Winter Bike Gear
Commuting by bicycle is easy for three seasons, but winter inevitably brings most bikes to a screeching halt. But with the proper gear and apparel, you can keep your wheels spinning all winter long.
2. Outdoor Research PL 150 Liner Gloves No one makes better handwear than Outdoor Research. Our wear-testers’ OR liners are 10 years old and still going strong. The light, stretchy PL 150 liners provide great dexterity and add additional warmth and grip. $29; outdoorresearch.com
3. Hydrapak Reyes This lightweight pack (only 20 ounces) provides an impressive 325 cubic inches of storage and a 100-ounce reservoir to keep you cranking for hours. Store gels and bike tubes in easy-access front mesh pocket. Shoulder straps are comfy even on extended rides, and ripstop nylon construction ensures it will last for years. $75; hydrapak.com 4. Outdoor Research Baffin Balaclava The most exposed skin for a bike commuter is on the face; OR’s Baffin balaclava’s fleece body is windproof and vapor permeable for performance in severe weather. A mesh breathing port allows unrestricted airflow. Our wear-testers loved the warmth, durability, and easy adjustability of the Baffin. $45; outdoorresearch.com
5. Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiter Crocs are the industry standard among search and rescue personnel; they’re ideal for bicycle commuters, too. The waterproof gaiters keep grit and moisture out of shoes, even as the tires throw slush. Added bonus: they hold back pant legs, keeping them dry and out of the chain ring. $65; outdoorresearch.com 6. Tech4O Traileader 1 Watch The Traileader altimeter watch packs everything you need to navigate the urban jungle, including a digital compass, thermometer, accelermoter, and speed/distance calculator. Water resistant and equipped with a ventilated band, the Trailleader is essential for on-the-go commuters. $150; Tech4o.com 7. Smith Optics SUNglasses Sunglasses in the winter? You betcha. Glasses keep the salt and gritout of your eyes, and the PivLock V90 actually enhance your vision of the road. A classic among road cyclists, the Pivlock’s durable lens shield offers great coverage, excellent ventilation, and supreme protection for the elements. $139; smithoptics.com
OTHER WINTER GEAR ESSENTIALS
YakTrax
These lightweight, easily portable grips with skidlock steel coils gives users the traction of the famed mountain sheep on hard-pack snow and ice. As you run or hike, coils bite into snow and ice, providing stability and grip in all directions.
$30; yaktrax.com
Swedish Firesteel 2.0
The Swedish FireSteel’s dependability has made it the favorite of survival experts and outdoor adventurers. Firesteel 2.0 has an ergonomic handle, a 3,000 degree Celsius spark, and lasts up to 12,000 strikes. It also incorporates a loud signal whistle in the handle, useful for signaling or in any emergency.
$19; lightmyfireusa.com
