Getting ready for winter?

There are two things a commuter thinks about this time of year. First of all, winter. Then what’s going to happen in spring? As the days grow shorter and colder, it’s time to get the winter bike ready for winter, but with so many long cold days, it’s also a great time to work on the summer bike.

Winter beater?
Quite a few commuters decide to pick up a used mountain bike to deal with the salt and dirt that winter brings. Mountain bikes travel better in rough conditions. Tires are wider and wheels are smaller and less likely to pop spokes.

The winter beater bike does take a beating though. Salt really messes up a lot of metal surfaces. Even if the bike is aluminum, it’s amazing how many rusty surfaces start to appear… chain, brake bolts, bottle cages, racks.

Studded tires
If a commuter wants to get the most out of the season, including trips over icy streets, the first thought is to change out tires for something winter-roadworthy. Since Des Moines is well into the frost belt (… no kidding!), studded tires would be a safer, more comfortable upgrade.

These can be expensive, so some cyclists opt for studs only on the front. Many, however, feel a lot more secure with two studded tires. Generally, with two studded tires, you can travel securely over icy streets that might be difficult to walk on.

November commuter: Riding all weather…

Jesse Bawek is a Business Continuity Planner working at Farm Bureau in West Des Moines. His commute to work is 4 miles.

What got you started bike commuting and why are you still doing it? It started for me back in 2005. My wife got into a car accident and totalled the vehicle. We became a one car family and bike commuting became my alternate form of transportation. Even after we purchased another vehicle, I kept riding because I truly enjoyed the benefits…reduced stress, saving a bit of money on gas, maintaining a healthy weight.

Jesse

So, what type of bike do you use? I currently ride a Northrock SC7 hybrid, which is a great bike for the price. I started out using a mountain bike in the beginning and quickly realized it was not comfortable for street or paved path riding. I bought a Diamondback Parkway hybrid, which I rode for four years, and recently updated to the SC7 to get better components.

Reasons to start commuting

Minneapolis commuters talk about why they ride their bike to work, shopping, entertainment.