Commuting - Bicycle Icicle

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kobyj
03-26-02, 09:19 AM
I commuted into work today (4th time I think) and shortly after I got in, it started to precipitate freezing rain! I quickly ran out and put my seat back in so that the rain/ice would not travel down to the bottom bracket.

Besides the possiblity of slick roads and brakes, is there anything else I should be careful about (chain, derailers, bearings) when I leave work today? What should I do once I get home besides wiping down the frame?

Although it would be heavier than normal, it would be one slick bicycle! Since it is steel bike, I'll make sure to not lick the ice. :D

mike
03-26-02, 09:38 AM
Check your brakes before you mount. The cables/mountings could be frozen in place and there could be ice build-up on the rims or brake pads.

Test your brakes occassionally during your ride home to make sure they work. Ice can build up during your ride.

Check for ice build-up on your derailures as well.

Read some of the winter bicycling tips in the "Winter Biking" section of BF.C.

Good luck. Ride safe.
Rich Clark
03-26-02, 11:28 AM
Mostly just make sure parts with steel -- the chain, if nothing else -- are dry and lubed.

I always carry some plastic grocery store bags wadde dup in my rack trunk. They're very handy for things like covering your shoes in a sudden rainstorm, or covering your open seatpost during the day. Or putting wet clothes in. Or whatever.

Plastic bags. Gaffer's tape (or duct tape). Plastic zip ties. Wire. The basic emergency kit.

RichC

pistolwhipped
03-26-02, 11:47 AM
80 degrees in sunny FLA . Sorry, I had to say it .:beer:
kobyj
03-26-02, 12:04 PM
According to http://www.aws.com, it is 147 degrees in Waldo, OH.

http://www.aws.com/aws_2001/asp/obsForecast.asp?id=WALDO

I think their thermometer may be off a little bit. :)

Indiana currently has the coldest temperatures in the United States.
OctoberBlue
03-26-02, 01:49 PM
Originally posted by kobyj
According to http://www.aws.com, it is 147 degrees in Waldo, OH.


Ok...I had to say it: "WHERE'S WALDO?"

Sorry. Really. I am.

:D

By the way, it's cold enough to rain/snow here in Cleveland right now. I think it's rain now...no, wait! Snow. No...rain. Snow. Rain. AAARRGH! Sigh. Either way, it's not riding weather for me.