Hi, all. I've only commuted on my bike when it's not winter, but I can share my warm weather tips. I pick clothes for work that are light and easily pulled on, like a loose dress, because I'll be sweaty even after I wash up. I carry a hairbrush, sm. deoderant, and lotion in my pannier. I work in different clinics--I stash the bike in a safe place and lock it up. I take a "bird bath" in the bathroom, and put my hair up, in a braid or ponytail for the day. My problem is getting there early enough that the red/sweaty face phase is over before I start seeing patients!

A friend of mine said that you can use a disposable diaper--put some of your favorite soap on it, and put it in a ziplock bag. Then get it wet when you arrive, and wash up. They do hold a lot of liquid! It would be better than the thin little paper towels, or carrying around a wet handtowel all day.

My biggest problem with one clinic is that the only safe and appropriate place I've found to lock the bike is on the third floor. Means wheeling it into the building, on the elevator, around 1/2 the third floor, and into the lounge. This has made my decision not to ride there more than once! Next spring I'm going to figure out somewhere else to put it.

My only bike is a Marin Larkspur city bike. I got it two years ago, when I told the LBS that I wanted something I could ride to work and ride in triathlons. It's served me well in both. Now I'm more committed to long rides and triathlons, so this spring I'm going to get a "real" tri bike. This thread has made me think, though, that a road bike with knobbly tires (I don't know the right words for these things! ) would be good for riding around/commuting in Chicago in the winter. Hmmm...used, perhaps...ah, shopping! L.