winter commuting

i have two rigs set up for commuting this winter. I plan on primarly riding my trek with 50x20 gearing, fenders, and 28c tires. i wish i could squeeze a 32c cross tire in there, but there is just not the clearance. i also am rocking flat pedals on this bike. its comfy, quick, and i have no issues climbing hills on this setup.

my other ride is my bianci muss. i have it set up with 32x18 and kenda klondike 2.1 carbide studded tires, and flat pedals. it is great when the roads are crap. the 32x18 works really well when we have snow on the ground. but is way too spinny the rest of the time.

i got layering figured out last winter. thick socks, leather boots, silk long underwear, a wool shit and a wind breaker. medium weight ski gloves, balaclava and a helmet round it out.  this set up keeps me surprisingly warm. on really cold days i will just  throw on a layer or two more of the good base stuff.

people tell me that im crazy for riding all winter. they just cant seem to understand it. for me, its a sanity issues. i am a very active person. if i do not get the chance to get regular exercise. i get mopey and moody. because of my hectic schedule between school and work. commuting is my only option. when i ride some were. and its cold, snowing, wet, slick, and dangerous. i get were im going, and feel on top of the world. for all you Minnesotans that bitch about the cold. get the fuck out of my state.