Classic & Vintage - Snow!!!

EDIT Despite my long post, I want to see your snow bikes as well :D


Not wanting to subject my existing rides to the elements, I hadn't been riding much with all the snow lately. On Friday I finally threw up a craigslist WTB ad for a cheap frame for 27" wheels, as I had a set lying around. Somehow I ended up with this:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Iy1t9Kxyj9I/TUiF6AuLQmI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/cs1RkrU4muQ/s800/IMGP0280.JPG (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GeWjGyOezrhteJ7Ote7hEA?feat=directlink)

25" 1986 Scwhinn Traveler in cadet blue plus it's original crank, after 8 miles of thinly plow packed back roads.

I've had to deal with a couple of quirks; the rear end may have been re-spaced to 120mm, so it takes a levers to get the wheel in, the seat post binder was gone so a nut/bolt/washers fill that role and the rear drop out is half permanently filled.

Luckily the 3rd (of 6) smallest cog, a 17, is about inline and works with the room I have, although 42x17 is a smidge taller than I'd like for slumming around. Half links (http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=2451) have made the shopping list.

It also turned out the rear wheel has a flat spot in it (bent inward), but it'll do for now.

The entire frame is coated in boiled linseed oil, inside and out. I used a piece of old brake housing to snake a soaked rag up the down tube and back through the chain stays. I squeezed some into the vent holes. I haven't taken the fork off yet, though

That stuff isn't nearly as bad as I've read it made out to be. It was dry by the next day.

The jury is still out on whether I prefer skinny tires to 2" MTB knobbies. My hands were rather clenched most of the ride, but I didn't take any spills.

Define "cheap" -- looks like a nice bike from here.

Do you apply the linseed oil to the exterior of the frame with a soaked rag as well? Is this to repel moisture, I assume? And why do you boil the oil first?

If you're going to do that tugrul, on that bike, you have a reason to spend money on 700c rims and studded tires. (http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=422158)

(- It's cheaper than a hip replacement!:injured:)

Do you apply the linseed oil to the exterior of the frame with a soaked rag as well? Is this to repel moisture, I assume? And why do you boil the oil first?

It comes "boiled", as explained here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linseed_oil#Boiled_linseed_oil) (in short to hasten drying).

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21bq3mKyYIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

I believe it works by sealing any bare metal from oxygen.

If you're going to do that tugrul, on that bike, you have a reason to spend money on 700c rims and studded tires. (http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=422158)

Yes, that would be the prudent thing to do. It's a good excuse to go buy the Quando/M13II cartridge bearing wheel set from Harris.

(Sorry, I have posted this picture a number of times before)

Old GT Outpost set up with fixed gear, fenders, studded tires, and dirt drops (modern knockoffs of them anyway).

Its a blast and I manage to put a lot of miles on it over the last two Winters.

jim

p.s., its original orange splatter paint will make it easier for survivors to find my body.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5408630793_63756bcb57_b.jpg

My GT Force 6061 frame, with an al Sakae Litage fork. I run friction barcons in winter time, and throw some more disposable type components on it, when the snow clears it gets rebuilt with sti, mainly just 105 kinda stuff, its just a commuter, I ride it every day, I just kinda run 23c tires (all that will fit), my front has those lil liney treads for traction though haha. I more or less stick to main traveled roads so im riding on pavement mostly as the heavy traffic just melts all the snow and ice, but I can get over some more treacherous surfaces without fault too.

I picked up a Soma Double Cross frame from CL and built this bike around a pair of 700c Nokian 106 studded tires. It is 10speed (11-34) w/ a 42th and a 28th crankset. Dyno hub, lights, disc brake etc.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/IMG_20110101_133223.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/IMG_20110101_133310.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/IMG_20110101_133237.jpg

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k292/bylar13/IMG_20110101_133258.jpg

My winter 'beater'. This bike was a blast to build up and is even more fun to ride. My plan right now is to replace the Sora 9s with a Campagnolo 10s Veloce (cheeeeap at ribble) but keep the Shimano drivetrain. Maybe add a compact crank at that time too. Also it has fenders too but only when it needs them because I think they're fugly. Oh and I can post it here because the saddle is C&V ; )

http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/ww335/telepciaka/Nashbar%20Cyclocross%20X/100_0921.jpg
http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/ww335/telepciaka/Nashbar%20Cyclocross%20X/th_100_0923.jpg (http://s733.photobucket.com/albums/ww335/telepciaka/Nashbar%20Cyclocross%20X/?action=view&current=100_0923.jpg) http://i733.photobucket.com/albums/ww335/telepciaka/th_IMG_0646.jpg (http://s733.photobucket.com/albums/ww335/telepciaka/?action=view&current=IMG_0646.jpg)

As for tires, I'd say depending on how serious you are and your budget, make your own studded tires. I used some old MTB knobbies, a drill with a bit just Barely smaller than a smoke nipple width, and some spoke nipples. They work great!

Later I'll post a picture of my 94 Giant Yukon set up for winter duty.

My winter rig w/ Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tires:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GmYBBzTzcVQ/TUNj0jP9E7I/AAAAAAAAIZY/zKC7nU7GCz0/s800/11%207%3A52%3A09%20PM.jpg

Neal

I have unfortunatly had to commute in my share of rain, snow and sleet but I never ran out and bought a special bike for it. never used fenders either.

I have unfortunatly had to commute in my share of rain, snow and sleet but I never ran out and bought a special bike for it. never used fenders either.

If Bianchi made a "Snow Bianchi" with studded tires & fenders, you would own two. One for riding and one for show.:p

Last year I rode a ~65 g.i. fixed gear with 32c vittoria rando's with fenders. It made riding in crappy weather tolerable, and fresh snowpack was a blast.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i207/jjmadaj/IMG_0334.jpg
(actually different wheels are pictured)

oh and tandems at 2am work too
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i207/jjmadaj/iphone3041.jpg

Ha! I knew it. I saw that post and thought "I bet that's Tugrul." Now that I see the result I need to start posting WTB ads on craigslist too!

Here's me making a grocery run this evening on my Jamis Coda. It needs fenders and the Kenda Kourier 700-35s were pretty squirelly on the packed powder on the shoulder... but the insane grade going up to my house was as always my biggest obstacle. I even got an encouraging beep-beep from someone as they passed me.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs255.snc6/180372_1765577270058_1557956427_1768624_3345977_n.jpg

Ha! I knew it. I saw that post and thought "I bet that's Tugrul." Now that I see the result I need to start posting WTB ads on craigslist too!

:roflmao:

I totally didn't expect anything remotely this nice. To answer DavidW56's question, I had put out an offer of $20 for frame/fork/headset/seat post, ended up getting the frame/fork/headset/BB and took the crank for another $10. I don't know why the guy was letting it go for so low, as he admitted he wouldn't be selling it if it fit him.

The 26.6mm post is from my 23" 1988 Schwinn Tempo, which is getting a much long Kalloy post. It's at its minimum insertion point, even on the 25" frame...

Which brings me to the other thing I learned from this bike, I can do 25" frames no problem. When I briefly had the 25" 1984 Fuji Espree a year ago, it seemed a lot bigger than this frame does to me now. I had the seat post lower, I remember dismounting requiring a bit of attention... but I was rather green then (as if I'm not now) and after spending time on 24" frames, this was great.

Now I just need to find one of those mid to late 80s high end tall bikes with short top tubes (Schwinn Prologue 63.5x58, Bridgestone RB-1 63x58, Team Miyata 63x57, etc).

So is 60X58 too small for you then? I'm working on a '88 Trek 1500 right now for a co-worker and I'm a little concerned that it's too big for him... it was given to him and I haven't seen him on it yet. You wouldn't happen to have something similar in a 58cm?

:roflmao:

I totally didn't expect anything remotely this nice. To answer DavidW56's question, I had put out an offer of $20 for frame/fork/headset/seat post, ended up getting the frame/fork/headset/BB and took the crank for another $10. I don't know why the guy was letting it go for so low, as he admitted he wouldn't be selling it if it fit him.

The 26.6mm post is from my 23" 1988 Schwinn Tempo, which is getting a much long Kalloy post. It's at its minimum insertion point, even on the 25" frame...

Which brings me to the other thing I learned from this bike, I can do 25" frames no problem. When I briefly had the 25" 1984 Fuji Espree a year ago, it seemed a lot bigger than this frame does to me now. I had the seat post lower, I remember dismounting requiring a bit of attention... but I was rather green then (as if I'm not now) and after spending time on 24" frames, this was great.

Now I just need to find one of those mid to late 80s high end tall bikes with short top tubes (Schwinn Prologue 63.5x58, Bridgestone RB-1 63x58, Team Miyata 63x57, etc).

Add Univega Gran Touring to that list. I had one that size last year and sold it (because the top tube just about came up to my forehead). It had slight front end crash damage though but the buyer said it still road straight as an arrow. I was unable to test ride it for the above mentioned reason....

My brother's Trek 930 during a December storm.

http://www.ironweedbp.com/uploads/3/0/8/9/3089502/3830606.jpg?665

Here's mine...'95 Iron Horse MTB with fenders and drops...running the original grip shifters on bar end adaptors.

Needs better tires though...188453

look at the brooks on the winter weather bikes!?

So is 60X58 too small for you then? I'm working on a '88 Trek 1500 right now for a co-worker and I'm a little concerned that it's too big for him... it was given to him and I haven't seen him on it yet. You wouldn't happen to have something similar in a 58cm?

Not that I'm willing with part with at the moment. Closest thing I have is a 23" 1988 Schwinn Tempo, a spiritual replacement for my first road bike all of a year and a half ago, a 23" 1989 Schwinn Traveler. At least at my weight back then (+30lbs at least), my fingers would go numb on that bike before I put fat brifters on, but damn it was fun to ride. I'm on a probably misguided effort to recreate that magic.

In my case, it's just a lowly regular 'ol B17...???


look at the brooks on the winter weather bikes!?

look at the brooks on the winter weather bikes!?

My slummy commuter / winter bike has a wrights saddle on it. Slummin it.

My "new" winter bike. I have to admit, I am a little disappointed with the mtb performance in bad conditions. I assume studded tires would help but I haven't taken the plunge or the DIY route. The bike is a Schwinn Sierra.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5348881753_7c471d9587_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5369567921_44d3b6b0d0_b.jpg

This Lotus got me through every day of last winter... and it was a pretty bad one. The 32mm tires seem to work better when there is fresh, heavy snow fall.

This photo was taken after my Lotus got a spring cleanup:
http://velospace.org/files/DSC00950.jpg

I am spending the best part of winter a little farther south this year so have to deal with more rain than snow and today I wore shorts for a little while... have been riding the '74 Raleigh Twenty.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/2011pdx2sep.JPG

If I was in Canuckistan I would be dealing with a few feet of snow and some brutal cold and my tools would be different... my 1988 Kuwahara Shasta is a fine winter bike that has been re-fitted with an SA 3 speed / generator.

The bike was run as a fixed gear for its first two winters and it was health issues that necessitated a move to a geared bike.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/winter2011metroshootb.jpeg

Ha! I knew it. I saw that post and thought "I bet that's Tugrul." Now that I see the result I need to start posting WTB ads on craigslist too!

I actually responded to Tugrul's CL add, and as I hit send on the email, I suspiciously wondered if I was responding to my friend near UNH! 30 minutes later my hunch was confirmed!

Since then, he and I have been trading emails about various parts to swap and hopefully will meet Friday evening when I head to Manchester. He told me about his need for an unusual freewheel for this ride, so last night I built him a custom five speed with these cogs; 18, 18, 18, 18, 19. I'll post a picture later.

Joel, have fun in the snow today. Don't forget to keep your camera warm and dry! (P.S. based on that picture you must have internal hand warmers! What was it yesterday, a high of 14F!)

Tugrul, lets see you go for a ride later this afternoon with another 12 inches or so on the ground!

My daily (winter) rider:
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Marin%20Pine%20Mountain/WinterJan222011003a.jpg

I need the suspension fork due to the deeply rutted icy roads: It was an available option from Marin.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Marin%20Pine%20Mountain/WinterJan122011007.jpg

Winter biking rocks! Great bikes.

My "ice monster" is a 1998 Gary Fisher Marlin that I bought on craigslist, barely used. Parents gave it to their son to ride at college, which it looks like he did maybe twice, then he graduated and left it in their garage.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u259/sekaijin/1998%20Gary%20Fisher%20Marlin/IMG_4884.jpg

Bike was $40. Fenders and tires (Kenda Klondike 2.1 inch studded), about 5 times that. I swapped in the more upright stem, since snow & ice riding is slower and less aggressive.

I commute on this 2-3 times a week. Yesterday's blizzard was fun.

Tugrul, lets see you go for a ride later this afternoon with another 12 inches or so on the ground!

I'd love to if I'm sure I'm not being a complete nuisance to the public.

They are good about plowing here, so if the snow dies down and visibility goes up, I'll see about giving it a go.

That was the one nice thing about the MUPs in Pittsburgh, not a care in the world while snow biking on those.

all I can say is , wait till I get the camera out I've been on the bike every day this week. It hasn't gotten above -25c (-13f) yet.

Tugrul asked for a funky freewheel in order to dial in the chainline on his snow rider beater, and here is what I can deliver!

A Suntour Perfect 18-18-18-18-19 (just in case he needs to pop over for a challenging hill climb!

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Parts/Free%20Wheels/TugrulFW2.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Parts/Free%20Wheels/TugrulFWSide.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Parts/Free%20Wheels/Tugruls18-19FW1.jpg

Ah! The fun!

My winter beater, late 80's Iguana. I kinda like crashing potholes and curbs. If we have another winter like this, I think studded tires will be in order.
188508

Might as well add one of mine.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Snow%20Cycle/P1000693.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p71/pastorbobnlnh/Snow%20Cycle/SnowCycleFeb2008.jpg

http://media.masslive.com/breakingnews/photo/9229687-large.jpg

Bringing the kids home from school yesterday
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_r9imRI6DF-U/TUmi1Zo35rI/AAAAAAAARAI/4-m6Wg4cKaw/s640/P1000050.JPGhttps://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_r9imRI6DF-U/TU3DUgpAfBI/AAAAAAAARak/_9t9-x_MiMU/s640/P1000050.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_r9imRI6DF-U/TU3DVrthjvI/AAAAAAAARao/oaaIk9l8WGo/s640/P1000051.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_r9imRI6DF-U/TUmi2OrjafI/AAAAAAAARAM/8AQMYk4QUiI/s640/P1000051.JPG

RS, did you ask the children if this was their preferred method of transport yesterday? Or did they not have a vote? She does not look happy.

I converted this Schwinn Sprint over to singlespeed over the summer. Pulled it out of the garage while I was moving some stuff around and forgot about it. I remembered about it this morning as I was blowing and shoveling snow. Oops, but this does make it a snow bike now. Currently it is now in the basement thawing out.

The shovel is C&V also, complete with a split wood handle. And, yes, I used it to dig the Schwinn out of the snow.

Enjoy the day.

ps, I like the 4x18+1 freewheel, nice.

Winter biking rocks! Great bikes.

My "ice monster" is a 1998 Gary Fisher Marlin that I bought on craigslist, barely used. Parents gave it to their son to ride at college, which it looks like he did maybe twice, then he graduated and left it in their garage.
Nice! Let me know if you see another one like that. I'd love to pick up a small decent quality MTB for my girlfriend to try some light trail riding but I never see deals like this!

Glad to see there's another crazy in the area! I usually ride to work. Today I decided to take my car just in case the guy with the keys didn't get to work on time with the snow. My car got stuck on my road and I ended up abandoning it on the side and going back for my bike!

Tugrul asked for a funky freewheel in order to dial in the chainline on his snow rider beater, and here is what I can deliver!

A Suntour Perfect 18-18-18-18-19 (just in case he needs to pop over for a challenging hill climb!

Haha, what a zany freewheel!

RS, did you ask the children if this was their preferred method of transport yesterday? Or did they not have a vote? She does not look happy.

She is a little grumpy in the picture because I just woke her up to get her out (tired from Tae Kwon Do). She loves being my co-pilot and cheers (in Spanish) while I am driving...

Enjoy the day.

I did. For 5 hours.

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow012.jpg?t=1296679262

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow009.jpg?t=1296679229

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow013.jpg?t=1296679165

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow001.jpg?t=1296679109

She does not look happy.

Hahaha! No she does not! Very funny picture though.

Ouch... looks very similar to my own driveway. Like you, I have thought about grabbing my camera after hour upon hour with shoveling the driveway. Mine has a steep grade at the end that makes things a bit difficult.


I did. For 5 hours.

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow012.jpg?t=1296679262

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow009.jpg?t=1296679229

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow013.jpg?t=1296679165

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac311/iabisdb/ccc/Snow001.jpg?t=1296679109

Snow don't mean much to a guy who lives in Thunder Bay. We get lots, for a long time and that makes summer great! Anyway...

Found a bunch of bikes at the Dump last Spring, just as the last of the snow was falling...

188535 188536

188537

Wow - I am really surprised at what nice bikes are being considered BEATER BIKES - Reminds me of the old term RAT BIKE - That was a motor cycle put together from junkyard parts that looked like hell but was mechanically built proof! - Here in Bastrop Texas we are in a cold snap for the next few days (three days ago it was 74) - Now its dry, sunny and all the way down to 28 degrees - Over in Austin I saw several young guys riding fixes - I was proud - And proud of you guys too for ridding even in the snow...

Ya, I think I'd be pi$$ed if you stuffed me into that, and dragged be down a snow covered road. She must a a darling if she was only grumpy!!
Bringing the kids home from school yesterday
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_r9imRI6DF-U/TUmi1Zo35rI/AAAAAAAARAI/4-m6Wg4cKaw/s640/P1000050.JPG

Nice! Let me know if you see another one like that. I'd love to pick up a small decent quality MTB for my girlfriend to try some light trail riding but I never see deals like this!

Actually I may have something for you. PM sent.

Here's my front yard (and snow bike) after the first snow fall of the year:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_GmYBBzTzcVQ/TREYsbE8YVI/AAAAAAAAH7w/yqFN5d4BUVc/s800/GrandSportsSnow2.jpg

Here's the same spot as of Sunday:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_GmYBBzTzcVQ/TUnZdsiy5-I/AAAAAAAAIes/yO6QXYmw6Bo/s800/snow_pile.jpg

Neal

Really enjoying the pics and your bikes! This has been an epic Winter season. Hope those in the path of yesterday's storm are OK. Even down here in PHX, it's bloody cold this morning. It stayed in the 40s only during the day, with the wind quite strong.

Yep, it was sunny and mild with a high of about 65 degrees here today - a most EXCELENT day for cycling. :)