivation to put them on the bike for the 2 or 3 rides each year when conditions warrant them.
If roads are often icy when you cycle, I think that studded tires are a good idea. Here in Toronto though, we very aggressively salt the roads. There is maybe one day a year where we have freezing rain where I'd need them. Other than that, the streets are fine for regular tires (if you wanted to ride on bike paths or sidewalks you might need them - they get no winter maintenance).
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I put them on and just ride with them until it gets nice here again. The extra effort required is quite noticeable. Most of the time like 90%+ the roads are good. Sometimes I encounter a road/street/driveway that wasn't treated as well as it should have and I have the confidence to take it on. Black ice here is a big deal too. I can be cruising 20+mph on a clear road and encounter a freeze patch out of nowhere. Also, the commute can be nice at 6am and come 3-4pm it is on the naughty list. I wish I was a little closer to my work than 11.5 miles away, but, I found my piece of land I really wanted. I'm probably lucky I have a job that close. It is pretty rural out here.
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Last week, I fell on the ice and crashed. Shifted my weight a little too much, over corrected and BAM! Concrete. Should have been riding my studded bike.
These things happen.
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I'm in Denver, and bike 4 miles to the bus 80% of the time and the whole way (12 miles) 20% of the time. Anyone have recommendations for a good face mask? I often ride with clear glasses, and the balaclavas I own tend to fog up my glasses.
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I'm in Denver, and bike 4 miles to the bus 80% of the time and the whole way (12 miles) 20% of the time. Anyone have recommendations for a good face mask? I often ride with clear glasses, and the balaclavas I own tend to fog up my glasses.
My brother uses a ski mask for cycling in winter.
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I use a balaclava. And swim goggles. No fog because the sides arent exposed on the goggles.
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i have bike commuted now for about 14 years, year round, seattle/bellevue area. 10 of those years were on city streets with lots of overhead light. after moving a few years ago, my streets got darker - at least overhead. but the car headlights got comparatively brighter.
during my first winter of commuting my current route, i really struggled to see the road on my nighttime descents (i have 3 hills that i hit 30-35mph on) because of rain on my glasses + headlights. i thought for sure that my winter bike commuting days were done.
then i came across this product: http://www.dabrim.com/html/products/cycling/rezzo.htm
it looks stupid as all get-out, but it definitely works. i no longer wear biking glasses while using this brim. on my 35 mph descents, the thing barely budges, even when glancing over my shoulders. i will get rain on my face from my mouth down, but that's about it. even with the heavy rains this winter, i have had zero issues.
definite game changer that might help someone here.
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Most is already covered. For snow, go skinny or go fat. In between is terrible on the snow that I call biscuit dough, but you will learn balance pretty quick. For ice, studded tires. I run Nokian (or whatever the new name is) Mount and Ground 26x1.9s. Its not quite fat enough to float, so I have to be careful in deep snow. I use full fenders to keep most of the crud off the bike. For drivetrain I use wet-lube and lube the chain every night. When it becomes a wet nasty mess, I use WD-40 to clean it off, then relube.
For weather I use bar-mitts and ski-gloves. Helps keep the hands warm. I also have Lake cycling boots, but they are only good down to 0F or so. Balaclava and ski goggles with a ski-helmet when temps are below 5F, Balaclava and a bike helmet and cycling glasses 5F to about 40F. For other clothing I wear an UA cold gear base layer for legs/torso that I wear over cycling shorts. I then have a pair of wind-proof pants (that are anything but wind-proof, but still help) and a Showers Pass jacket.
I'm generally pretty comfy for my 6 mile ride.
For lights I use a hub generator, super-nova dyno-driven headlight and a german taillight from a company I don't remember. I use a cygolite 550 on my helmet to put light where I'm looking.
I put everything in an ortlieb dry-bag on the rear rack of my Surly Disc Trucker. This has worked for me for 8 years in the upper midwest.
For when to ride, I generally won't ride the day of a snowfall, but I'll ride the next day after the roads are plowed. I take the lane more, because the space for bikes is limited due to snow in the bike lanes, and most people seem fine with it. I have a route that is mostly off the busy roads however.
Its not as bad as people think, and is actually pretty fun. Enjoy the winter rides!
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I got a mountain bike with studded tires so that I could keep biking this winter. I've been bike commuting to work (~5 miles each way) for about 6 years now, but I always stopped riding after the first major snowfall since the roads aren't great after that unless it warms up a bunch. And it generally gets pretty damn cold where I am and it's dark in the morning and biking just didn't feel safe. Yeah, I've just been making excuses!
This year, I just really didn't want to stop riding so I decided to try out this whole winter biking thing. So far, it's been awesome. I bought a 29er mountain bike with disc brakes from Nashbar. They had a good deal going on in November and I can get 50% of it reimbursed through work. I got some Nokian/Suomi Gazza Extreme tires on closeout. They're 2.1" knobby tires and have 294 studs (supposedly...haven't actually counted them all). The studs have worked great on the ice. I feel much more confident with them so they've definitely been worth it for me. I'm just keeping the studded tires on all winter. Sure, it's slower on the clear pavement. But you never know when you might hit a patch of ice and it's not worth swapping tires out all the time for me.
It's been a pretty mild winter so far where I am. Snowfalls have only been an inch or two at a time. We did get some snow, then rain, then cold temps which led to some pretty icy areas. Like I said, the ice hasn't been a problem. I have struggled in the snow though, even though we haven't had much yet. I'm guessing anything more than a couple inches and I'll have to drive. The temps haven't gotten very low yet either so I'm not sure how low I'll be able to handle. My problem will probably be keeping my feet warm. On the days I've ridden so far, that's really the only part of me that's a little cold.
I'm definitely glad I decided to keep biking this winter. It's been great so far and definitely makes me feel badass to be biking in cold weather with snow all around. I should also be in better shape for riding my hybrid bike in the spring. It should feel a lot easier compared to wide knobby tires with studs in the snow!
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I'm in Denver, and bike 4 miles to the bus 80% of the time and the whole way (12 miles) 20% of the time. Anyone have recommendations for a good face mask? I often ride with clear glasses, and the balaclavas I own tend to fog up my glasses.
I use a neoprene half face mask that I use (with a toque) when it gets very cold. It can be tightened around the head so it forms a really good seal at the cheeks, preventing warm/wet breath from blasting your glasses. It has a bunch of holes punched in the front for breathing that seems to let air through better. (It also doesn't get completely covered with water/ice and end up waterboarding me on longer cold weather rides like a balaclava does.)
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Today was super slippery, full of wet slush everywhere (Toronto area). I had to walk half of the way unfortunately. Luckily it was not very cold. Maybe for next winter I will invest in a spare front wheel with studded tire that I can swap in for these kind of days.
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Today was super slippery, full of wet slush everywhere (Toronto area). I had to walk half of the way unfortunately. Luckily it was not very cold. Maybe for next winter I will invest in a spare front wheel with studded tire that I can swap in for these kind of days.
Much more slippery than I was anticipating. If I'd known it was that icy and that they didn't salt last night I wouldn't have biked in to work. I managed to wipe out on some glare ice while stopped and waiting at a light. :P Here's hoping those salt trucks get out and get some of the ice melted for the ride home.
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Still using the studded snows (schwalbe marathon winter plus 700c x 40) on front and back. Bike commuting in western ny (think Buffalo lake Erie snowbelt) 3200 miles so far this rolling year (feb2018-jan 24 2019) with my ebike. I had an incident where I dumped the bike 2 weeks ago. There is a road I travel and it has a hill I take at speed. Anyway, the evening before I noted the road to be in fine shape. The next morning as I was descending on my downhill stretch I noted at the last minute basically the ground had opened up and swallowed the road in less than 12 hours time revealing a humungous pothole, an epic sink hole type crater if you must. I hit the said hole at speed, I bobbed and weaved while trying to slow the bike. Eventually I got my speed down from about 35 mph to about 15-20 mph while weaving side to side. I felt myself so out of control I bailed tucked and rolled. Full of adrenaline I jumped back on my bike and hotfooted it to work. This happened at 6:40 am in the pitch black. By 8 am I was well into my workday and really sore. I excused myself to the bathroom and noticed a really nice fat purple bruise on my left hip, a red mark on my left knee, and a general soreness to my left thumb. All in all I felt fortunate nothing was broken and pushed on. The back wheel has a slight hop from the incident but is still tolerable. Eventually I will need to get it trued. Still listening to "a gentlemen in Moscow" by Amor Towles on my audio book account free from my library app "libby" and loving every minute. A small price to pay for being "bad ass". My coworkers still laugh at me and find me a daily curiosity riding my bike in "this weather." My neighbors still think I must have gotten a DWI and my coworkers constantly offer me rides as a form of pity for someone so down on his luck he must ride his bike to work. I constantly reassure folks this is my freedom machine as it allows me to listen to books and have a thought to myself between work duties and family duties after work. Good luck out there everyone. Apart from the incidents, things have been great on the constant ice during this mercurial weather. Mercurial being -20F windchill then 40F and raining all inside 24hrs during this january 2019.
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Saw some critters on our ride last night.
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I bike commute year-round in Wisconsin. My commute is only 2.7 miles each way, so not too extreme. Overall, keeping my core warm is not hard at all with a basic winter jacket. I'm usually too warm at the end of my commute, so I need to vent or slow my speed down. It's the head, hands and feet that need the most attention.
My Most helpful winter biking apparel items
Wind & waterproof helmet cover. They are cheap and shockingly effective at creating dead air space over your head.
Ski Goggles. You feel like you are in a climate-controlled cabin with them on. I bought a name brand pair on clearance for $30 and they have a good anti-fog coating. Other people complain about goggles fogging up, so it may be worth not totally cheaping out on them.
Thin merino wool beanie/ skull cap. This provides just the right amount of warmth on my noggin when combined with the helmet cover, with out being TOO warm or messing up the fit of my helmet.
Merino Wool Buff. I wear it halfway around my head, partly overlapping with my beanie, folded over my face, and down my neck This keeps my neck and head perfectly warm
My waterproof hiking boots + ski socks have kept my feet warm in all but the coldest temps. I will bust out my Steeger mukluks if it gets in the low single digits.
While mittens or poagies (bar mitts) would be ideal, I just use good leather OR gloves. Not the cheapest, but worth it. Buy them in spring when they go on clearance.
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I hope you weren't biking today :O
My commute's about an hour, though, so I wasn't confident I could keep my feet and bum warm enough.
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I hope you weren't biking today :O
My commute's about an hour, though, so I wasn't confident I could keep my feet and bum warm enough.
Pfffft! I biked today.
-17 F actual temp when I left, but also little wind and sunny. Quite beautiful, actually.
I had no exposed skin besides the tip of my nose and I was not cold at all!
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I bike all winter in Northern Colorado. Granted, we don't have as many issues with salt as some places, but I don't clean my bike or lube my chain until we're relatively "in the clear" - April or so. I have a fixie from Critical Cycles that still looks great after two winters. Perhaps the single gear means less chainwear? I'm no expert.
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I bike all winter in Northern Colorado. Granted, we don't have as many issues with salt as some places, but I don't clean my bike or lube my chain until we're relatively "in the clear" - April or so. I have a fixie from Critical Cycles that still looks great after two winters. Perhaps the single gear means less chainwear? I'm no expert.
I rode a fixed gear to commute for a decade in the Rockies, including in the winter. Do you have a 1/2" chain? Lots of fixies use larger chains to accommodate the force of back-pedaling. The lack of derailleurs make it very easy to maintain, too. I need to get another one...
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I shortened my biking to 2 miles to the train station this week. -25F air temp is doable for me, but -57F wind wasn't working for my feet even with loose boots, double sock layers and hand warmers inside :/ Quite frustrating, because it's otherwise so much warmer to be biking than standing on a train platform!!
I should move to Wisconsin ;)
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I bike all winter in Northern Colorado. Granted, we don't have as many issues with salt as some places, but I don't clean my bike or lube my chain until we're relatively "in the clear" - April or so. I have a fixie from Critical Cycles that still looks great after two winters. Perhaps the single gear means less chainwear? I'm no expert.
I rode a fixed gear to commute for a decade in the Rockies, including in the winter. Do you have a 1/2" chain? Lots of fixies use larger chains to accommodate the force of back-pedaling. The lack of derailleurs make it very easy to maintain, too. I need to get another one...
I don't have a larger chain, because I have a reversible back wheel. I don't use the true "fixie" direction, instead opting for the direction in which you can coast without the pedals moving - less force on the chain. I have front and rear caliper brakes, so those and lights are really the only parts I will have to maintain. My headlight and taillight have rechargeable AA batteries. I still haven't needed to replace the brake pads after >1500 miles. We specifically chose our apartment to be located a mile from my workplace so I could bike and go home for lunch. It's all bike lanes and only one stoplight on the way, so hardly any braking needed.
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Today is International Winter Bike to Work Day.
See how many registered for this in various cities:
https://winterbiketoworkday.org
Denver was #1 last time I looked. Heading out here in Calgary where it’s -20 celsius. Layers!
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I biked to work.
40 - 60 kph winds. HEADWINDS this morning. I'm hoping for a nice ride back home though.
If there is a God, the wind direction won't change.
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My hair literally froze this morning. Not quite as bad as these guys though:
https://www.mlive.com/expo/news/g66l-2019/02/f76bd515f47815/tridentwielding-surfers-ride-lake-superior-waves-during-polar-vortex.html (https://www.mlive.com/expo/news/g66l-2019/02/f76bd515f47815/tridentwielding-surfers-ride-lake-superior-waves-during-polar-vortex.html)
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Today is International Winter Bike to Work Day.
See how many registered for this in various cities:
https://winterbiketoworkday.org
Denver was #1 last time I looked. Heading out here in Calgary where it’s -20 celsius. Layers!
I wimped out with rain in the forecast (looks like it's not going to start before I would have gotten home). So far less than half my commutes have been by bike in 2019, but I'm confident that that will not be the case by the end of March.
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THERE IS A GOD!
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I live about an hour east of @GuitarStv and swear by my studded tires - funny how different things are between two riders in essentially the same conditions. Also Steve is way more hardcore than I am - I allow myself 2 "Cheat days" each week, and only ride 3X weekly.
I try to use paths and parks as much as I can, and teh studs make all teh difference. In my first winter biking to work, I fell and broke my wrist. that was enough of a warning to me that my level of stupid (I like to have fun while riding) was going to need extra support. I love the studs.
Eye protection is another animal though. This year I got goggles and I find that my glasses are fogging inside them. I need to start packing the glasses and see if things improve. With a balaclava, snowboard helmet (I know its not DOT Approved), goggles and a face mask or "Gentleman's scarf I am mostly good to go for face/eyes. Without the goggles, I am decidedly uncomfortable. I feel like the gentleman racer in the 1920's motorcar cartoons though. Call me Mr. Toad. It's a wild ride.
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I don't have any bike lanes or paths on the route to work, it's all on-road. Roads get cleared much faster than paths after snowfall, and get more salt to prevent ice. No way could I ride to work on bike lanes in the winter using the tires I use. Also, I'm weenying out and working from home today rather than bike in during the promised snowpocalypse. :P
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I don't have any bike lanes or paths on the route to work, it's all on-road. Roads get cleared much faster than paths after snowfall, and get more salt to prevent ice. No way could I ride to work on bike lanes in the winter using the tires I use. Also, I'm weenying out and working from home today rather than bike in during the promised snowpocalypse. :P
Me too. About to hop a bus for the PM though. This will be my second time riding Durham Transit. Wish me luck. According to their website, my 10 minute bike ride takes 45 minutes by bus, or 30 minutes walking. :RollsEyes:
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I rode yesterday and it was quite scary - there's still a layer of ice on the roadways with fresh snow and all the bike approved routes not yet plowed (which is unusual). I was glad I was riding at noon and not my commute times because at least I didn't have much car traffic around - I didn't realize how slick it was because my tires were gripping great.
More snow overnight and I most definitely took transit to work today.
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Today is International Winter Bike to Work Day.
See how many registered for this in various cities:
https://winterbiketoworkday.org
Denver was #1 last time I looked. Heading out here in Calgary where it’s -20 celsius. Layers!
I rode that day in Denver. Biked an extra 2 miles in 3 degrees F to get a breakfast burrito at one of the Bike to Work Day stations!
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I live in a tiny mountain town, and live 1 mile from work, and it is ridiculous how often this Winter I've had to drive because of icy road/sidewalk/path conditions. Normally if I don't ride, I walk, because...1 mile...of course, why wouldn't I? But we've had an especially snowy, gross winter, and apparently the city is incapable of clearing the streets. Shoveling rules are also not enforced in front of businesses/residences, so sidewalks accumulate 4-5 inch thick ice sheets leading to the streets, which are ice sheets themselves. It's hilarious, because when I lived in a bigger city, I biked to work all Winter long 10 miles each way, because the streets were so well cleared! Here, I find myself driving the 1 mile because it isn't worth it to tear an ACL trying to navigate the ice slick sidewalks/streets.
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This is a great thread, very informative and inspiring.
I live in Toronto and my office is moving to downtown so I'll now be about 10km from work so I no longer have the distance to work is too great excuse. Now laziness and the following excuses need to go:
1. Current bike is too nice to ride in the winter with the salt. I know myself I just can't do it. I'll have to get a beater bike for the winter. Any recommendations on the type of bike? I'd assume those skinny roadbike tires are terrible in the winter, should I go for the fat bike tires, but they do look a bit ridiculous.
2. Just curious if anyone is using an e-bike in the winter too. Again the worries about the salt probably would stop me from doing this but I do see advantages of having one for the commute.
3. What safety options are you using.
4. Any feedback on your health since you started doing this?
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This is a great thread, very informative and inspiring.
I live in Toronto and my office is moving to downtown so I'll now be about 10km from work so I no longer have the distance to work is too great excuse. Now laziness and the following excuses need to go:
1. Current bike is too nice to ride in the winter with the salt. I know myself I just can't do it. I'll have to get a beater bike for the winter. Any recommendations on the type of bike? I'd assume those skinny roadbike tires are terrible in the winter, should I go for the fat bike tires, but they do look a bit ridiculous.
2. Just curious if anyone is using an e-bike in the winter too. Again the worries about the salt probably would stop me from doing this but I do see advantages of having one for the commute.
3. What safety options are you using.
4. Any feedback on your health since you started doing this?
I'm only 3 km from work - my previous job was 6 km - so my distances are shorter, but...
1. If you take the beater route, have no fucks to give. Any cheap mtn bike will do. The lower gears will help overcome resistance of snow and slush on the route.
2. Fatbikes float, skinny tires sink. Really different applications. If you go through parks and need to go over deep snow lightly, then a fat bike with an aggressive tread may be better for you. If you are urban and need a tire that will slice through heavy slush to bite into the pavement below, then you want a narrow tire. It seems like there is no middle ground here. I lke studs, but that opens up another whole discussion.
3. Safety options - I am in the clown on a christmas tree camp - wear the brightest colours you can find and light teh bike up as much as you can. I wear a construction jacket (blaze orange with wide reflective bands) and have 3 tail lights*. I also have a couple side marker lights on my forks and a 650 lux headlamp. remember that drivers are out there without wiper fluid, who haven't scraped their windshield, and who are trying to see through a smear of road grunge. Those folks aren't looking for you at all. You have to make yourself a spectacle or they'll drive right over you without even knowing you were there.
*The three tail lights are a redundancy system. I have 2 on all the time and a third as a reserve. If one of them runs out of battery before I reach work, the other will still be going. Then I can turn on the third one for the trip home and still have 2 functional lights for that trip - in case one of them goes out. Dark comes early in the winter, and I never want to be without a tail light.
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I rode a middle option my first year winter commuting :) Borrowed my son's single speed mountain bike with 2" tires, studded. Faster than a fat bike for sure, easier to maneuver than my normal commuter. For my area studded tires are mandatory for me - too much ice from now until April for me to ride confidently without.
Last year I rode my normal bike, a Surly Straggler w studded tires and it did great. No rust, chain/cogs were easy to keep clean. I keep my bike in the house though so that makes a big difference.
This year I am riding an Xtracycle with a Bosch middrive assist. The tires are 2.15" and the longer wheel base means it's very stable on slippy surfaces (the rear wheel does slide every now and then but no mashed potato snow shimmy like I've experienced with my other rides). No issues with battery life - yes it depletes faster in extreme cold but I can charge it at work/the gym. My full commute is 10 miles but right now I'm multi modal since our roads are terrible after back to back snowstorms.
My health is actually affected negatively by winter biking -- I have severe asthma and another chronic condition that make winter very difficult on my body. The e-assist lets me continue biking when I'd normally have to stop because of asthma symptoms. I am confident enough in my transportation options I gave my car to my son.
If I know I'll have to ride in traffic - like now with city crews still trying to catch up on plowing - I wear a yellow reflective vest. I have super bright lights and add a blinky light for traffic riding. I don't always wear the vest on my typical bike lane route where I'm often separated from car traffic - I find I get a lot more questions about biking being dangerous when I wear it (I always wear it while walking the dog though!). My bike is gigantic and bright blue, with reflective stuff everywhere on the bags, so I get way more clearance from vehicles, and lots and lots of questions at stop lights.
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This is a great thread, very informative and inspiring.
I live in Toronto and my office is moving to downtown so I'll now be about 10km from work so I no longer have the distance to work is too great excuse. Now laziness and the following excuses need to go:
1. Current bike is too nice to ride in the winter with the salt. I know myself I just can't do it. I'll have to get a beater bike for the winter. Any recommendations on the type of bike? I'd assume those skinny roadbike tires are terrible in the winter, should I go for the fat bike tires, but they do look a bit ridiculous.
2. Just curious if anyone is using an e-bike in the winter too. Again the worries about the salt probably would stop me from doing this but I do see advantages of having one for the commute.
3. What safety options are you using.
4. Any feedback on your health since you started doing this?
Toronto area as well, past few weeks have been rough. I've been driving/taking transit about half the time. The cold is no problem but I have to ride on some busy roads so any ice makes it too sketchy for me.
1. I'd go for an old hybrid or mountain bike, definitely something without suspension. If your route doesn't contain many hills maybe even go single speed, just less stuff to maintain. Make sure it fits 35mm or wider tires and fits full coverage fenders otherwise you'll be covered in sludge by the time you get to work. 10km is really doable but make sure the fit is ok otherwise you might be miserable. Personally I ride a not so cheap but not so expensive hybrid, I don't have space for a separate beater. Salt eats the chain but that is pretty cheap to replace. I wouldn't go fatbike here, the streets are mostly plowed, unless you're doing part off road.
2. Wouldn't know
3. Lights, helmet and common sense
4. No reference here, been biking to school/work ever since I was 4 years old. Although up until a year ago this was in the Netherlands, now in Toronto suburbs so maybe my mental health has suffered :) .
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1. Current bike is too nice to ride in the winter with the salt. I know myself I just can't do it. I'll have to get a beater bike for the winter. Any recommendations on the type of bike? I'd assume those skinny roadbike tires are terrible in the winter, should I go for the fat bike tires, but they do look a bit ridiculous.
I use a Giant escape hybrid that I bought used. After four years of winter commuting the front and rear derailleur were shot, and the wheels started breaking spokes. I prefer to ride on drop bars, so I swapped them on the bike (along with some bar end shifters) when I replaced everything. (One thing to be aware of is that you need to choose components that you can comfortably work with a heavy glove on, bar ends are great for this.) It has V-brakes, which are OK most of the time (but could be better in really slippery/icy/slushy conditions)
Most any bike will work OK for 10 km though. Since it's so wet and shitty in the winter, I'd prefer to have a disk brake bike that will take at least 32 mm tires in the frame. Make sure it has mounts for fenders (fenders keep your bike cleaner, which means less salt damage). Stay on top of oiling your chain to prevent rust and premature wear, replace your cables/housings every year (two at the most) and every fall before winter comes, take the whole bike apart and grease everything with some marine bearing (or other waterproof) grease.
I use 32mm flat proof tires with a little bit of tread on them in the winter (Contentental Tour Ride), and regular 28mm road tires in the spring/summer/fall (Continental Ultra Sport II). You don't need fat bike tires, or even mountain bike tires if you ride on the road. It's really only a little bit of January and most of February where we get significant snow in Toronto.
2. Just curious if anyone is using an e-bike in the winter too. Again the worries about the salt probably would stop me from doing this but I do see advantages of having one for the commute.
I'd be leery of running an e-bike in the winter simply beacuse they're expensive and the salt will eat everything on your winter bike eventually.
3. What safety options are you using.
- Reflective tape on bike / helmet
- Lights (lots of lights) especially through the winter where it's dark and visibility is often poor. I run a front and rear light in the summer. I run five rear lights (two on the bike, two on the backpack, one on the helmet) and two front lights in the winter.
- Fluorescent jacket with reflective patches
- Ride on the road, not the sidewalk. Take the lane when you need to, ride predictably, don't blow lights/stop signs, signal your intent.
4. Any feedback on your health since you started doing this?
Health is great. I feel happier all day at work when I ride in, and sleep much better at night. Regular commuting over the winter has helped prepare me for longer bike rides (did a couple 160km rides last summer, and weekly 100+km rides on the weekends).
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This is a great thread, very informative and inspiring.
I live in Toronto and my office is moving to downtown so I'll now be about 10km from work so I no longer have the distance to work is too great excuse. Now laziness and the following excuses need to go:
1. Current bike is too nice to ride in the winter with the salt. I know myself I just can't do it. I'll have to get a beater bike for the winter. Any recommendations on the type of bike? I'd assume those skinny roadbike tires are terrible in the winter, should I go for the fat bike tires, but they do look a bit ridiculous.
2. Just curious if anyone is using an e-bike in the winter too. Again the worries about the salt probably would stop me from doing this but I do see advantages of having one for the commute.
3. What safety options are you using.
4. Any feedback on your health since you started doing this?
1. Definitely get a commuting-specific bike with fenders (i.e., not a high end road bike). For under $500, there are a lot of options. I converted a 80s steel touring bike from a garage sale into a single speed and used it for a decade. Now I ride a hybrid from REI - MTB geometry, flat bars, fender mounts, clearance for 45c tires. In the summer, I ride a 25c slick and in the winter I ride a 35c knobby. Unless Toronto gets a ton of snow, a fat bike is probably overkill. I biked year-round in Montana with studded 2.2" MTB tires - it was great.
2. No experience with e-bikes. I kind of hate them, but not as much as the scooter craze.
3. Lots of lights, which people mentioned. I know a guy who has 3 front lights, one rear, and a blinky thing on his panniers. You definitely want to be seen.
4. I bike at least 10 mi total each day, and it's a blast. I estimate that the riding-to-running ratio is about 5:1 or 6:1, so biking 20k each day might be similar to running 3-4 km / day, which certainly isn't bad for you.
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Another fun ride!
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One year anniversary commuting to work on my IZIP (Raleigh) E3 Dash in Western NY.
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Nice job! @svosavvy - How many days a week are you riding?
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Everyday! Adamant to prove to wife we can sell our 2nd car. Car sits in garage. This is a touchy subject around our household. We are constantly bombarded with "winter storm warnings." This usually brings on the plea of "just take the car to work" my reply "nope"
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5 days a week. I work sat/sun for the "privilege" of mon/tues off. Haha can anybody say slave.
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nICE ride #studlife
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Everyday! Adamant to prove to wife we can sell our 2nd car. Car sits in garage. This is a touchy subject around our household. We are constantly bombarded with "winter storm warnings." This usually brings on the plea of "just take the car to work" my reply "nope"
This is great, how has your fitness or health improved since you started this, or were you pretty healthy before you started biking to work?
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I am middle of the road health wise which is where I am happy. I think the bike just helps me negate some of my bad dietary habits which I thoroughly enjoy (alcohol, sweet things made out of peanut butter).
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Big congrats to everyone who is getting started, or continuing, with year round biking. To work or wherever. It’s gonna make such a difference!
Now that I’m retired, people often say 2 things:
Oh, you’re so LUCKY, you could retire in your 50s.
Oh, you’re so LUCKY, you’re so thin and fit in your 50s.
People, it ain’t luck. It’s real easy: do not pay car and parking costs for 25 years. Save all that cash.
Do not sit on your ass in a metal box for hours each day. Use that time to pedal in the fresh air and sunshine. Or rain. Or snow. Enjoy that time like a little kid with a new bike.
Then you too will be SO LUCKY. You make that luck one ride at a time.
Keep up the good work, everyone.
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I am probably about 20 pounds overweight on a 6'4" male frame so I feel like I look ok. This is actually where I like to be. Not a total fat ass but can mostly enjoy some guilty pleasures as long as I don't go overboard. I played HS football at a school that took that really seriously in the 90's. I lived in the gym then and had a weightlifter physique. Now I would not be caught dead at a gym. I prescribe to the idea of "purposeful movement" (you heard it here first folks just kidding)aka "muscle over motor." My idea is that one can use their physical body to create wealth, better their environ or surroundings, and be the better for it. I have a 30 acre ranch I live on with 22 acres mature hardwood lot/forest. I love chopping wood by hand and we use wood for 100% of our heat in western NY. I had a wood splitter and found that it made the work too easy and me too fat. This allowed me to take a deep dive into axe lore. Very esoteric but satisfying. Some of my best memories were of chopping wood with my grandfather who passed and riding my bike everywhere as a child. Chopping wood and riding bikes makes me sane when my life consists of being a nurse at a job with nonstop mandation and my 12 year old twins which I love, but, sometimes I need a break.
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The only real bike lane we have which is next to a big arterial road has been covered in snow/ice since December, so I'm taking this 50km/hr 4 lane road which is plowed regularly.
But man, the amount of hate I get there is unreal. Even tough there are two lanes each way so I'm not holding anybody up I get yelled at to get on the sidewalk or gtfo the road. This road even has signs every few 100m that says 'bicycle route', which is completely useless I guess.
Hopefully spring is here soon so I can take the bike lane and parks + sideroads again, this is stressing me out sometimes.
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The only real bike lane we have which is next to a big arterial road has been covered in snow/ice since December, so I'm taking this 50km/hr 4 lane road which is plowed regularly.
But man, the amount of hate I get there is unreal. Even tough there are two lanes each way so I'm not holding anybody up I get yelled at to get on the sidewalk or gtfo the road. This road even has signs every few 100m that says 'bicycle route', which is completely useless I guess.
Hopefully spring is here soon so I can take the bike lane and parks + sideroads again, this is stressing me out sometimes.
This is, unfortunately, kinda common. Most Canadian cities plow snow into bike lanes during the winter (Toronto certainly does) making them unusable. I've found that the majority of drivers treat cyclists alright, but if you're on a busy road for 40 minutes you're going to have probably 500 cars passing you. Even if only one percent is an ass, that's still 5 people being a dick.
You kinda get used to the honking and stuff yelled at you. I just try to focus on cycling safely, not blocking traffic more than is necessary, and remaining polite.
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How long have you been winter Riding Bobby? I looked back in your other posts and it looks like you are fairly new to it, but I don't want to come across condescending.
Some suggestions I can make that may make things easier for you:
1. Buy a construction jacket - not just a vest, but a proper jacket. You can get one at TSC for about $25 on sale. This makes you look like a "drunk-on-a-bike" and drivers take pity on you as a po' folk rather than an eco-hippie, or someone challenging their worldview. Also, they will see you from way down the road giving them plenty of time to change lanes. (I just checked TSC's flyer and all Hi-Vis is on clearance this week - 50% off).
2. Take the lane. Don't even try to share - especially in winter. Part of my commute is Rossland Road, and I have only been buzzed twice on it. If you are out in the middle of the lane, wearing bright colours, drivers will see you from a long ways off, and move over.
3. Don't wait on the studded tires - get a pair and get them on now. The extra control is awesome on icy days. Also, they slide around like crazy on terrazzo floors so be careful when you walk your bike into the office.
4. Buy a pile of superbright lights. I have 3 taillights and now 3 headlights. You want to look like a clown on a Christmas tree. Remember strobe in the day, and steady at night.
5. Finally, as a cycle planner, my job is to lay out cycling infrastructure in my town. If you are willing to PM your trip ends I'll look for you and let you know if there is any supportive infrastructure that you may not be aware of in your town. Sometimes finding this stuff can be tricky - alternatively, call your town's planning/engineering department and ask to talk to a staff about your commute. It's their job to serve you, and if they are aware that the route is being used, you may see better maintenance. We can't fix what we don't know about.
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I agree with taking the full lane in any locale it's legally allowed -- riding right in the middle of it. On a four lane road, cars can move into the next lane to get around you.
I also agree with wearing a construction jacket! I have a $5 bright yellow reflective vest and it makes a HUGE difference to how I am treated on the road. It's silly how appealing to driver psychology makes such a difference, but I'll take it. In summer I get the most space from cars when I'm wearing a dress, so those little tricks work.
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Thanks Le Poisson. Technically I've been winter riding 25 years, but that was in cycling paradise of the Netherlands. I didn't wear special gear, my bike was always a rusty steel single speed tank costing 50 euros, so if the salt eats it after two seasons I just got a new one. I didn't have to share the road with cars at all so snow and ice was not much of a concern, even though the Netherlands does get some snow and freezing temps in the winter.
Here it's just a completely different experience, still enjoyable, but in a completely different way. Here I'm wearing the helmet and safety vest and have multiple lights. I have a some good routes picked out that take a little longer but are more peaceful, but these are not plowed much in the winter.
I guess I was just venting about the attitude I get here, and I'm not sure I fully agree about taking the lane. Even on a 4 lane road I get so much honking, yelling and 'punishment passes' when I ride in the middle of the lane that I feel it's better to be like 1m from the kerb or something, so it doesn't enrage drivers too much but still forces them to move slightly in the next lane.
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Thanks Le Poisson. Technically I've been winter riding 25 years, but that was in cycling paradise of the Netherlands. I didn't wear special gear, my bike was always a rusty steel single speed tank costing 50 euros, so if the salt eats it after two seasons I just got a new one. I didn't have to share the road with cars at all so snow and ice was not much of a concern, even though the Netherlands does get some snow and freezing temps in the winter.
Here it's just a completely different experience, still enjoyable, but in a completely different way. Here I'm wearing the helmet and safety vest and have multiple lights. I have a some good routes picked out that take a little longer but are more peaceful, but these are not plowed much in the winter.
I guess I was just venting about the attitude I get here, and I'm not sure I fully agree about taking the lane. Even on a 4 lane road I get so much honking, yelling and 'punishment passes' when I ride in the middle of the lane that I feel it's better to be like 1m from the kerb or something, so it doesn't enrage drivers too much but still forces them to move slightly in the next lane.
Taking the lane is a judgement call, and it depends very much upon the situation you find yourself in. It's really a balancing act between getting regularly close passed by drivers because they think they can squeeze by you while staying in the same lane, and angering drivers who don't like to follow the law regarding safe passing distances. Unfortunately, while a large percentage of drivers remain unaware of their legal obligations regarding passing distance or unwilling to meet them there's no great solution for us.
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The only real bike lane we have which is next to a big arterial road has been covered in snow/ice since December, so I'm taking this 50km/hr 4 lane road which is plowed regularly.
But man, the amount of hate I get there is unreal. Even tough there are two lanes each way so I'm not holding anybody up I get yelled at to get on the sidewalk or gtfo the road. This road even has signs every few 100m that says 'bicycle route', which is completely useless I guess.
Hopefully spring is here soon so I can take the bike lane and parks + sideroads again, this is stressing me out sometimes.
Yeah dude, my hypothesis is the bigger the truck/suv the bigger the duech when it comes to how they treat bikers. Unfortunatly, the wide trashy stripmall roads breed road rage especially. But stay the course, the more of us out there, the more respect we will get. Good luck.
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Brrrraaaaaap!