Winter Commutes Not Far Off...

[Peter10]

So after doing early shifts I've realised it's not long now until the cold sets in.

How many people stop cycling to work during the winter months? I aim to cycle right up until i feel the road conditions around me are too unsafe for my road bike. When we had the ice last year, my area remained unsalted for over 3 weeks. I can't justify having a "winter bike" as much as I would love to get a cyclocross bike for the colder, wetter months. Maybe next year.

It's also time to look around for some base layers. Any recommendations? I was thinking of the Atura inter Cruisers and the Helly Hansen Stripe base-layers which seem to get pretty good reviews on Evans. Also I am after an under-helmet hat if anyone one can recommend one.

Anyone else not ready for winter?

 

[Theseus]

I commute by bike all year round.

When really icy, I get off and walk til I get to a road that is clear.

Not sure who made which layers I have. I just sling them on as required.

 

[summerdays]

I'm an all-year person even through the snow except on the days when work cancelled or child's school.

 

[ianrauk]

Commute all year round in all weathers.
Bad weather only stopped me twice last year in February due to (for London) heavy snow.

DHB base layers are very good.
For under your helmet, Buffs are very good.

 

[fossyant]

Cycle all year. In ice and snow the mtb comes out with studded tyres. Before I got the tyres it was a case of walking the bike to the main road. Prior to this winter, I think I only lost 3-4 days due to bad ice.

 

[BSRU]

I hope to be on the bike all this winter, bought some cheap wheels and have fitted some Marathon Winters.

 

[magnatom]

All year round for me. I was cycling 11.5 miles to work when the temps were pushing -15C. The main roads were fine if a little salty (not to my taste! ) and care had to be taken on the icy side roads. I also had three layers on top (jersey, mid layer and jacket), two layers of gloves (silk and outer glove), and four layers on the feet (thin sock, thick sock, shoe and overshoe). Oh and of course some bib shorts!

The first winter you cycle is the most expensive. After that you just keep topping up when things wear out.

Don't forget some good lights as well!

 

[Crankarm]

Jeese the North Wind is rattling the windows! It is definitely the start of the dark season.

 

[cyberknight]

All year around for me, well missed 2 weeks at the start of this year.

I will be using my old subway 1 for winter riding.

As for clothing i use my altura nevis windproof, a summer short sleeved jersey and aldi long sleeve compression base layer.On the bottom i have a pair of cycling shorts and some ron hill bikesters leggings.On my head i will use a buff as i find even in midwinter that a skull cap is to much.
Shoe wise i have a pair of neoprene overshoes to go over my shoes and finally a pair of aldi winter gloves.

Recently invested in a pair of cheap arm and leg warmers for those days when i just need an extra layer there rather than another full layer.

 

[taxing]

I was bloody freezing this morning. This will be my first winter, but I commute in my normal clothes, so I don't know what I'm going to wear. This morning I could have done with gloves, socks and a hat, so I'll start wearing those and see how I go after that.

 

[ianrauk]

I always look forward to the first couple of weeks commuting home in the dark just for the change of scene, something different. Then the night riding soon turns into a grind and I'm aching for lighter evenings again.

 

[SquareDaff]

Already have all my winter gear - wearing some of it now - but it's just at that awkward stage where it's slightly too warm - but too cold to keep the summer stuff on! WIll just add a base layer for those extra cold mornings!!

 

[ferret fur]

All year round for me as well.
I can highly recommend Schwalbe Snow Stud tyres for when it gets severe. When there is no snow about pump'em up higher so that the studs don't touch the ground. They also do Ice Spiker tyres which are fully studded. It is amazing the difference a small metal stud makes in grotty conditions.

 

[beastie]

All year around for me, well missed 2 weeks at the start of this year.

I will be using my old subway 1 for winter riding.

As for clothing i use my altura nevis windproof, a summer short sleeved jersey and aldi long sleeve compression base layer.On the bottom i have a pair of cycling shorts and some ron hill bikesters leggings.On my head i will use a buff as i find even in midwinter that a skull cap is to much.
Shoe wise i have a pair of neoprene overshoes to go over my shoes and finally a pair of aldi winter gloves.

Recently invested in a pair of cheap arm and leg warmers for those days when i just need an extra layer there rather than another full layer.

+1

 

[biggs682]

i try and do the commute every day where poss , just take it more carefull when icy and normally walk if snowy .

must admit normally have at least 2 bikes to choose from