Do you bike in bad weather?

[Grant-53]

Buying studded tires is much easier than putting roofing through a regular mountain bike tire. Make sure there adequate clearance between the frame and tire so the snow doesn't build up on the chain stay.

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by Piwoslaw

I've been thinking about something like this since last winter, and I see that someone's already done it:


Bike Wind Guards For Your Hands - Instructables.com

Finally got a round to making these handlebar wind guards - bought 2x 3-liter bottles of veggie oil (enough to last us well into next year), cleaned them out, started cutting one, tried to see how it fits and... it's too big Actually, the bottle is too tall, just under half the length of the handlebar, so both bottles together would cover everything, including the cables and the light.

On a warmer note: I got some knee warmers

[bdesj]

^^Time to buy two 2-liter bottles of veggie oil and be all stocked up until 2017

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by bdesj

^^Time to buy two 2-liter bottles of veggie oil and be all stocked up until 2017

I wish it was that simple I've been looking at containers on the store shelves, but most are not wide enough (there has to be clearance for brake lever operation, and for a gloved hand), the only other is 5 liters of mineral water, but that is way too big. Oh well, until I find something it'll just be windproof gloves.

[Grant-53]

Dirt bikes use plastic hand guards and touring bikes use neoprene mitts on the handle bars. I use a coroplast fairing made from a single sheet of 4 mm.

[bdesj]

Originally Posted by Grant-53

Dirt bikes use plastic hand guards and touring bikes use neoprene mitts on the handle bars.

Oh, I ride a dirt bike with plastic wind guards and never considered that. Good idea! To split the difference, I know of one neoprene hand "windshield" that isn`t TOO awfully expensive (probably about the same price as 6l of veggie oil, but you don`t get the bonus kitchen use) that would probably work right out of the box.

Moose Handguards Review - Atomic-Moto Blog

[ByDesign]

Regulating temperature on winter rides is the hardest thing. At 30 degrees or at 20 degrees, it's quite a difference in how you need to dress. Hands are one thing -- and I really like the bottle concept -- but it's my toes that get the worst.

I've used booties over my shoes. But the real problem is the metal cleat connected to a metal pedal and to a metal connector right next to the foot that acts as a heat sink to suck the heat right out of the foot. I've used cardboard between the insole and cleat which helps a lot, till it gets wet, but still not enough. I've used the chemical hand warmers over my toes which works well, but it gets really tight in the shoes. I'm too cheap to buy electric socks or winter riding boots.

[bdesj]

I have more trouble with my face than anything else. I can`t stand having it covered, especially while doing exercise. Still have not found a way to cover my face without covering it :0

Feet are easy for me. I don`t use clicky pedals at all any more, but even when I used them regularly, I swapped on a set of BMX pedals for winter and rode in insulated hiking boots.

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by ByDesign

but it's my toes that get the worst.

I've used booties over my shoes. But the real problem is the metal cleat connected to a metal pedal and to a metal connector right next to the foot that acts as a heat sink to suck the heat right out of the foot.

I've found shoe inserts for winter - felt with alu foil on the top side - keep the underside of my foot warm, but remember to loosen the shoelace or else you will not have enough circulation. For the winter I switch my SPD's to normal pedals, then cut a plastic bag to cover the toe-clip. This blocks the wind and the water splash. When it gets a few degrees below freezing I put on heavy-duty booties (Showers Pass), but even these with warm socks don't keep my toes from freezing when it's below -5C

[Grant-53]

I have used rubber barn boots in cold and wet weather with room for extra socks. Non-metal pedals are going on the winter bike. I have tried many combinations of glasses and face covers. I have settled on a Bell full face motorcycle helmet so I can adjust the visor and vents as needed.