sjudice

Hi,

Im still a newbie, and planning on racing in a winter triathlon. Ive got some WTB weirwolf 2.3" tires that I was thinking I might want to 'lube' with something like Pam spray to prevent snow/ice buildup during the race. Anyone have any input as to whether this would work, or be a good idea? Please let me know if you have any experience with doing something like this. I was also planning on putting a good greas around the areas that that tires pass through the fork, seatstays, and chainstays to prevent snow/ice buildup and to make it easier to chip off, as well as grease the pedals and cleats of the shoes for the same reason. Would there be any negatives to this that I have not yet come across? Finally, I was thinking that I might need a backup set of tires that are say 1.5" wide if there is very little snow that I want to 'cut through' to get some bite. Any thoughs on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your advice.

Stephen J

Jurgen

I can only think of negatives. To be honest that sounds like a horrific idea.

jgedwa

Actually, I think it might be a good idea. Be careful trying it out though. And report back what you find. I would guess that it would help shed snow and would not effect traction. I would also guess it would wear off the tires in about 5 minutes.

j

ghettocruiser

Does the race start off in snow or mud?

I wouldn't want to start off on wet pavement with that setup.

The cooking-oil-on-the-frame trick has worked decently in some muddy races. I can't picture it making much difference with snow, but your conditions may be different.

Try it out on a training ride first.

neilfein

I hope I'm wrong, but that seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

cachehiker

Consider Bike Lust, Armor All, ... (it's all pretty similar stuff)

Water based silicone emulsion. Applied in an appropriate amount and allowed to dry it is nominally effective at preventing snow buildup on my snowshoe crampons and cross country skis. It dries hard and doesn't immediately wash or rub off. It will also reduce the "climbing bite" of the skis somewhat. I've never thought of trying it on a bicycle tire.

I think the shape and spacing of the tire knobs is a much bigger factor though.

edzo

yeah, good luck with that.

guess what ? crap on your tires is not what is slowing you down.

check the pro pits and see who is lubing the tires. absolutely no one. but have fun.

sjudice

I dont think that your logic is applicable. There are tons of pros who have no idea how to change a bicycle chain, or a stem. Pro athletes are not best known for going beyond the cutting edge with their thinking of race equipment. With that said, the reason why I would suggest lubing the tires is that if the treads are clogging with snow, then that would effectively give you a slick tire (which does not have much bite). If 'greasing' helps shed the snow, then you have the knobbies that are free to give a little more bite into the surface so that the tire does not slip. Another poster suggested to silanate the tires (something along the lines of silane repel present in small percentages in products like armorall and rain-x). This is not a bad idea; as it would be slow to wear off. THe race is supposed to be completely on snow, with no dirt,mud, etc. so I think that the biggest factor is keeping the tread free of snow to get the best speed.

Jurgen

Everyone here at BF appreciates your willingness to be a guinea pig for the future of science!

hotwired

This would be a much better idea: increases traction and prevents snow accumulation https://www.tyre-grip.com/

sjudice

Ive read reviews on that stuff, and it does not seem to be the ticket with a lightweight vehicle like a bike. It uses tree resin as the 'active ingredient', and therefore without the weight of a car compressing the snow, it probably will not work the same way. I tried this out, and it seem to work well with certain snow conditions. The newer the snow, the more 'grease-like' the lube. With transformed snow that is more granular, an oil will will work better (like Pam cooking spray; so that it is biodeg.). THe key seems to be wearing off the tread tops, but keeping the lube in the grooves, so that it sheds the snow. THis is of course after a limited amount of testing.

Stephen