As Portland prepares for the likelihood of a rainy next few months, Portland cyclists and commuters alike should be preparing their bikes for adventures in the wet and cold. As you read the following recommendations, please remember that many of these products are available via marketplaces like Craigslist, let alone at local bike shops. More importantly, bike shops house invaluable levels of expertise.
Here are just a few small businesses that would love to help you winterize your two-wheeled machine: Something Cycles (central Eastside), Golden Pliers (Alberta), Upcycles (Concordia), West End Bikes (downtown), Fat Tire Farm (Willamette Heights-ish), Nomad Cycles (Roseway), Abraham Fixes Bikes (Boise / Irvington -ish), and The Missing Link (Woodstock).
Basics
First, make sure your essential bike-riding bases are covered. Wear a helmet that fits well. Be sure to lock your bike, maybe even a couple of times. Have a plan for what to do if you encounter a flat tire. You could assemble a repair kit, carry a spare transit pass, or tell a friend you might call them if you wind up in a bike predicament.
Lights
It is illegal in Oregon to be biking without lights in “limited visibility conditions.” The organization Bicycle Law has–among many excellent bike resources–a great web page about what this means. Legality aside, bike riders should err on the side of utilizing lights.
For your headlight, you should look for a light with at least 300 lumens of brightness. That way, you can see where you’re going–simple enough. The Planet Bike Beamer 700 and the Specialized Flux 850 are both superb options. Both have bright, wide beams and rechargeable batteries. The Beamer mounts to your handlebars without tools. The Flux comes with one Allen-key-needed mount attachment, and additional mounts can be purchased (to mount the light to your helmet, for instance).
Taillights make you visible to others so that safety can be achieved at a lower brightness, around 35 lumens. This also means that taillights are more effective when they are capable of eye-catching blinking patterns. The CygoLite Hotrod 90 boasts 6 “lighting modes,” for instance.
Fenders
Another imperative addition to your rain-ready bike is a set of fenders. Function trumps fashion here, so the primary concern is getting a set of fenders that fits the width of your tires. Tons of people swear by Planet Bike Hardcore Fenders. They’re available in a few colors and 35 mm, 45 mm, and 60 mm widths. You can find them on sale online here in the late autumn, such as from Trailhead Bicycles or Greenwich Bikes. Fenders are a great item to have installed at your friendly neighborhood bike shop.
If you are looking for a lower-commitment fender, perhaps for transitional times of the year, consider the Ass Saver. This cleverly designed piece of plastic will run you around $10 and can be easily installed/removed in situations where rain in the forecast is uncertain or unexpected.
Waterproof bags
In addition to the rider staying dry, so must the cargo. Ortlieb’s “robust” PVC-coated fabric is the stuff of bike-bag legend. Their panniers are the industry standard (and hard to miss around town). Lesser known are their equally-as-waterproof top-tube, handlebar, and saddle bags.
If you wear a backpack, I swear by the rain-capabilities of the Chrome Industries Barrage (though Chrome says it’s “weather resistant”). It is newly available in a smaller 18 liter size, and a larger 34 liter version, too.
High-visibility Accessories
A couple of high-vis touches can be the icing on the cake of your winter setup. The Safety Pizza is a cult classic and adds some humor to your ride. You can stock up on reflective tape at your local hardware store, and stick it to your bike or helmet to add a vividly bright flare when light is shined upon it. Many bike stores also sell spoke reflectors which serve the same purpose.
Whether you’re commuting to work, leading your kid’s bike bus, or just going for a spin, be sure to set yourself up to be warm and dry this winter when riding your bike around the Rose City.
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