macteacher

This was my thanksgiving weekend project. Just finished it..and I think she's ready to go. I did a thorough chain and cog cleaning job..along with the derailuer(sp) and rims. There was tons of mucky old, hardened grease on there...my rims were 'black' before I started. I should have taken a before pic. I added the new tires from www.mec.ca, re-lubed it all,....and now..well...I just wait for the white powder to drop. The bike is a lot heavier and very loud (on dry pavement) I also adjusted the brakes a bit, and I will need new pads for the rear...but other than that....she's ready to rock'n'roll.

cyclokitty 

Pretty tires! They actually sparkle.

Is there any chance of wrecking them before the snow flies? Or is this your winter bike and you have another until the first snowfall? (And please don't take offence, but I'm hoping snow only shows up on Christmas Eve and then we have a dry winter!)

Edit: I read your signature... duh me. This is your winter bike! OK! But I'm still hoping Mother Nature takes pity on me this year for her snow overload last year.

macteacher

Hey, I feel the same way. I don't want any snow...but I just want to be prepared. I fell twice on the ice last year and one of those falls was painful and focussed in between the legs....SOOOOO to avoid having that problem again I picked up these tires and the bike is 20 yrs old. Although it has new, tires, lights, rack, bell and handlebar grips. I have a MARIN Fairfax I use now. I was told I have to ride the bike before the ice/snow hits to set the studs in. It's pretty loud as it is.

Do you have a winter bike?

cyclokitty 

No winter bike, unfortunately. I don't have the storage space to keep one. My hybrid is my year rounder but since I don't ride when it's snowy/icy it's worked well. Last season was a short one for me because there was so much snow for so long! I skidded on some icy packed snow on an unplowed sidestreet in December, landed on a parked car, went home and parked the bike until the snow melted. Paced back and forth until April!

The frame looks great for a 20 year old! I had no idea you have to set the studs in the tires. I can only imagine the racket.

When I have a larger place I'll consider a winter bike, it's a great idea!

andrelam

That looks very nice and functional. That should definitely get you through the Winter.

Happy riding,
André

cg1985

yea, my project over the next 30 days, is to get together a winter/rain bike.

Today I am picking up two bikes from the 80's someone had on craig's list for free. One road bike, one mountain bike.

The Road bike is a bit small, and the mountain bike is a mystery. I want to make the road bike a rain bike, and the mountain bike a single speed for the winter.

cyclezealot

Luckily where I live I don't need tires that serious... Are they hard to find.?.... My big problem is when we take off at 9 am it might be 35 degrees. But at noon it is 55... I just can't find the right mix of clothing to start off with and not be too warm when we get back at noon. What is the best base layer for unpredictable conditions.. Fleece , what else works.?.

wolfchild

Hey there macteacher, that looks like a nice set up for winter . Studded tires are a good idea where we live, I am very glad I had mine last winter, it made all the difference between riding or not riding.

macteacher

Honestly, I use wool. I have a base layer wool....(long sleeve) and short sleeve thick wool jersey, and a jacket. I find wool is the best choice out there, assuming you can keep it from gathering holes during the summer while its tucked away in your closet

- wolfchild, - maybe i'll see you on the roads of mississauga during the winter

uke

Nice bike. I'm probably going to stick with the Coda for winter riding. If there's too much snow, ice, or salt to ride safely, though, I'll hop in the car. But weather-permitting, I plan to ride year round.

Yan 

MEC is awesome. I got a lot of my commuter equipment from the Toronto store.

tballx

Looks rugged as h##l. You should have a great time. Have fun and be safe.

ghettocruiser

So you're the reason the MEC Toronto store is sold out of studded tires.... Looks like I'll be ordering online.

Also: If I see strange grooves in the pavement in the west end, I will now know why.

macteacher

Oh their sold out eh? wow... when I bought my tires I think they had one more set available. Good thing I got them when I did, otherwise i'd be ordering online now. funny though..I always thought to myself "Do people really buy this stuff" but I proved to myself that they do. The bike is sturdy. I don't plan on riding it on the road though....once the snow and salt are on the ground, this will be used mainly to commute via the sidewalk. I'm not gonna chance anything on the roadway.