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...

[Miranda]

OK, first of all, I'm with the rest of the gang, she is a beauty !

Next, about the snow... I'll make you a deal, as a sister midwest gal, since your beloved new purchase made my heart go pitter patter... I will go back to the sporting goods store and surrend my credit card for the xcski purchase I just got some help about in another thread... which will then make the snow melt ! It's starting to do that a bit now, just right after I told the shop guy I would be back next day to get the xcskis .

How's that for cycling sister support?

[Thorn]

Good idea, Miranda, but I'm picturing now a troubled weather system...storms one day, melt the next, storms, melt, storms....we'll be so busy shovelling that neither one of us will get to use our new toys Although, I have to admit this year is looking like a good xcountry ski season, so you're probably not going to waste money on that purchase.

But, now, ladies, while I admit that Slush Kicker is a pretty bike (as it stares at me from the dining room), slush is her destiny. Can I deny her her destiny? Would that not be cruel and unusual bike punishment? No, designed for slush she was, and slush she must attack. It is only a matter of time

[KnottedYet]

Oh, well, if it's her destiny and passion... well, of course we can't hold her back! (but oh my is she PRETTY!!!!)

My Surly Rain-Mobile salutes your Surly Slush-Mobile!

[Miranda]

Ok, good point about the weather trade off... the rest might find it to be confusing . Hmm, I was trying to figure out this winter's weather pattern, if the xcskis would be a good buy. Not too much white stuff last year. Thanks for the tip. Maybe I'll pay the shop boys a visit. Well, I see your point about Slush Kicker... yes, she must live out her destiny. Funny you say that about her staring at you from the dining room, that's where my bike sits too. DH doesn't seem to think that she goes very well with the formal victorian furniture, but I think she fits in quite nicely.