Winter Cycling - One knobby one smooth?

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granto
10-11-10, 01:59 AM
Hello,

I have a big knobby tire (diameter?) and a 1.5" smooth tread water channel tire (http://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Shin-C783-City-Black/dp/B000C1U6LA)

Would this set up be OK on snow/ice (and hills)?

The problem is, my fork is so small that the fender won't allow much bigger tires. So I could take the front fender off and accommodate a knobby tire or leave it on and keep the all-weather....

Assuming I'm too lazy/cheap to change the fork, would you recommend going with no front fender or no knobby tire in front??

electrik
10-11-10, 10:45 PM
knobby up front, you'll be in trouble on ice... no traction to pedal in snow with a slick tire in the rear. Either way... you're in trouble - probably best to not try and ride when it snows with that sort of setup.
AEO
10-11-10, 11:54 PM
depends on how well your roads are ploughed, sanded and salted.
for really good you can get away with slicks on both front and rear, which is before the first major snow fall and after decently long melting periods.

arterial roads are the cleanest, while residential is very neglected.

granto
10-12-10, 12:42 AM
Hmmm thanks guys. I'm in Pittsburgh (similar to Toronto?). Decent plowing, and WAY too much salt :(

Still, I want to ride in the snow. So I guess I'm in the market for a new rigid fork. Thanks for the tips!