Ideal Snow Conditions
02-22-18, 07:14 AM
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Ideal Snow Conditions
Some of the most enjoyable winter cycling is when there is a slick coat of ice over everything. All the automobile drivers stay indoors, so you get to play in the streets safely. You slip and slide, but it's OK, because you can always put a foot out at an angle, and be a stable tripod.
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed?
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed?
02-22-18, 07:17 AM
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Ice sucks. I've yet to see a work day where people decide to stay home and miss work. Snow and ruts are fine.
I like riding when its snowing. Those can be beautiful days.
I like riding when its snowing. Those can be beautiful days.
Last edited by bikemig; 02-22-18 at 08:16 AM.
02-22-18, 07:51 AM
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It's the definition of magical when there's no cars out, just you and a few fellow cyclists and pedestrians. Everyone smiles at each other. 
02-22-18, 08:42 AM
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I agree on those conditions but since I use studs there's a bit more security. I like a thin layer of ice, & up to 3" of snow. hard to find these exact conditions tho
Last edited by rumrunn6; 02-22-18 at 08:49 AM.
02-22-18, 08:44 AM
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Snow and ice are challenging so I make it a point to go out to practice in them.
I think there is a consensus that it's the cars still being on the road that ruins the fun.
I think there is a consensus that it's the cars still being on the road that ruins the fun.
02-22-18, 09:16 AM
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Some of the most enjoyable winter cycling is when there is a slick coat of ice over everything. All the automobile drivers stay indoors, so you get to play in the streets safely. You slip and slide, but it's OK, because you can always put a foot out at an angle, and be a stable tripod.
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed?
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed?
02-22-18, 09:25 AM
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02-22-18, 10:36 AM
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Some of the most enjoyable winter cycling is when there is a slick coat of ice over everything. All the automobile drivers stay indoors, so you get to play in the streets safely. You slip and slide, but it's OK, because you can always put a foot out at an angle, and be a stable tripod.
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed
Generally I get kudos or just indifference towards my cycling, mostly as a year-round commuter here in Metro Boston, even after my serious accident four years ago. The most hostile remarks, particularly in Winter, are from those drivers who fear for themselves to hit me.
When winter cycling I particularly emphazise wearing a rearview mirror because of that added danger of cars skidding, both behind and oncoming, and usually on narrowed roadways.
… When I do ride in nasty weather though my wife does chide me, "You just want to ride today so you can write about it on BikeForums."
… When I do ride in nasty weather though my wife does chide me, "You just want to ride today so you can write about it on BikeForums."
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 02-22-18 at 10:53 AM.
02-22-18, 02:43 PM
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02-22-18, 02:48 PM
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Ideal snow conditions are 84° F and slightly humid.
-Tim-
-Tim-
02-22-18, 03:12 PM
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02-22-18, 05:11 PM
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Whoa! Indecent photo has been reported sir!! Let's just stick with your perfected winter machine!
On the topic of summer though, I find very early morning or very late night mid-summer rides (between 11pm to 5am) to be as magical as those snowy carless days. I always try to get one or two rides in then.
Let's just stick with your perfected winter machine!On the topic of summer though, I find very early morning or very late night mid-summer rides (between 11pm to 5am) to be as magical as those snowy carless days. I always try to get one or two rides in then.
02-22-18, 06:37 PM
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fine
02-23-18, 06:28 AM
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[QUOTE=TimothyH;20185613]It's here. Y'all come downQUOTE]
tempting!
tempting!
02-23-18, 08:51 PM
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Some of the most enjoyable winter cycling is when there is a slick coat of ice over everything. All the automobile drivers stay indoors, so you get to play in the streets safely. You slip and slide, but it's OK, because you can always put a foot out at an angle, and be a stable tripod.
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed?
It is also fun when there are a couple of inches of snow covering the back streets with many car tire tracks. As you ride, your front wheel jumps several centimeters back and forth from one car track to another, but you've become used to that, and enjoy the weirdness of the 'track jumping.'
Agreed?
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02-23-18, 09:31 PM
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Solid ice for the studs or up to 3" snow for the Conti TCWs. The studs are terrible in the snow and vice versa...unfortunately ideal conditions have not occurred this year yet. The lovely wintery mix we've been getting on/off now for the past couple of months has occurred so infrequently it's not been worth changing tires out day after day on the ss. Has been a rather disappointing season with respect to snow/ice commuting. OTOH, I've been on my carbon road bike quite often.
You just need the right tires for the job. The aforementioned Contis have otherwordly grip in the snow.
You just need the right tires for the job. The aforementioned Contis have otherwordly grip in the snow.
