Biking (to work or for fun) in the winter?

[Ellen Forradalom]

Anyone else doing it? I've taken to my bike to get to my contract job. I really do love it in nearly any weather--and I pedalled through light hail the other day.

[bikebloke]

1. I'm a year 'rounder.

To compensate for the cold, there are far fewer wobblies and waddlers clogging the trails. Though I don't really care for swaddling up for deep space. With my face wrapped, I have to deliberately exhale downwards as to keep my specs from fogging.

[Ellen Forradalom]

2. It's been temperate lately in Chicago

Quite manageable. I put the bike on the bus bike racks for the trip home as I do not feel safe in the dark.

You needn't swaddle to bike. Try some silk long johns for starts. I picked up a cashmere sweater at a thrift shop for $4. I bought a pair of ski pants at an REI parking-lot clearance sale last summer. Worth every penny. Just wonderful.

[bikebloke]

6. I just call it "swaddle".

I layer up. It's better to overdress when going out, then peeling or unzipping vents if it's not as cold as I thought or have built up heat. I wear Hamlet-leggings under my shorts. For extreme cold, I don my rain trousers, which give an extra layer insulation, but allow freedom of movement.

No trouble with the dark. No matter what your lighting system, assume you're invisible and ride accordingly.

[taterguy]

3. usually

I live in NC and our winters are mild. I'll ride to work unless there's snow or ice. With the right gear it's no problem at all.

[Ellen Forradalom]

4. That's exactly right

"Right gear" is the operative phrase there.

[LostinVA]

5. Definitely yes, if no ice