Having moved from Boston to Seattle, winter here seems fairly mild by comparison, and I consider winter to be a great time to bike. Since I tend to get a bit sweaty in the summer, even on a mild 70-degree day, the main advantage of winter biking is comfort and the fact that I can get where I'm going without having to bring a shirt to change into. The downside would be that its more likely to be raining and dark.
So considering the winter biking essentials, I'd say they are:
1) Front LED lights with a bit of range, although in the city it doesn't have to project too far as you're rarely in the absolute dark. I once got stuck on a country road, on a road bike, in the middle of the forest, in absolute darkness; it wasn't even possible to take a step forward and see where your foot would fall. Had to sit by the side of the road until a local bus came by.
2) Rear LED light
3) waterproof jacket, although doesn't have to be particularly fancy, could be a rain-slicker style rubberized cloth
4) mid-weight windproof gloves. I love the ones from seirus. Too thin and woven means wind will penetrate. Too thick and your hands will get sweaty.
5) A thin beany for under the helmet. This can make all the difference in heat retention.
End of list. No need for special insulating top or waterproof bottoms most of the time. As I do all year round if its raining I'll bring an extra pair of slacks or jeans (depending on the outfit) to change into if my pants get wet.
This all raises the question, from a practical and business point of view, why don't more people bike in the winter? It seems to be a combination of lacking good gear -- although most people who have ski gear probably are fine, just need thinner gloves -- and lacking experience in winter biking, having only gone on balmy days. To get around this then requires a bit of gear, the gloves mostly, and someone pointing out that, hey, it might be easy and fun to bike year round.
The last question is how to put this into practice at SMBR. Many ski resorts will rent a jacket, gloves, helmet, pants, goggles, etc. Should we offer a winter package, say with a jacket and gloves and a thin biking hat for a small fee?
