Thanks for posting info on how y'all handle winter bicycling - this is really useful stuff. Other than errands around Oregon (usually less than a few miles) I don't ride as much/often as many of you, although when I do the distances are 12-18 miles each way (usually to/from Madison). So the gear makes a big difference.
Tires: Nokkian studded. Incredible stability - I ride on stuff I wouldn't care to walk on. Probably have convinced 10 people to get them thus far. Head: REI Polartec string cap. Sometimes use headband to keep ears warm. Add balaclava when it gets below, say, 20. Use another mask which covers my nose and neck when colder/more windy than that. I have a Polartec- one and it has to be really cold or I ROAST. Eyes: AO Safety X-Series wraparound safety glasses (F&F, Conney Safety). At about $8 they fit my face very nicely, block wind great, stay put on my nose, and I can count on them to trap my left contact lens between them and my cheek when it pops out! (Which happens all too often). Tried ski goggles but was very dissatisfied with loss of peripheral vision. When I have stuff covering my nose and mouth, it's really tough to keep my glasses clear. I've tried using a snorkel to direct exhaled air behind me. It definitely solved the fogging/frosting problem, but it is clumsy in other ways. Where's my defogger/defroster? My windshield wiper? The world bends over backwards to perfect all this stuff for motorists; how about doing it for bicyclists too? What I want is a "car" for my head, with all the goodies built in. Headlight, tail light, power supply, concealed wiring, video capture of license plates, windshield, etc. Imagine expecting car drivers to jury-rig lights to their hoods with Velcro straps. Jesus! Hands: wet = Auclair insulated waterproof gloves (Gemplers - they REALLY are waterproof). Dry above ~ 30 = Ironclad Cold Condition "mechanics" gloves (Menards). Below that = thicker gloves or mittens, no special brand. Really cold = Canadian military-issue "shooter's mittens" consisting of inner wool mitten and leather outer with LONG canvas cuff (eBay). THEY ARE GREAT! In my experience, the cold- and wet-weather gloves and mittens sold at bike shops (like lobster claws) aren't worth the money, and so-called waterproof AIN'T! Upper body: inner layer = Duofold polyester/wool blend long-sleeve pullover (Farm & Fleet). Middle layer = Polartec or fleece vest down to about 25; fleece jacket if colder. Outer layer = Novara Stratos jacket plus crossing guard safety vest over that at night (ultra-high visibility). The Novara jacket has side zippers, breathes beautifully, has been extremely durable. Overall, the best investment I've made in any gear - I use it most of the year. Legs: inner layer = thermal underwear. Outer for more than, say, 20 degrees = double-knee painter's pants. Add breathable outer shell pants when it's really cold. I've used thermal bike pants, including suspender-type, but damn! One spill and the knee is torn out. Carr Harts can take a beating. Feet: thick polyester/wool socks; Lake MXZ302 winter boots; foot warmers when it gets below about 10. The winter boots are definitely spendy, but much, much better than those zip-on neoprene things. I wear regular insulated work boots for short errands, but they are sort of clumsy - easily slip around on the pedals and bang into my panniers when cranking. I much prefer the clip boots when going more than 5 miles. Hans Noeldner
_______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
