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Now
that we are dressed, let's go look at the bike. Is it in top condition?
I don't want to have to do bike maintenance on the side of the
road in sub-freezing temperatures, so I regularly do a thorough
check to make sure everything works perfectly. I also tend to
go with wider tires to avoid flats. I'd rather work a little harder
riding than to change a flat in the cold. Fenders are worth their
weight in gold in New England. I wouldn't think of doing a winter
or spring ride without them. Even if no rain is falling, snowmelt
keeps the roads wet and fenders keep the water on the road off
of me. I just can't emphasize enough that fenders are one of the
most valuable component for staying dry, warm and comfortable.
And as usual, I carry enough tools to do minor roadside repairs,
tire levers, tubes, wrenches, chain tool, etc.
I use a fixed gear bike most of the winter. A fixed gear bike
offers more control on icy surfaces. I wouldn't suggest taking
your first spin on a fixer on icy roads, but once used to riding
fixed wheel, you may find that increased control. With no derailleurs
there is far less maintenance and no chance of dealing with frozen
shift cables. Many racers used fixed gear bikes in the winter
for training - it will increase your ability to spin. Sheldon
Brown has some great advice on fixed gear riding and equipment.
I did fall on black ice one year (less than ½ mile from
home) and broke my collarbone. Now for the additional bit of control
I use Nokian studded tires
when I suspect the roads may be icy - this usually means from
November to March! I typically just use one on the front. They
do slow you down a bit, but have the added training benefit of
making you fly when you go back to regular tires in the spring.
At this stage my winter bike is a cross frame with horizontal
dropouts, which allows me to have a fixed gear, clearance for
studded tires and fenders, and braze-ons for racks. I use it both
for commuting and recreational winter rides. Since it is my commuter,
it has lights. This is also handy for a weekend ride, since the
days are much shorter, and a flat, mechanical problem or long
break can result in a ride finishing after dark. For a discussion
of various lights, see my article on lighting.
I mentioned a lot of clothing and the concept of layering earlier,
and you may wonder how to carry all that stuff when you aren't
wearing it. I use a Carradice
saddlebag or an Ortlieb
pannier. Both are waterproof, and have reasonable carrying capacity.
I have a rear rack and use the pannier when I want to be able
to easily leave the bike and take the bag with me. If commuting
and parking outside, I tend to use the pannier. If using a bike
without a rack, a saddlebag with a Bagman
support is ideal. (Of course the saddlebag also works on a bike
with a rack!)
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