Winter Biking Thread

[georgec]

I'm kind of surprised there isn't a dedicated bicycling section on the forum, considering how much MMM recommends it.

At any rate, discovering MMM has rekindled my aim from 2 years ago to bike through the winter here in Ohio. I decided to share the discoveries I've made along the way.

I had already invested in some Under Armour thermal base layers (which are amazing), as well as windproof gloves and cycling jacket (the jacket is also amazing), and some loose-fitting cycling pants (wind-resistant, lightweight). Some cheapie clear safety glasses from Amazon as well.

I picked up a Turltle Fur beanie hat after being blown away by their neck baiter I got last winter. Wind-resistance and warmth are incredible. And I just wear my water
Roof hiking boots with some warm winter socks.

What I've found is that once I warm up, I am totally fine in temperatures down to about 30° F, but my hands are COLD. Especially my outer two fingers. If I am cycling for long enough, my hands eventually warm up. And this was with winter windproof cycling gloves.

I had to invest pretty quickly in another solution, and for about a month I've been using the Bar Mitts on my handlebars. They are the least expensive of three options from three different manufacturers. Basically made of neoprene (wetsuit) material to block the wind. They no doubt help a lot, but my hands remain cold until I've been biking for at least 20-30 minutes.

One thing I've noticed from occasional bike rides to my hiking park is that hiking usually warms me up (and my hands) much faster. I'm going to experiment next ride with walking to the end of the block with the bike before I ride.

The next item on my list to pick up are some ski goggles. The wind can sneak around my safety glasses and the eyes can get cold.

Otherwise, the cold weather riding is amazingly commonplace to me now. The lack of serious snow this winter means I've yet to test the roads in those conditions, but I was able to ride on some light accumulation last night without issue.

I really feel as if the road conditions are going to be the biggest hurdle. The temperatures are far less daunting once you get the right setup. And typically at the end of a 30-plus minute ride, I'm actually a bit too warm, even in 25-30° temperatures.

Anybody else have any tips for winter riding?

[Jeremy E.]

I bought a balaclava, since I could easily put my helmet over it, but it puts a lot of pressure on my nose and also fogs up my glasses. I'm thinking about cutting the part that goes over my nose off and sewing on something that will work better, not sure exactly what I'll do yet. I still like it because it keeps my whole head warm, it covers everything other than my eyes. I think it would work really well for someone without glasses who doesn't mind their nose being squished.

[GuitarStv]

On winter rides I'm cold for the first 10-15 minutes until I warm up.  If you're comfy warm getting on the bike you end up sweating too much once you're warmed up.  That said, if you ride for a couple hours in the winter you're going to get soaking wet.  Even the best breathable fabrics will stop being breathable when your sweat freezes on the outside of them.

My cold hands problem was largely solved by wearing more around my core, which somehow translates into warmer feet and fingers.  This way I can get away with two pairs of very light glove liners down to about -4 C (28).  Much below that and I switch over to mid weight ski gloves . . . which work for me down to about -30C (-22).

I find that regular glasses work great in the winter when coupled with a cycling hat under your helmet.  The little brim blocks just enough of the wind.  It should fit over thin winter hats, or heavy winter hats should be able to fit over the cycling cap.  Keeps some of the slushy spray from cars and trucks off your glasses as well.

For face coverings, I've got a very warm neoprene mask (which is worn with a heavy touque) for below -8 C (17 F) conditions, I use a lighter weight balaclava (sometimes with a windblocking headband) below -1 (30 F), and a pair of buff headscarf things above that (one over the ears/head and one around the neck/face.

Tape over the vents in your helmet and your head will stay an awful lot warmer in the cold.

If you're cycling on the road, keep in the ruts that cars make when you're going through several inches of snow.  Most of the time it will be packed hard enough that you can get OK traction.  Handling in deep snow is no big deal if you spent a lot of time on a mountain bike as a kid.  It's very similar to riding in mud and sand.  When it's a bit icy, use the rear brake exclusively and don't turn or lean (also, don't cycle routes you're not familiar with when it's icy).  Slow down very early, and use platform pedals so you can easily get a foot down if you need to.  I don't use studded tires, so don't ride when there has been freezing rain.

They salt the hell out of the roads around here, so bike maintenance (cleaning and greasing stuff) is very important in the winter.  Use overbuilt wheels . . . because you'll weigh more in the winter (extra clothes) and you'll hit more potholes (bad roads from plowing/hidden stuff due to darker conditions).  I'd also recommend tires with some kind of puncture protection . . . it's miserable changing a tire roadside at -15.

That's my two cents after about four years of commuting a few times a week by bike through the winter.

[georgec]

Yeah I've learned even on non-winter rides to make sure you're a bit chilly when heading out. Never thought about the wicked sweat freezing!

And yeah my hands seems to stay warmer when my core is plenty warm. I suspect hiking/walking must ramp up my metabolism faster than biking, or perhaps the lack of winds drawing off the heat. I am just one of those people with perennially cold hands and feet, so I think it might just be a quirk I have to pay extra attention to.

Lots of great tips here, thanks. I have been dreading the inevitable cold weather tube change, especially considering my new tires are a bit more finicky about staying on the rims. The LBS guys also warned me about keeping the bike clean and greased.

I've found that the biggest hurdles are mostly psychological. Typically on a ride where I'm cold and regretting it heading out, by the 20-30 minute mark I'm funding ways to extend the route home so I can ride longer. Seems a waste to head back once I'm finally feeling comfortable!

[aetherie]

Am I the only one who wears mittens while biking? All I have to do is twist the gear shift and squeeze the brakes, neither of which requires individual finger control, and my mittens are much warmer than my gloves... just wondering if I'm breaking some unspoken rule here.

[georgec]

I only have gloves because I got them at a great deal (over at http://geartrade.com — great resource for outdoors gear). I have been considering the "lobster claw" gloves (two finger per glove finger) because I like to have two fingers on the brake lever, two on the handle grip. Especially in the winter and with those Bar Mitts (they make quick hand adjustments a tad bit slower).

[GuitarStv]

I prefer gloves for all my winter activities, and don't own a pair of mitts.

[jorjor]

Am I the only one who wears mittens while biking? All I have to do is twist the gear shift and squeeze the brakes, neither of which requires individual finger control, and my mittens are much warmer than my gloves... just wondering if I'm breaking some unspoken rule here.

I only have gloves because I got them at a great deal (over at http://geartrade.com — great resource for outdoors gear). I have been considering the "lobster claw" gloves (two finger per glove finger) because I like to have two fingers on the brake lever, two on the handle grip. Especially in the winter and with those Bar Mitts (they make quick hand adjustments a tad bit slower).

I wear lobster claws for the colder days. I like them a lot.

[powersuitrecall]

I love the lobster style mitts for the cold days.  You can use the first 2 fingers for braking/gears and the other 2 to hang on.

Speaking of cold days ... -16C this morning!  Against the wind, it was a brisk!

[georgec]

Any suggestions on specific gloves? I've been impressed with all the Gore Bike Wear stuff I own, but open to whatever works best and doesn't cost a ton.

[argonaut_astronaut]

Any suggestions on specific gloves? I've been impressed with all the Gore Bike Wear stuff I own, but open to whatever works best and doesn't cost a ton.

Here is what I use: http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens-highcamp-3-finger-gloves.html

[Jakejake]

I made homemade barr mitts last week because even with winter gloves (thinsulate 40g) my fingers were getting numb. I used an old winter jacket covered by a windbreaker. I found DIY instructions online to use the shoulder/top half of sleeve for each mitt. The opening is held open by weed wacker cord sewn into the hem. Yesterday I went a few miles at 35F with no gloves at all, and was fine.

Today was 22F, I made my 11 mile commute wearing thinsulate gloves - but  not my thick padded windproof ones, and that was just slightly warm, but not sweat inducing. These just upped my game considerably, and were made for free with all spare things we weren't using.

I have one of the cheap $2 neoprene half face masks which velcros in back, and ski goggles - both of which I got super cheap off aliexpress. I also made a helmet liner out of an old 80's workout leotard that I would be ashamed to wear nowadays. With the helmet liner, a fleece headband and no hat was perfect today. I started with the headband and a hat, but had to stop and remove the hat part due to overheating this morning.

[Chosh]

Carhartt's WP mittens work perfect for me for winter biking.  Not extremely breathable, but my hands don't sweat a ton.  My hands tend toward cold, so others who have the same issue may get some mileage out of trying those.

Now I just need to get some polypro leggings for the colder days around here.

[jorjor]

For the real cold days, I do a base layer, jacket and windjacket up top. Insultated pants and foot covers. Lobster gloves. Balaclava and ski goggles. That served me well down to real cold temperatures (2 F) last week.

For just my commute (8 miles), it's a pain in the ass to bundle up. I have a light rail station within a couple miles of my house that drops off by my office, and my company pays for my transit pass. My plan this year is, instead of doing the full commute each day on the cold days, I will mix in some days where I ride to the train instead and do a workout on a trainer, and other days I will commute but add onto the commute to make it longer. That will still get me outside, and maximize time spent actually riding a bike instead of bundling up.

[Erica]

I'm kind of surprised there isn't a dedicated bicycling section on the forum, considering how much MMM recommends it.

At any rate, discovering MMM has rekindled my aim from 2 years ago to bike through the winter here in Ohio. I decided to share the discoveries I've made along the way.

I had already invested in some Under Armour thermal base layers (which are amazing), as well as windproof gloves and cycling jacket (the jacket is also amazing), and some loose-fitting cycling pants (wind-resistant, lightweight). Some cheapie clear safety glasses from Amazon as well.

I picked up a Turltle Fur beanie hat after being blown away by their neck baiter I got last winter. Wind-resistance and warmth are incredible. And I just wear my water
Roof hiking boots with some warm winter socks.

What I've found is that once I warm up, I am totally fine in temperatures down to about 30° F, but my hands are COLD. Especially my outer two fingers. If I am cycling for long enough, my hands eventually warm up. And this was with winter windproof cycling gloves.

I had to invest pretty quickly in another solution, and for about a month I've been using the Bar Mitts on my handlebars. They are the least expensive of three options from three different manufacturers. Basically made of neoprene (wetsuit) material to block the wind. They no doubt help a lot, but my hands remain cold until I've been biking for at least 20-30 minutes.

One thing I've noticed from occasional bike rides to my hiking park is that hiking usually warms me up (and my hands) much faster. I'm going to experiment next ride with walking to the end of the block with the bike before I ride.

The next item on my list to pick up are some ski goggles. The wind can sneak around my safety glasses and the eyes can get cold.

Otherwise, the cold weather riding is amazingly commonplace to me now. The lack of serious snow this winter means I've yet to test the roads in those conditions, but I was able to ride on some light accumulation last night without issue.

I really feel as if the road conditions are going to be the biggest hurdle. The temperatures are far less daunting once you get the right setup. And typically at the end of a 30-plus minute ride, I'm actually a bit too warm, even in 25-30° temperatures.

Anybody else have any tips for winter riding?

Sounds like your coming along pretty quickly. Good for you. Cycling is the best addiction anyone can have imho.

Fingers getting cold has been my main issue so I sympathize with you. I have a few pairs of gloves which are very lightweight and keep the cold out. Dunno the brand offhand, got them at a thrift store which is where I get most of my under armour. Lately even getting some brand new cycling socks for under $1 a piece. The Jerseys and such can be found there sometimes too. Pants I always buy online but am not sure the brands I have now, I've had them forever. They are expensive, I can tell good cycling clothes so don't need to memorize brands too much. I have a few matching outfits, GIORDANA & SheBeast from the bike shop I wear over the summer.

They must be lightweight because I listen to my ipod and want to change it sometimes. In fact, usually I wear fingerless gloves for that reason until one cold winder, the tips were about frozen when I got home. Trying to keep one hand in your pocket at a time only slows your riding down and prolongs being uncomfortable.

I've tried wearing beanies, they make me claustrophobic. The helmet does a good enough job keeping my head warm so I never cover it, but imagine even something very thin wouldn't work for me. I'd need something on my ears if I didn't have the headset which suffices. Under Armour is the BEST. Unlike you, during winter, I don't wear baggy cycling pants but those typical black padded ones which stick to your body. Or else I could be cold on some days. And I don't endure any wind to the side of my face for some reason, I do wear glasses to keep the wind out of my eyes at times. I've never seen or heard of anyone wear safety goggles while cycling but whatever works for you is what counts. I am thinking they won't stay on your face too well but if you don't go on many windy hills maybe they will due. My feet have gotten cold, I do not wear clip ons as they are just a pain imho. And since I don't race, don't really need that leg up on anyone anyhow.  I live 5 minutes from what is known as the Endurance Capitol of the World. So we have many races and such each year.

[StacheInAFlash]

My commute is typically 30-40 minutes. Down to 0F or so, I typically just wear jeans, thick winter socks, standard tennis shoes, a merino wool t-shirt, merino wool long sleeve shirt, and my flimsy thin wind jacket that is a really bright neon orange. On my head is helmet (of course) and a cheap $9 balaclava that is my best investment yet this year. On my hands are a pair of lobster mitts that unfortunately have lost a lot of their 'umph. This year I also upgraded to cold weather hiking boots over my regular ol' tennis shoes and they've made a nice difference. I have a pair of ski goggles, but I rarely wear them unless snow or sleet is actively falling and poking me in the eyes.

If it gets much colder than that, I'd consider taking transit or working from home instead. But if I do bike, I'll add a long underwear base layer for my legs. I'd maybe also consider adding another layer for my core.  My biggest problem with the extreme cold is that I'm willing to ride but my bike seems unwilling. Things start freezing up on it, making shifting and braking questionable.

If it is a "warm" winter morning (20F or more), I'll typically ditch the balaclava for just a little runner's skull cap I have that extends down over my ears, as I really dislike having fabric covering my mouth and nose. And if it a real heat wave and we're talking 30F or higher, than I'm definitely down to a t-shirt and my wind jacket and running gloves.

I also have a winter bike and a non-winter bike, but as long as the ride is mostly bare ground, I stick with the non-winter bike as it is just faster and nicer. Studded tires on the winter bike are great when you're going across a lot of ice and that greasy ass snow, but otherwise it is slow, loud, and not worth it. Keeping the non-winter bike greased up is definitely important though as you're still fighting salt and road grime.

Other advice, some of which has already been mentioned: 1) Bike cautiously, allowing greater braking distance and nice wide turns, and being even more wary of cars . 2) Stick to routes you know well. 3) Have lights! Seriously, the number of dumb fuckers I encounter daily who are biking without any lights or bright clothing in the winter just blow my mind. Summer too, of course, although fewer commuters need to worry about the darkness then. I am a believer in being lit up like a god damn Christmas tree while biking in the dark. And you want to be lit up all 360 degrees by using spoke lights like the Nite Ize ones 5) Bike along transit routes if you can so you don't get stranded. It can seriously be dangerous if all of a sudden you have to walk your bike because now you are way under dressed for the weather. Being able to walk your flat tired bike to the train is definitely nice if you have the option at all. 6) Tell your spouse when you're leaving and what route you're taking (if you have more than one). This isn't necessarily winter specific, but I find it is more important in the winter due to the all around heightened risks.

Question for whoever mentioned their hands warming up after being cold while biking....are they actually warmed up or have they just gone numb? I deal with this all the time, where my hands are freezing for the 1st 20 minutes and then "fine" for the 2nd 20 minutes. I don't think they've warmed up though, but instead have numbed to the cold so I just don't notice it.

[jorjor]

Oh, I posted this in another thread last night but I'll post it here too.

A bike commuter friend recommended these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-LED-Safety-Arm-Band-2-Pack-HD15Q433/206047885

Just $4 for a set of two. They're bright. They're cheap. You'll be more visible when you're riding at night.

[georgec]

My commute is typically 30-40 minutes. Down to 0F or so, I typically just wear jeans, thick winter socks, standard tennis shoes, a merino wool t-shirt, merino wool long sleeve shirt, and my flimsy thin wind jacket that is a really bright neon orange. On my head is helmet (of course) and a cheap $9 balaclava that is my best investment yet this year. On my hands are a pair of lobster mitts that unfortunately have lost a lot of their 'umph. This year I also upgraded to cold weather hiking boots over my regular ol' tennis shoes and they've made a nice difference. I have a pair of ski goggles, but I rarely wear them unless snow or sleet is actively falling and poking me in the eyes.

If it gets much colder than that, I'd consider taking transit or working from home instead. But if I do bike, I'll add a long underwear base layer for my legs. I'd maybe also consider adding another layer for my core.  My biggest problem with the extreme cold is that I'm willing to ride but my bike seems unwilling. Things start freezing up on it, making shifting and braking questionable.

If it is a "warm" winter morning (20F or more), I'll typically ditch the balaclava for just a little runner's skull cap I have that extends down over my ears, as I really dislike having fabric covering my mouth and nose. And if it a real heat wave and we're talking 30F or higher, than I'm definitely down to a t-shirt and my wind jacket and running gloves.

I also have a winter bike and a non-winter bike, but as long as the ride is mostly bare ground, I stick with the non-winter bike as it is just faster and nicer. Studded tires on the winter bike are great when you're going across a lot of ice and that greasy ass snow, but otherwise it is slow, loud, and not worth it. Keeping the non-winter bike greased up is definitely important though as you're still fighting salt and road grime.

Other advice, some of which has already been mentioned: 1) Bike cautiously, allowing greater braking distance and nice wide turns, and being even more wary of cars . 2) Stick to routes you know well. 3) Have lights! Seriously, the number of dumb fuckers I encounter daily who are biking without any lights or bright clothing in the winter just blow my mind. Summer too, of course, although fewer commuters need to worry about the darkness then. I am a believer in being lit up like a god damn Christmas tree while biking in the dark. And you want to be lit up all 360 degrees by using spoke lights like the Nite Ize ones 5) Bike along transit routes if you can so you don't get stranded. It can seriously be dangerous if all of a sudden you have to walk your bike because now you are way under dressed for the weather. Being able to walk your flat tired bike to the train is definitely nice if you have the option at all. 6) Tell your spouse when you're leaving and what route you're taking (if you have more than one). This isn't necessarily winter specific, but I find it is more important in the winter due to the all around heightened risks.

Question for whoever mentioned their hands warming up after being cold while biking....are they actually warmed up or have they just gone numb? I deal with this all the time, where my hands are freezing for the 1st 20 minutes and then "fine" for the 2nd 20 minutes. I don't think they've warmed up though, but instead have numbed to the cold so I just don't notice it.

Sounds like I am MUCH colder by default than you. Interesting not he bike not cooperating with the cold, I wondered about that.

I didn't meant ion it earlier, but yeah I have lights on the front and back, and a big bright headlight up front. I need more lights too. I put reflective tape all over the bike, and my new tires have reflective sidewalls.

I was the one who mentioned my hands warming up after 20-30 mins, and it's definitely warmth — they do go slightly numb for a small bit, and right about then is when they will warm up. Almost like clockwork.

Sounds like you are as warm by default as I am after a 20 minute ride! Anything below 30-35º and I've got the thermals, a cap, gloves, many layers, etc.

[Heather in Ottawa]

Maybe I've trained my hands to stay warm by letting them get painfully cold in the fall. Or maybe I'm just lucky. Today was -20c, i was wearing thin fleece gloves, not windproof, and my hands were far too warm, and got quite sweaty.

[georgec]

Maybe I've trained my hands to stay warm by letting them get painfully cold in the fall. Or maybe I'm just lucky. Today was -20c, i was wearing thin fleece gloves, not windproof, and my hands were far too warm, and got quite sweaty.

Wow! Anything below 40° F and I've got gloves on. My hands are still a bit chilly at 30° even with gloves and the Bar Mitts.

[accolay]

I've not mustered up the whatever to winter bike yet. Still thinking about it. I live 3 miles from work, about ten minute drive and I park for free, then walk for 7-10 minutes to work. I bike in the summer and it can be faster to bike.

[GuitarStv]

Maybe I've trained my hands to stay warm by letting them get painfully cold in the fall. Or maybe I'm just lucky. Today was -20c, i was wearing thin fleece gloves, not windproof, and my hands were far too warm, and got quite sweaty.

Wow! Anything below 40° F and I've got gloves on. My hands are still a bit chilly at 30° even with gloves and the Bar Mitts.

Look up 'Hunter's reflex'.  There's a large percentage of the population (more men than women) who are adapted to naturally keep the hands and feet warmer as long as their core is warm.

I've not mustered up the whatever to winter bike yet. Still thinking about it. I live 3 miles from work, about ten minute drive and I park for free, then walk for 7-10 minutes to work. I bike in the summer and it can be faster to bike.

You should bike.  Seriously . . . by the time you get in the car, find parking, and complete the walk to work you could have made it to your office.  It's not going to be too much colder on the bike either, because you're not driving far enough for your car to warm up . . . and worrying about what to wear is less important for you - even if you get miserably cold, you only need to hang on for 10-15 minutes until you get to work and warm up.

[HenryDavid]

Korea, China, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands . . . all countries with massive year-round cycling populations. As cold or colder than most of North America. They don't consider themselves hardcore, they just go about life in winter. (They do have better bike facilities, usually.)

If you can separate yourself from traffic a bit using paths or side streets, make yourself insanely visible, and just dress as if you plan to xc ski or go skating . . . It's not a big deal. Ride a practical bike. The bonus is that compared to windshield-scraping, fender-bending drivers paying for heated parking etc, your savings from cycling will buy you ten years less cubicle time, before you know it.

And winter is beautiful. Look around.

[big_slacker]

It doesn't even get truly cold here, maybe mid 30's in pre-dawn when I ride in. I have good gear, but after a short ride the other day I really needed to get a balaclava. Face freeze is no fun.

Base layer and tech t-shirt. Close fitting wind shell or rain shell depending on weather. Tights and shorts or snow/cold pants over if it's really cold. Feet warmers and neoprene gloves. I find that toes are my main thing that get cold, but 35-40 minutes isn't bad anyway.

Agree with the idea that it's no different than going skiing/snowboarding from the perspective of keeping warm, however falling on an icy road is a lot worse than falling in some pow. ;)

[powersuitrecall]

It was an incredibly gorgeous, sunny and windless -22C ride in this morning.

I often forget how incredibly alive I feel after a ride like this.  There is just something to time spent in the crisp air.

Winter is AWESOME.

[chops]

Accolay - the first step (or pedal, in this case!) is the hardest.  After your first bike trip to work you'll likely find yourself looking forward to it every morning.  I did!  The bit of exercise on a 3 mile ride will be a great start to your day.  Also...

I also 2nd

I often forget how incredibly alive I feel after a ride like this.  There is just something to time spent in the crisp air.

Winter is AWESOME.

...this is SO true, and has a lot to do with me looking forward to the bike ride as well.

Best of luck with starting your winter biking! 

 - Chops

[georgec]

Accolay - the first step (or pedal, in this case!) is the hardest.  After your first bike trip to work you'll likely find yourself looking forward to it every morning.  I did!  The bit of exercise on a 3 mile ride will be a great start to your day.  Also...

I also 2nd

I often forget how incredibly alive I feel after a ride like this.  There is just something to time spent in the crisp air.

Winter is AWESOME.

...this is SO true, and has a lot to do with me looking forward to the bike ride as well.

Best of luck with starting your winter biking! 

 - Chops

Agreed. After my first few cold/wet bike rides, I completely got over any hesitation and now either don't think about it or look forward to it.

It also feels great to step up to the challenge and overcome any internal resistance.
Maybe get out on a winter ride just casually to get a feel for it before you head to work. Figure out your clothing needs.

[Donovan]

I've not mustered up the whatever to winter bike yet. Still thinking about it. I live 3 miles from work, about ten minute drive and I park for free, then walk for 7-10 minutes to work. I bike in the summer and it can be faster to bike.

Best trick I have to force myself to bike is to park my car outside (which also leaves room in the garage for washing my bike!). I have a slightly longer commute than you, but to me biking is way more pleasant than spending the same amount of time just scraping frost/snow off of my car in the morning so I do it even now when we are hitting ~12F when I leave for work.

By the way, I haven't seen anyone saying that they bike in bike shoes in the winter yet. I still use mine, but with 2 layers of wool socks and a neoprene shoe cover on.  That setup keeps my feet warm well below freezing, though if it gets below 0F I will probably throw on flat pedals and switch to my big warm boots instead.

[GuitarStv]

I like studded downhill pedals.  They grip most shoes very well, you don't have to worry about snow/slush clogging things, you can get your feet off the pedal faster if you start to slip on some ice, and you can wear any winter outerwear without problems so your feet are warmer.  Plus they're cheaper.

[Kmp2]

I wear mitts too! And I have a variety of liner gloves to go under them, they keep my fingers warm when I have to do dexterous things like attach my panniers, and lock up my bike... Keeping my hands warm from the start seems to be easier then warming them up after they get cold.

I wear winter hiking boots and use the flat side of my pedals, combined with wool knee socks this works well down to about -25C for about half an hour, I dislike being clipped in below freezing when their is a possibility of ice... I am not that skilled at unclipping yet.

I have a small dedicated winter pannier packed with an emergency pullover jacket that I can put on if I have to walk very far.... I am often on a river path and a fair distance from any transit/shop where I could warm up. I use a similar strategy for snowshoeing - always add layers when you stop to eat especially after exerting yourself and getting a bit sweaty.

So jealous of all you winter bikers this year, enjoy these crisp cold clear rides! I will join you in 8-10 weeks or so, after this baby finally decides it wants to come out!

[pompera_firpa]

I made homemade barr mitts last week because even with winter gloves (thinsulate 40g) my fingers were getting numb. I used an old winter jacket covered by a windbreaker. I found DIY instructions online to use the shoulder/top half of sleeve for each mitt. The opening is held open by weed wacker cord sewn into the hem. Yesterday I went a few miles at 35F with no gloves at all, and was fine.

Today was 22F, I made my 11 mile commute wearing thinsulate gloves - but  not my thick padded windproof ones, and that was just slightly warm, but not sweat inducing. These just upped my game considerably, and were made for free with all spare things we weren't using.

You are my HERO. I think I need to poke around to see what's in our worn-out-clothing basket, see if I can make something like this.

[Jakejake]

I think I need to poke around to see what's in our worn-out-clothing basket, see if I can make something like this.

I will try to remember to snap a better photo tomorrow night, showing where I put some velcro on the inside. If I had it to do again, I'd attach the velcro with safety pins and go for a quick test ride to check if it's in the best spot, before sewing those on.

[Conjou]

It took me about two years of commuting in winter by bike because my headspace became one of happiness rather than tolerance for the experience. It also took that long to dial in my clothing. My hands were frostbit when I was young and they never seem to be warm--I use big down insulated mitts for all riding below 20 degrees. I use flats or the pedals with spikes--never liked the idea of buying special shoes--and wear boots with a pair of wool socks. When it gets to 10 below, I wear ski goggles with a balaclava, but hate the pressure on my nose. I bought a goretex bike jacket that is awesome and complete the layering with a wool t-shirt, capilene hoodie, and fluorescent windbreaker. I wear jeans with long underwear. This set up works for all but the extreme windchill days which we haven't had yet this winter. My ride takes about 40 minutes due to the extra resistance of snow and ice tires. I have a NR Lumina 750 light that is rechargeable and very bright, people think I am a motorcycle ;)

Good for you tackling the winter riding! You will feel badass. Plus, it helps the mood to be outside in the winter!

[accolay]

Yeah, I actually really like riding my bike to work. I need to rummage around for some gear.

EDIT: And Lights

[argonaut_astronaut]

I like studded downhill pedals.  They grip most shoes very well, you don't have to worry about snow/slush clogging things, you can get your feet off the pedal faster if you start to slip on some ice, and you can wear any winter outerwear without problems so your feet are warmer.  Plus they're cheaper.

+1. I took my clip in pedals off and use the studded downhill flats.

Also, I leave a pair of shoes at work and then use a pair of muck boots (http://smile.amazon.com/Original-MuckBoots-Unisex-Classic-Boot/dp/B000WGB09M) to get back and forth.

Benefits include:

• Tall - I tuck my pants in so the boot accumulates most of the road muck
• Insulated - Additional insulation/wind break up the shin. Secondary bonus is that with the pants tucked in it eliminates the breeze that can happen up your pant leg. Did a ride earlier this season in -2F with just jeans on and my knees were cold, but it was bearable.
• Waterproof - feet stay high and dry.
• Slip On - Nice to be able to kick them off outside the front door and step into the house on those sloppy/mucky days.

[Rollin]

Maybe I've trained my hands to stay warm by letting them get painfully cold in the fall. Or maybe I'm just lucky. Today was -20c, i was wearing thin fleece gloves, not windproof, and my hands were far too warm, and got quite sweaty.

Wow! Anything below 40° F and I've got gloves on. My hands are still a bit chilly at 30° even with gloves and the Bar Mitts.

I cannot offer much on the cold weather gear, as I wore wool gloves on my way in this morning and it was 55F :) and heading up close to 70F today - brrrrr.

I do want to add that I think all of you that ride are awesome!  I think it is exciting to ride in challenging conditions, and for me it makes me appreciate the other parts of my life (for being much easier) so much better.

[pompera_firpa]

Yeah, I actually really like riding my bike to work. I need to rummage around for some gear.

EDIT: And Lights

I vaguely remember what it was like to think "wow, you bike in the winter? you are SO HARDCORE!" but. Here's the thing.

IT IS REALLY NOT THAT HARD. I was a little worried before winter hit, wondering how I'd deal with it, wondering if I was up to the task. Then it got cold and I realized that it was actually EASIER than what I was doing before.

Back in my pre-bike winters, I would bundle up and spend about 15-20 minutes outside in the cold walking to the train and waiting for the train.

And I'd have to deal with all the random un-shoveled sidewalks.

And I'd have to be frustrated with how long it took the train to show up.

And I'd have to take off the gloves, hat, and scarves, and unzip my coat because what is appropriate dress for walking to the train is not appropriate for being ON the train.

And I'd have to deal with the fact that the already-packed train felt even MORE packed because everyone had on puffy coats, and because I was too warm and feeling claustrophobic by the time we got downtown.

And then I'd have to re-zip the coat and put the gloves, hat, and scarves back on so I could walk from the train station to the office-- if I hadn't dropped them on the train by accident. (I lost a LOT of winter gear on the train over the years.)

By comparison, I bundle up less for being on a bike, and I only do it once. I don't have to work around a train schedule (or, in the case of the CTA, the lack of a schedule). I don't have to worry that the train will be late because of some random reason. I don't have to sit around cringing every time someone starts hacking and coughing with whatever infectious disease is going around. I don't lose my winter gear because I have it on, all the way to work. And it's honestly more likely that the streets will be plowed and de-iced than that the sidewalks will be shoveled. And cars are usually a lot more careful about dealing with me than they are in the summer.

MY POINT BEING: you are probably already a badass, you're just applying your badassity to a different method. The only thing standing between you and freedom from the winter car commute is a lack of lights, so go forth, get those lights, and be a badass on a bike!

[Jakejake]

Maybe this is a good time for me to mention that kmart has headlamps that go on your head/helmet on clearance for $2.50: http://www.kmart.com/3-led-headlamp/p-082W008405057001P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

I got one and have it sitting just under the visor of my helmet, I had to use a couple of velcro strips through the helmet vents to keep it in place so it doesn't slide down.


I also use a regular head light on the bike itself, but I like having the helmet light because it's up higher so more visible to cars in some situations.

[mskyle]

Hmm, maybe I am one of those women with the hunter's reflex - once my core warms up, I can take off my gloves even if it's well below freezing. I use Bar Mitts and light gloves in the winter (hiking/running/snowshoeing I often take off my gloves entirely, but the wind on the bike makes a difference). I mostly wear street clothes for my 20-ish minute commute, but my winter "street clothes" usually include long underwear. It's finally gotten below freezing here (Boston), so the last few days I've been wearing my wool peacoat,a thin hat under my helmet, and a thin alpaca scarf over my face (I like this better than any cycling balaclava I've ever tried). Yesterday it was supposedly around 15F/-10C when I left the house, but I was sweating before I made it to work.

Last year I took most of March and the end of February off from cycle commuting because there was so much snow. My commute is all on urban roads and the road conditions were terrible - slushy/snow-rutted roads, people driving like assholes, and snowbanks too high to see over. I think it was probably the right choice - conditions were genuinely more dangerous than I'm comfortable with - but it was really frustrating for all the reasons pompera_firpa describes! Fingers super-crossed for this winter being less bad.

[georgec]

I like studded downhill pedals.  They grip most shoes very well, you don't have to worry about snow/slush clogging things, you can get your feet off the pedal faster if you start to slip on some ice, and you can wear any winter outerwear without problems so your feet are warmer.  Plus they're cheaper.

+1. I took my clip in pedals off and use the studded downhill flats.

Also, I leave a pair of shoes at work and then use a pair of muck boots (http://smile.amazon.com/Original-MuckBoots-Unisex-Classic-Boot/dp/B000WGB09M) to get back and forth.

Benefits include:

• Tall - I tuck my pants in so the boot accumulates most of the road muck
• Insulated - Additional insulation/wind break up the shin. Secondary bonus is that with the pants tucked in it eliminates the breeze that can happen up your pant leg. Did a ride earlier this season in -2F with just jeans on and my knees were cold, but it was bearable.
• Waterproof - feet stay high and dry.
• Slip On - Nice to be able to kick them off outside the front door and step into the house on those sloppy/mucky days.

Interesting on the Muck Boots. I picked up some El Cheapo leg gaiters this year and they help with some of the things you mentioned. Initially I got them for hiking in deep snow, but tried them out for cold cycling days and they work great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AIKUQGA/

I've been considering upgrading my pedals, but so far the stock pedals seems fine.

[georgec]

With winter biking season rapidly approaching, I thought I'd update my setup. I got a lot of things refined from my first full winter of biking.

Warmth:

- Turtle Fur hat and neck gaiter. Warm, soft and blocks wind.
- Snowboarding goggles. These were a huge improvement over my safety glasses. Transformed the experience. Must-have.
- Bar Mitts (handlebar gloves/poagies). Had these last year. Must-have.
- I just wear waterproof winter hiking boots and wool socks. I'm not a "cyclist", I'm a bike rider.
- Under Armour base layer. Top and bottom.
- Zoic convertible bike pants. Legs zipped on.
- long sleeve bike jersey
- soft shell windproof bike jacket (amazing).
- winter cycling gloves
- leg gaiters. Keeps the wind off the ankles and muck and rain from getting into the boots.

This year, I upgraded to a pair of Zippo catalyst hand-warmers. Have not used them yet. Plan on stashing them in the Bar Mitts. Once I got the goggles, the only issues I ever had were with my hands. It takes me about 20-30 minutes before the Hunter's Response kicks in and my hands warm up. Usually I am already at the grocery store by then.

Visibility

I did some research over at bikelightdatabase.com and settled on a Cygolight rechargeable combo set as an upgrade to my previous (and now laughably ineffective) prior lamp set. Was rated the best commuter set under $75.

I also picked up a new lamp called the Brightside, which gives you amber lamps laterally.

I invested in a quality rechargeable headlamp for camping, and have been putting it to great use while night biking. Optional, but really useful.

Wet Conditions

Bought some cheap backpack rain covers to keep my commuter panniers dry.

Bought a rain cover for the Camelbak backpack.

Bought a closeout cycling rain jacket at GearTrade.com. Was using a regular rain jacket prior. Bought some rain pants from the same site last Autumn.

Installed full fenders years ago.

Safety

I will be investing in studded winter bike tires this year. I did without them last winter, as I wasn't sure if I was going to keep up the practice. Now that I'm all in, it's time to invest. I bought some Schwalbe tires last Autumn and really like them, so I'm getting their winter tires. I really like the reflective strip they put on the sidewalls.

Didn't have any real issues with the tires last year, but I did hit a patch of that invisible "black ice" and wiped out. Thankfully on a bike path. Figured best to be safe, and winter treads will probably improve the rides on snowy roads. Mostly I'm on plowed bike lanes though.

I may invest in the studded pedals this year as well. Again, no real issues but as with the winter tires it's about preventative safety.

Thoughts

The truth is, aside from cold hands most of my gear was suitable down to 10° F. The ski goggles were the biggest surprise, once that cold wind was off my face and eyes, it felt like I was cheating. Keeping the cold wind off the face improved all aspects of the ride.

My old lamps were serviceable, but these new ones are exceptional and make me feel much safer. Small things like a pulsing pattern mode for the front lamp help increase your visibility to cars, but not compromising their effectiveness as an actual light to navigate the road.

Also, I learned that the pulse modes help car drivers to better gauge your distance and speed. A steady light with an intermittent pulse. I run lights even in the daytime if I'm on roads. Lights are not a winter-only accessory.

Without a doubt, the Bar Mitts ( or any other bike poagie) and the ski goggles were the biggest improvement in the winter rides. Keeping your body warm is obvious, but after that, these are the next essentials.

I suspect the studded winter bike tires will be the same this year.

[dodojojo]

My one tip comes from something I picked up from bikeforums.net. I dislike wearing synthetic jerseys as they get smelly very quickly.  I didn't mind them so much when I was a recreational rider and being smelly was a reasonable byproduct of intense exercise.  But now that I ride as a means of transportation, I don't want to interact with society while smelly.  I read merino wool is pretty wonderous in terms of odor protection and works as a base layer so you do not freeze from being sweaty. 

Brand new merino wool exercise and cycling shirts can cost a pretty penny.  If you're not fashion-centric, go to thrift stores and find merino sweaters for $3-4.   I picked up 3 of them and so far have worn one of them 4 times and it's still passing the sniff test.  It's light-medium weight so I've been wearing them on days from upper 50's to low 60's ranging from strong winds to sunny.  Since it's fall weather, the sweater is all I need.  I'm in mid-Atlantic so I figure winter will mean adding my puffy jacket and that should be enough.

[Guses]

My upgrades since the beginning of last season:

+1 to ski goggles. Completely transforms the winter experience. Before that, the wind was sometimes so cold as to freeze my eyes shuts. Not great. Also not great is getting hail in your open eyes...

I found a kayaking waterproof "bag thing" in the garbage and I cut it up so that I can fit my backpack inside. Now I have dry clothes ALL the time. I looked those up online an they are worth 200$ when new (SCORE!).

I installed a big milk crate on my rear rack so that I can fit my backpack.

I installed additional lights/backup lights on my bike so that I am not caught without juice in the middle of my ride.

I bought a 25$ ladies bike and salvaged it for parts (crankset + two rims and wheels). The crank is so I don't prematurely use up my own crank and the wheels are hot swap replacements if I get a flat. Plus the wheels came with new MTB tires that are suitable for snow as opposed to my slicks.

I invested in a cheap smartphone (less than 70$) and inexpensive prepaid plan (5-6$ a month) so that I don't have to walk if I get a flat or my chain breaks or whatever. I walked 3 times last year and don't intend to do so this year.

 

[dogboyslim]

Am I the only one who wears mittens while biking? All I have to do is twist the gear shift and squeeze the brakes, neither of which requires individual finger control, and my mittens are much warmer than my gloves... just wondering if I'm breaking some unspoken rule here.

I used to, now I use bar mitts with gloves.  That works better for me since I have drop bars and STI shifting.

EDIT: Didn't realize this was an old post.  I use a hub generator and LED lights, works great at all temps with no batteries.  I am partial to Nokians for tires, but I have reflective rims, so the reflective sidewall is less a concern for me.  My bag is an ortlieb back-roller dry-bag.  Works with rain/snow & slush.

[moof]

So far this fall was been wet and warm.  So my choice is to either get wet from the outside, or from sweat trapped by my rain jacket, so I have been biking without any sort of jacket. or rain pants.

-Bar Mitts are awesome, got some for Xmas last year, and boy are they cozy.  So far only one day has been cold enough to need them.
-New rain pants were found on clearance and are on the way.
-A new bike tool is on the way so I can keep my 20 year old one in the bike trailer and the new one in the pack so i don't end up forgetting to swap it.
-Splurged and got some 50% off waterproof cycling boots for $150 (ouch).  My old shoes were about 8 years old and falling apart, and the shoe covers were in similarly bad shape and didn't ever really do the job.
-New waterproof raincoat to live at work for $34 off that discount rack at the Columbia store (i.e. already 40% off before the extra mark down).  I end up needing a jacket at home and work to minimize how much stuff lives in my backpack.
-Newly refreshed chain ring, chain, and cassette after totally wearing out the old ones.

My work has a dedicated bike room to hang up our bikes, and it is a nice feeling to see when I am the only SOB who braved the weather.

[accolay]

I've got a Bern Watts and was considering the winter snap in liner, but I saw that they are $39.99. What do you wear underneath your helmet or over your ears?

[Guses]

I've got a Bern Watts and was considering the winter snap in liner, but I saw that they are $39.99. What do you wear underneath your helmet or over your ears?

A sports clothing balaclava (it came with my ski coat). When it's not that cold, I put it on and fold back the opening on top of my head to make a kind of bonnet. When it's really cold, I just wear it normally.

It's made of thin fabric but it breathes well.

[georgec]

Good call on the dry bag. I've been digging into backpacking (for bike camping), and seems a lot of bakpackers line their bags with trash compactor bags. Seems they are thick, big and inexpensive.

I wanted to keep the crud off my grocery panniers, hence the covers. Might do the liner too.

Speaking of panniers, have to mention I sold my previous set to a fellow Mustachian via Craigslist.

Oh, and I forgot to mention fenders. They've been installed so long I forget they were something I added.

Speaking of finding inexpensive gear, I mentioned gearstrade.com and have to emphasize the sorts of deals I've found there. Can easily find $200 gear for $30 shipped. Usually new, cosmetically damaged, store returns, etc.

[mskyle]

I've got a Bern Watts and was considering the winter snap in liner, but I saw that they are $39.99. What do you wear underneath your helmet or over your ears?

A sports clothing balaclava (it came with my ski coat). When it's not that cold, I put it on and fold back the opening on top of my head to make a kind of bonnet. When it's really cold, I just wear it normally.

It's made of thin fabric but it breathes well.

I wear a thin smartwool headband under my helmet in cold weather; I don't usually find I need additional insulation for the top of my head, just the ears (and forehead, depending on the helmet). Today was my first day with the headband. I also put on the Bar Mitts today although light gloves probably would have been sufficient.

I have a ski helmet and I know they're not held to exactly the same standards as bike helmets but it's so cozy for winter wear I've been going back on forth on whether it's a good option. I guess I could trade in the ski helmet for a combo helmet (these must exist, right?).

[powersuitrecall]

How was everyone's commute this morning?  A tad windy and icy here in Ottawa, but a good first day of winter cycling.

I set up a second winter bike for DW to pick up the kids from school/Daycare.  It's an older mountain bike with 26' schwalbe ice spiker tires and a single speed conversion kit.  It is a monster in the snow/ice.  Very fun!