Lived in Portland, OR for many years and never put the bike away. Doesn't get cold like MI, but it is wet all winter. Where I'm living now is much colder (been here for highs in 10's before) and I'm not planning on putting the bike away but when the mercury drops we'll see how long that lasts.

To me cycling is an outdoor sport, not one to chained to a stationary bike all winter and I will ride if I can . Reminds me of a pic of Juan Antonio Flecha (pro cyuclist) out training in the snow (here: http://www.whyweflourish.org/?p=480) out training in the snow. There is something magical about riding in the cold weather, especially when no one else is out...or maybe it's just me going numb.

Took mine to the lbs for a tune up last week and plan on putting it up for the season next week but only because I had a little surgery two weeks ago and don't want to take any chances of screwing things up.

I live north of Syracuse - we have record setting snow fall. For us that can be the limiting factor. I plan to ride as long as possible and maybe discover some snow riding this year. This past weekend I rode 60 miles in the 30's. Last winter I rode whenever it was 28 degrees and above. This year, with proper clothing I will try to push the limits and ride as much as possible. I'm not sure what will happen when everything is packed in snow and it's zero out. I would surmise that city streets might be better for winter riding if one can avoid the traffic. My area has quite a few roads that are 55mph with poor shoulders, so... not sure yet. Check out the ice bikers, some pretty interesting reads. You will find that there are a lot of people who ride throught the winter. Who knows... that could be you or I this year...

Below 42 degrees (plus or minus, depending on wind speed), I usually ride the trainer.

we have had snow 3 times,,, yep, i put my bike away and change to something else,,,, i say within about 6 weeks i am done.

Washington State isn't that cold during the winter but one needs to accept the wet. I like to ride all year but I need extra motivation to go out on a rainy/cold day. Maybe a contest for number of wet rides before the end of the year? How about 1 point for wet and 1 point for <55f at ride time? Most points by year end gets bragging rights?

I put mine away on September 1st. Sharp. Can't be too careful.

:noway:

:bigsmile:

What is this "putting the bike away" you speak of?

This. I live in MI, too. I really wanted to ride last Winter, especially since it was so mild. We did one ride when it was 18º and I really loved it, but discovered how completely non-functional my CX bike's cantilever brakes are once the rims ice over. My studded tires gave great traction, but that lack of braking ability was a real deal-breaker. I have a new 29er mountain bike on its way, so then I'll have a disc brake option. I may or may not go the studded tire route. I'd like to ride at least some.

Fortunately I also run. Sometimes running is an easier option. Riding in the Winter is totally doable, but laundry is a factor and shoe covers are kind of a PITA. If I really wanted to ride a lot in the Winter I'd invest in Winter-specific cycling boots. Someday I'd love a fatbike (which, BTW, are perfect for MI, especially if you live near the lake, as we do--those things are phenomenal on sand and snow). I'd definitely invest in the winter boots, then.

NEVER!! I'm near Chicago and will ride as long as the roads are safe, though I ride significantly less (outdoors) in the winter. But I sprung for winter riding tights gloves so there are no excuses. Last winter I recall doing a ride in January, when we had a (short-lived) warm spell. I think it got up to 50!

Although it gets cold and snowy, the bigger concern is it seems to be dark all the time right now, making after-work rides nearly impossible (even with my light, I don't feel very safe on the more rural, unlit roads in my area).

If the sun is out and there isn't salt on the road, I'll be out on my road bike regardless of the season.