Winterizing Your Bike Commute
The days are getting shorter and the air is getting downright chilly. With all the rumors of this being an “El Niño” winter, now’s the time to prep your bike for the cold weather commute. Here at the Buzzillions office in San Francisco, we don’t have to deal with any sleet or snow, but it’s starting to get dark by the time we leave the office and we’re already experiencing some epic rains.
So if you haven’t winterized your bike commute yet, Buzzillions is here to help find the right cycling clothing & gear. We have product reviews on over 3000 cycling accessories from big retailers like Bike Nashbar and Performance bike as well as from your local cycle shop. If you’re not sure what to get, here are some user reviews of their favorite products for winter cycling…..
These are a must for riding in non-ideal conditions. They aren’t always legally required and I’ll admit I’ve occasionally cycled home at night without any. A lot of commuters use just small blinky lights, which may be fine on a clear night but in bad conditions you need real lights. Our users (including me) love the duo of the Planet Bike Super Flash Taillight & the Planet Bike Blaze 1w Bicycle Light. They’re small yet very bright. The miracles they’ve wrought with LED lights these days!
Planet Bike Super Flash Taillight
The best tailight. Period. Use It!
I was recommended this taillight by a friend and when I saw it on sale for [$] I was sold. All I can say is WOW. I would never trust my safety to any other light. This thing is bar-none the best and brightest tail flasher I have ever seen. I put all three of my red flashers on as a test and this one was by far the brightest …” Mr. Wizard of San Diego, CA
Planet Bike Blaze 1W LED Bicycle Light
Fantastic light!!
this light was recommended to me by 2 rei sales people, and i’m not disappointed at all. in fact i’m absolutely geeked that i got such a great light without spending hundreds of dollars. this light has three settings and the highest is really bright, and i have not had to change the battery yet. ……” John Rambo of Earth
You’ve already got enough to deal with with all the rain and snow, why make it worse by splashing up all that muck from the road? I know a lot of people don’t believe in fenders. But I have seen cycling clothes after a couple of months of no fender protection, and believe me, that black stain up the middle of the back from all the road grime is never going to wash out. So protect yourself and your clothes by getting some real fenders. Planet Bike makes some of the most popular fenders (and highest rated), and for good reason.
Planet Bike Freddy Fenders (Hybrid/Touring)
pretty sexy.
i just had these installed on my new marin fairfax, and they look awesome. based on reviews of these fenders, i knew they would be great, but i looked at a few others just to make sure i wasn’t missing out. i’m glad i settled on the freddies because these shiny black fenders look so much more …” nannylu of Atlanta
Unless you live where it’s sunny and warm all year round, you’ll want to get a pair of cold weather gloves. If you live in a mild climate like we do here in San Francisco you can probably get away with some full length cycling gloves. If you live somewhere colder you’ll probably want something with more insulation. A member of the Buzzillions team from Eugene, OR recommends getting a pair of cross country ski gloves – they’re light, sporty and warm. Of course, if it gets really cold you should probably look for a pair of ski/snowboard gloves. Here’s what one reviewer had to say:
Outdoor Research Gripper Gloves
Nice Product
Purchased for winter cycling road and mountain down to 32 degrees. Nice glove, nice windblockking material. Although sizing is generous, will shrink very slightly first time in dryer so purchase size up if between sizes. Recommend glove down to freezing temps. Happy with purchase. …” Rugbydog of Pennsylvania
Ditto with the jackets. You don’t have to wear a cycling jacket. However, most cycling jackets are windproof and that goes a long way towards keeping you warm. They’re also breathable so you don’t show up all sweaty. Of course, if it gets really cold you might want to just wear a ski/snowboard jacket as long as you don’t get too warm while cycling.
Gore Men
Worth EVERY penny, Incredible, versatile
I *love* this jacket. Body temp doesn’t change going into the wind or with the wind. Windproof AND breathes. Tonight (starting temp was 65 and ended at 55) I wore silkweight capilene base and this jacket and was very nice and warm, but NOT overheated. Thank you for gr8 vents. In the Minnesota winter …” SunMan of Wells, MN
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