With winter nearly here and the weather turning for the worse, I’m looking for some tips on how to keep my bike in tip top shape.
First off is riding in wet, rainy weather bad for you bike? Anything I can do to minimize the affects?
I know some have a winter bike, is this a worth while investment in order to save your good bike? It may be hard to convince the wife that I’ll need a tri bike for racing, a road bike for training, a winter bike foul weather. thanks
I used to ride all winter for commuting purposes in Montreal, Quebec. It gets down to -25 degrees celsius here with 4-5 inches of snow on the roads on some mornings. What I, and the bike couriers, used to do, is buy a cheap/used bike at the beginning of the winter… a mountain bike was usually the best, no more than 3-4 hundred bucks, and just ride the hell out of it. Oil the chain, spray it down once in awhile, and park it in the garage, because your wife isn’t going to want that thing in the house.
Another idea would be to buy a new or used cyclocross bike, which would have enough clearance for mudguards and wide nobbies. You may even want to try cross, it’s a blast and a great workout. Cross bikes are tough and actually, in my opinion, are designed for harsh conditions.
Don’t kid yourself about using your good bike in crappy weather. You’ll just end up replacing parts in the spring.
Dress in layers with a breathable base layer, windproof jacket and either mittens (best) or lobster gloves which are one size too big to allow bloodflow to the ends of your fingers. Booties are essential as well, and you may even want to buy a cheap pair of cycling shoes, again a bit big to allow for thick socks and blood circulation.
Of course, my definition of winter is probably different than yours…
I agree, either get a cheap (no suspension) mtb or cyclocross bike. Then go to the park of local football practice field and ride laps. Even though cold isn’t a factor in Honolulu, dark is. If I work a twelve hour shift there is no light training hours to go so I hit the school for a one hour grinder. That may be one of the toughest rides of the week for me. Beats the heck out of a trainer. I used to do than in Montana in winter as well. That way you are never too far from home if you get a mechanical.
Nothing more fun than trying to change a tire at 20 degrees and snow. Aloha G By the way a one speed if perfect for that type training.
I feel bad for you dwellers of the north. My biggest concern today was to ride sleeveless or w/ short sleeves. Compromised and rolled the sleeves up on the short sleeves to minimize tan lines.
The only upside is you quickly adjust to the cold. I was able to do a near 4 hour ride on thanksgiving and the harderst part was keeping my toes and waterbottles from freezing solid. I had to put the half frozen slushy in my jacket and thaw it out as I rode. My face mask also developed an ice cube, but it’s a neck warmer device that I can twist around and put a fresh spot on my face. The frozen part goes to the back and sends a chill down the spine. I tend to overdress on long cold rides like that as the sweat lessens the thermal effect of your clothes and if you have enough on, even if your soaked with sweat, you still stay warm. It is a tough balance as I usually stay vented and once I’m really cold, I zip up and warm once again. For 25f I wear and thin bootie under a thick neoprene bootie. Castelli thermal (windproof front) with a pair of shorts, a silk turtle neck and a Craft thermax shirt over and a wind proof winter jacket over. This would have been inadequate a month ago and now feels to warm to start, but perfect once chilled. When it get’s real cold, I add another layer and then Ice forms as the sweat vapor hits the exterior. At that point the eyelids can for moments actually freeze shut. One has to squeeze tight to thaw and restore vision. It’s at that moment you think how dumb this sport is–one minute after the ride all is forgotten. Stay warm you all and remember you have the abilility and fortitude to overcome your best training excuse.
you should see some cyclists here in California. It was seriously about 18C the other day when I saw a couple of people ride with arm warmers, a vest, and long legs. How funny is that?!
wish you some warmer weather,
d