Samantha, North Ave. and Oakley St., Chicago, IL

Samantha rides a WorkCycles Oma from The Dutch Bike Co. on Armitage

Cycling Tip from Samantha: Wear windproof/waterproof gloves or mittens for winter riding, and always carry a bungee cord. Always. They're more useful to carry around than possibly even an allen wrench. 

** check out Samantha's cycling blog  Ding Ding Let's Ride

Julie D., Jackson St. at 90/94, Chicago, IL

Julie rides a 2007 Raleigh Rush Hour road bike.

Julie's Cycling Tip:  Get some snow tires, fenders and proper clothing to stay warm:  

ride all winter long.  The roads aren't as bad as you might think. 

** Another tip from Julie:  Check out this amazing local charitable organization

www.worldbicyclerelief.org/

 

Lauren V., N Leavitt St., Chicago, IL

Lauren rides a vintage Schwinn cruiser, but sorely misses her stolen vintage black ladies' Dunelt.

Cycling Tip from Lauren:  Especially if you have decent tires, winter biking isn't nearly as scary as it sounds. Just budget some extra time and bundle up with lots of layers.

Jasmine, W Iowa St, Chicago, IL

Jasmine rides an aluminum frame Trek with, carbon fork and aluminum handlebars from Working Bikes Coop

Cycling Tip from Jasmine: If you are cold, bike harder.

Taryn, N. Fairfield Ave., Chicago, IL

Taryn rides a Vintage Gazelle Populair Dutch Style Step-through.

Cycling Tip from Taryn: Not everyone has a fast bike or wants to ride like Lance Armstrong, so have some patience for those of us on the commuter bikes or cruisers who might just be enjoying the ride.

Shay, Sacramento and Diversey, Chicago, IL

Shay rides a Single speed early 70's Peugeot road bike she calls Claudette.

Cycling Tip from Shay: Get to know the folks at your local bike shop.  It's especially nice if the shop offers a ladies' night like West Town Bikes.  It's so great to be able to go in and work on my bike with a bunch of awesome women to help and give advice.

Megan K., N Oakley Ave., Chicago, IL

Megan Rides at Gary Fisher Simple City 8 named Francis with a a rear internal hub and front basket.

Cycling Tip from Megan: Avoid alleys in the winter. The city doesn't plow or salt the alleys and with a little precipitation they quickly turn into dangerous ice slicks.

Note: The steel basket on Megan's bike is large enough to haul most things she needs.  Since she doesn't own a car, she does all her shopping by bike.

** Check out Megan's travel blog at  me-go.net

Amanda, N. Hoyne Ave., Chicago, IL

Amanda rides a rebuilt, mid 80's, single speed, 430 St. Tropez.  It has bullhorn handlebars flipped and cut for an upright position.

Cycling Tip From Amanda: invest in a couple of good smartWool socks.  You can pretty much wear all types of shoes and keep those toes warm.

Martha of Bike Fancy, Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL

Photo: Andrew Nawrocki

Winter weather has hit and all day it was hovering around freezing.  In the winter weather I love my Sugoi outer shell, my Detours TOOCAN bag, and my 100 % merino wool tights. Good wool tights are as warm as jeans, and look great with dresses.   I also have a ridiculous amount of thrifted thin wool and cashmere sweaters to layer with.  The snow is coming so hopefully I will have some fun winter bike photos to post on Monday.

Shar, N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL

Shar rides a 2009 Masi Speciale with bull horns which keeps her torso upright and comfortable.

Cycling Tip from Shar:  I ride in all types of weather, so having the right layers for rain, snow, wind and heat is important. All my jackets are set for rain, wind and all temperatures. Being able to bundle up and shed some layers or unzip an air vent is great. It keeps me prepared and comfortable no matter what.