Bike Forums - View Single Post - How's this for multi-modal commute?!

11-17-18 | 09:35 AM

#10

Jim from Boston

Senior Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 7,381

Likes: 219

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcours2006

I didn't check the weather forecast for today so it was my usual road bike with the skinny tires. Nice dry ride to work. Here in Southern Ontario we got quite a bit of snow during the day today, so needless to say by quitting time the roads were well-covered with more than just a dusting.

Riding was out of the question, not only because of the snow, but the darkness. Would have made the commute more than a little dangerous. So I opted to run the 18-km back home.

It took just about 100 minutes, or about twice the normal commute time on my bike, but it felt much more comfortable….

Quote:

Originally Posted by srestrepo

I had a similar situation happen to me yesterday. I'm only 4 miles from home but I rode in, we received what looked like at least three inches of snow. I left work at 6 PM and rode home very very slowly on my slicks...

i was caught off guard by how windy it was. I really couldn't see because the snow was being blown into my eyes. I assumed that people who were driving at speed probably couldn't see me very well and or weren't being very careful in the first snowfall of the year so I took it very easy on the sidewalk.

I know, not ideal, but I pedaled calmly past two separate accidents of people who had hit a curb and severely damaged their front wheels.

I'd say you did the right thing being comfortable running. Live to ride another day.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alias5000

Same here. I'd call this 'inertial cycling'. Steer when snow allows you to and use your inertia to stay upright when being pushed around. And plan your braking distance according to your inertia.

Is this accomplished with studded tires?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcours2006

I hate riding on studded tires, but the peace of mind they provide is priceless. A set of Marathon winter studs at CRC is actually quite reasonable at $30/tire for 35x700c

I have a few sets. I'll use them for most of the winter, though this year I might use them less as I promise myself that I'd not ride when conditions get too bad, like ice or snow.

Still, they do their job on those mornings when there's moisture in the air, or frozen puddles from melted snow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

I ride well-tended roads in Boston, and the Marathon Winters are great on hardpack snow, and usable to about 3 inches of fresh snowfall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaninar

…Schwalbe Marathon Winters are great tyres for roads that are ploughed - no deep snow, but relatively shallow snow, hard packed snow and ice - for those conditions they are great.

For deep snow - some model with bigger knobs, wider tyres (2" + ) and studs in case you run into an icy patch.

We had an early snowfall, then rain on Friday (11-16). I’m considering putting on my studded tires today, weeks earlier than usual, but I don’t think I have the time to do so today.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

Carbide studs are reputed to last a long time. I ride studded tires all winter from December to March, nearly entirely on bare, wet, and/or salted pavement. My first pair lasted several seasons, and may be still useable.

Reply

0