Winter Cycling - tires?

My family goes on a trip to big bear a couple of times a year for skiing. This year I wanted to bring my bike along but I don't know if its worth it to buy tires for snow and only use them 3 times a year. also if you know any good tires go ahead and recommend them.

thanks again!

If you are riding a MTB, your knobbies should be good for trail riding in powder. If your gonna be on ICE, then I would suggest getting a pair of studded tires for the bike.

I would suggest taking a look at the following threads:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=45228&highlight=studded+tires
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=44845&highlight=studded+tires
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=43200&highlight=studded+tires

There are many others too. You can get a complete list by using the forum's ADVANCED SEARCH feature and enter the words STUDDED TIRES or WINTER TIRES. etc...

I ride in powder and snow pack with knobbies on the MTB. Ice is another story. I would put NOKIANS on if I had to ride on such surfaces.

One other thing. You are better off using a RIGID fork in the powder or crusted snow. You'll have much better control of the bike.

Good luck and have fun!

Bob

Its going to be all powder and no ice unless I go biking onto a lake or something.

So my knobbies are probably ok? I have IRC Mythos XC's on my bike right now. anything else I need to know before going biking in the snow?

Its going to be all powder and no ice unless I go biking onto a lake or something.

So my knobbies are probably ok? I have IRC Mythos XC's on my bike right now. anything else I need to know before going biking in the snow?

You should be set with the MTB tires. I also added some info on my original post regarding frorks etc...

There are several things to remember when riding in the snow:
1. Be carefull. Take it slow to begin with. If you have never ridden in powder you may be supprised at how it reacts to your bike. Or should I say, how your bike reacts to the snow.
2. Dress in layers so you can maintain your body temp. You don't want to overhead, or be overly cold. A good rule of thumb is you should be a bit chilly when you first start out. Once riding your body should heat up and keep you nice and toasty.
3. Protect your hands, feet, ears, and face. Keep them covered. You can search on those threads here on the winter cycling for a bunch of ideas. Frost bite can happen fast when your riding.
4. If your going to be riding alone, make sure you leave a ride plan behind with someone. If you are going to be in the back country, carry a GPS receiver to track your route. I also carry a can of bear spray when cycling in the back country.
5. You may have to carry your water under one of your layers to keep it from freezing.

That is a quick tip list. There is a ton of information on the forums. Don't be afraid to use the ADVANCED SEARCH feature for more information.

Let me know if I can help further.

Regards,

Bob

thanks alot! Im going tobe riding around with my dad while my sisters go skiing. SoIwon't be going out into the woods or anything.

Ill try to find a rigid fork or I may have to borrow my uncles rigid bike.

There is plenty of ice where there isn't water. If you ever ride in an area that gets above freezing (or even not) in the days and then freezes overnight, you will find plenty of ice on well packed trails, ATV'ed trails, heavily walked trails, etc. Especially now when the temps are getting warming. Any snow that will melt in the daytime can and will become ice overnight so be careful when you are going out on packed trails now.

The trails I take to work now are very icy and slick, especially with the numerous ruts that are iced up caused by walkers.

Jay