winter cyclists - what is the hurdle?

[Crankin]

I think you might hook a few more. I know that my limits are rain, snow, ice, and temps below 35 F. If I had a short commute, I might be able to ride down to 30, as I have the gear. I think that Voodoo Sally said it best on another thread. Once the roads around here get snow on them, there is a lot of junk on the side of the road; sand, salt, snow/ice piles that make riding dangerous and difficult. People do it, but to me, it's not worth it. If there's a day in the high 30s or the 40s, I might go out and ride my mountain bike on the road, or even my hybrid for a spin, but I actually look forward to having a break from riding, to concentrate on x country skiing and snow shoeing.

[papaver]

slippery roads are the only thing that keep me from riding... nothing else.

[Becky]

For me, darkness is the big factor. I have oodles of cold-weather gear, and will ride during the day on cold days, but I admit to being intimidated by certain sections of my commute when it's dark. DH is too...we've talked about it a bunch lately, and I'm trying to convince him to keep commuting with me. It will be light riding home until November...after that, it's dark and time will tell whether we keep riding.

I think your idea sounds like a great one! Sometimes people don't want to invest a lot of energy in researching something, and will gladly contribute some money to have the decision-making process simplified. I've certainly felt that way many times! Let us know how it goes!

[Miranda]

I think it's a bit of both as posted...

One, having good proper gear makes a HUGE differce. When I first starting riding in general, it was shocking at what techical clothing costs. But, I've tried it without it--just ugly. Once you own it--totally worth it. So, your idea is a good one.

I agree with Crankin too about the snow and ice. There are many days it will be beautiful enough for me to ride, and the gear I own can handle it, but I don't want to crash on that unexpected patch of black ice, or unmelted snow outta no where... and land into traffic.

Well, I guess the only other good cold gear thing I do not own is some different tires, and boots. If Mavic only made my beloved shoes that fit my goofy shaped feet in boots, I'd be buying *sigh*. But, I digress...

Maybe some winter bike handling skills / tips would be helpful too? And something like "best thing to clean road salt off your bike tip, etc.".

Could you distributed an office water cooler survery... "winter riding--what's your show stopper???".

Good luck, lph! Sounds like a good project.

[redrhodie]

I've had a few hurdles. I've ridden all winter for a couple of years, but this will be my first year commuting in the winter. For me, it's the dark. I've bought the lights and have been easing into a darker commute. So far, so good.

At first, the cold was my hurdle to winter riding. I was so surprised to discover I actually prefer extreme cold to extreme heat. Who knew?!

I still won't do snow or ice. I could see someday getting studded tires and getting over that hurdle, but it will have to be once I'm totally confident in the dark.