Friendly Debate on Winter Riding: Mag Trainer, Rim-Drive Trainer, Rolllers, or Frostbite
1704
Member
549 days
jtrimom posted 1 year ago.
I feel wimpy...living in Houston, I will rarely ride in anything below 30 deg.(maybe 2 weeks worth of winter in feb) and if it's wet at that point, it's either my trainer or spinning at the gym
Taper Naked
191
Member
436 days
sasquatch posted 1 year ago.
#1 But I use a fluid trainer, not mag :)
I'd brave the cold, but our streets just aren't designed for bikes, and the trails are used for Skiing. I run outside all winter though...
755
Member
910 days
Socket posted 1 year ago.
I'd like to have a fluid/mag trainer, but that's going to have to wait a few paychecks. Riding the roads around me in winter would likely require a roll cage and pads, so I stick to the spin cycles at the Y during the week. Weekends I might brave the loony drivers and unkempt roads if the sun is out.
588
Member
441 days
jnrice posted 1 year ago.
Year round commute, and a mag trainer. I hang up my skinny tire commuter bike once the snow flies though. I have a full suspension mtn bike that is much more confidence inspiring in 4-6 inches of snow and city street hard pack.
3889
Member
1722 days
Anton posted 1 year ago.
Outside and inside. Rollers and trainer (fluid) due to time and darkness really. I have a great place to ride outside, weekends, in winter on the MTB..dirt, flat and traffic free and 184 miles long. All I have to do is bundle up and go.
"If e wishes to sweem in dangerous waters, oo are we to deny im?
-Chef Skinner
http://antonspath.blogspot.com
24
Member
1589 days
Galoot posted 1 year ago.
I ride all winter, 8.5 miles each way to the HS where I teach. Like you, I'm ok to 10 below. I usually wear shorts and a hawaiian shirt and Tevas once I get to school, just to freak out my students. They're all bundled up in their winter clothing, and I'm up front looking like I'm dressed for the beach!
This winter I'll probably add some spinning classes at the gym, and maybe haul out the rollers for the days when I drove to school. But I'd still like to get at least 3 days/week in of bike commuting.
My winter bike is an early 80's Raleigh Grand Prix that I got off Freecycle, and it's just a truck of a ride. I love riding that thing, and I'm *much* faster on that than I am on the mountain bike.
130
Member
414 days
bes5920 posted 1 year ago.
I've got a mag trainer 'cause it was cheap. Wakes my wife up but, bless her heart, she says it doesn't. I do spinning classes during the week if I don't feel like I'll be too out of place doing my own thing. Weekend I just live with the fact that my wife won't sleep. Asthma keeps me from exercising outside below 50 degrees. Although the really crappy Ohio weather would do it too.
Bryce
709
Member
522 days
jonovision_man posted 1 year ago.
I prefer to ride outdoors, but I'm in Toronto, Canada... it really depends on how much snow is on the roads. You can always add layers to deal with the cold, but if the surface is covered in snow or ice I prefer not to risk it.
Magnetic indoor trainer for the other days.
150
Member
574 days
overcome posted 1 year ago.
I brave the 45 degree days here. I know this might make some of you angry but I can wear a sleeveless biking shirt all year. However, during the winter I do wear socks and occasionally running tights.
" 'I hate this day, I hate mornings, I hate the weather' You bring yourself down and others down with you. That's not the way it should be." Jens Voigt in Overcoming
2373
Member
1760 days
brittda posted 1 year ago.
I ride year round, unless there is ice (not very often)
1090
Member
673 days
jsk85 posted 1 year ago.
Mag trainer here...the noise doesn't bother me too bad with the TV up...and it's in the basement, so away from the wife. I'll go outside if the weather looks good, but here in Cincy, the roads aren't that great to begin with and too much traffic, so no go if icy
164
Member
740 days
derek5 posted 1 year ago.
I will ride a computrainer in the winter because all I have is my nice kuota so I dont want to ruin it. I have ridden in about 20 degree weather plenty of times, unfortunately in northern idaho that can be as late as May if I take off around 5am.
345
Member
591 days
SueR posted 1 year ago.
I ride outside til the snow and ice take over and the snowplows get pissed off at me, so usually December. I traditionally always ride on Christmas day but last year we had already gotten over 100cm's of snow down, so riding didn't work and I had to run. I run outside all year but am gonna have to hit the treadmill in freezing rain as the month in the cast from the broken thumb last march was a bit of a bummer. I use a fluid trainer and lots of movie's. My partner and I have movie Sunday's where she picks movies and I spin beside her...bit of a tradition, we both enjoy it so much that sometimes in the spring I almost don't want to go outside! Almost...
I am hoping to swim open water once a month until the pond freezes. Got my October one in on Thanksgiving weekend...gonna have to do November soon, snow in tomorrow's forecast.
7
Member
385 days
STONEMANJR posted 1 year ago.
you guys are hardcore. riding when its under 10 below????? good grief, I dont evfen run when its under 10.
I use a cyops fluid II trainer that I love. way quiet and good feel Got off eBay for 100 bucks hardly used.
BTW something I have been wearing when its cold is the n2S gear that mountain hardware and marmot was making jackets and windshirts out of. I can wear like a wool-poly long sleeve shirt underneath one of these and then the N2S (next 2 skin) over and it is the most windproof breatable fabric I have ever put on. and Im a wuss but can run with that setup when its in low 20's here in Virgina Beach
709
Member
522 days
jonovision_man posted 1 year ago.
Is that -10 Celsius? Or Fahrenheit??
I'm good on the bike to about -10C, which roughly translates to 15F. I'll run in -20C or worse, around -10F, but not bike! The wind from moving makes it just too much, and I'm concerned about being stuck outdoors with a break down in that temperature...
jono
24
Member
1589 days
Galoot posted 1 year ago.
Yeah, -10F. I've only done that three times, but I had no problems at all. Yes, I have to bundle up a lot, and it is only 8.5 miles in to school. It's all on bike paths, and I suppose if I had a mechanical problem with the bike, I'd call a cab and have them haul me and my bike in to school. But I get there all nice and warm, and it makes my day much more enjoyable.
One thing that really helps is getting clear ski goggles. At -10F I have two balaclavas on, and maybe a scarf around my head and neck too. My upper body is pretty much ok with a few light layers underneath my $50 Lands End winter parka. I wear a couple of layers on my legs underneath my Goretex pants, and I wear a couple of layers of socks inside my felt-lined snow boots. Gloves are a double-layer pair I got from REI--actually gloves inside of big mittens. I'll need a chemical warmer pack in each boot at -10F, too.
It is really fun to realize that you can ride in weather like that. I'm completely toasty for my entire ride.
1704
Member
549 days
jtrimom posted 1 year ago.
Galoot wrote:
Yeah, -10F. I've only done that three times, but I had no problems at all. Yes, I have to bundle up a lot, and it is only 8.5 miles in to school. It's all on bike paths, and I suppose if I had a mechanical problem with the bike, I'd call a cab and have them haul me and my bike in to school. But I get there all nice and warm, and it makes my day much more enjoyable.One thing that really helps is getting clear ski goggles. At -10F I have two balaclavas on, and maybe a scarf around my head and neck too. My upper body is pretty much ok with a few light layers underneath my $50 Lands End winter parka. I wear a couple of layers on my legs underneath my Goretex pants, and I wear a couple of layers of socks inside my felt-lined snow boots. Gloves are a double-layer pair I got from REI--actually gloves inside of big mittens. I'll need a chemical warmer pack in each boot at -10F, too.
It is really fun to realize that you can ride in weather like that. I'm completely toasty for my entire ride.
Holy abominable snowman- that is A LOT of clothes. that sounds like a whole load of laundry for one winter ride!!! I don't think I own that many winter riding clothes for a week's worth of winter riding in Houston. I shiver just to think of 10 below- you are hardcore!
Taper Naked
709
Member
522 days
jonovision_man posted 1 year ago.
Galoot wrote:
One thing that really helps is getting clear ski goggles. At -10F I have two balaclavas on, and maybe a scarf around my head and neck too. My upper body is pretty much ok with a few light layers underneath my $50 Lands End winter parka. I wear a couple of layers on my legs underneath my Goretex pants, and I wear a couple of layers of socks inside my felt-lined snow boots. Gloves are a double-layer pair I got from REI--actually gloves inside of big mittens. I'll need a chemical warmer pack in each boot at -10F, too.
Ski goggles - that's a good idea. :) My limiter has been frozen eyes and cold feet, I use my regular cycling shoes and haven't found booties that protect the bottom.
jono
16
Member
414 days
oswa0060 posted 1 year ago.
If cold feet are an issue, I highly recommend Lake's Winter Cycling Boot. It is amazing. I can be out on the 10 below days and my feet are toasty warm. I cannot feel my fingers or the exposed part of my face, but it is nice to have warm feet. The boot is a little spendy but worth every penny for anyone trying to make it through a cold winter.
My Ironman Journey: http://onefortypointsix.wordpress.com/
-Nick
2373
Member
1760 days
brittda posted 1 year ago.
I use those hand/feet warmers that heat up. Also just heard there is a new "Gerbing" type (for those of you with heated motorcycle gear you know what I mean---yes I plug in to ride my motorcycle on chilly, or even not so chilly days). They have a battery pack and keep your feet nice and warm.
130
Member
414 days
bes5920 posted 1 year ago.
So speaking of trainers. I've got an Ascent mag trainer ('cause it was cheap). It has three resistance levels but for some reason I almost always max the thing out and I'm a wimp. I've been thinking of a way I can add some resistance to it (like a rubber band and piece of carpet for friction).
I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences with trainers not having enough guts. Or perhaps any suggestions on what I should check to see if I've got it set up properly.
How much pressure should there be on the tire? I'm assuming just enough to keep the tire from slipping, right?
Bryce
For all those of you who face a snowy winter like me, what do you prefer to do in the winter for riding?
1. Use a Mag Trainer
2. Use a Rim-Drive Trainer
3. Use Rollers
4. Brave the cold and learn the joys of frostbike... Wait, frostbite.
I personally commute year round and have come to love winter cycling. I'll ride in just about anything down to 10 below. I actually think 10 below is easier than 30 and slushy. But I do have my limits and will come inside and use a mag trainer once and a while. I once owned a rim-drive and thought it felt really off balanced to one side. Sold it right away. I have never used rollers but I have a few friends who swear by them.
Anyway, I am going to submit vote #1 as braving the cold and frost-biking. What do the rest of you out there do when that white stuff starts to fall?
My Ironman Journey: http://onefortypointsix.wordpress.com/
-Nick