IN TOUCH |with Club Sports & RIM Oregon’s winter bicycle commuters face special set of problems t was .1 dark and stormy Ore gon winter night The rain was pelting the pavement. JL.md the wind was whipping the leaves into a frcniy There! In the distance, some thing was moving on the chilling landscape. It w.*s a bicyclist What was that craiy person doing out in weather like this.’ I le was prohablv struggling to reach bis destination, whether it was work, school or home Is a person really cr.i:y to depend on a bicycle lor transportation din ing lOregon's most difficult sea st >n ’ Not if they're prepared Preparation lor winter ruling includes getting gear to protect the rider from the elements and maintaining the bicycle to pro . tect u from early wear and rear These aren't the only worries lor the winter bicyclist; safety is just as important. Regular cyclists must concern them* selves with having the right winter equipment and mam tattling it properly. The lust step is to make sure that you have all the legally required gear. A bicycle must have a headlight and a rear reflector if it is used at night The fine in Oregon for not having these is $40. • Lights: These come in many different sliapcs and prices I iget Romanek of Second Nature Bicycles, 446 E. 13th Ave., recommends the environ mentally friendly lights that run on a generator They Cc*st $26.95 lor a regular, and about $39 lor a halogen, which is brighter. Another possibility ts the halogen battery powered lights They are convenient because they clip onto the handlebars and can he removed from the hike when you park. You can get a simple one for $12 or spend $200 tor a really fancy light I he lights usually run tor ,tlx nit four or five hours on their AA batteries. You can buy a rechargeable battery pack tor about $50. If you’re worried about Ivtng visible, a smart buy is the Vista Light, said Ray Bloesinger of Cycle-Pi Repairs and Cycles, 1 MO Willamette St. They are a LED flashing light that calls attention to your presence. They can he mounted anywhere on your bicyc le. A horn is a gixx.1 way to get a motorist's attention. Electron ic horns that make a horrendous noise are now available, as well as the old fashioned kind These start at $|9 95. • Helmet: Another piece of equipment that is needed hut not required When buying a helmet you should kxik for the ANSI or P*o*> tty P*kUky Winter cycling meat* adding an extra layer of clothing and equipment to yourself and your bicycle. SM I L rat mu before buying. 1 hese companies test helmets for safely, artvl a helmet without their recommendation isn’t worth buying, Blisesingcr said. They range in price from $ 52 to $110. The more expensive ones have passed both companies' tests. It is important to maintain your bicycle all year round, but it is especially important in the winter. The dirt and grime d dai ly use in bad weather can wear down a bicycle. • Maintenance: Romanek said you should have your bicy cle overhauled at least once a year. It is a good idea to have your (searing surfaces packed with waterproof grease when y»>u do this. At Second Nature this costs $75 plus parts, but it is worth it. Romanek said, because it improves safety and lengthens (he life of your bicycle. To prevent your bicycle from breaking down w hen you most need it you should oil the chain every couple of days, Bloesinger said. You can use a product called Tri-Floor another bicycle friendly compound. Don't use WD-40 because it isn't a lubri cant and it will eat aw ay at your bicycle, Romanck said. • Tires: It is important that your tires arc in Rood shape for riduiR in the winter. .The best tires for winter ridtnR are knob by' ones. They provide more trac tion on slippery roads and over those dangerous piles of leaves. IVit they won’t make up for care less riding, BliK-singer said. Blocsinger said you should check your tire pressure every week. I’hc normal range for mountain bikes is 35 to 60, and road bicycles average 90 to 115. The best wheel for winter rid u>K is an aluminum one, Blocsinger said. Most bicycles are sold with aluminum wheels now because they are so much safer than steel ones Bloesinger said an aluminum wheel is porous, so it provides a good surface for braking when your wheel is wet. Steel w heels are very slippery when wet and the brake pads have trouble gripping them, so it can take four times as long to stop, Bloestnger said. To upgrade your wheels from steel to alu minum costs about $95 lor a pair. If your wheels are wet it is a gotxl idea to pump your brakes before you have to stop. This dries off the surface so the brake pads will grip. • Rain gear: “Fenders arc a must," said Enc Schuman of Blue Heron bicycles, 13th Avenue and Kincaid Street. Schuman said they will not only keep you drier and cleaner, but they will also protect vixir bicycle from Jtrt and ({rime. Y