Biking through the Winter in Wisconsin

[Lucky, Fabulous]

I started really biking a lot last year. This is my first winter after having been bitten by the bug. I was told that you cannot bike all winter, so I put my bike away after Thanksgiving. However, I have been noticing people still biking away, even through the cold and snow. In fact, I have seen bikers out there in ZERO degrees, and through storms where we have accumulated 14 inches of snow. Last night, a biker arrived to the gym after having biked through a very windy snow storm, in which the temp was in the low 20s and the wind chill was below zero! I said to my friend, "I am so jealous that he biked here." You guys understand, I am sure, but I was looked at as though I was crazy.

We have 3 to 4 months of this left, and I have to get back on my bike! But, I don't have much for gear, and I don't even know where to get started. I have some mountain bike tires I could throw on, but I understand you really need studded tires for this kind of riding. I am also thinking about getting some snap-on fenders for when it is slushy.

I am also not very visible, so I need to work on that as well. I think I have enough clothing to keep warm - except for shoes. I don't clip in, but I don't have warm non-bulky shoes or boots that would work on the bike. Is there any other gear I would need for the bike itself?

[beccaB]

I live in lower Michigan, and I went for a bike ride yesterday! I was thrilled! We had not gone since Thanksgiving weekend. I will go if it's over 25, and the roads are clear. I won't go if it's real gusty wind, I've been almost blown over and that was scary! It took me awhile to accumulate the winter gear we needed, and I found that it was important to cover extremities really well and buy the best underlayers you can afford.

[Aquila]

Wow, impressive!

I'm up in Wisconsin, too, and haven't been biking since just after Thanksgiving. I'm game down to about 30 so long as the roads are pretty clear, but everything's ice right now.

I think I'd stop the biker at the gym and ask for some advice, maybe?

[Lucky, Fabulous]

I almost did ask him, I guess I have to get over my shyness! There is another guy that bikes to work, and it was ZERO this morning. I looked at his bike today, and he doesn't have anything special for tires. How do people do that?

[tulip]

Well, I've never lived in Wisconsin, but I've cycled all winter in snow and ice. You just need to be prepared. You definitely need to be visible--obnoxiously so. Don't get all self-conscious about wearing screamin' yellow--lots of it!

You'll also need lights: good headlamps are expensive but worth it. And tail a tail light or two. And reflector ankle bands.

You'll also need to keep warm! Layers! I love using old cashmere sweater as a layer when it's really cold. Also two pairs of socks (one wicking, one wool) and shoe covers if I'll be out long. Good warm hiking boots work well if you don't have clipless pedals. Keep your head warm and the rest of you will stay warm, too. Get a thin skullcap for under your helmet--or a balacava if it's really cold. As for gloves, I love my Pearl Izumi lobster gloves. Other folks have other gloves that they really like.

I commuted all through the winter in Washington DC when I lived there. Mind you, it doesn't get so cold as Wisconsin, and I didn't ride when it was below 20F. I did ride down to 20F and in the ice and snow. The bike trails there don't get shoveled, so the snow turns to ice and stays. I had an ice bike for those days--with studded tires. Practice before you go out in traffic in the snow and ice.

I loved my winter commute--the only thing that kept me off was darkness, so I chose to ride to work in the morning and take the Metro home in the evening, with my bike. It made for a very long day sometimes, but I did end up getting a folding bike that allowed me to use the Metro earlier than 7pm.

Best of luck and enjoy the winter!

EDIT: check out www.icebike.org

[mtbdarby]

I live in Wisconsin too - where are you two located?

My question is how do you keep your bike from rusting with all the salt they throw down? I rode my mountain bike a couple times last year and thought I'd wiped it down, but the chain still rusted.

I'm in Wausau and I see a few people ride, but none with helmets, reflective gear or lights They tend to ride on the sidewalks, not the roads.

It's been way too icy and snowy here - broke the record for December yesterday so I haven't been out either. I can't stand the subzero temps.

I didn't help you any, but good luck and be safe if you try it - they're not looking for you in Wisconsin this time of year!

[Lucky, Fabulous]

Great advice you guys! I live in Madison, which is very biking friendly, and I live right off a good bike trail. I do have a good hat that I can wear under my helmet, and I have some very nice warm boots that I can try. Tomorrow I am going to get some studded tires, headlamps, and reflective gear. I am planning on being geared up enough to ride in 10 degree weather, because otherwise I will not get to ride much at all. 10 - 20 degrees is pretty typical for this time of year, and 30 degrees feels warm! I do wonder about the rust as well, and now I am a little worried about that!

[Aquila]

Eau Claire, here. BRRRRRR!

[Zen]

I took my first cold (for me) ride yesterday.
There are two things I could have used-

a second pair of socks
and
glove liners

I wore a headband on my ears and was ok with that.

[Lucky, Fabulous]

I rode today. It was about 30 degrees, and I was over dressed - I was actually warm! But, that is a good thing, because I still had more layers I could have put on and still would have been comfortable. Went to the bike shop though, and WOW! $60 for one studded tire! They looked pretty nice, but I am going to shop around for a bit to see if I can't find them a little cheaper. Any suggestions are appreciated!

[tulip]

That's what they cost. Nokkians are the best because they have carbide studs that will last for years. Other brands (Kenda, for one) have steel studs that don't last more than 1-2 seasons depending on how much you ride.

Studded tires are an investment, but if you are going to ride in icy conditions, they are an investment in safety. And it's SO MUCH fun to ride in the ice with them!

[Lucky, Fabulous]

Well, if it's fun, then it's worth it Actually, I did find a wholesaler online that sells the ones I want for about $50, so I think that's pretty good. There is a lot of winter left!

[Jaclyn]

I ride all winter ... Saturday it was 20 degrees and seven of us showed up for our regular 9am breakfast ride. We reduce our miles when it gets below 30-40 but we still ride. I'm a person who hates to be cold but hates the indoor trainer more (I lasted four minutes on Friday with a Coach Troy Spinervals DVD). Here's what I wore for 20 degrees ...

- A combination polartec neck warmer / lighter weight cap (under my helmet)
- A base layer long sleeve tee, a second layer (a jersey), and a third layer (a wool jersey)
- A bike jacket or my new favorite - it's a Nike jacket for cross country skiing or something that has a thin layer of thinsulate (quilted) - not at all bulky - and even has zip off sleeves. It just doesn't have back pockets like a bike specific design. Bought on sale at a sporting good store for less than $60. It is working better than my $200+ Goretex bicycle jacket.
- Winter riding tights
- Wool socks, Toastie Toes (toe warmers), and winter riding boots (an investment but I bought mine on sale for $150)
- Cheap ski gloves that I found at an outlet for just $2.99

On New Years Day I had a fleece second layer and I got too hot trying to keep up - you don't want to sweat and get wet inside because then you'll definitely get cold.

I ride my touring bike and replace its normal road tires with fatter tires (I think they are about 1.5 inches). I do everything I can to avoid a flat tire - so I use Slime rim tape in the winter. If there is a lot of snow/ice I switch to my mountain bike. And although I am comfortable riding alone the rest of the year, I ride with at least one or two other people in the winter. Last year we had a flat on a cold winter ride on our tandem, and it was great to have extra people (one even went home and met the group back at the end with hot chocolate).

One other tip - we do use more lights and try to be more visible. The winter conditions mean it is darker, often foggy or overcast, plus cars see few cyclists so they aren't expecting you (maybe another reason to ride in a group with greater "mass"). But riding in the winter is a blast.

PS There's a big payoff come spring when you are still in shape and everyone else is struggling.

[cobalt]

I live in Neenah, WI and I haven't been able to get to the mailbox safely since Saturday. We have ice everywhere, pretty but not safe.

I see that I am not the only antsy Wisconsinite. I want to move to warmer place so I can bike more!

[Lucky, Fabulous]

Well, I have been doing some checking around, and I spoke with 5 people yesterday that commute in the winter! I also know a couple more that do it on occassion. I found my tires and hear that wool socks and lobster claw gloves are the way to go. Hopefully by this time next week I will be on the road. Wish me luck!