Winter has just gifted Minneapolis with its first sizable dusting of lovely snow.  As nice as it looks when it’s fresh, it does have a habit of making the bicyclist’s commute a bit of a dodgy prospect.  While the roads may be rutted and covered in little patches of ice, it’s still totally possible to commute through it with confidence and a little bit of speed.  When it comes to riding in this particular excitement, it’s important to have the proper tools for the job. A decent set of goggles goes a long way, and a gaiter helps keep the cold out.  Arguably the most important weapon in your winter commuting arsenal is going to be your favorite winter bicycle.

The Surly in all its glory.

On that note I’d like everyone to… Meet The Steamroller:
The Surly Steamroller frame is definitely a go to frame and fork set-up for the snowy weather.  The frame and fork are specifically designed to accommodate larger treaded or studded tires, while still being able to utilize a front brake for all that safety.  I roll on a 700 x 32 Vittoria Randonneur as my rear tire and a 700 x 40 Schwalbe Marathon studded tire in the front.  The Marathon is a new addition and I have been very impressed with its ability to blend function on clear streets with a high level of control and grip in the really nasty bike lane ruts.  My tires are mounted on weinman rims laced to sealed bearing formula hubs.  I also utilize a sealed bearing bottom bracket to keep my important bits from seizing up or wearing out.  Sealed bearing components aren’t necessary for winter riding, but they do make a big difference in limiting repair and replacement costs.  I set up my ride with flipped mustache bars to get myself in a real comfortable body position that also gives me a great sense of steering control regardless of the terrain. I roll with a Tektro front brake, which is going to make all the fixed gear elitists shudder, but nothing makes me feel safer, especially on snowy streets when my fixed braking may not give me the stopping speed I need.  A front brake is not only the law, but also a very very good idea to keep you from skidding right out into traffic.

A Schwalbe Marathon Winter helps Sam keep the rubber side down

Along the safety line of gear I rock at least four or five reflectors, as well as a full complement of six lights.  Three lights in front, and three in back keep me visible even in the heaviest of snow falls.  I also run lights in my spokes to give me that added side-on visibility.

Sam's rear light/reflector array

The newest addition to the steed was the front rack which I have been very impressed with.  Not having to carry quite so much on my back has been a pleasure as I navigate the city streets.  My particular winter set-up isn’t for everyone.  Some people are going to prefer the added comfort of riding two studded tires instead of just the one, and some people ride a twenty six inch bike to get them a little lower center of gravity.  Whatever set-up is going to give you the most confidence riding in poor conditions is always the way to go.  Remember, Riding in the winter is a totally realistic means of commuting no matter what the weather throws at us.  We are Minnesotan.

 

See you on the streets

-Sam