winter riding tips?

[SheFly]

In the snow and ice, studded tires really make a difference. You still have to be careful, but you will have a better chance at staying upright.

Failing studs, my recommendation is for riding with at least knobby tires in the winter. Liza - it sounds like your tires and tire pressure should be ok. The main issue is with braking. I've found that grabbing JUST the rear brake in these kinds of conditions will help prevent the entire bike from sliding out from beneath me. However, put a foot out to steady yourself if you have to brake hard - just in case. This tactic also works well when turning/cornering.

You also need to ensure that you keep even pressure on your pedal strokes. This will help prevent the tire from spinning if it is slick. If you see a slippery spot, ease up on the pedals some and DO NOT STEER! Any quick turns of the bars will also put you off the bike quickly.

I ride most of the winter (granted, not commuting since I work in my basement ), and [touch wood] haven't gone down in quite a long time... I hope this helps some!

SheFly

[Geonz]

I got home just fine - it was s nowing but it was all wet. THis morning we'd had an inch more... but I remembered to stick to the better roads (not all good, but pretty good).
I'm plowin' through the nasty stuff, doin' okay... and this dude on a yellow road bike streaks by me on the right. He had no trouble... didn't look like knobby tyres to me Nice thing about heavy but very well made bike - it is pretty steady as she goes like a big ol' Mercedes...

[nuthatch]

So, Sue, how are you doing in this incredibly cold weather? I gave up about a week ago and I'm already feeling "lumpy"!! Too much black ice up here in northern IL right now, so I'm waiting for a bit of a thaw.

BTW, do you hose down your bike after riding in all this salt? It's just awfully heavy on the roads right now. I worry about my bike dissolving by spring!