Winter biking?

[Isaac Zackary]

I don't bike much in the winter. But I'd like to get into it. I just don't know what will help push me into getting it to work for me. Right now I'm having problems with traction mostly. The cold is also a problem.

I have a 27" road bike which is terrible in the snow. I'm divided between getting a mountain bike, a fat tire bike or a trike. Mountain bikes can be picked up for cheap (I'm pretty cheap). But I don't know if that will be enough traction. A lot of winter bicyclers here get those fat tire bikes so they don't sink so bad into the snow. On the other hand a trike may be more stable?? I've slid under cars on several occasions, although I've never actually gotten hurt. I suppose that's what really makes me not want to ride in the winter. Do they make winter tires for bicycles? Tire chains?

Also, how do you wear a helmet and a hat at the same time safely? Also I seem to get too hot sometimes and sweat and then I'm freezing cold. I'm not sure what the best strategy would be. Any suggestions?

[Frank Lee]

I winter bike. The skinny-tire bikes are TERRIBLE. Forget them.

Mountain bikes are so much better. It's like the difference between slicks and snow tires for cars. I haven't tried the new fatties but then if your streets are generally plowed well enough- so YOU aren't plowing through- I find regular mtn tires sufficient.

Get a cheap, preferably free beater (garage sales, alleys, craigslist, etc.). Here in the Rust Belt the road salt will make derailleurs and such look like they've been on the bottom of a lake for 100 years in one season. Cover it all with lube and don't sweat it if you have to repair or replace it more often than you are used to.

Easily openable layers. And big pockets. You start out cold but it's amazing how hot and sweaty you can get when it's below zero. First I'm unzipping my jacket's shell partially, then completely, then unzipping the liner, then stuffing the hat and gloves in the pockets, until I finally arrive at my destination completely nude.

[sendler]

For off road snow a fat bike is by far the best. But they are expensive, heavy, and slow on the road. To commute on slushy roads in the winter, a 26x2.0 tire will work pretty well and if you are serious you can buy winter tires.
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https://45nrth.com/products/gravdal-26
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[old_biker]

while I do not ride a bicycle anymore, I did when I was a young man, & they are correct, about wide tires, however I had a different style, & built myself, I used wide 24" with coaster brakes in rear, & I tried 3. 10, & 12 speeds on it, but I got sick of brake cables stretching, so went to a coaster brake, for the front, I preferred a custom made fork, like a chopper, but probably 4" longer than original, with a wide 20" front tire. for a seat, I had a custom made banana with the rear support rails with springs to have a form of shock. for handlebars 16" ape hanger style. & a coaster brake n front wheel, behind fork, instead of in front, so I could have engine on front fork

however I used several of the different assist engines from the 60's & 70's on it. if interested I will discuss. but it got awesome mileage from100-200 mpg depending on engine I used.

no idea how many miles I rode my custom bike, but I put over 100k mile on a true moped during same time period, from age 12-18

for clothing I use layers, & I ride motorcycles all winter.

[Frank Lee]

photo off the net


I have one of these; got it in the 70's. It's really for a different thread as I imagine the friction drive to be nearly useless in ice and snow.

[old_biker]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

photo off the net


I have one of these; got it in the 70's. It's really for a different thread as I imagine the friction drive to be nearly useless in ice and snow.

lol, an O&R engine also known as "chicken power" they were ok, they had a knurled metal wheel which wasn't bad actually, or you could make a custom wheel & for "spikes" use a MIG welder & just do spiral rows of spot welds, the spot welds will grab great on the tire.

the aquabug? I think is correct name, used a plastic roller, like old walk behind front wheel power propelled mowers, they wore bad in middle, had to replace roller & slipped on hills on dry pavement.

I still have 1 of each of those, plus a few others, not for sale!

[RedDevil]

There's electric mountain bikes.
https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/e...n-bikes-348254

[sendler]

I bought 3.0 inch studded tires for my electric bike so I could keep riding through the winter and keep it at work for lunch rides and my fat bike at home for the weekends.
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[oil pan 4]

Sounds like a superb way to die of hypothermia in a ditchance after being hit by a car.
My suggestion is don't.

[Isaac Zackary]

Ya. This town has bike lanes. But they all disappear when the streets are all snow packed, which is from now until March.