The real reason for the snow...

[Thorn]

...perhaps it is just a bit egotistical to assume that I alone am responsible for bringing large amounts of snow to the Midwest, but, perhaps, it is just a realistic perspective.

This week I took delivery of "Slush Kicker"...a bike for salty, slushy, but not snow covered roads. Since taking delivery, the weather has not been good. Coincidence? I think not.

Anyway...may I please introduce you to the latest family member? Based on a Surly Pacer, the LBS did a great job finding closeout parts to build a nice bike in my budget. I did get a tiny spin around the block before the snow started falling. It moves so much nicer than the hybrid I used to use for winter riding and DH (who tends to pull up the rear) thinks the fender addition is a very good thing.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Nice looking bike!
So what makes this bike good for salty slushy riding? Is it just the fenders, or are there other features too?
Why don't you put some studded tires on it so you can ride in the snow too?
Inquiring minds want to know.....

[Thorn]

I wanted wider tires and fenders, but on a road bike--my body just doesn't like the hybrid riding position any more. But, I also didn't want to spend a large amount of money.

Two bike shops told me I couldn't buy and/or build such a beast for what I was willing to spend. This shop not only built me a bike, but better quality than I expected.

But....my concept of a slush kicker, besides wider tires and fenders, is solid, but not expensive parts. Afterall, no matter how well you baby the bike, the salt is going to reduce component lifetime.

The wierdness on this bike is that it only has a single chainring--eliminating the front derrailleur means one less component to replace in a few years. Well, that was my theory. The single chainring caused build problems and time will tell if it was a dumb idea.

Oh...and why not studded tires for snow? Two reasons....I don't have a great sense of balance on clear pavement--can't imagine trying to ride snow anymore. But, every time I buy snow equipment (skis, snowshoes, etc), it doesn't snow....of course, buy a bike assuming no snow and....

[northstar]

Sweet! I'm so jealous!

[sgtiger]

Absolutely gorgeous! Wishing you many happy miles together.


~Sg

[KnottedYet]

Beautiful bike! I like the single chainring, and love that big ol' cassette!

She's too pretty to ride in the slush...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

She's too pretty to ride in the slush...

Right. Now you'll have to get ANOTHER bike to really ride in the slush. Get an ugly one this time.

[elk]

I'd like to also point out how nearly invisible those fenders are..at first I thought, what fenders?????????? (You know, re the fender discussion: wood vs plastic)

I'm a +3 on that too pretty bus....You're gonna have to go buy a used bike now...