show me your winter bike!

[redrhodie]

I am finally ready to look for a winter bike! This will be used for conditions I won't ride my other bikes in, namely snow and ice, so I'm thinking studded tires, fenders...what else? I already ride year round, so I know how to dress (or do I?). It's just snow and ice that will be new to me.

I have a wrist problem, so I definitely want drop bars. What about gearing? I doubt I'll be looking for hills in the snow, but I don't know if I want a single speed. Any ideas? I won't be spending a lot on this, since there aren't that many days I'll be using it, and it's not something I want to be too precious to me.

Any pics of what you're riding would be very helpful, and any advice is appreciated.

[7rider]

Here's what I ride when the weather is really snotty. ;)

[tulip]

This is from when I lived in Washington, DC. This bike is a Dahon Matrix, a folding mountain bike. I had studded tires on it, which were essential in the ice. In DC, the snow melts and then refreezes to ice very quickly. There's also lots of black ice on the streets in the mornings, and studded tires (and careful riding) took care of the black ice.

This bike had disk brakes, which I would recommend for snow/ice conditions. I found fenders to be more trouble than they were worth because they constantly became loose. I was not concerned about getting dirty because my workplace had a commuter shower so I could clean up. I never rode in my work clothes because l lived 14 miles away from my office.

I had lights for the dark mornings.

The folding bike was useful for me because in the evenings, when it was dark, I took the bike home on the Metro. This particular bike didn't fold up very small, but it was fine for the Metro because it fit their definition of a folding bike, which are allowed on the Metro at all times. Regular bikes are not allowed on the trains during rush hours.

Cycling in winter--with snow and ice--took longer than cycling in clear conditions. But in DC, cycling in bad conditions was faster than driving (which really ended up being just sitting in traffic) and faster than the Metro. In really cold and bad weather, the Metro has all sorts of problems. I'd much rather be on my bike able to move forward than stuck in traffic or on a train.

[Becky]

I don't really have a winter bike. The steel roadie usually ends up in the trainer, the carbon roadie gets ridden outside but with SPDs, not Speedplays, and the aluminum commuter gets ridden in all sorts of crap 'cuz it has fat tires and fenders. When it snows, the rigid 29er with fatty-fat tires comes out to play (or the XC skis!).

I think you're on the right track with fenders, studded tires if it's going to be icy, and fat tires for anything else. Single speed would definitely be simpler and cheaper, once you nail down the right gear ratio. I would want either cantilevers or disc brakes for the extra clearance and stopping power.

What are you thinking for a frame? A cyclocross or 29er frame set up with dirt drops?

[redrhodie]

This bike had disk brakes, which I would recommend for snow/ice conditions. I found fenders to be more trouble than they were worth because they constantly became loose. I was not concerned about getting dirty because my workplace had a commuter shower so I could clean up. I never rode in my work clothes because l lived 14 miles away from my office.

I had lights for the dark mornings.


Wonderful bike! It really fit your needs perfectly. I didn't know that about fenders. Maybe I don't want them on this bike. I was just thinking it would keep my jackets clean, but they may be more trouble than they're worth, if they come loose. I don't really know anything about disc brakes. Do they work on all kinds of bikes?

I'm not sure at this point if I'll love snow riding so much to commute in it. I'm mostly thinking this will be for leisurely rides around town (and to avoid the trainer, since I'm dreading it!). But if I do love it, I will commute on it. Do studded tires get fewer flats than road bike tires? I'm always concerned about flatting in the freezing cold at night, and not being able to change it before my body and fingers start to freeze. One of the reasons I commute less in winter.




What are you thinking for a frame? A cyclocross or 29er frame set up with dirt drops?

Probably a 'cross bike. Would a touring bike accommodate studded tires? That might be a good option.

[Thorn]

My snow machine is my old hybrid. We had switched over to road bikes and stopped using the hybrids. They were collecting dust. I took it to a Park Tool weekend course, overhauled, got it working again, and then bought the studded snow tires for it. DH's hybrid soon followed.

So, ignoring the cost of the class, I spent about $100 on tires and parts (oh, the poor thing had been abused).

I don't use fenders on the snow machine because when I used by 3-season bike (Surly pacer with fenders and 700x28 tires) in light snow, the snow would gum up between the tires and fender. So I've intentionally not put fenders on the bike. Besides there is something about kicking up the rooster tail of snow that adds to the fun.

For me, I can tolerate the straight bars on the snow machine. When we're riding them, we're not going for a long distance and I like the extra control they give me over drops. But, I only have a little bit of wrist issues.

Gearing-wise, yeah the drive train gets gummy. But, after riding in the snow, I bring it in, shake off the snow and give it a (wrenches, please don't yell at me) a really good spray down with WD-40 and after it dries a quick pass with chain oil (heavy stuff).

Because my 3-season takes a lot of salt abuse, I had it built up without a front derailleur--one less part that I have to replace every couple of years. I have a big 34-tooth platter in the back and a 39 up-front. That would not be low enough for snow, though.

Here's the bike to dream about, tho...

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/pugsley_complete/

[tulip]

I don't know about the flat question. I never got a flat on that bike, but then, I commuted in DC for four years without a flat on my regular commuting bike. I always make sure my tires are properly inflated, which I think helps tremendously in preventing flats.

Fenders do keep you and the bike cleaner, but you need to check them constantly. At least, I did. I had a situation where the fender got loose while I was riding and it worked it way down so that the tire actually rode over it. Hard to explain, but it stopped the bike in its tracks and knocked me to the ground. After that, I just took the darn things off.

How far is your commute? Mine was 14 miles each way, and I rode into the 20F temperature range, but if it got into the teens, I'd find another solution. Sometimes that didn't work, though, as one morning when it was 9F I decided to drive rather than wait for the bus in that cold, and one mile into the drive my car stopped working because the radiator was frozen. Or something like that--I'm not a mechanic. That was unpleasant, and I would have been better off riding my bike and moving, or even better just calling in sick!

Nokian makes studded tires for all size wheels. Cross bike should not be a problem. They are not cheap, but if you plan on riding where there is ice, it might be worth it to you. It's certainly worth it to me to avoid going down on black ice.

I really like riding in the ice and snow. I have since sold that Dahon, but I do still have the studded tires. I have an old mountain bike that I might put them on for this winter. I no longer commute to work since I work from home, but it would be fun to go out and ride in the snow and ice this winter. We had alot last winter, but it's not consistent here.

[redrhodie]

My lbs guy just suggested a Specialized tricross. Anyone ride one?

I get A LOT of flats on my commute (15 miles each way), all on one particular road that I can't avoid. It always has many broken beer bottles, which I believe are thrown out of windows of cars. I also think the garbage men are pretty careless with the glass recycling, as I've noticed broken bottles after they go through. In contrast, I've had one flat ever in my town, where I ride more miles, so I'm pretty sure it's the debris. I'm pretty bad at avoiding it. I usually miss with the front, then hit with the back, so mostly bad tire flats. How is changing a tire with disc brakes?

ETA: it sounds like I'm riding through slums! It's actually a beach area, where people come to party. Also near the university, but I don't think it's particularly the students.

[Becky]

Probably a 'cross bike. Would a touring bike accommodate studded tires? That might be a good option.

It might, depending on clearance. It's probably one of those things that you'll have to measure.

Discs will work on any frame and fork with the mounts for them, and a wheelset with disc-specific hubs. Changing a tire with disc brakes is easy- no brake to open with frozen fingers. My next commuter frame will be disc-compatible for sure.

[Biciclista]

I won't ride in snow and ice, so I have a roadbike with smooth tires, fenders, lots of lights and racks for panniers...
Lucky for me, in Seattle snow and ice are not a guarantee in the winter, in fact, several winters might go by without it ever happening. Snow is such a rare event that I like to stay home and play in it.

[lph]

Funny you should ask, since I'm on a winter biking photo spree at the moment :D

here's mine, posing in front of the Town Hall. This is not a bike I've chosen for a winter bike, just one I've inherited that is the most appropriate to winter biking.
- studded tires: Nokian Extreme in front, something a bit skinnier in back,
- lights: Light and Motion Stella 180 in front (brighter than I need on the highest setting) and an insanely blinking Superflash in back, a Spokelit in the front wheel (thanks!) and I have one more at home for the rear, a spare white blinky in front and red in back
- fenders: ones that followed the wheel would be better, but these will do - tacked on half of a plastic bottle on the front to catch spray that would otherwise go into the bottom bracket
- a couple of reflective bands to make it easier to see from the side
- note handbuilt wheel in rear - not because it's necessary for winter biking but because I'm proud of it ;)

I know the saddle looks weird, but after trying it level and just barely tilted forwards for weeks I gave it a hefty thump forward and it felt perfect.

My dh just tinkered together a winter bike for himself from a used mtb, with a internal hub gear in the rear and single speed in front. Too early to tell how it goes, but the idea is a good one.

[redrhodie]

Wow, lph, that's a serious winter machine! No wonder you can ride every day year round. I'm glad those spokelites worked for you. You set a great example of what to do for visibility and safety. I can't see how that front fender is a plastic bottle, even at 200% zoom. Very nice wheel!

I'm getting very excited, so of course we'll probably get no snow this year!

[lph]

:) Thanks.

The front fender is a standard cheapo black plastic fender ziptied on (except I think it's an old rear fender, no matter), but the end behind the front wheel was a bit short to protect the bottom bracket. So I cut a large plastic soda bottle roughly in half lengthwise and cut off the bottom and the top, so I had a curved piece of plastic maybe 15 cm long. Punched a couple of holes near the corners in one end, a couple of holes in the end of the fender, over lapped and ziptied together. I know, I should go out and take a picture instead but it's dark and I'm lazy :rolleyes:

[redrhodie]

I know, I should go out and take a picture instead but it's dark and I'm lazy :rolleyes:

No, you don't need to. I get it from the description.

You're like MacGyver. ;) You could probably save the world with duct tape and a match.

[tulip]

Red, you might want to get a used beater bike instead of a new bike. Riding in the winter gets cruddy and salty and dirty. I like lph's fender solution alot. I had duct tape on mine, too, but it didn't hold well. Zipties are better.

[redrhodie]

Red, you might want to get a used beater bike instead of a new bike. Riding in the winter gets cruddy and salty and dirty. I like lph's fender solution alot. I had duct tape on mine, too, but it didn't hold well. Zipties are better.

Oh, used is a probability. My lbs guy is amazing. He found me my '85 Merckx for $250.

[tulip]

Oh, used is a probability. My lbs guy is amazing. He found me my '85 Merckx for $250.

Ooooh, I want your LBS guy!

[GLC1968]

My DH's winter bike is a Specialized Tricross. His is a couple of years old (he's actually owned 4 Tricrosses and he's never done a cross race!). Yes, it should fit studded tires. His does, though he doesn't ride with them very often. He's a cold weather wimp so there is pretty much NO WAY he'll go out in the snow. He does like to tool around our farm with the big tires on though.

His is set up as a rain bike - full fenders, wider tires, rain proof rear rack, lights, etc.

My 'winter' bike is a Terry Classic steel touring bike. I run slightly wider tires (gatorskins or some other such flat-protected tire), fenders, lights etc. Like Mimi, we don't get much snow here so I really have no need to ever ride in it. The way people drive here when it snows scares the crap out of me so there is no way I'm going out on the roads with them unless I'm at least somewhat protected by a vehicle with doors and a windshield! ;)

[redrhodie]

I'm pretty sure the winner is....http://www.somafab.com/dcdc.html the Soma Double Cross DC!

This bike has everything I want, including disc brake mounts, which the Tricross does not, and, it's purdy. :) It will need to be built, so so much for my budget once I start picking out parts. A good thing--my bf is getting me the frame for Xmas, so my intended budget is now just for parts and labor.

There didn't seem to be anything else that had everything I want (drop bars, fenders, rack, disc brakes, gears) in my price range, and nothing used in my size (usually 50). But because of the versatility of this bike, it will be used much more than just for snow.

Anyone ride one? Is this a good choice? I'm leaning away from setting it up as a single speed, but I'll be test riding a couple of those just to make sure I'm right about that. The idea of riding my commute in one gear doesn't sound fun. It sounds easier to wipe down the bike.

[Becky]

The Soma Double Cross would have been my first suggestion :)

Have fun building it up!

[Rebecca19804]

That Soma Double Cross looks great!

Sounds like your "must have" list was pretty similar to what mine was. My search led to, and stopped with, the Surly Cross Check (also in the 50cm size). It and the Soma DC look like very similar beasts, though the geometry is just a little different - the 50cm Surly having slightly shorter effective TT and higher standover than the Soma.

The bad weather hasn't hit yet but I already love my Surly - bet you'll love the Soma too! :)

[redrhodie]

That Soma Double Cross looks great!

Sounds like your "must have" list was pretty similar to what mine was. My search led to, and stopped with, the Surly Cross Check (also in the 50cm size). It and the Soma DC look like very similar beasts, though the geometry is just a little different - the 50cm Surly having slightly shorter effective TT and higher standover than the Soma.

The bad weather hasn't hit yet but I already love my Surly - bet you'll love the Soma too! :)

You are indeed correct about the long tt on the Soma. I actually may need to size down to a 46. We're still figuring which size to order.

I'm probably going to set it up as a ten speed (1 x 10), so no front derailleur/less to keep clean. I'm going with Sram, which I just tested for the first time. I liked it a lot. Very simple and straightforward, and great for small hands.

[DebW]

My winter bike is a Bridgestone MB-3 with fenders and studded tires. It's a rigid steel MTB frame and works great for my 2 mile commute. Though I have ridden it in this configuration from Bedford to Lowell and back. (30 mile round trip).

[redrhodie]

Woohoo! My Soma DC is ordered! Had a big dilemma over sizing the last couple of days, since discovering the 46 I was intending on getting doesn't exist in the Double Cross DC. Went into the lbs today with my Eddy for measuring, and it turns out the 48 will be just fine. Won't even need to go very short with the stem.

I had almost resigned myself to the need for a Gunnar Hyper x (it has everything I want, in small sizes). :rolleyes: If money were no object, and I had a hired hand to clean my bike after every ride, I'd get it as my snow bike (custom paint, for sure) ;) http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/hyper-x/ Be careful with this link. Not safe for the bike addicted.

I can't wait for snow! :D

[radacrider]

For any not so nice weather, I have a Bridgestone MB-5 SUB (drop bars, fenders, rack, lights). If I had lotsa disposable income, I think it would be fun to have one of these, http://surlybikes.com/bikes/pugsley_complete/.

ETA: I would swap the cassette for an internal geared hub, maybe even the front.

[redrhodie]

For any not so nice weater, I have a Bridgestone MB-5 SUB (drop bars, fenders, rack, lights). If I had lotsa disposable income, I think it would be fun to have one of these, http://surlybikes.com/bikes/pugsley_complete/.

ETA: I would swap the cassette for an internal geared hub, maybe even the front.

Pugsley's are the ultimate! I'd have to move somewhere with more snow if I had one!

[lph]

Oooh, you'll have to post photos! Be warned that riding in snow can be quite slow, so you'll feel a bit sluggish until you get used to it. But in spring you'll feel like you grew wings :D

[redrhodie]

Oooh, you'll have to post photos! Be warned that riding in snow can be quite slow, so you'll feel a bit sluggish until you get used to it. But in spring you'll feel like you grew wings :D

One of my shop guys warned me that riding with studded tires can feel like pulling an anchor. That sounds fun. :eek: But I'm committed now (or I should be committed, depending on who you ask.:rolleyes:). I do kind of feel like I'm crossing the Rubicon. I can't wait for snow!

[lph]

You don't want snow. Snow sucks. You want ice ;)

... and crackly puddles, and perfect white frost on the trees, and bone dry air, and pastel violet skies... :)

[tulip]

You don't want snow. Snow sucks. You want ice ;)

... and crackly puddles, and perfect white frost on the trees, and bone dry air, and pastel violet skies... :)

+1. If you get alot of snow, you'll need 4" snow tires like on the Pugsley. But studded tires are made for ice, and riding on ice is fantabulous with studded tires. Makes me want to move north.

There are other crazies like us: www.icebike.org

[Cataboo]

I was fussing with one of my road bikes the other day and noticed that the top of the front derailleur had corrosion on it. I'd ridden it once after the snows this winter melted when there was still a lot of road grit/salt stuff on the roads. I had wiped it down afterwards, but apparently didn't pay enough attention to the front derailleur :(

[redrhodie]

Snow sucks!? Oh, no! I was hoping I could ride on the bike path when it was snow covered, because it would be so pretty. The roads are usually quickly plowed here, so I'm sure I'll be fine on those.


I was fussing with one of my road bikes the other day and noticed that the top of the front derailleur had corrosion on it. I'd ridden it once after the snows this winter melted when there was still a lot of road grit/salt stuff on the roads. I had wiped it down afterwards, but apparently didn't pay enough attention to the front derailleur :(

That sucks. I'm not having a front derailleur for that reason.

[lph]

sorry, didn't mean to bust your bubble :) Some snow is fine, honest. A thin layer of dry snowdrift is just peachy, you just cut through. When it builds up a bit it packs in your tires - depending on how wide your tires are, mine are wide, narrow ones would be better for that - and you start to skate around. Bikeable but annoying. Wet snow that packs together is a bear when it's lumpy and full of holes, but if it's packed flat and smooth it's great. So it all depends. Go out and try! Winter riding can range from awful to wonderful, since the road conditions can vary immensely.

But the most awesome part about studded tires is being able to ride right up icy hills that people can't walk up with regular shoes on :D

[redrhodie]

sorry, didn't mean to bust your bubble :)

But the most awesome part about studded tires is being able to ride right up icy hills that people can't walk up with regular shoes on :D

That's okay. My bubble's just fine!

Good to know about ice, because we can get A LOT of that around here that lasts for several weeks. There are many brick sidewalks in my town, and they get so slippery. I'd love to be able to ride safely to the store this winter instead doing the treacherous walk. My new bike has rack and fender mounts, and disc brakes. Everything I need to use it for errands all year.

I wonder what size tires to get? My bike has clearance for 700x38c tires with fenders. I haven't begun to look at studded tires. Any advice?

[Melalvai]

If snow is a problem maybe you need a bike snow plow (http://www-bdnew.fnal.gov/pbar/organizationalchart/peterson/snowplow_files/Bike_Plow.html). ;)

[lph]

Love it :D

"It is like walking while pushing a baby stroller although in deep, wet snow it is like pushing a baby stroller carrying a 100 pound baby who is dragging his feet."

No tips on studded tires, I'm afraid, I only "know" mtb tires.

[DebW]

I wonder what size tires to get? My bike has clearance for 700x38c tires with fenders. I haven't begun to look at studded tires. Any advice?

Check out Peter White (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp). He has a good supply and good info. I have the Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 which is great for plowed roads with occassional ice.

[Eden]

I would say it depends on the terrain you live in and how/if they plow the streets.

When I lived in Rochester, NY - a very snowy place I bike commuted to college winter quarter once. Rochester was very cold and very snowy and very flat. The plowed the roads, but not actually to the pavement... (saves the plow blades to not have them scraping on the ground) As such all but the busiest roads had a somewhat permanent several inch thick coat of very hard packed snow/ice on them at all times. It was actually as easy to ride on as pavement. I changed out my tires for knobby cross tires (I had a Trek 420 at the time) and that was just fine. I don't recall having any problems riding - the only fright I had, had nothing to do with the snow... It was when the golf course deer jumped out in front of me...

I don't recall if Rochester used salt. I'm thinking they did not - they wanted that layer of snow to stay on the roads, and I don't remember having to clean my bike a lot.

[redrhodie]

Check out Peter White (http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp). He has a good supply and good info. I have the Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 which is great for plowed roads with occassional ice.

Thanks! Those are now at the top of the list. Looks like each tire has pros and cons, and is great for specific conditions. I'm guessing I'd best get a good all a rounder.


I would say it depends on the terrain you live in and how/if they plow the streets.

When I lived in Rochester, NY - a very snowy place I bike commuted to college winter quarter once. Rochester was very cold and very snowy and very flat. The plowed the roads, but not actually to the pavement... (saves the plow blades to not have them scraping on the ground) As such all but the busiest roads had a somewhat permanent several inch thick coat of very hard packed snow/ice on them at all times. It was actually as easy to ride on as pavement. I changed out my tires for knobby cross tires (I had a Trek 420 at the time) and that was just fine. I don't recall having any problems riding - the only fright I had, had nothing to do with the snow... It was when the golf course deer jumped out in front of me...

I don't recall if Rochester used salt. I'm thinking they did not - they wanted that layer of snow to stay on the roads, and I don't remember having to clean my bike a lot.

I think they plow the same here, leaving that layer. It's not as cold here as Rochester, but we get a lot of melting/refreezing, lots of ice and ruts especially on the corners. Lots of slushy days, too.

One thing New England is famous for is changeable weather, so I know anything is possible. Of course, now that I'm doing this, I should expect the warmest winter on record. That would be typical (but awesome, too).

[Selkie]

Here's what I ride when the weather is really snotty. ;)

Watch out for those escalators, 7!!

[redrhodie]

Here's Princess Ice Boogie, aka Molasses. I've had her about a week now. I've ridden her in snow twice, the first time was at night, and I found $20 in the street, under the slush. Good thing about headlights! That ride was nice and easy, freshly falling snow. It was too slippery to drive or walk (I slid into a curb earlier in the day in my car) but the bike was the way to go.

Yesterday I rode her in just about the worst road conditions we ever get. We had blizzard the day before, about a foot of snow, and there were still 30-40 mph winds gusting when I rode. The streets were really sloppy with ruts and grooves, since everyone was shoveling their sidewalks, and all that extra snow ended up in huge mounds in the street. I forgot to lower my tire pressure, so it was dicey. It was a bit much for me at this point, but I know I'll do it again once I'm more comfortable in snow. I want to try it with around 40 psi and see how it feels. I was at about 80 psi, so my tires were pretty hard.

I ended up getting Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tires, which seem pretty great, but I have nothing to compare them to. I made my shop guy ride her, and he liked them so much he's going to get them for his bike. I love the disc brakes. I love the Sram hoods and levers. All this is new to me, and I'm happy with my choices.

I have had so much fun on her so far. She's opening a whole new world of eccentricity! Once her crazy panniers are installed, she'll be very colorful.

[Atlas]

What a beauty!

So far I'm still riding my Cross Check because we haven't had time to build up my winter bike. Nick has a no-name frame single-speed spray painted hot pink, with studded tires and fenders. That bike can go anywhere. He also has a Pugsley, but it's for winter ultramarathons, not commuting.

[Catrin]

...Yesterday I rode her in just about the worst road conditions we ever get. We had blizzard the day before, about a foot of snow, and there were still 30-40 mph winds gusting when I rode. The streets were really sloppy with ruts and grooves, since everyone was shoveling their sidewalks, and all that extra snow ended up in huge mounds in the street. I forgot to lower my tire pressure, so it was dicey. It was a bit much for me at this point, but I know I'll do it again once I'm more comfortable in snow. I want to try it with around 40 psi and see how it feels. I was at about 80 psi, so my tires were pretty hard...

Red - you are hardcore and just plain rock! You rode your bike the day after a blizzard AND in 30-40 mph gusting winds :eek: :cool: :eek: You are a much stronger woman than I, and it sounds like you had fun! Beautiful ride you have there, and please remember to post a picture once you install her panniers!

[redrhodie]

If I knew any better I wouldn't have ridden yesterday. I only went to the store, less than a mile each way, just to test her out in real snow. I saw one other cyclist, and he was walking his bike. I ended up walking many of the corners because they were too rutted and slippery. I know once I have the technique figured out, it will be less scary. The bike was all over the place. I was sure I was going to fall, but I didn't, probably because I was quick to dismount and walk through the scary parts.

I've done more research today, and read about bringing my weight back, keeping a slow and even pace, and taking wide turns. My tire pressure was too high. It was a learning experience.

Ice has been fun. I love the studded tires. I even love the sound they make. I sound like a truck. People turn to see what's coming, and it's me! It's pretty funny to see their reaction.

[out_spokin']

Sweet! That's a great looking bike & build, and amazing tales of being out there already. I'm still learning NOT to put so much pressure in all my tires, 'perfect roads roadie mode' is hard to overcome for other kinds of riding.

Way to go!

[blackhillsbiker]

My Dew is the year-round commuter. Planet Bike fenders, Topeak disc-compatible rack. I love the disc brakes when it is icy or slushy. I use Nokian studded tires. I try to get her as clean as possible between rides. We've ridden down to 10-below or so. I only have trouble in deep snow, or on really rutted roads. My light is a L&M Stella 120. I have a different light on order. It hasn't arrived yet. Front & back blinky lights. Lots of reflective tape on the rack and fenders. I'm always a bit sorry when the winter is over. (Less so since I have the new road bike to look forward to, though).

Deb :D

[redrhodie]

I did 18 miles on her this morning. The roads were mostly down to wet pavement, with ice islands in places. I discovered going over those is very much like riding over pot holes, of which I'm pretty expert at due to the crappy economy road conditions here. So, no stress. I was the only cyclist out! I was aware of mixed reactions to seeing me. A couple of drivers seemed annoyed (no more than usual), but pedestrians/runners were happy, waving and smiling at me. A few commented as I passed, a couple of hellos, and one "that looks challenging!"

Funny, it was not really challenging, because I was taking it really easy. I did my loop in 1:20, so no record. ;) This was a day I definitely wouldn't have ridden my road bikes, so any speed is faster than zero. Plus, I loved every second of it!

Left the bike out on the porch and brought out a watering can to rinse her off with. Then set her up inside on a microfiber cloth (like a sham-wow!) and lightly wiped her down, that was easy and mess free. My intention of leaving her in the basement has blown out the window. Baby don't go in the basement.

[redrhodie]

Seeing the icicles hanging off my bike made today's ride seem even better.