Cold schmold, I’m impervious, but…
11-23-18, 01:33 AM
#1
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Cold schmold, I’m impervious, but…
... but what about my equipment? Today I biked for the first time in cold weather…..mid-twenties and mid-teen wind chills. I felt great, as long as I kept all skin covered. I was plenty warm. But then it occurred to me….
The issue that could really cause a crimp in my day would be equipment failure. For instance, although I carry spare tubes, CO2 inflators, etc, it would have been a real PIA to have to stop and change a tire. In some scenarios it could be downright dangerous.
So what precautions do you all take in the cold as it pertains to equipment? BTW, did you know that AAA (triple A) will come get you if you break down on your bike? Could be a long wait though.
The issue that could really cause a crimp in my day would be equipment failure. For instance, although I carry spare tubes, CO2 inflators, etc, it would have been a real PIA to have to stop and change a tire. In some scenarios it could be downright dangerous.
So what precautions do you all take in the cold as it pertains to equipment? BTW, did you know that AAA (triple A) will come get you if you break down on your bike? Could be a long wait though.
11-23-18, 04:29 AM
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Cold schmold, I’m impervious, but…
There is a Winter Cycling Forum with innumerable, sometimes contrarian opinions.
IMO as a decades-long year-round cycle commuter in Boston there are two recent pretty good comprehensive threads about many winter time contingencies, to which I posted as well: Emergency Winter Cycling Kit?, and in the Commuting Forum, Comfortable clothing for cycling *when it’s snowing*? (links).
... but what about my equipment? Today I biked for the first time in cold weather…..mid-twenties and mid-teen wind chills. I felt great, as long as I kept all skin covered. I was plenty warm. But then it occurred to me….
The issue that could really cause a crimp in my day would be equipment failure. For instance, although I carry spare tubes, CO2 inflators, etc, it would have been a real PIA to have to stop and change a tire. In some scenarios it could be downright dangerous.
So what precautions do you all take in the cold as it pertains to equipment? BTW, did you know that AAA (triple A) will come get you if you break down on your bike? Could be a long wait though.
The issue that could really cause a crimp in my day would be equipment failure. For instance, although I carry spare tubes, CO2 inflators, etc, it would have been a real PIA to have to stop and change a tire. In some scenarios it could be downright dangerous.
So what precautions do you all take in the cold as it pertains to equipment? BTW, did you know that AAA (triple A) will come get you if you break down on your bike? Could be a long wait though.
Heart schmart, just how low can some people go around here??!!
I, for one, enthusiastically support OP's thread title naming conventions, and eagerly await his future threads:
1x, Schmoneby
Disc, Schmisc
Low Pressure, Schmo Schmpressure
Electronic shifting, Schmelectronic Schmifting
Bent Fork, Schment Schmfork
And for the A/S crowd:
Cyclist Didn't Wave on the MUP, Schmyclist Schmidn't Schmwave Schmon Schmthe SchMUP
Helmet, Schmelmet.
Schmappy Schmthanksgiving, Schmeveryone!
I, for one, enthusiastically support OP's thread title naming conventions, and eagerly await his future threads:
1x, Schmoneby
Disc, Schmisc
Low Pressure, Schmo Schmpressure
Electronic shifting, Schmelectronic Schmifting
Bent Fork, Schment Schmfork
And for the A/S crowd:
Cyclist Didn't Wave on the MUP, Schmyclist Schmidn't Schmwave Schmon Schmthe SchMUP
Helmet, Schmelmet.
Schmappy Schmthanksgiving, Schmeveryone!
IMO as a decades-long year-round cycle commuter in Boston there are two recent pretty good comprehensive threads about many winter time contingencies, to which I posted as well: Emergency Winter Cycling Kit?, and in the Commuting Forum, Comfortable clothing for cycling *when it’s snowing*? (links).
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-23-18 at 04:37 AM.
11-23-18, 05:36 AM
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My advice is to avoid lightweight tires without flat protection...Winter studded tires usually have flat protection or you can use touring tires with built in flat protection. Flat protection is almost a necessity in winter because the roads are littered with all kinds of sharp things and it's hard to see it and avoid riding over it. I've had one flat during winter and it was very difficult to deal with because of the cold and road crud...Make sure your bike is well maintained and in good working condition.
11-23-18, 06:20 AM
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...but what about my equipment? Today I biked for the first time in cold weather…..mid-twenties and mid-teen wind chills. I felt great, as long as I kept all skin covered. I was plenty warm. But then it occurred to me….
The issue that could really cause a crimp in my day would be equipment failure….So what precautions do you all take in the cold as it pertains to equipment? BTW, did you know that AAA (triple A) will come get you if you break down on your bike? Could be a long wait though
The issue that could really cause a crimp in my day would be equipment failure….So what precautions do you all take in the cold as it pertains to equipment? BTW, did you know that AAA (triple A) will come get you if you break down on your bike? Could be a long wait though
…I am always biking somewhere with cell coverage and the ability to call a an uber/lift/taxi/tow truck/ambulance if there was an emergency so that's my backup plan.
My advice is to avoid lightweight tires without flat protection...Winter studded tires usually have flat protection or you can use touring tires with built in flat protection.
Flat protection is almost a necessity in winter because the roads are littered with all kinds of sharp things and it's hard to see it and avoid riding over it. I've had one flat during winter and it was very difficult to deal with because of the cold and road crud..
Make sure your bike is well maintained and in good working condition.
Flat protection is almost a necessity in winter because the roads are littered with all kinds of sharp things and it's hard to see it and avoid riding over it. I've had one flat during winter and it was very difficult to deal with because of the cold and road crud..
Make sure your bike is well maintained and in good working condition.
We had an early snowfall, then rain on Friday (11-16). I’m considering putting on my studded tires today, weeks earlier than usual, but I don’t think I have the time to do so today.
Carbide studs are reputed to last a long time. I ride studded tires all winter from December to March, nearly entirely on bare, wet, and/or salted pavement. My first pair lasted several seasons, and may be still useable.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-23-18 at 08:20 AM.
11-23-18, 06:39 AM
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11-23-18, 06:41 AM
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My advice is to avoid lightweight tires without flat protection...Winter studded tires usually have flat protection or you can use touring tires with built in flat protection. Flat protection is almost a necessity in winter because the roads are littered with all kinds of sharp things and it's hard to see it and avoid riding over it. I've had one flat during winter and it was very difficult to deal with because of the cold and road crud...Make sure your bike is well maintained and in good working condition.
Studded tires added another 5 to 10 minutes to my one-way commute this week. But that's nothing compared to the difficulty in changing a flat in -16*C temperature.
Clean your bike after a messy ride, and the re-lube.
11-23-18, 06:45 AM
#8
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My longest walk would be 2 miles, so it's not an issue. This year I bought Studded tires which helps with the ice. I had a flat and told my son to come get me from work. My next tube may be heavy duty or slime filled. Unfortunatly when enough snow gets dumped that the size of the usable street gets smaller and there is no side to escape on to, My winter riding will be over. Last year after January there was so much snow the only way I was going anywhere was in the truck. That said, the studded tires were worth the price.
11-23-18, 07:29 AM
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My longest walk would be 2 miles, so it's not an issue. This year I bought Studded tires which helps with the ice. I had a flat and told my son to come get me from work.
My next tube may be heavy duty or slime filled. Unfortunatly when enough snow gets dumped that the size of the usable street gets smaller and there is no side to escape on to, My winter riding will be over.
Last year after January there was so much snow the only way I was going anywhere was in the truck. That said, the studded tires were worth the price.
My next tube may be heavy duty or slime filled. Unfortunatly when enough snow gets dumped that the size of the usable street gets smaller and there is no side to escape on to, My winter riding will be over.
Last year after January there was so much snow the only way I was going anywhere was in the truck. That said, the studded tires were worth the price.
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.
The most hostile remarks, particularly in Winter, are from those drivers who fear for themselves to hit me.
I kid her that's because we have one family car, and it's hers since I cycle commute and do errands. When I do ride in nasty weather though she does chide me, "You just want to ride today so you can write about it on BikeForums."
11-23-18, 07:48 AM
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I don't know about other plans, or other states, but I have this benefit. My nephew works at an AAA multi state call center. He sent a driver to someone stuck on a nearby bike path once. Are there plans that don't do that?
11-23-18, 08:08 AM
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I ride down to 10F, so I have thought of cold-weather emergencies too. I carry an extra layer top and snow pants and gloves and glove liners that would make walking and /or waiting safe. I suppose in extreme cases I would throw on some of my office clothes, but that hasn't ever happened. I carry plastic bags which I can wrap my feet with in rain or snow.
Of course nowadays I have a phone with me, and my wallet and credit card are in with my office clothes. I also make sure I have some cash in my backpack, too.
My top layer is always a hi-viz windbreaker, which has a hood, which stays tucked away, but a couple of times a winter I use it to supplement my lightweight balaclava.
Last summer I bought arm-warmer/sun-shades which might help in certain situations, and a neck-shade which is just a big fabric tube that can be worn as an additional ear warmer or balaclava as needed, so those have stayed in the backpack this winter.
However, my commute routes are never so remote that a store or indoor public space is never more than a half-mile away (10 minutes or so on foot).
Of course nowadays I have a phone with me, and my wallet and credit card are in with my office clothes. I also make sure I have some cash in my backpack, too.
My top layer is always a hi-viz windbreaker, which has a hood, which stays tucked away, but a couple of times a winter I use it to supplement my lightweight balaclava.
Last summer I bought arm-warmer/sun-shades which might help in certain situations, and a neck-shade which is just a big fabric tube that can be worn as an additional ear warmer or balaclava as needed, so those have stayed in the backpack this winter.
However, my commute routes are never so remote that a store or indoor public space is never more than a half-mile away (10 minutes or so on foot).
11-23-18, 08:34 AM
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11-23-18, 08:38 AM
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According to what I have read, it's not available everywhere.
Personally, I would never support AAA since it's a motorist lobby that has, in the past, advocated for funding being diverted to car-related projects and has advocated other positions I don't support. A lot of people think that's it's simply a roadside assistance organization. Far from correct.
Personally, I would never support AAA since it's a motorist lobby that has, in the past, advocated for funding being diverted to car-related projects and has advocated other positions I don't support. A lot of people think that's it's simply a roadside assistance organization. Far from correct.
11-23-18, 08:41 AM
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Cell Phone. No way I'm chasing a tire in 20 degree temps...unless wolves are actually circling me.
11-23-18, 09:19 AM
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According to what I have read, it's not available everywhere.
Personally, I would never support AAA since it's a motorist lobby that has, in the past, advocated for funding being diverted to car-related projects and has advocated other positions I don't support. A lot of people think that's it's simply a roadside assistance organization. Far from correct.
Personally, I would never support AAA since it's a motorist lobby that has, in the past, advocated for funding being diverted to car-related projects and has advocated other positions I don't support. A lot of people think that's it's simply a roadside assistance organization. Far from correct.
I use AAA to help my daughters if they have problem. It worked twice. Them having only one parent this is convenient for all of us.
11-23-18, 09:24 AM
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Co2 inflators can freeze up before filling a tire. Put the whole thing under as many top jacket layers as possible for a few minutes. Then take it out and fill the tire as fast as possible. It still does not help much below freezing any way.
11-23-18, 09:35 AM
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If it would come to that, I'm probably never farther than 20 minutes walk from a bus stop. So I reckon I'd be able to lock the bike up for later retrieval and be inside a warmed vehicle within one hour. Faster if I call a cab.
But I do carry some extra clothes. And it would take more than a flat before I call it "unfixable".
For several seasons, I used DIY studded solid tires to avoid having to deal with flats in the winter.
But I do carry some extra clothes. And it would take more than a flat before I call it "unfixable".
For several seasons, I used DIY studded solid tires to avoid having to deal with flats in the winter.
11-23-18, 10:20 AM
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Further commentary on studded tires:
Studded tires are going on tonight.. snow forecasted Thursday. While it's tougher to commute in the winter I'd rather do that than deal with the idiots on the road. I passed a couple FWD and 4x4's last year.
Interesting. Others might feel safer dealing with the "idiots on the road" from inside a car, rather than on a bicycle, during the winter. Care to elaborate?[
My thoughts exactly. Unless you dont cycle on the road / shoulder and use only separate bike paths
On the bike I can maneuver around them easier. The streets I take on the bike are less traveled so I don't have alot of issues.
I take more caution though so I won't get slid into. I don't have a 4x4 in the stable either and with the studs the bike is pretty much unstoppable.
I take more caution though so I won't get slid into. I don't have a 4x4 in the stable either and with the studs the bike is pretty much unstoppable.
On one of my worst commuting days in decades, the roads were so slick, that cars couldn’t make it up one of my hills, yet I could with my studded tires.
On the other hand, I have previously posted,
On the other hand, I have previously posted,
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-24-18 at 06:38 AM. Reason: added quote by esmith2039
11-23-18, 11:21 AM
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I did do some research, but...... if you own a carbon-schmarbon bike (maybe there's an exception?), I suggest you don't go out in sub-zero weather based on an anonymous poster's post on BF, but first go check on your local AAA website! Eh, you might as well check no matter what your bike frame composition is..
Last edited by Wattsup; 11-23-18 at 11:26 AM.
11-23-18, 11:33 AM
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An alternate...
https://www.usacycling.org/resources...ide-assistance
https://www.usacycling.org/memberships
11-23-18, 11:39 AM
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I did do some research, but...... if you own a carbon-schmarbon bike (maybe there's an exception?), I suggest you don't go out in sub-zero weather based on an anonymous poster's post on BF, but first go check on your local AAA website!
Eh, you might as well check no matter what your bike frame composition is..
Eh, you might as well check no matter what your bike frame composition is..
Trying to find some accurate information on riding a carbon frame bike (Trek Domane SL 6) in cold temperatures...
I have no scientific studies to offer you, but I will point out that modern airplanes make extensive use of carbon fiber on wings and rudders and other outside surfaces that routinely are exposed to -30 and -40 temps, and maybe colder.
Carbon is also used in various fat-tire bikes that are designed specifically for winter riding.
Carbon is also used in various fat-tire bikes that are designed specifically for winter riding.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 11-23-18 at 11:44 AM.
11-23-18, 12:11 PM
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So what precautions do you all take in the cold? - fixed gear, tougher tires, spare light. Carry a pump instead/addition to the CO2.
11-23-18, 12:12 PM
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it’s not available in all parts of the country. I have it here in WI with standard membership
11-23-18, 12:19 PM
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Keep water away from cables/ one time got my rear derailer frozen and had to stop in darkness and sub freezing temperatures on my way to work to disassemble clear the ice and reassemble not fun nope not at all