Winter Weather riding .
12-17-16, 06:46 PM
#51
Le savonnier
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I saw a guy yesterday as I was riding home in the slush and ice, on a fixie with 23 or 25mm tires, walking his bike. I'm on my XO-2 with 38s, at about 40 psi.
"Be careful," he says, "I've already crashed once."
"Duh!" I'm thinking to myself as I just smile and ride on by. He's probably got those skinny things at least at 80+ psi.
I've been riding in this stuff for three days now, without incident.
"Be careful," he says, "I've already crashed once."
"Duh!" I'm thinking to myself as I just smile and ride on by. He's probably got those skinny things at least at 80+ psi.
I've been riding in this stuff for three days now, without incident.
12-17-16, 06:49 PM
#52
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Got to love the OP. Thoughts should warm ya'
Those also having fun are on supa fatto tire bikes. I only had a chance to try one in the snow and was impressed. Sis' and BIL also have them. Lower brand type but neat for putzing around. Could see having in the future.
I'm into the junker low end atb 26", even something as a $20 Goodwill beater. Some found for free. At least in the snow belt regions where road salt is spread. That salt is hard on everything. Lower end components are good as sacrificial.
For the hardcore in the coldest and where viscosity is critical, suggest prep by fully degreasing everything and use a synthetic lightweight oil. If the derailleur freezes up from slush, gasoline anti-freeze like HEET works like a charm. Just pour it on and grind your bike home.
I've stocked up on clearance Schwinn brand atb tires ($4 each). From the inside of the carcass, screwed in tiny #4 screws or the like. I then cover the screw heads with a few wrap of duct tape. Run the tire psi on the low side for some squat. All subjective depending on the temperature. There's no fast speeds anyways, pathways or roads can be chunked or frozen over snow. That stuff makes for bumpy riding.
A handlebar bag is required to carry swap of clothing, drink, etc.. Plus the bag blocks the wind, even if a small amount. Wind chill temp is always a factor on a bike. Mittens are a plus.
Those also having fun are on supa fatto tire bikes. I only had a chance to try one in the snow and was impressed. Sis' and BIL also have them. Lower brand type but neat for putzing around. Could see having in the future.
I'm into the junker low end atb 26", even something as a $20 Goodwill beater. Some found for free. At least in the snow belt regions where road salt is spread. That salt is hard on everything. Lower end components are good as sacrificial.
For the hardcore in the coldest and where viscosity is critical, suggest prep by fully degreasing everything and use a synthetic lightweight oil. If the derailleur freezes up from slush, gasoline anti-freeze like HEET works like a charm. Just pour it on and grind your bike home.
I've stocked up on clearance Schwinn brand atb tires ($4 each). From the inside of the carcass, screwed in tiny #4 screws or the like. I then cover the screw heads with a few wrap of duct tape. Run the tire psi on the low side for some squat. All subjective depending on the temperature. There's no fast speeds anyways, pathways or roads can be chunked or frozen over snow. That stuff makes for bumpy riding.
A handlebar bag is required to carry swap of clothing, drink, etc.. Plus the bag blocks the wind, even if a small amount. Wind chill temp is always a factor on a bike. Mittens are a plus.
12-17-16, 11:20 PM
#53
Bike Butcher of Portland
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Friday I set a PR - 22 degrees when I left, but little wind. After a couple of days the snow was starting to get icy, on some turns I took both my feet off the pedals, ready to catch myself if need be. As others have said, packed snow isn't a big problem, when it looks dark, I'm extra careful. All corners were taken at half to quarter speed.
And as @crank_addict says, handlebar bags are especially useful when it's cold. Sometimes I overdress, when I start to sweat, it's easy to peel off a layer and stuff it away. I like putting my phone in the map pocket and ask Siri "what is the current temperature?"
Thursday morning was easier riding in, wasn't icy yet.
And as @crank_addict says, handlebar bags are especially useful when it's cold. Sometimes I overdress, when I start to sweat, it's easy to peel off a layer and stuff it away. I like putting my phone in the map pocket and ask Siri "what is the current temperature?"
Thursday morning was easier riding in, wasn't icy yet.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
12-18-16, 05:22 PM
#54
Senior Member
Winter-Essie weather took a break today. 80 with strong warm gusts kept me in tshirt and shorts.
Back to 40's tomorrow with wind chill winds in the 20's.
Back to 40's tomorrow with wind chill winds in the 20's.
