Winter Cycling - I'm no longer studly

I'M FREE! I'M FREE!

so long suckas!

I did the deed ~ swapped the studs off the commuter. naturally, while driving errands I saw ice on some roads but I'll steer clear of that, right?

Swapping mine out today, too. It's funny how I look forward to both putting them on and taking them off. I must say I'm enjoying the spring riding and I don't miss the slipping and sliding in the slop - not to mention having to clean said slop off of my drivetrain.

I took mine off a week ago--- seemed to cut my commute time in half.

I got out. 44 miles. glad I went. i all seems to work and should be good to go next time I want to ride to work. Thursday maybe?

I'm going to hold out just a bit longer. I've got studless bikes to ride when it's dry, so I'm not taking the chance on tempting fate.

I'm going to hold out just a bit longer. I've got studless bikes to ride when it's dry, so I'm not taking the chance on tempting fate.

1+ on that. I have Marathons Winters on my Cannondale beater mountain bike, and I don't really notice a difference when the studs come off. The real difference is riding the road bike any time, including winter when the road is dry. My studs will probably come off in mid-April.

1+ on that. I have Marathons Winters on my Cannondale beater mountain bike, and I don't really notice a difference when the studs come off. The real difference is riding the road bike any time, including winter when the road is dry. My studs will probably come off in mid-April.
I use the Marathon Winter as well. Great on ice, lousy in snow.

I use the Marathon Winter as well. Great on ice, lousy in snow.

I've heard that reputation about Winters but I fear only ice and hardpack, because my urban route is well-plowed. I did have trouble once in about four inches of wet, new snow, but just rode slower. I was still better off than the cars--went up hills they couldn't and even helped (without the bike) push some cars back on to the road. :lol:

I'm going to hold out just a bit longer. I've got studless bikes to ride when it's dry, so I'm not taking the chance on tempting fate.

What!! I already took my studs off a week ago(don't tell old man winter) ... 40s on and it's nice, smooth and the bike corners now.

If it snows next week you can blame me :D

This is why it nice to have a separate wheel set for winter tyres and I only use a studded front on the extrabike... swappig that does not take any time at all and right it is running it's stud less knobbies which have gotten me through entire winters on their own.

Am still looking forward to running the 1.5 Marathons as it really increases the bike's ground speed.

I've been free just over a week. I feel so fast now... and silent. Later this week we may hit the mid 60's HEAT WAVE! I don't mind riding in the Winter, but Spring through Fall is definitely a bit easier on the body and the bike. The new chain will go on late April, its getting a bit rusty at times, but it can hold out an other month.

Happy riding,
André

I fully intended to swap my studs out yesterday (as per my earlier post) but I didn't get around to it until today. I gave the wheels a good scrubbing in the bathtub (my wife's idea - will wonders never cease?) and I took advantage of the time while they were drying to clean and lube the whole bike. It sure needed it after serving me well through the winter. The front tire and wheel went on fine and then I tackled the rear wheel:

First, I noticed the brake pads were worn to the wear line, so I replaced them. Next, I knew the wheel had fallen out of true so I put a dab of oil in all of the spoke holes and another on the nipple threads and gave it time to work its way in. At this time I noticed that the pie plate was all cracked and nasty-looking, so I helped it along and took it off the wheel. It looks better without it, anyway. Finally, I broke out my new spoke wrench and began the truing process. All was well until the 4th or 5th spoke and then TWANG! My first broken spoke. I guess the winter's salt and slop took its toll and I paid the price.

I'm sure I could replace the spoke myself even though I haven't done it before, but right now I just haven't got the time. I'm in the middle of studying for exams so I'm going to drop the wheel off at my LBS and have them true it and replace the spoke. This is a real bummer because I enjoy doing things on my bike that I've never attempted before. Luckily I'm a believer in N+1 so I have another set of wheels - and it already has the slicks mounted.

I saw ice in the road last weekend and this coming weekend will feature 82 degrees! WTF?!

60s on the cape - how can the cape be 20 degrees cooler? I want to ride the vineyard but have to go to NY for Easter

I may make the switch this weekend.

Took mine off this morning. Did a little brake maintenance, too. I'm stoked to get that weight off. Also, like how my bike looks "slicker" without the studded tires.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/DSC_0080.jpg