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Message started by BlindJoeDeath on 10/10/06 at 11:05:47

Title: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by BlindJoeDeath on 10/10/06 at 11:05:47

???

What type of gear is best for winter riding.
I have a leather jacket, but what else might I be missing
once the temperature drops.
I have been riding since may and want this as a year round
means. Basically the best way to get around this city is on bike.

Also is there anyting I need to do\ in regards to the engine to have it prepared for the cold months.

One more, and i will thank y'all very much.
I have an issue with what the air pressure in the tires should be.
the manual says 28psi front and 32 psi back.
but the labeling on the tires themselves say 41psi max.
whats the best/safest?

here's my bike info:
1996 savage
2200 miles
(bought it used with only 1700miles for 1K$)

thanks everyone, this forum f@#*ing rules!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by Reelthing on 10/10/06 at 11:43:22

I stick pretty close to 28/32 psi - what to wear I guess depends on where and how cold - I get by with long johns , flanel shirt, blue jeans, rain suit paints, good gloves, and the zip in liner on the mesh jacket for the coldest days here - but I'm thinking I'm a little farther south :)

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by BlindJoeDeath on 10/10/06 at 12:46:13

thanks reelthing.
forgot to mention i am in new york, winter can get bone cold.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by bikingb on 10/10/06 at 12:57:08

I live in Wisconsin. I do lots of layers of wool. No cotton on cold days. I got a new pair of gloves this year w/ a pocket for one of those chemical heater things. I'm excited to try it. A neck gater is helpful w/ the wind. I'm sure you will experiment and find what works best for you. Sometimes I put my yellow rain jacket over my leather coat for more wind protection and visibility. I learned this from bicycle riding that as long as your core is warm, your hands stay warm. I only worry about the ice in the winter.

The tire pressure question. I got Mezlers and the tire pressure on the tire reads 41 or 42. Again, I played w/ it. I like both tires at 35 psi. I have been checking my tire pressure more as it has gotten colder and warmed up and gotten colder a few times already.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by mornhm on 10/10/06 at 12:57:42

I don't know what speeds you are going to be riding at, but the upright cruiser riding position with no fairing does not lend itself well to cold weather riding. For that reason (among others) I now commute on a Concours

With that said, for cold weather, I like my leather jacket with liner, and overpants over and UnderArmor under my normal clothing. Heated gloves (Gerbing) are great and have me considering a heated jacket for this winter. I wear the same boots and socks (Smartwool) year round. I wear a full face helmet, and just close up the vents for below freezing. For long rides I did wear a polypropylene head liner a couple of times last year, but I'm not sure I really needed it.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by Savage_Rob on 10/10/06 at 13:49:02

I'm only slightly North of Reelthing so mine is pretty similar. I break out the Thinsulate boots and gloves and I swap between the mesh jacket or one of my other two jackets. Occasionally I'll use a balaclava but usually just a face mask.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by babbalou on 10/10/06 at 18:50:06

I stayed warm cheap last 2 winters with these. Got the black ones. About $60 at Walmart. http://www.dickies.com/wc2/product.asp?cat=101&type=D&styd=2439BD&pdscr=2439+%26+2361+INSULATED+COVERALLS
Not too cool looking but I never got cold. Wool socks, glove liners & baclava are good too.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by babbalou on 10/10/06 at 18:53:26

babbalou wrote:

OK, link doesn't work 'cause it saw a word it didn't like. A company called D!ckies or, d1ckies makes insulated coveralls.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by Brewbrother on 10/10/06 at 19:39:09

I live in the deep south and it never really gets cold enough for anything more than long johns, a leather jack with liner and leather gloves with wool inserts. These conditions last about 3 weeks. You may have to park your bike for the most bitter weeks.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by Paula71 on 10/11/06 at 03:48:42

Look for a really good Snowmobile Suit and associated gear. If you use it for several months cold weather riding, it will be worth it. Also, anything heated.

Title: Re: Winter Gear & Tire Pressure
Post by thumperclone on 10/11/06 at 19:22:50

are you riding thru the winter or goin to store the bike ??if you store er there are proceedures to follow for the COLD temps..here on the west slope of colorado i rde year round long as theres no ice...no spiked/studded tires for my scoot...wind chill is a concern
even with my beard(no helmet state/ rider) face gets the coldest on those frosty mornings on the way to work
got one of those hoodie full face mask thingies and goggles small sport sheid(need to get taller) all help..
long johns top and bottoms leather jacket and chaps as needed..oh yea GOOD gloves...