tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post7742934992414634622..comments2023-12-27T22:31:19.008-07:00Comments on The Bike Nazi: Winter Bicycling Challenges: SlipperyBikeboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379272663647894409noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-82494367880352089332007-11-21T23:49:00.000-07:002007-11-21T23:49:00.000-07:00Studded tires are worth the insurance, even if you...Studded tires are worth the insurance, even if you just put it on the front. You still need to take care. See http://icebike.com and http://www.mtbkanata.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=34050 and http://www.cityjournal.ca/article-i69967-Letting-the-good-times-roll-for-winter-cycling.html<BR/><BR/>tOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-4832369309993632632007-11-21T09:31:00.000-07:002007-11-21T09:31:00.000-07:00I haven't used studded tires, either, and fell onl...I haven't used studded tires, either, and fell only once last year. That incident was due solely to poor judgment on my part. As [db] states -- watch out for those wood bridges! But, as BikeBoy says, even the time I wrecked I just got up, dusted myself off, and rode on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-76120192265129969332007-11-21T09:13:00.000-07:002007-11-21T09:13:00.000-07:00I've never needed studded tires in Boise. I've fal...I've never needed studded tires in Boise. I've fallen once on ice -- on one of those wooden greenbelt bridges that get slicker than snot at the first hint of moisture. <BR/><BR/>But I've not had issues with snow in the past. Just slow down a couple miles an hour, look farther ahead to compensate for longer breaking distances, and anticipate car and pedestrian traffic as best as you can. <BR/><BR/>The great thing about snow on the Greenbelt is that there are way fewer walkers/runners/dogs/suicidal squirrels out and about.<BR/><BR/>By the way, my commmute at 6:30 a.m. yesterday involved rain, sleet, and snow before I made it to work. A great way to test clothing and tires!dbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09527673886975332497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-55743007460115434972007-11-20T19:32:00.000-07:002007-11-20T19:32:00.000-07:00[bob t] I rode the Greenbelt all last winter, and ...[bob t] I rode the Greenbelt all last winter, and will be doing so again, in the section you mention. Last year, I found they generally plowed the snow fairly quickly -- it was generally plowed by my 7:30am commute. And, in general, I found the path much more agreeable than roads. Less slush and packed patches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-53848173862002803912007-11-20T18:47:00.000-07:002007-11-20T18:47:00.000-07:00bikeboy, great article. Now I am wishing I lived i...bikeboy, great article. Now I am wishing I lived in a place that actually snows! I used to ride all winter in the rain (while living in Eugene, OR) but here is Charlotte, NC it doesn't really get cold or wet until January/February, and we rarely have snow.<BR/><BR/>Now I have to prepare for my ride tomorrow, it's only supposed to be dry and 75°.budhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17439098294190193750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-50712818254725509002007-11-20T17:19:00.000-07:002007-11-20T17:19:00.000-07:00The last few winters have been fairly mild in Bois...The last few winters have been fairly mild in Boise so I have gotten by with the 1.95" slick tires that I use year-round. However, this winter is predicted to be colder and wetter than normal and my weekend commute may start involving the Greenbelt about January so I'm wondering if it would be good to switch to studded tires for a month or so. Does anyone know the condition of the Greenbelt after a significant snowfall? I would be using the part between the end of the extension at Orchard until Americana.Bob Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14760369041722772954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-5585765433548406412007-11-20T12:54:00.000-07:002007-11-20T12:54:00.000-07:00Excellent point, Clancy. When your entire concent...Excellent point, Clancy. When your entire concentration is on staying upright and avoiding disaster, you miss out on a lot of what makes cycling the pleasure that it is! (But it's a pleasure and a relief to arrive at the destination, I s'pose.)<BR/>(-;Bikeboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17379272663647894409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-80367616851959050742007-11-20T12:52:00.000-07:002007-11-20T12:52:00.000-07:00Ben... I imagine that studs would indeed make a di...Ben... I imagine that studs would indeed make a difference on icy roads. (Just like studs on cars.)<BR/><BR/>In a way, folks who live where snow is regularly expected have an advantage, because they generally have snow-removal equipment and the expertise to deploy and use it. By contrast, here in Boise we typically will only get 1 or 2 good snowstorms per year. Although they make a valiant effort, the staff and equipment can't be maintained for quick response to such VERY occasional weather events. So usually they concentrate on the arterials and connectors, and the neighborhood roads and side streets are ignored. Us old-timers know what to expect; some of the recent transplants don't understand yet how it works.Bikeboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17379272663647894409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-33056916730883041062007-11-20T12:50:00.000-07:002007-11-20T12:50:00.000-07:00The worst thing is the snowpacked, that is rutted....The worst thing is the snowpacked, that is rutted. I have to focus my full attention to keeping upright on those days instead of enjoying the sights.<BR/><BR/>I am hoping the longer wheelbase on the Xtracycle will minimize slippage and make for easier recoveries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198843833237575122.post-42988452107274153802007-11-20T12:42:00.000-07:002007-11-20T12:42:00.000-07:00I've been riding 2.25 " metal studded MTB tires th...I've been riding 2.25 " metal studded MTB tires through the past two winters here in Toronto. The cool thing is that I can skid my back tire and leave (tiny) scratch marks in asphalt.<BR/><BR/>I am not so sure if they are really that useful though, as the road are usually well cleared. I may try to ride some skinny tires a few times just to compare the difference.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com