Being a four season bike commuter in Minnesota presents some serious challanges. In addition to the usual traffic issues, you have to deal with mountainous snow drifts, slushy streets and sub-zero temperatures. Biking in this environment seems like something left to the most experienced of riders, but as Joe Meiser, Product Development Manager for Quality Bicycle Parts, said, a few everyday items can help get you started.

As riders get more experience, he explained, they may want to think about purchasing some of the more specialized biking gear to improve performance and comfort. He took sometime on a blustery fall day to preview some winter bike accessories.