show me your winter bike!

[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 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

[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.