Winter commute 25 miles Advice needed!

Cycling-mad

Good afternoon all, whilst reading through the forums iv had some questions already answered which has been of much use and value! For that i thank you - however :P Living in Norway has presented me with some worries about my normal commute becomming a winter commute.
A few questions, any advice will be much apreciated!

Temperatures can reach lower than -20c Can i commute 13 miles each way in these conditions or am i completally mad for even considering it?

Snow will be very likely so a mixture of snow - ice - rain and low temps will be experianced daily!

For this mix of extreme conditions what clothing should i be considering?
Waterproof or windproof jacket?
fleece or long sleeved jersery and a merino wool thermal top?
thermal or windproof or even waterproof tights and winter boots?

I am going for a high viz approach as far to many near miss`s have rather put me off!

should i be using my cleats or flats?

Anything other than the normal i should know?

Thanks again!

Bordersroadie

First of all well done for planning to keep commuting down to colder than minus 20! You're not mad, I think with preparation it's quite doable.

A few of us on here do longish all-year commutes. Some of us in Scotland (including me) regularly commute in below-zero conditions although none as extreme as you describe. My 12 mile each way commute gets down to minus 10 with ice being the only issue really as it's all on country roads.

I'm sure Meanredspider will advise soon (he's in Scotland but nearer to Norway than me!) but my own advice would be as follows, please accept my apologies if I'm telling you everything you know already as you are the one living in an Arctic climate!!

If you're expecting snow and ice then tyres should be something like Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro or Nokian equivalent. Brakes should be hydraulic disc as freezing cables will definitely be an issue at these temps.

A windprood breathable jacket would be ideal, over a number of layers starting with merino wool. You're not going to get rain or wet snow in those temps I guess. On your legs layering and windproofs again, maybe padded Roubaix tights with unpadded windproof super-Roubaix over the top. Even at minus 20 I expect it's still easy to get too hot when you're riding, so getting the balance right is a challenge - I'd say controlling sweat is critical for you as its evaporation is the biggest danger for your body warmth.

On the really cold days I think I'd do away with cleats and use flats with snow boots/winter walking boots as I guess you should expect some walking as well as riding and you need to be prepared to get off and make a repair if you need to. My own ice bike has pedals with flats one side and SPD cleat the other, so I have two options depending on weather on the day.

High viz, yes, as much as possible.

Spare lights and the usual safety stuff including a spare layer and space blanket in the event of the worst scenario.

I'm not sure how much you need to carry but I've recently become excited about switching from a rucsack to a waist/hip pack - see my recent thread - it prevents a sweaty back which for you may be especially important.

desweller

At those temperatures, I'd also put some thought into what I'd do in the aftermath of an accident.

Cycling-mad

Absolutely brilliant advice there thank you very much! Makes me feel a lot more secure that with the correct planning and advice taken - it can be possible iv purchased shcwalbe marathon winters but have yet to start riding them, planning on what equipment to buy whilst on this visit in England! New bike ordered! (lucky me) thanks again!