So, which forum do I put THIS in... (Xtracycle + winter content)

[bhtooefr]

Basically, I'm going to be going car-very-light soon, and I'm going to need something more than just my Schwinn.

I'll be leaning towards the Xtracycle. And, on an MTB frame. That's not what I'm worried about.

What I'm worried about is... what about winter? I'd like to own two bikes maximum. The Schwinn won't really cut it in the winter. So, would an Xtracycle conversion do well as a winter bike? It would be ridden on city streets, but things could get dicey.

[jimisnowhere]

I've heard that they can behave bad in snow (but don't know for sure), but you could get studs from Peter White Cycles.


jim

[donnamb]

I know we traditionally frown on cross-posting, but if you don't get much here, send me a PM and I will make a copy of this thread for the Winter Cycling forum.

[Frankenbiker]

Having ridden my Xtra in the snow many times (and rain and sleet and gloom of night), I can say that it rides like any other bike. The longer wheelbase actually makes it a little more stable on snow, but not by much. I would be more concerned about ice under the snow or the next day's dusting of snow that hides ruts or refrozen snow. This would be true of any bike, not just Xtras. I am much more cautious and much slower when riding in snow on the road, expecting to fall over at any time. This is especially true at intersections where the tangled mess of snow ruts and salt slush makes it hard to make a path. Many times I've gotten off the bike and walked it through the intersection.

I've thought about getting studded tires for the bike, but then I would be afraid I would ride overconfident and do something stupid and dump the bike under an oncoming SUV or something like that.

[wahoonc]

Studded tires for the bike and don't forget to get something for your shoes...been there done that:o

I can recommend Nokian tires for the bike and Yaktrax (http://yaktrax.com/products.aspx) for the feet. Or haunt your local thrift shop for a cheap pair of old golf shoes;)

Aaron:)

[Old_Fart]

You may want to treat the Xtracycle frame tubes with Frame Saver, Boeshield T-9, or a similar product to help keep it from rusting inside. It is made of steel, after all.
When the ice and snow gets there, studded tires sound like a really good idea. In Seattle we may get a day or two a year that merits studs so I have never bothered. I have ridden mine in the snow a few times and it's no worse than any other bike, maybe better due to the weight and length. Most motorists give bikes a wide berth in the snow. They think you're totally nuts to be biking in the stuff, and they're probably right.

[wahoonc]

You may want to treat the Xtracycle frame tubes with Frame Saver, Boeshield T-9, or a similar product to help keep it from rusting inside. It is made of steel, after all.
When the ice and snow gets there, studded tires sound like a really good idea. In Seattle we may get a day or two a year that merits studs so I have never bothered. I have ridden mine in the snow a few times and it's no worse than any other bike, maybe better due to the weight and length. Most motorists give bikes a wide berth in the snow. They think you're totally nuts to be biking in the stuff, and they're probably right.

Personally I think they are nuts for driving in the snow and to me it makes perfect sense to be riding a bike in it:D

Aaron:)

[bhtooefr]

I would be using studded tires most likely anyway.

I AM nuts, and enjoy every minute of it. :D

[Old_Fart]

I didn't mean to imply that being nuts was a bad thing. ;)

[markus_mudd]

I like the way my bike/Xtracycle handles the snow. I feel it's an improvement. The long wheelbase sorta' slows down the slides so I have more time to react. Being careful is always the way to go and I'll ride whatever bike I have in the snow but I really think the Xtracycle handles the best.

[jharte]

Thanks bhtooefr for starting this thread. That is one question I always wondered about. I've ridden year around many times (with home made studded tires) on my mtb/tourer. My next soon purchase is an Xtra for my mtb. I can't wait!

[workingbike]

I am going to try riding with 2 bikes this winter, one will have studded for snow/ice days, and one with Continental Top Contact Winter tires for the more common "just crap" days.
Hopefully, they will both be Xtra equipped.

I don't like riding studs on wet tarmac.