Wow! FS vs HT for snow riding

[Zin]

Since we got around 4 inches of snow this weekend, of course I had to venture out on the trails to play. However, feeling a bit scientific, (yea right :rolleyes: ) I decided to try an experiment.

First I took out my FS MTB did 30 minutes on the trails. Then I came back and took out my HT MTB (rigid fork). I was actually out for almost an hour on the HT and felt less exhausted than I did after 30 minutes on the FS!

The HT with the rigid fork performed much better in the snow than did the FS. Frankly, the FS verged on difficult to control at times. This seemed especially true a slower speeds. I did not expect this.

So, there ya go. Give it a try your self. I'd be interested to see what your results are.

Oh yea, the snow conditions were powder and the temperature was right a -2F/-18C. I think it'll differ depending on the snow conditions as well.

Have fun,

Bob

[Coda1]

I only have rigid bikes. I think I get better control with them. I can always feel what is happening.

[DMulyava]

I only have rigid bikes. I think I get better control with them. I can always feel what is happening.
No doubt about that :D

Totally kidding.

I usually take my rigid beater riding around the snow, don't really wanna mess up my hardtail :)

[Mtn Mike]

In snow and ice the mantra should be "the simpler the better". My rigid singlespeed is a joy to ride in the winter. It's totally addicting because of the simplicity. It's really not as bad as I thought it would be when I first started riding it. It's become such a habit that I may not go back to suspension, even when the snow on the trails melts. Gears? We'll see in the springtime.

[Zin]

Cool bike, Mike. I don't think I am ready for a SS. :)

[Coda1]

I would not want to ride a single speed. I use my bike as a single speed most of the time for commuting but I can still force it into a lower gear if I want to have a little fun in the snow. I just make sure it is back into the gear I need for commuting in the morning before I park it for the night.

[BikeG33k]

i see alot of riders around Minneapolis ride single speeds year round. (road bikes) mainly the bike messengers/delivery riders.

[legalize_it]

In snow and ice the mantra should be "the simpler the better". My rigid singlespeed is a joy to ride in the winter. It's totally addicting because of the simplicity. It's really not as bad as I thought it would be when I first started riding it. It's become such a habit that I may not go back to suspension, even when the snow on the trails melts. Gears? We'll see in the springtime.


how could you ever go back to gears? as soon as i built up my SS MTB i lost all desire to ever want to ride a multi-speed MTB again. stick with the single speed all year round....then if you ever decide to try a ride on your shifty bike you will be unstoppable, assuming you remember how to shift! :)

[robertsdvd]

Heh, I've been riding SS's for a while now... however, I am now anxiously in wait of the Nexus 8 speed hub to put on my 1x1 - my issue with gears is primarily.. you guessed it - the derailleur. I think my knee will thank me profusely. As for winter snow riding - rigid, rigid, rigid. And if you're road riding - it real fun with 23mm tires... sorta cuts through the white stuff and slush but still gives some fun slide... I love that feeling of the rear slipping out behind you and controlling it back into direction.

[Barnaby]

I converted my Miyata tourer to fixed in the spring, and decided to try winter riding. Other winters I was not enthusiastic about snow riding, thinking mostly about the lack of braking power, and the junking-up of the derailleur with snow and slush. visualizing loosing 60% or so in the braking dept., left me feeling a little detached from the ride. With the fixed though, and braking power in the legs, I feel almost as connected as in summer riding. I usually do not touch the brakes, but I am in a park/rural area with few surprises.
I was using a 69 inch gear in the summer, and converted to a 47/19 which gives around a 65 for the winter.The cadence seems about right with a 35 mm tire on the back and a 30 mm tire on the front. I was using a Maxis Larsen 35 on the front as well, until I rubbed a hole in the side wall; but it felt very slow-the small rubber spikes seem to collect alot of snow, whereas the larger knobs of the Ritchie 30 rotate almost snow free. I have not tried winter SS, but for now am impressed with the fixed.