Who's looking forward to commuting this winter?

[Spartak]

Ice has had me off twice in the last 3 years, both times resulting in cracked ribs & cracked helmets !

 

[ianrauk]

Ice is rarely a problem in London.
Usually it's of the black ice variety.

But from what Matthew would have you believe by posting all those vids, that winter commuting will be nasty.
It's far from it.

 

[mangid]

Love the winter !

 

[ianrauk]

Love the winter !

Indeed.
Winter months are usually drier then many people think. Wear the correct clothing, take it easy when needed and all will be fine.

 

[fossyant]

The only tyre that will stop you landing on your arse is a spiked one. MTB tyres wont help Matthew. I love riding over sheet ice. Get the right equipment.

 

[4F]

I don't do ice, tried in the past and come a cropper on the first 7 miles of untreated roads several times.

The equipment I use for that is this:-

 

[AndyRM]

I love commuting through winter. Makes me feel like I've earned the good weather when it comes back. The changing rooms at work are usually a lot quieter as well.

Plus, Rule #9.

That said, it's only just started turning ever so slightly autumnal!

 

[fossyant]

Winter, just the same as summer, slightly colder. As the saying goes, it's not bad weather, it's bad clothing (and equipment) choice.

Matthew is only trying to talk himself out of commuting a couple of times a week to college/work. Some of us are full time commuters on a bike. Man up !

 

[Ciar]

I am looking forward to it, even though i have never ridden a bike during winter but i did drive to work for 6 years, so i reckon spotting the dreaded black ice and snow won't be too troublesome

 

[ianrauk]

I am looking forward to it, even though i have never ridden a bike during winter but i did drive to work for 6 years, so i reckon spotting the dreaded black ice and snow won't be too troublesome

In London it's very rarely an issue.

 

[Ciar]

In London it's very rarely an issue.

This is true, but i usually drove via A12/A13 are those were always well gritted in all honesty i always made it into work in the snow, i remember a few years ago driving in proper thick snow on the A12 which was empty so i pootled along and parked in Billinsgate, at 5pm i had to ask the guys down the market to lend me a shovel to dig my car out hah..

since it turned dark it's been lovely riding, not sure why but i enjoy the early morning darkness and riding

 

[donnydave]

I've cycled to work over the last 2 winters -

first year I was on a slow mtb and I used to wear jeans and "normal" clothes. Soaked frozen feet. Effin freezing rest of body, numb hands. Wrong clothing/kit as I didnt know better. Didn't enjoy winter 1/10 happiness.
second year I was now on a road bike, spd's and slightly more appropriate clothes. I was fitter so journey times were less, was still wearing tracky bottoms for leg warmth. Got some really really good lights. Discovered the wonder of overshoes halfway through winter. Got to work in the floods when everyone in cars was stranded. Had to get the bus for ridiculous snow for 1 week but otherwise coped ok. Fell off on ice once. 6/10 happines
This year I've already switched to proper cycling tights. I've got a backup mtb in the shed for when it gets really bad but I know from last year I can easily cope with frost and light dustings of snow on my road bike. I've also discovered the amazing wonder of merino wool and proper layering of clothes. Predicted happiness 8 or even 9/10, I am definitely looking forward to it.

 

[Ciar]

@donnydave slightly OT, I just bought my first pair of tights, mentioned it to the missus what a look..... do have a HH base layer i presume that's okay to wear under a cycling top and altura evo for warmth?

 

[donnydave]

@donnydave slightly OT, I just bought my first pair of tights, mentioned it to the missus what a look..... do have a HH base layer i presume that's okay to wear under a cycling top and altura evo for warmth?

I've not quite got my full deepest winter clothing strategy sorted yet but that sounds nice and toasty warm and you shouldn't get too wet on the inside from sweat with the base layer doing its job. With the tights, I bought 190g weight which have been ok so far at minimum 7degC in the last few days but I don't think they will be good enough when it gets around 0deg.

 

[MisterStan]

I enjoy the winter commutes - sun coming up halfway to work is always nice. Managed most of this winter barring a few days when the snow was really bad. As has been said, make sure you have the right kit. Layer up rather than using a really thick jersey as you may want to shed layers when you warm up (really!). I know I keep prattling on about them too, but a decent set of winter shoes is a worthwhile investment.
23mm tyres are all used last winter - only came off twice, once on sheet ice near some flooding and once when I hit a dog in the dark.