Discussion
I've cycled every day this week, only 6 miles a day though. By this morning there were only a couple of roads that haven't been treated, if anything I'm now getting to work quicker as there is next to no traffic.
Plenty of icy wobbly moments but thankfully not fallen off yet (touch wood and all that).
Plenty of icy wobbly moments but thankfully not fallen off yet (touch wood and all that).
I am the Pope of icy commuting. I commuted by bike last winter, when there was snow/ice on the ground for some time. Here's what I think:
1)Fresh snow is no problem. It's grippy and relatively predictable. It can clog up mechs, particularly if it freezes on them
2)Fresh ice is also not too bad. More risk of accident, but generally predictable.
3)Slush. Slush was a HUGE problem for me last year. As the snow melts and turns to slush, the bike tyres cut through it, leaving ruts. This is fine until the temperature drops, and those ruts freeze, then it's a nightmare to ride on, to the extent that I sometimes had to get off and push. The problem is that the ruts kick the front and rear tyre in different directions, making it difficult to predict what happens next.
My solution this year is to switch from standard knobblies, to spiked tyres. The difference is night and day, and so far, I've had zero problems in ice or snow. One of the biggest advantages is that you are no longer so tense on the bike, and in itself, relaxing that death grip on the bars helps.
So, if you are serious, the I recommend spiked tyres.
1)Fresh snow is no problem. It's grippy and relatively predictable. It can clog up mechs, particularly if it freezes on them
2)Fresh ice is also not too bad. More risk of accident, but generally predictable.
3)Slush. Slush was a HUGE problem for me last year. As the snow melts and turns to slush, the bike tyres cut through it, leaving ruts. This is fine until the temperature drops, and those ruts freeze, then it's a nightmare to ride on, to the extent that I sometimes had to get off and push. The problem is that the ruts kick the front and rear tyre in different directions, making it difficult to predict what happens next.
My solution this year is to switch from standard knobblies, to spiked tyres. The difference is night and day, and so far, I've had zero problems in ice or snow. One of the biggest advantages is that you are no longer so tense on the bike, and in itself, relaxing that death grip on the bars helps.
So, if you are serious, the I recommend spiked tyres.
My road bike is safely tucked up in the garage waiting for better weather after I came off a few weeks ago on a tiny, tiny patch of ice. Injured shoulder ruined my golf for 2 weeks!
I've seen a few people out and about on hybrids but no road bikes. You're braver than me if you're still commuting in this weather!
I've seen a few people out and about on hybrids but no road bikes. You're braver than me if you're still commuting in this weather!
I wouldn't miss cycling in the snow for the world, though my work mates think I'm nuts. I'd have thought tyre choice was more important than bike choice in this weather. I dont have a road bike but I've heard (but not seen) of roadies riding with standard road tyres in this weather, and to me that's not brave, but Darwin Award-esque stupid.
Still commuting here!
I have however put away the normal commuter machine, and am using this instead...
I've also tailored my route to stay off the roads, and come in on farm tracks and off road wherever possible.
Yesterday's and this morning's commutes have been the best in a long while.
I have however put away the normal commuter machine, and am using this instead...
I've also tailored my route to stay off the roads, and come in on farm tracks and off road wherever possible.
Yesterday's and this morning's commutes have been the best in a long while.
936ADL said:
Still commuting here!
I have however put away the normal commuter machine, and am using this instead...
I've also tailored my route to stay off the roads, and come in on farm tracks and off road wherever possible.
Yesterday's and this morning's commutes have been the best in a long while.
I have heard good things about the orange..Are they as good as they say?I have however put away the normal commuter machine, and am using this instead...
I've also tailored my route to stay off the roads, and come in on farm tracks and off road wherever possible.
Yesterday's and this morning's commutes have been the best in a long while.
Im still commuting 
five miles each way, roadie's not been out, that would just be stupid! been on the FS tuesday to friday this week and plan to continue using it. Due to the numpties who can't drive it would take me an hour to do the same journey by car thats taking me 20 mins on the bike. One off so far when I got a bit cocky after undertaking a fiesta and leaving it too late to slow for a junction on sheet ice. Yes, I did feel like a plonk! no damage sustained thankfully! All part of the fun tho.
five miles each way, roadie's not been out, that would just be stupid! been on the FS tuesday to friday this week and plan to continue using it. Due to the numpties who can't drive it would take me an hour to do the same journey by car thats taking me 20 mins on the bike. One off so far when I got a bit cocky after undertaking a fiesta and leaving it too late to slow for a junction on sheet ice. Yes, I did feel like a plonk! no damage sustained thankfully! All part of the fun tho.I've been riding around all week, it's not been too bad providing I keep a good eye out for the ice and when off the road keep to the crunchy snow parts. Today though, turned into my street, back stepped out and I low sided it down the road. (In full sight of the neighbours) My back is now red and angry looking, fortunately the shopping in the backpack took the brunt of it! Managed to slide a surprising distance as well considering.
Not exactly a commute but I went to pick this up yesterday
Was a few miles from Epping Forest so rode there and rode around for an hour or two then cycled home, when I got home my flatmate told me that Epping Forest was 30 miles away! Had I known that I probably would've wimped out and got the train
Only one spill so far, in the forest visitor centre car park...
Was a few miles from Epping Forest so rode there and rode around for an hour or two then cycled home, when I got home my flatmate told me that Epping Forest was 30 miles away! Had I known that I probably would've wimped out and got the train
Only one spill so far, in the forest visitor centre car park...
d stole my mountain bike so all I have left is a fixie... Not ideal.mchammer89 said:
Not exactly a commute but I went to pick this up yesterday
Was a few miles from Epping Forest so rode there and rode around for an hour or two then cycled home, when I got home my flatmate told me that Epping Forest was 30 miles away! Had I known that I probably would've wimped out and got the train
Only one spill so far, in the forest visitor centre car park...
Love the new bike, very nice!Was a few miles from Epping Forest so rode there and rode around for an hour or two then cycled home, when I got home my flatmate told me that Epping Forest was 30 miles away! Had I known that I probably would've wimped out and got the train
Only one spill so far, in the forest visitor centre car park...
Gratutitous SS picture.....
This morning's commute was bliss compared to the past few weeks: it was a balmy +2degC. Compares well to Friday's -11.5degC when my freewheel froze leaving me with no drive...
I've not resorted to the car once since this snow/ice started in mid-Dec. Only 4.5miles each way though and on a 'cross bike with a bit of tread on the tyres. A road bike would be a different matter completely though.
I've not resorted to the car once since this snow/ice started in mid-Dec. Only 4.5miles each way though and on a 'cross bike with a bit of tread on the tyres. A road bike would be a different matter completely though.
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