[kingman762]

@dplasters 94459 wrote:

So I wanted to revive this thread from the cold abyss.

Any new sweet things people are using for the cold/cooler weather? The 49 degree temp this morning in some of the outlying suburbs might be reminding people fall/winter is coming and I like to buy on sale before it is a NEED. I’ll be going into my first winter bike commute and have been trying to read about what the best things to wear are.

My rule is to focus on windproffing over insulation and the best stuff in my experiance is made by GORE BIKEWEAR. I buy their gore windstopper gear, which is windproof and water resistant. I don’t both with the gore-tex waterproof stuff because I’m never out in the rain long enough for it to matter. What I wear varies basedon the temperture but as it gets cold it usually includes the Phantom softshell with a base layer, Alp-X softshell pants with a pair of tights or bibs underneath, Alp-X windstopper gloves (unless its really cold and then I use a pair of Parl Izumi insulated gloves… that I plan on replacing this year), and either a windstopper hat or balaclava under my helmet. If its cold enough I also use windstopper socks. My primary upper body base layer is also a windstopper baselayer shirt (by Mtn. Harwear, it’s sadly not made any more).

I am basicly a rolling gore bikewear add. But I am warm and the wind doesn’t both me. You don’t need a lot of insulation you just need to keep the warm air that’s next to your body from exchanging with the cold air outside, which is why I focus on windproofing over insulation.

This stuff will last you for a number of years, but if you don’t want to spend all that money I’d focus on windproofing the areas that can be most painful when hit by the wind. For me I’ve found those spots to be my forehead, ears, fingers and toes, and shins.

[kingman762]

I should note that the non-drive side bolt is the special alfine/nexus bolt made to hold a chariot hitch. Can’t find the original bolt but it does not effect function.

[kingman762]

It really is the best commute. The strech through the cemetary is really nice in the morning. Once in DC, I like to go down the reflecting pool and up the 15th street cycletrack on the way in: http://goo.gl/maps/TCYHd. It’s usually not too busy in the morning.

I also agree with Dasgeh, go up southgate road, then you only have to be on columbia pike for a few blocks (from the Sheraton to S. Courthouse).

[kingman762]

@dasgeh 92162 wrote:

— Continuous bike infrastructure along at least one side of Columbia Pike (north or south)

— Uphill bike access through Arlington National Cemetery

These things!

[kingman762]

Welcome Steve. This is going to read like a copycat post, but… I’m actually fairly new to this forum as well, I also live near Bob and Ediths and my name, Stephan, could be shortened to Steve, lastly, I also work in the same general neighborhood as you do. However, I have been commuting in to Downtown for several years now from that location, so I might be able to give you some routes.

My favorite route right now is to go in via Fort Meyer and the cemetary (you only need a drivers liscence to get on the base) and you can ride down through the cemetary (provided you come in after 8 am), across the Memorial Bridge and mall to 15th street. I usually come back by way of the mount vernon trail, up washington boulevard, and then up the Pike. You can also reverse that route to come in to the city. The 14th street bridge is also an option, but I personally don’t prefer that one, except in the mornings during the cherry blossoms. You can ride back by Fort Meyer, but not the cemetary.

Feel free to send me a message if you want someone to show you the route some morning.

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