For some unknown reason , I’m actually considering cyclecommuting tomorrow. The forecast calls for a low of 20°F with a little biting wind for good measure, and I’m conceivably going to strap myself to a bicycle for 5+ miles at 5:30 in the morning. At this point I’m thinking that if the roads are clear I’ll give it a shot, but my road bike with the skinny racing slicks isn’t coming anywhere near icy or frosty roads. I’m dedicated but I’m not nuts.
Bikeportland.org has a great article up on getting gear for winter riding, but I thought I’d share my setup since I’ve taken some time putting it together. If it seems like I’m a fanboy for Columbia Sportswear (and sub-brands Montrail and Mountain Hardwear), you’re partially right (especially on Montrail and Mtn Hardwear, their stuff is entirely awesome) but I do have the ability to get their stuff direct from the employee store so it doesn’t often make sense to go elsewhere if I can get what I need there.
The Setup
I ride a Specialized Allez Sport. I’ve put ~870 miles on “Alice” so far, 100+ of that coming from a century ride in September. Other than the rear wheel problems covered briefly below (which are being resolved), I couldn’t be happier with my aluminum horse. She has Shimano 105 components throughout and upgrades (if any) will likely be minor for the life of the bike. For long rides I use my clipless pedals, but for commuting I have Decksters so I don’t need to carry an extra pair of shoes for work.
The Gear
Anyone who commutes by bike needs all or most of the following if they plan on pedaling to work after the onset of fall.
Fenders – After the first rainfall there’s no excuse for riding without them. Keeping wetness and road-grime where it belongs (mainly anywhere not on your body or bag) is huge when it gets wet outside, leaving your other gear to deal with the current conditions and not the most recent rainstorm. Without them expect a black/brown trail of awesome on your back and the occasional road soup in your face. Mmm.
Rain Jacket/Pants – Particularly in Portland you need to be able to keep yourself dry. I have a Columbia rain jacket and some Mtn Hardwear pants that pack into my bag so I’m ready when the skies open up.
Cold Jacket/Pants – I’m not going snowboarding on the way to work and I’m not riding to work in the snow, so my needs are usually either braving the cold or braving the wet. For the cold I have a Columbia soft shell that I’ve had for a few years that does a pretty decent job of blocking out the wind and the cold without the bulk of a full jacket. As for pants, if what I’m wearing is insufficient I have a pair of snowboarding pants that should do the trick.
Shoes – I’ve also had some unfun experiences with deep puddles (all day clammy socks are not awesome) and cold winds on my feet. Boots are no fun to ride in so the best thing is a comfortable and waterproof (or at least resistant) shoe that you can wear to work. I just bought a pair of Montrail Mountain Masochist shoes with a GORE-TEX liner to keep my toes toasty and dry. I may also eventually purchase a pair of gaiters to bridge the gap between pants and shoes, but I’ve already spent far too much money* on this stuff for now.
Gloves – I actually just bought a pair of these puppies, which should more than do for my purposes. I didn’t even know Mountain Hardwear made gloves for competition ice climbing, but they should do the trick for me in any conditions this winter throws at me. However, I’m sure most winter riding gloves that are designed for biking would do the trick just as well.
Check your head – I’ve been wearing this beanie by Endura which fits snugly over my huge head and under my helmet**. I team it up with a great old wool scarf, since I can’t bring myself to wear a ski mask.
Bag – Another Mountain Hardwear plug, my Sentinel messenger bag could be my single favorite possession on the planet. It might not have the hipster hotness of a Chrome buckle bag, but it works just as well for what I need. It fits comfortably on my back with plenty of room for my lock, my lunch and anything else I might need. I try not to love “things” too much in my life, but I’ll make an exception for my bike and my bag. It’s also completely waterproof and has some reflecty goodness which brings me to….
Lights – It’s dark out there, please light up. Being warm and dry is great, but not being hit by cars is even better.
After writing all this, I’m actually kinda pumped up about riding tomorrow. Wish me luck.
* Especially when you only consider the cost of fuel when comparing the economy of cycling and driving. I factor in the environment, exercise and exhilaration into the equation. However, I’d like it to save real money as well, since that’s a huge factor when cyclevangelizing.
** I’m not going to rail anyone anymore about not wearing a helmet. I’m just going to go with a paraphrase of what my good friend Danny says on the subject: Anyone who rides a bike without a helmet has made the decision that they have nothing that’s worth protecting with one.