[aeonwheels]

I'm preparing a bike for riding on snow.

Thought about mavic crossrides, but since I read about Snow Cats -wide rims- I'm wondering if i have better, if not as fancy, choices. My frame is a standar MTB frame.

Which wide rims would you recomend? Are Snow Cats still on production?

I seem to recall having seen wide downhill rims, but not doing d/h myself cant really tell... Since i have to get some rims/wheels anyway, i may choose and try.

Saw this Echo rims.. what do you think?

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6156/echorearrim26jl0.jpg

I'm in Montreal and local info /tips are most welcome. Thanks /Merci.

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[Hezz]

Most standard mountain bike frames can only handle about a 2.5 - 2.8 wide tire on the rear due to chain stay clearance issues.

Make sure the tire you are using will fit on your bike when used with the snow cats since the tire will be wider than when mounted on a standard wheel.

Other than that I say go for it. Especially if you had those wide Nokian studded tires. See those tires mounted on a bike in the thread called "Winterize Rat rod vs. Anchorage".

[MudSplattered]

Snowcats are VERY heavy. I think they require modified forks. I know people who don't think the snowcats and extra fat tires make any difference in the snow over a good winter tire like Nokians. Like everything, it's personal preference. I have Nokian studded tires, they work great, go anywhere.

[ghettocruiser]

^^^ Compared to DH rims? I was hoping that nothing could possibly be heavier than the Mag30 boat anchors I have. Isn't there a drilled-out snow cat that was supposed to be lighter?

Also there are the Surly Large Marge rims. If you have room in your frame, knock yourself out.

[CBBaron]

The extra wide rims like the SnoCats and Large Marge should fit in a MTB frame and fork designed for disc brakes only, or you will have to remove you V brake studs.
However unless you have a bike with lots of clearance you won't be able to use the really big tires. Surly 1x1 seems to be able to fit the 3" Gazzoloddi on a Large Marge in the front and a 2.7" on a Large Marge in the rear. The Surly Pugsley and the custom Fatbike is designed for these wide rims and tires and have plenty of clearance for the 3.7" Endomorph.
I have a Pugsley and with really low pressures the bike is incredible. However if you are riding on icy trails with a normal MTB a Nokian on a wide MTB rim will probably serve you better than an ultra wide. If you are riding on snowmobile trail where a narrow tire is often breaking through then wider lower pressure is better.
Craig

[Michel Gagnon]

Where do you want to ride ?

To commute and even to ride on Mt. Royal, use your standard rims and either get knobby tires for a basic grip, or narrow studded tires if you want a sure grip. Nokian Hakkapelliitas are great.

The ultra-wide rims are good if you want to ride off road in fresh snow or in snow that has been very lightly packed.

[aeonwheels]

Thanks for all the answers.

The 38mm Echos are 616gr each rim, so i guess a whole wheel would be around 1.2 kg or 2kg not the lightest but neither the heaviest of wheels.. they fit a 2.3 tire just fine, question is if my frame can take them... I do have disc brakes and another wheelset / bike to conmute.

Michael, I may go to St-Saveur or around Quebec city. I'm yet to know some of the places i've only heard of, but i certainly looking forward to some snow. Do you know a local shop that has the nokian in stock?

Where's the fun in winter if not in the ice or snow? :-)

And to the risk of offending some montréales (not my intention at all) - wouldn't mont royal be more a hill than a 'mont'...?

[CrosseyedCrickt]

I'm not sure snow cats are even being made anymore. Anyone care to prove me wrong? I can not fing any information to support or rebut this.

[Michel Gagnon]

Local Nokian dealers in Montréal ?

Two that I am aware of: Le Yéti and ABC. MEC (Mountain Equipment Coop) has some 26" Schwalbe tires, but no 700c as far as I remember. And if you are close to the suburbs, it might be worth to check at Primeau in Laval or Brossard.

[aeonwheels]

Thanks Michel, I'm very close to ABC and I'll look for Le Yéti. I've been to MEC, you're right, they only have Schwalbes.