this post was submitted on 08 Dec 2023
37 points (97.4% liked)

Bicycles

3119 readers
47 users here now

Welcome to [email protected]

A place to share our love of all things with two wheels and pedals. This is an inclusive, non-judgemental community. All types of cyclists are accepted here; whether you're a commuter, a roadie, a MTB enthusiast, a fixie freak, a crusty xbiking hoarder, in the middle of an epic across-the-world bicycle tour, or any other type of cyclist!


Community Rules


Other cycling-related communities

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

So I comute by bike and this week I ride through fast changing snow condition. It got from completly covered cycle route, to badly cleaned roads, to mushy brown sludge, and today there were loads of frozen bits of snow and ice patches.

I managed to fell only twice - inertia is your best friend and worse enemy at the same time. And I hope that these conditions will be over soon. Most annoying part is that I dont know what to expect and how to prepare because conditions vary from day to day.

all 16 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Sheeple 14 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Honestly my personal advice is "Always be ready for just get off the bicycle and push it instead" for when the snow gets too bad.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yeah it happened - i didnt thought about the wind and got on road that was covered in 50 cm of snow.

[–] Sheeple 4 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Yeah that's practically undrivable haha. don't get yourself hurt!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

And unpushable I had to carry my bike.

I thing that the bike gets most of the beating and as much as I try to take care of it something will need replacing in the spring.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

"replacing in the spring"
So you'll have 2 bikes. Use the older one, with winter tires, for "bad days". Shiny new one as the daily driver.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

Yeah I have 2 bikes one disasambled in non ridable state and one for everything. I mean replacing parts.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

What type of bike is it and what type of tires? If it’s got disc brakes you can zip tie some zip ties around the tires for extra grip. If that doesn’t work for you buy some chunky mud tires like maxxis shorty. Also make sure your tires and suspension are fairly soft so they can track the snow better. A hard suspension will be bouncy on ice and that can be dangerous.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I have gravel/touring/all road/do it all bike so no suspension. But I may try the zip tie trick. I dont have a problem on packed snow, problem is when there are ice chunks and ice.

My bike handeling skills are minimal and I got this bike recently (my first drops). So it is good way how to improve them.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

The zip ties may work on ice but they're more for the snow. With it being a rigid bike and you being a newer biker I would suggest getting a front tire with ice studs. I suggest front tire only, because you could swap it yourself quickly for those days that its very icy. Front tire traction is better for keeping the bike in control, you'll quickly get used to drifting (plus it’s fun). Back tire would be annoying to swap all the time if you don't know a lot about bikes and it’s also more expensive if you want a full rear tire setup.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 11 months ago

I am new to drops I ride bike since I was 3 yo. As I pointed in another comment studs doesnt make sense.

For me it is just to getting used to it.

[–] mysteriousquote 5 points 11 months ago

As someone who biked year round while at college in Wisconsin, congrats on making it with minimal falling, it’s not easy.

Echoing what someone else said, sometimes you just need to hop off the bike and walk it for a little.