There is no such thing as bad weather . . .

I'm sure you have heard the phrase, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing"
The origins of that saying are in question, but some think it originated in Scandinavia.

Regardless of where it originated, it is great advice for those of us who venture out in the winter.

This started out to be a set of tips about winter riding.  However, I have boiled it down to one tip.  Here it is:  If it is below 26 degrees F, stay home.   I don't know what it is about 26 degrees, but below that point, the old adage of wearing loose, light and layered clothing ceases to work.  Below 26 degrees you are forced to start wearing clothing that is more suited for snowmobiling than for cycling.   I did quite a bit of bike commuting last winter and 26 degrees just seemed to be the break point where you had to start packing on more clothing.  

I went out on my Cannondale for a short ride today.  It was a sunny 32 degrees when I left. (Beautiful day)
Here is my list of cold weather clothing:
- Toe covers for my regular cycling shoes
- Heavy wool socks
- Regular weight cycling tights.
- Mock turtleneck long sleeve shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Yellow windbreaker
- Baclava
- Fleece windstopper gloves.

Bottom line, don't let the weather stop you.  Get out and ride.  Remember, It always feels better when you get home to a warm shower.

Single Speed Frame Search

Once you get the single speed bug, it is hard to get rid of it.  If you are a cyclist, you are always thinking about your next bike.  It has to be "better" than your current stable of bikes in some way.  Lighter, faster, newer technology, or how about just simpler?  A few weeks ago I started on a quest to find a bike frame to build my next bike on.   I thought at the time that I would have a number of choices.

My requirements seemed simple enough:
- Steel Frame with touring, street or cyclocross geometry
- Gates carbon belt drive compatible.
- Fork sized to fit cyclocross tires in the mid 30c range.

Now, lest you get confused, I don't want to build up a cyclocross bike.  I just wanted a simple single speed belt driven bike to mess around on and use on my short commute.  I'm thinking a center track belt drive, some puncture proof tires and tubes, bull horn handlebars, and a Brooks saddle.  Nothing fancy, but something unique.

Unfortunately, this is a bit too unique.  Finding a steel frame/fork combo that doesn't break the budget has turned into a treasure hunt.  The quest continues at this point and thanks to Zach at Biker's Edge, we may find one yet.  As soon as we find one I'll post pictures of the build.

By the way, the bike in the picture is by Flying Machines in Australia.  It is the Jules Verne.   So far it is the front runner, IF they will sell me a frame.