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Most cycle-commuters will tell you cycling to work is the best way to get to and from work and it's probably doing you some good. However a recent major study, published in the British Medical Journal, suggests that the health benefits are staggering, slashing the risk of heart disease and cancer. FTFA:
Research has consistently shown that people who are less physically active are both more likely to develop health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and to die younger. Yet there is increasing evidence that physical activity levels are on the decline.
The problem is that when there are many demands on our time, many people find prioritising exercise difficult. One answer is to multi-task by cycling or walking to work. We've just completed the largest ever study into how this affects your health.
You can read an article here at The Conversation website and you the original research is here at the BMJ website.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 08 2017, @06:34PM (2 children)
Short answer is that it is a challenge, and you will probably fall over on occasion.
Skinny tires are only really good on fresh snow. I prefer knobby or even studded tires. They make (expensive) bikes with balloon tires that will ride on top of the snow as well. I find having a slightly heavier bike helps in the winter. You can punch through uneven snow with more ease.
Aside from the balance issue, you have to do a lot of heat management. I try to use layers to dress within about 5-10C; then fine-tune my heat output with my pedal rate. Feet cold? -> 120 RPM; too hot? -> 60RPM, low torque. Forgot to mention: it if is below freezing, you need to cover all exposed flesh.
It is also dark when commuting in the winter, so you need lights (with batteries that can tolerate the cold).
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Saturday September 09 2017, @02:17PM (1 child)
Yeah I think heat management is the biggest challenge. I had a windbreaker with zippable side vents I could open and close one-handed while riding. It helped.
RE: tires, some people change the tires on their cars with the seasons. Cyclists can do the same. You might have to change your forks, too, so it's a bit of an investment. If you've already committed to all-season biking it's an investment you're probably willing to make.
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday September 09 2017, @05:02PM
I have a second bike for winter riding. Helps if the other one is down for maintenance/stolen as well.