Originally Posted by
ds3000
I'm a NYC commuter also, I'm interested to know what snow tires you'll be using. I've got some the choice between 35c marathon winters or a 2.35 ardent for my MTB. Not sure which to go with for Monday yet.
Schwalbe Marathon Something-somethings. They have carbide studs for ice. They are 700c by 35mm. They look like weapons. I rode them a quarter mile to the bike shop and back as a test. They are freaking loud. I took them off and will probably put them back on tomorrow so I can play in the snow. It hasn't fallen here yet.
I did ride into work, and I faced the strongest cold headwinds I have ever faced, and I've been riding a fair bit for 40 years. I was adequately dressed, so I wasn't cold. The effort required to move was great, and I had to shift way down and go slowly. It took a long time to get to work. I didn't really mind, but I was impressed at how hard it can be. It will get harder if I want to ride in this kind of wind and cold when snow or ice is on the ground.
It's been a week of cold mornings and mild afternoons, not much different today except that this morning the pre-dawn sky was crystal clear for the first time this week. I took my hands off the handlebar and sat up straight, taking every opportunity to look up and see the five visible planets in a clear arc across the sky.
How lucky for you. So far, our cold days have been clear. I guess that changes tonight.