Best technique for riding down an icy hill without studded tires?
01-15-18, 10:27 PM
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Go slowly and use the rear brakes. Use full brake a few times before the hill starts to test the stopping power.
Edit: Sorry, misread your post. Thought you said with studded tires. Best to walk.
Edit: Sorry, misread your post. Thought you said with studded tires. Best to walk.
Last edited by gregf83; 01-16-18 at 12:27 AM.
01-15-18, 11:45 PM
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studded tires really donīt help with mushy snow right? only on icy road? How much traction does one get on icy hills (going down) with studded tires on a 1990s 8 speed 26 mtb with panniers and a fat rider? I crashed twice already going down hill due to the road being too slippery but I canīt get around it because my place is on top of a hill.
01-16-18, 12:38 AM
#7
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Some hard-won advice for safely handling a bike on ice:
Don't accelerate.
Don't turn.
Don't decelerate (this includes braking).
That is all.
Don't accelerate.
Don't turn.
Don't decelerate (this includes braking).
That is all.
01-16-18, 12:54 AM
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A lot depends on the hill, and how much ice.
Snow can be soft. Ice can be hard.
I'd probably get off and walk. Or, if there are just patches of ice, ride on dry pavement, then get off for the ice.
Snow can be soft. Ice can be hard.
I'd probably get off and walk. Or, if there are just patches of ice, ride on dry pavement, then get off for the ice.
01-16-18, 01:27 AM
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Walk.
01-16-18, 02:07 AM
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not possible with cycling shoes on. Are there any accessories you can buy that can be worn as ice specific traction undersole improve traction of road cycling shoes on ice? I use Look keo pedals so the front part has to be exposed unless they make soles with a cut out to accommodate the road cleats...
01-16-18, 02:24 AM
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not possible with cycling shoes on. Are there any accessories you can buy that can be worn as ice specific traction undersole improve traction of road cycling shoes on ice? I use Look keo pedals so the front part has to be exposed unless they make soles with a cut out to accommodate the road cleats...
Seattle rarely gets ice in winter, but when I does I have no difficulty walking on the ice with Sidi mtb shoes. I have speedplay frogs and the recessed cleats cause no issues at all.
01-16-18, 09:37 AM
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Not at all advisable.
If you are regularly riding in ice, ditch the road shoes, they aren't doing you any good anyhow. Flats and regular winter appropriate boots, or SPD with winter riding shoes.
not possible with cycling shoes on. Are there any accessories you can buy that can be worn as ice specific traction undersole improve traction of road cycling shoes on ice? I use Look keo pedals so the front part has to be exposed unless they make soles with a cut out to accommodate the road cleats...
01-16-18, 10:46 AM
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studded tires really donīt help with mushy snow right? only on icy road? How much traction does one get on icy hills (going down) with studded tires on a 1990s 8 speed 26 mtb with panniers and a fat rider? I crashed twice already going down hill due to the road being too slippery but I canīt get around it because my place is on top of a hill.
01-16-18, 10:56 AM
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Leave the bike at home. Try one of these instead.
01-16-18, 02:06 PM
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studded tires really donīt help with mushy snow right? only on icy road? How much traction does one get on icy hills (going down) with studded tires on a 1990s 8 speed 26 mtb with panniers and a fat rider? I crashed twice already going down hill due to the road being too slippery but I canīt get around it because my place is on top of a hill.
I often coast and tap the front brake on downhills to control my speed. Always brake in a straight line. Never in a turn. Studs help a lot, though I've been running studless winter tires so far this winter. Hard to say more without knowing more about your local conditions.
01-16-18, 02:11 PM
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Just to add to the other comments........ pray or hope that someone in a car is not trying the same thing out on your route at the same time.
01-16-18, 09:33 PM
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Get studded tires.
01-16-18, 09:38 PM
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Best advice? Ride a fix gear, but only after learning to be very comfortable on it (with the best of what's recommended here). This will give you far more control and instant feedback re: the rear wheel skidding.
I no longer ride ice, but I rode Boston and Ann Arbor without owning a car.
Ben
I no longer ride ice, but I rode Boston and Ann Arbor without owning a car.
Ben
01-17-18, 08:46 AM
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start off fast, get the fall over with, then walk home, if you can
01-17-18, 08:47 AM
#25
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If it was snow, and it's been compressed into lumpy ice, then letting a third of your front tyre pressure out will have a very positive effect - the bigger the tyre, the better this will be.
You'll still fall off, though.
You'll still fall off, though.