I [mostly] LOVE winter biking. The paths are less crowded, I can wear my geeky gear without hesitation, and I get to be outside almost every day throughout the winter without suffering from the cold.
I bet there are as many ways to stay warm on a bike in winter as there are riders. Over the past 15 years I have cobbled together my winter biking gear, with "outfits" for each ~10-20 degree increment, and smaller accessories for ~5 degree increments. Some gear works better than others, some I can't live without. I am interested in finding out what items other winter riders have sought out, created, or stumbled upon that they think are essential. It's fun to find out that "Hey, I don't have to wear tinted goggles at night!" (yup, that one took me a while), or, "Oh, there are helmets that can keep my head warm without wearing a hat". I am pretty stoked that I can ride down to windchill of -30 or so without feeling cold. Some of my gear is hand-me-down, some new, and all in all I know I look like a nut- but I'd rather be a comfy nut than cold. And I'm always looking for something lighter weight, warmer, or just plain smarter. Here is a short list of my fave items- What are yours?? Studded tires (Kenda Klondike)- I honestly don't know how I rode through the winter without these. Windproof (Windstopper) tights (Mountain Hardwear)- not bike-specific, but awesome nonetheless Snowsport Helmet that covers my ears... ah simple, one-layer warmth Clear ski goggles And it's not "winter"gear per se, but I recently got a very lightweight mesh reflective vest at Movin' Shoes (made for runners, Nathan brand) that I wear at night for added safety. I got an XL, it's adjustable, and I can wear it over my winter coat. -India _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
