Mountain Biking - Cold Weather Concerns

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Monroe
08-26-07, 11:13 AM
Narrowing down a selection of bikes (Kona Caldera, Hoss, a few Giant, Trek 7.3 FX) but I keep running across a concern with some of them re: front fork responsiveness (or lack of) in cold weather. Never considered this much. Just what is the basis of these concerns? Any particular spec/design that is more suited to colder weather?

santiago
08-26-07, 11:29 AM
Narrowing down a selection of bikes (Kona Caldera, Hoss, a few Giant, Trek 7.3 FX) but I keep running across a concern with some of them re: front fork responsiveness (or lack of) in cold weather. Never considered this much. Just what is the basis of these concerns? Any particular spec/design that is more suited to colder weather?

First off, define cold weather. If you mean cool autumn days that are above freezing, then you'll be fine. If you're thinking about winter riding that involves snow and ice then I believe the issue has to do with seals freezing up.

From what I've seen though, this doesn't stop any one from my club from going out anyway. I do find that the majority will stick to hardtails though. You will notice a few riding rigid forks in the pic below.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c114/veloepic/Recits_Reports/St-Bruno_14Jan07/IMG_2045.jpg
Monroe
08-26-07, 11:43 AM
Ah yes, "cold" weather. Considering cold weather to be (let's say at most realistic) -30 deg C. Below that, and I won't be considering any travel other than what is necessary for work or play.

iamthetas
08-26-07, 11:49 AM
I put a lighter weight oil in my fork for winter riding. the lowest temp Ive ridden in was 7f but wid chill makes a difference too. my normal 15 weight is sluggish in super cold stuff so I change over to 10 weight for witer riding. I have a bottle of 7.5 weight too but my 200#+ makes such a thin oil impractical for me
ghettocruiser
08-26-07, 08:17 PM
As long as your fork and shock have good latitude of damping adjustment (i.e. the ability to back the damping way off), I foresee no issues. I've had my suspension work just fine down to -25C.

Let the bike cool down in an unheated garage or shed, and re-adjust your damping with the oil cold. Ride and enjoy.

http://www.dropmachine.com/media/data/500/medium/IMG_3041.JPG

http://www.dropmachine.com/media/data/500/medium/IMG_7965.JPG

Without suspension, the trail pictured above would ride pretty harsh.

Although my hardtail is in the picture, my FS bike rides much smoother on these surfaces.