Originally Posted by 91MF (Post 10868968)

so i [...] have decided to sell my old diesel passat

Originally Posted by AdamDZ (Post 10878722)

Yes, same thing in NYS, studded tires and chains are against the law except for buses and city services.

Originally Posted by tsl (Post 10877150)

I'm just across the lake from you. I don't like MTBs. My primary commuter is essentially a cyclocross front end mated to a touring bike back end. I run Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 tires in 35mm, under 45mm fenders. Three winters on this rig and I still can't see any reason to change it.

Originally Posted by cyclokitty (Post 10878124)

I lived in high school during high school and the traffic has only gotten busier in 20 years. Have you gone to www.bikely.com to search for
routes from Ajax to Scarborough? Also, next week is Bike Month in Toronto and the city gives away free maps of the city with all of the bike lanes, MUPs, park roads, and quieter routes marked on it. You will be able to pick one up from libraries, bike shops
and the Scarborough Civic Centre (next door to the Scarborough Town Centre) later in the month.

As well, the TTC buses have bike racks on the front on nearly of their routes. There's no cost to use them and you can use them at any time of day (unlike trying to bring a bike onto a bus or train during rush hours). Depending on your schedule and crazy road conditions, hoping on the bus might let you escape Ellesmere Rd or Kennedy or Nielson.

Originally Posted by TonyS (Post 10880300)

... to me? :)

Originally Posted by 91MF (Post 10882617)

derailleurs freeze up right?

Originally Posted by tsl (Post 10883871)

Maybe they do for some people, but not in my experience. I get the impression (perhaps incorrectly) that the people who report troubles just find one gear and stick with it for miles and miles, and then are surprised it's stuck there by icy build-up.

I run full fenders with mudflaps, which keeps a lot of crap out of the drivetrain to begin with. I also run close-ratio cassettes and shift frequently, due to the stop-and-go nature of my route. That keeps the cables and RD freed-up and minimizes build-up on the cassette.

But also remember that my commutes are short (about 5 miles, 8 km) and I park indoors at both ends. Maybe that helps too, I dunno.

Originally Posted by tsl (Post 10883871)

[derailleurs freeze up right?]Maybe they do for some people, but not in my experience. I get the impression (perhaps incorrectly) that the people who report troubles just find one gear and stick with it for miles and miles, and then are surprised it's stuck there by icy build-up.

Originally Posted by tsl (Post 10877150)

I'm just across the lake from you. I don't like MTBs. My primary commuter is essentially a cyclocross front end mated to a touring bike back end. I run Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 tires in 35mm, under 45mm fenders. Three winters on this rig and I still can't see any reason to change it.

Originally Posted by 91MF (Post 10882617)

since starting this thread im searching out a road frame that has canti mounts, will accept larger tires and fenders plus a rear rack. derailleurs freeze up right? im cool with single speed, even fixed gear actually. i dunno about IGH, never owned one.

Originally Posted by tsl (Post 10883871)

Maybe they do for some people, but not in my experience. I get the impression (perhaps incorrectly) that the people who report troubles just find one gear and stick with it for miles and miles, and then are surprised it's stuck there by icy build-up.

I run full fenders with mudflaps, which keeps a lot of crap out of the drivetrain to begin with. I also run close-ratio cassettes and shift frequently, due to the stop-and-go nature of my route. That keeps the cables and RD freed-up and minimizes build-up on the cassette.

But also remember that my commutes are short (about 5 miles, 8 km) and I park indoors at both ends. Maybe that helps too, I dunno.