Ride in the Winter? |
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Sure why not? ![]() If you dress for it, use an old bike, get some studded tires, winter can be just as fun as getting out on a sunny summer day. There are also advantages to riding in winter weather, you don't sweat as much, if you get cold you just pedal faster. Your training doesn't have to end with the snow fall. ![]()
Okay, so maybe riding through the dead of winter isn't your cup of tea, but getting out once and a while could ward off the "winter blues." And finding an old bike isn't that hard, a garage sale, or the Goodwill, or other thrift store can net a bicycle for cheap, that, with a little work, will carry you through the snow. ![]()
One of the problems with riding in the winter is normal functioning mechanics tend to freeze, literally. Things like deraillures, shifting cables, brake cables and the like get icey, and freeze, and renders your geared bike to one gear, and brakeless (scary). One way to avoid this is to set your "beater" bike up as a single speed or a fixed gear. A fixed gear will provide a better feel for the road conditions, more control, and they're fun! ![]() Okay now what about dressing for it? ![]()
Layers, baby, layers. I know you have heard it before. It is important to layer, that way you can remove clothing if you get too warm, or put more on if you're cold. As you get used to riding in cold weather you'll adapt to different conditions, and know what to wear. Some ideas I've taken were from light weight backpackers. They want to stay light and keep mobile. Something you want to be on the bike. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |