This is a new experience for me...
 

...riding in freezing rain.

Forecast called for it during the overnight period, but never came. So woke to completely dry roads. I rode. The freezing rain came around noon. Side streets were dicey. Main roads were fine, if only a bit slushy. The bike was completely covered in ice, as was the rider.

After stopping by the grocery store the chain came off. The chain rings were complete iced over. Stupid me I left it in a spot where the rain got to it.

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Wasn't easy with the cold trying to put the chain back on, especially with the chain ring completely iced over. I just left it in the middle ring and didn't bother trying to shift it for fear of it coming off mid stroke.

The rear derailleur was also completely iced over from the splash. But surprisingly it shifted okay, though I only used three or four cogs.

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I need to get better front fenders with a set of mudguards. Check out the BB. This is from the front wheel.

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Everything was covered in ice. I mean everything.

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I've ridden in rain. Extreme cold. Snow. But this is something completely different. The bike felt quite sure-footed with the studded tires and I wouldn't even attempt to ride without them. Love 'em!

If conditions were like this in the morning I would have taken the car.

:eek:

Ive gone through similar conditions this winter already and I would not do it again. Frankly, the cars/drivers scare me more than the weather. Totally agree on studded tires, makes the bike so much more surefooted.

No problem with me getting home at all.

You guys are a mess. :)

Nor did I. The bike makes it looks worse than it was, but actually with a stiff east wind it was an easy ride, effort wise.

I wonder if liberal use of WD-40 would have gotten some or all of that ice off.

Cool!! Glad to not have that weather here...

Well, good on you for riding! :thumb:

I'm expecting we'll have a few inches of snow tomorrow morning when I wake up. If so, I'm going back to sleep.

haha wow!

That is seriously hardcore!

You mean while in use? I doubt anything would have done much good the way the freezing rain was coming down.

Wife wasn't thrilled with me bringing the bike into the house so it could defrost. Huge puddle!:)

I can't decide if you're braver for riding in freezing rain or for bringing the bike into the house!


:)

Asking the important question!

Perhaps a pocket sized blowtorch would do the trick?

I get that at least once a year. When I put on snowtires, I also switch the bike from geared to fixed so that I don't have to worry about the chain being restricted from going where it's supposed to.

You couldn't set the bike in a bathtub to defrost?

Wife is actually pretty understanding about that, as long as I clean up my own mess.

To be fair though, I did leave it in the garage for two+ hours and it didn't do a damn thing to get rid of the ice.

It wasn't until yesterday that I totally get the simplicity of having a fixed gear/ss bike...but I can't live without my gears, even if I only use three or four of them.

I'm afraid the studs would damage the acrylic...but no, that never occurred to me. Hey, but I did bring the bike into the shower this morning when I rode into work and gave it a good washing.:D It was filthy.

Thats rad dude, finding those limits can really empower you. As for gear, im sure there is some stuff on my blog that could help you in the future http://www.buckyrides.com , jackets, shoes all that stuff can make or break a ride.

Ride on!

Big mud flaps are a great invention. The front should be long enough to nearly drag on the ground. Your chain, crankset and feet will thank you for it.
This time it was sleet. A regular rain ride it'll be general road grime that'll be continuously applied to your chain and crankset by the cast off from the front wheel.

... Winter Creek ... outstanding!

I've had snow build up like that and force me to brush it off, but never ice, which would have to be melted off. Your photos are amazing! Now I'm kind of looking forward to that happening to me.

well said, plus a long flap in the back aka buddy flap, will be great for those behind you

jbucky
http://www.buckyrides.com