Korean Job Discussion Forums

earthbound14 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Location: seoul

So how do you stay warm in the winter on the bike?

My winter kit is:

a pair of Icon Motorhead full leather boots: Pros - solid as shite boots, affordable (even after import costs), comfortable and look good even at work. Cons: a little short so I get a draft up my leg. Best piece of kit I got.

Komine all weather 2ply Gore (or some Japanese version) jacket and pants: Pros: protect from the wind and rain, fit well, at 80,000 won they didn't break the bank. Cons: 2ply wears out easily and my knees leak, they aren't warm enough for real cold weather, Japanese gear always seems to fit too short, can't slip em on over boots - will be looking for new pants and jacket for cold weather, but they will stay for rain and cool weather.

Komine summer armour jacket - I just keep wearing my summer mesh with armor under a sweater and the shell.

gloves - some no name gloves I picked up for 20,000. XXXL. full leather, carbon fiber knuckles and re-inforced tops with wrist protection: Cheap, fit a pair of wool gloves under them and they offer pretty good protection for the money. Cons - non other than a little less protection than I want

Generic grip covers - Pros: Cheap - 10,000, protect my hands from the wind. Cons: wind leaks into them easily and they don't work so well at high speeds, it's hard to hit the horn or starter.

Generic face guard - Pros - cheap - 2,000, protect the neck from the cool breeze. Cons: not wind proof, not really that comfortable and not really good enough

what do you do?

Jeff's Cigarettes · Joined: 27 Mar 2007

IlIlNine · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo

Yeah, I'm with JC. I don't ride much in the winter. Once it gets past the point where it's too cold to ride wearing my winter riding jacket with liner and sweater, some ICON winter gloves I have, longjohns and pants, and my Alpinestars winter boots - I'm done.

Still, it's only 2~3 months, I can deal.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Burton AK snowboarding gloves, tights like Kobe was wearing under my jeans, thinsulate boots and a decent windproof jacket. Helmet (a given)

GoldMember · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

For 80 bucks go buy yourself a pair of electrically heated grips. Easy to install and keeps your hands toasty without too much bulk.

As for a jacket forget about a Motorcycle jacket get a ski jacket.

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

My winter kit is a Hyundai Tiburon Laughing

. I do as the others mentioned and ride my bike sparingly in winter.

earthbound14 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Location: seoul

earthbound14 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Location: seoul

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Between December and January (Feb. is tropical climate vacation month), I ride mostly in the day times, but if there is no moisture (snow, melted snow, etc.) I'll ride around Seoul at night to get somewhere as I hate public transportation now that I have a bike in Seoul.

I simply wear:

Hiking boots
Thick socks if going a long way
Wind resistant pants
Inner layer of pants, usually what I would wear under snowboard pants in mid winter
Winter coat
Bandana or neck gator on my neck and chin (held by helmet strap)
Winter biking gloves
Ajossi-style handle bar covers
I also have a windshield, but I hate windshields. Only if necessary on longer rides.

I don't worry about the cold as much as I do black ice. I never felt like I had less control with more clothing on. Only when I have too-cold hands do I have less control.

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:45 am Post subject:

Yep, gotta agree wi'most of the posters. Park the bike an break
out wi'the snowboard. There's more'an one way to feel the
breeze across the face and still enjoy the out'a doors.

TDR · Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Location: Busan

I live in Busan, so I'm thinking that it's just not as cold down here given that you get those cold Siberian winds rushing around up there.

Anyway, it's not really an option to stop riding in that I need my bike to commute to work and other engagements. The subway often doesn't get me close enough and the buses are too slow during morning and evening rush-hour.

Similar to 119, I wear my winter riding jacket with liner and sweater, some winter gloves I have, longjohns and pants, and my boots. I throw a neck-warmer on before I put my helmet on and I'm good to go. I've ridden like this the past two winters and I haven't been cold yet. You've just gotta seal up those gaps!

earthbound14 · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Location: seoul

I'm thinking of adding these to keep the brake and clutch levers from making my fingers cold.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/3023902242_43dab96342.jpg

These handle/grip covers, cause they don't restrict your hands and they look a lot better (but cost 65,000)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3023904172_8ce5e63255.jpg

and a pair of over pants with full zips up the side and a zip in liner. So far I haven't found one with armor on the market so I have a design wipped up and need to find a good shop to have it made at. The Maxler guy expressed some iterest.

and I'm also putting on a bit of extra fat to keep me warm...this is my goal weight for ultimate heat retention

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3023903496_c976d3e4a4.jpg

and than I will ge me one of these to warm me up when I get home.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/3023902356_ac5612e1f8_o.jpg

I might be looking into a nice fairing too. They really make a difference.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/3023948438_511309092f.jpg

Kimbop · Joined: 31 Mar 2008

A Balaclava.