Cold Weather Bike Commuting Q & A

It’s the winter and you’re still riding your bike – awesome! You’re probably finding that family, friends, and co-workers have been peppering you with questions about it. You’ve likely heard, “How do you stay warm?” Argh. Asking a cyclist that question is like asking a vegetarian, “Where do you get your protein?” Though annoying, it requires a thoughtful response.

I’ve found there are a few questions I’m asked over and over again. While it can be tempting to give a curt response, use this opportunity to be a bicycle advocate. Who knows, maybe you’ll inspire someone to give bike commuting a try.

What's with Winter Bikes?

On any given winter weekday morning, it is easy to spot Madison’s sizable contingent of “winter bikers,” who are actual people beneath layers of winter bike gear: balaclavas, goggles, breathing masks, construction-style reflective vests, winter Lycra, and wrist-deep Bar Mitt handlebar gloves. While it is encouraging to see so many people out biking year-round, as I have written in previous posts, such as “Riding a Bike in the Winter Isn't Extreme,” all of the specialized gear is not a prerequisite to biking in the winter. I believe this extends to the bike you actually ride: You don’t need a “winter bike;” you just need a decent bike for year-round transportation.

If You've Never Ridden a Bike in the Winter

Miller High Life - Alternative Fuels

Miller High Life — Alternative Fuels from Michael Williams on Vimeo.

Biking in Cold Weather: Tips for Toasty Toes

If you’ve been riding in a Wisconsin winter, you likely have experience with how much insulation you need to layer on in order to retain body heat generated from pedaling. However, cold feet can be a surprisingly pesky problem on a longer commute, but don’t let them keep you from biking in the winter.  Here’s what I’ve come up with to stay comfortable:

Printing a Bicycle with a 3D Printer

Bicyclist Gift Guide

Here are some ideas for the cyclist on your list.

You can never have too many pairs of wool socks.

Thoughts on the Ladies Swift Bike

Photo from dbccitybikedesign.com

At first glance there doesn’t appear to be anything extraordinary about the Ladies Swift bike. It seems to have the loop frame and upright design of a typical Dutch bike, but without a chain case and skirt guards. DBC City Bike Design Owner Dan Sorger pointed out the discreet features that go a long way in improving the classic upright bike design. Using the only Ladies Swift in the shop, his wife Maria’s, as a model, he elaborated on what makes the bike both different and better:

Cycling for Everyone

Cycling For Everyone from Dutch Cycling Embassy on Vimeo.

It's Your Ride

It's Your Ride from Cinecycle on Vimeo.