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EXTRAS
Winter biking
For all the hard core bikers out there riding through the winter or just others that wonder how they do it...
Bicycle Gear
- Fenders-- Keep all the slush off your back and shoes with either clip-on or full size fenders. A good way to keep them on is with zip-ties.
- Lights-- Protect yourself and be seen! Try out the new rechargeable lights. They're super bright and will give you instant respect on the road.
- Reflective Tape-- is great way to help you become more visible. Put it everywhere; your bag, bike, your helmet!
- Tires-- We love knobby mountain tires or if it gets real icy go with studded snow tires for bikes. Yes they make them! They work so good that we only need one on the front tire.
Winter Biking Clothes
- Don't overdress your feet. If your shoes are too tight, your feet will sweat and freeze.
- Lobster mitts are great. They allow some manual dexterity for shifting and braking while keeping your hands nice and warm.
- Ski goggles are warm protection for your face and allow good visibility.
- Layers are the way to go. Dress in layers and remove some when you get to hot.
- Dress for how you'll feel 10 minutes into your the ride. you'll be surprised how fast you heat up!
Eric and Kathy's Winter Layering Guide
| 40 to 30 degrees | 30 to 20 degrees | 20 and below | |
| Head | Headband, skull cap or ski cap; neck gator; biking glasses; helmet | Fleece balaclava, helmet cover, neck gator, ski goggles, helmet | Fleece balaclava, helmet cover, face mask, neck gator, ski goggles, helmet |
| Body | Synthetic short-sleeve jersey; fleece lightweight or medium weight long-sleeve jacket; windproof, water-resistant jacket and pants/pants tights. | Synthetic short-sleeve jersey; fleece medium weight long-sleeve jacket; windproof, water-resistant jacket and pants/pants tights. | Synthetic short-sleeve jersey; fleece medium weight long-sleeve jacket with windproof vest, or fleece heavyweight long sleeve jacket; windproof, water-resistant jacket and pants/pants tights. |
| Hands | Fingerless gloves with polypropylene liner or lobster claw mitts | Lobster claw mitts | Lobster claw mitts with polypropylene glove liners and Gore-tex over mitt. |
| Feet | Polypropylene liner socks, hiking socks with blend of acrylic and about 60% wool, shoes or hiking boots | Polypropylene liner socks, hiking socks with blend of acrylic and about 90% wool, shoes or hiking boots | Polypropylene liner socks, hiking socks with blend of acrylic and about 100% wool, hiking boots with removable liners such as Sorels. |
