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View Full Version : Black ice go/no-go




gerv
11-01-06, 05:57 PM
I was leaving the house this morning on bike. Temps at 21 F (-6 C). Nice sunny day, but when I looked down at the pavement, noted it was a lot darker than usual. I got off my bike and try to slide with my shoes. Seemed like a little black ice, but nothing major. I continued on slowly ( I have All Terreanasaurus knobby tires on my hybrid...).

Everything went OK, but I'm wondering what's your test for go/no-go?
sringlee
11-01-06, 06:40 PM
My test? With Nashbar studded winter tires, I've never had to no-go: they work well on ice. The only time I don't go is through packed snow pushed up by the plows, through which my tires will not float.
gerv
11-01-06, 06:43 PM
With Nashbar studded winter tires, I've never had to no-go: they work well on ice. Stopping is no issue either?
CBBaron
11-02-06, 07:50 AM
Stopping is no issue either?
Studded tires handle black ice nearly as well as your tires handle wet pavement. Studded tires can handle most road conditions with no problem. The only problems are when there are several inches of unplowed, and rutted snow on the road.
Any time temps are below freezing ice may be a problem. Melting snow, a water main leak, someone washing their car, etc., All can end up on the road and freeze. It probably more of a problem in the city but I find I always have to be on the look out.
Craig
Shiznaz
11-02-06, 08:28 AM
What kind of a jerk washes their car on their driveway when its below freezing?

My test is if I crash, its too slippery. No studded tires.
ghettocruiser
11-02-06, 09:06 AM
^^^ There was a unexplained ice patch in the curb lane near my workplace this morning that the town of Markham had already dumped a truckload of road salt on. It looked like the lawn sprinklers had come on overnight. Either way, I think by the time I got there the depth of the road salt was the biggest hazard.

I actually took the left hand lane and waved cars by in the right lane. They were briefly confused, but then co-operated nicely. Weird but true.
vrkelley
11-02-06, 10:12 AM
I do go/no go based on last night's weather. There are 2 bad sections of road that I either walk-it or scrap the entire ride.

Geek question: Do they make studded tires in 23 or 20X700. My fork won't take the big 2" widths and I'm not shell'n out more money for another bike.
GGDub
11-02-06, 10:36 AM
no go? Please explain this concept...
Lossy
11-02-06, 10:39 AM
My LBS sells 23x 700c studded tires.
CastIron
11-02-06, 03:48 PM
Just put studs on CX bike today. Ice is now of little concern. Rotating mass is another matter at nearly 1kg/per tire.:eek:
Ritehsedad
11-02-06, 07:40 PM
My test is if I crash, its too slippery. No studded tires.

I've been there!!
vrkelley
11-02-06, 10:51 PM
Just put studs on CX bike today. Ice is now of little concern. Rotating mass is another matter at nearly 1kg/per tire.:eek:

:eek:
oilfreeandhappy
11-03-06, 03:53 AM
I've been there!!
+1 more! Seems I always error on the side of RIDE.
CBBaron
11-03-06, 08:25 AM
What kind of a jerk washes their car on their driveway when its below freezing?

My test is if I crash, its too slippery. No studded tires.
At a car wash. Even though most of the watter drains on site. The vehicles, especially the pickups always drain some water near the exit onto the road.

Craig