Bike Talk v.018 🚲

Lessons To Learn

First, I want to say that this blog is completely personal. I am writing this entry based on my own experience riding an e-bike during the winter months in the Pacific Northwest's, southwestern region.

We at Cruiser*Racer are fortunate that the temperatures in this region don't normally dip below 30 degrees during the colder seasons. I recall the coldest temperature I experienced during a ride was 34 degrees.

Once again, I'm fortunate that I don't have to ride in single-digit weather but, none the less it was still cold. As I froze my ass off getting around town.

So, what did Ghost, and I learn during the winter of 2021? We learned how to layer more effectively.

No Gear For Cold Weather

In January, I purchased a pair of fleece-lined thermal underwear, this was going to be my first layer of defense from the cold. I also grabbed an eight pack of gaiter necks, to cover my neck, mouth, and nose.

A pair of gloves that were advertised as thermal but were far from warming. The gloves were a huge disappointment!

Of all three purchases, the most effective one was thermal underwear.

The gaiter neck was more like a stocking cap, the nylon material was so thin, my breath would fog my protective eyewear.

As far as the gloves went, I was forced to use another layer to help heat my hands. The "thermal gloves" were great water repellents but terrible at repelling windchills.

On top of the thermal underwear, I wore my clothes. Usually a button-up long-sleeved shirt and a pair of pants; either chinos, jeans, or sweatpants depending on if it was cold and wet or cold and dry.

On my feet I wore thermal socks and shoes; either my Converse if it was cold and dry, and my duck toe boots if it was cold and wet.

I wore my RebelLion Culture denim Coat for the season. Inside there's a coat liner and hood made of a thick cotton layer that zips while the outer denim layer buttons.

On my head, I wore a cotton skull cap under my ball cap bike helmet. This is everything that I wore while riding for the fall and winter months of 2020-2021 and here is what I'd do better.

Better Prepared

I realize how I underestimated my tolerance for riding two-wheels in colder months and I take it as a challenge to better prepare for the fall and winter of 2021-2022.

I will continue to wear the thermal underwear, as I said it worked well. However, next season I’ll try a one piece to elevate an extra article of clothing.

Moving forward here is what I will change, during the spring and summer months I will begin purchasing gear for the winter.

I'll be changing the button-up shirt with an armored flannel jacket.

Buying, a fleece ski mask, and an enclosed helmet to replace my old one indefinitely.

Together the new helmet and mask will keep my head, face, and neck warm and shielded from the wind.

Next will be a lightweight waterproof suit, which can be worn over my clothing and easily removed when no longer necessary.

I'll be replacing my double layer of gloves with one pair of heated gloves. I found gloves that have a heating element inside, it charges via USB and has an on/off switch.

The thermal socks I bought last season weren't very impressive. I will replace them with heated socks instead, I found socks that have heating elements that charge via USB also.

I'll also counter cold feet with wool, or cotton-lined cover toe all winter boots.

Until Next Season

As I said, I'm making this a personal challenge to conquer the cold weather. Next season I will have accumulated all the gear that I feel is necessary for winter riding.

I sure hope I get it right the second time but if not, there is always room for adjustment, and I can always get more.

However, do yourself a favor and get prepared for the colder months before the time arrives. Take some real time to consider what kind of gear you'll need to stay warm in whatever region of the world you live in.

Riding an electric bike during these seasons is much different than riding a standard bike. You really must take into account the weather elements are harsher at higher speeds.

So, I hope this blog has helped to inform you of what to use to be better prepared.

Until next time, stay safe and ride easy!