Too cold to commute?
Comments
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It was very cold this morning, and loads of ice on the back lanes out in the country. I'm just glad that it was my morning for dropping the kids off as it meant that it was light by the time I was on the bike. Think its time to get the spiked tyres out of hibernation!0
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-3 on set of this morning in Hampshire , few ice patches around.
Very glad for the cheap aldi winter cycling jacket & leg warmers, but definitely cold enough to justify light tights - now to find some!
Also, I thought I'd see the affect of overshoes - wore one on the left shoe only. I won't be doing that again, right foot was very cold!Intent on Cycling Commuting on a budget, but keep on breaking/crashing/finding nice stuff to buy.
Bike 1 (Broken) - Bike 2(Borked) - Bike 3(broken spokes) - Bike 4( Needs Work) - Bike 5 (in bits) - Bike 6* ...0 -
2.1 this morning according to Met Office. I have graduated from short to long sleeve HH baselayer.
Edit: 'cos I'm hard as nails...
Waterloo - White City
Cannondale Quick Carbon 1 2016
Cannondale Scalpel Carbon 3 26" (Lefty)0 -
Another vote for spiked tyres. When it's 50/50 I only fit a front one, back sliding is easy to control. I only go full spiked when it's below freezing
Given my mid-winter excess weight gain up to ~90Kg (and a few kilos more kitted out to venture out in cold weather), I was a bit surprised to read the other day that the lower model Schwalbe studded tyres are not designed for such loads. :shock:
...If I read the blurb correctly!================
2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo0 -
I've own a pair of Schwalbe Winter studded tyres in 700*30c guise for a couple of years now, but here on the Surrey/London borders, I've yet to use them - it's simply not been icy/snowy enough. Quite fancy a bit of snow really - haven't had anything proper for a while.1938 Hobbs Tandem
1956 Carlton Flyer Path/Track
1960 Mercian Superlight Track
1974 Pete Luxton Path/Track*
1980 Harry Hall
1986 Dawes Galaxy
1988 Jack Taylor Tourer
1988 Pearson
1989 Condor
1993 Dawes Hybrid
2016 Ridley Helium SL
*Currently on this0 -
No lower limit for me temp-wise (recent winters have been milder, but have commuted down to -8 or -10C in the past), just layer up accordingly. I suffer from cold tootsies, so I invested in a pair of Northwave GTX boots and all is good. Tend to avoid side roads on the 12-mile commute, but they seem to have stopped gritting ANY roads in Glasgow this week, so even the main roads have been a bit lairy in places. Makes you wonder what you pay Council Tax for......
The road bike is a nightmare, but I have a hybrid with 37mm Marathon Pluses - even they struggle, so might just invest in some studded jobbies - any recommendations? Would likely stick 'em on at the start of January and only use for 2-3 months, as Jan-Mar are the coldest here. So durability not an issue, just puncture protection & rolling resistance
to consider.... "Get a bicycle. You won't regret it if you live"
Mark Twain0 -
I tend to commute in all weathers but nearly dropped the bike on the corner of my road this morning due to ice so turned around, got changed and took the bus. I have some 32mm Nokia spiked tyres at home that I usually have on a spare wheelset for such occasions but I had replaced the rear tyre when I loaned the wheel to a friend. They are noisy and heavy but definitely safer. Will be fitting the tyre again when i get home...0
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fairly sure that a number of winter offs are less ice and more wet greasy roads.
Two years ago I switched to the old MTB as my commute bike, vs the roadie SS.
while it most certainly is a heavier slower bike, the grip from the tyres on wet tarmac/metal work/cobbles etc is limpet like, it's okay on thin veneers of frost/ice (black ice) though once it's ice proper it's unwise, not being studded tires.0 -
4 separate slips but stayed upright this morning on the minor roads and cycle paths here in Bristol. Was going careful and it wasn't even that icy.
Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113 to keep going through winter since my only alternative is 2 buses taking a minimum of an hour to get to my office 5 miles away!0 -
Those are the tyres I use too, after I wore out my first set of Marathon Winters. I find the lower stud count to be better and they're more of a "last line of defense" most of the time.4 separate slips but stayed upright this morning on the minor roads and cycle paths here in Bristol. Was going careful and it wasn't even that icy.
Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113 to keep going through winter since my only alternative is 2 buses taking a minimum of an hour to get to my office 5 miles away!0 -
Those are the tyres I use too, after I wore out my first set of Marathon Winters. I find the lower stud count to be better and they're more of a "last line of defense" most of the time.4 separate slips but stayed upright this morning on the minor roads and cycle paths here in Bristol. Was going careful and it wasn't even that icy.
Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113 to keep going through winter since my only alternative is 2 buses taking a minimum of an hour to get to my office 5 miles away!
Good to have a positive testimonial.
Schwalbe themselves say the only benefit to having the marathon version over these is for 'extreme cornering' which I don't plan on doing in icy conditions anyway. Also, these were available in 30c which I'm hoping will fit under the p45 chromoplastics on my London Road no bother.
Got the wheels that came with the bike spare so I plan to fit a second set of discs to those with the winter tyres and then will only have to quickly swap the casette over and reset the calipers to switch between slicks and studs0 -
Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113
Maximum load 75kg.
That's me screwed then, I haven't been 75kg since I was 12.0 -
[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19779556#p19779556]Snakebite the 2nd[/url] wrote:Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113
Maximum load 75kg.
That's me screwed then, I haven't been 75kg since I was 12.
That's the wheel load, so about half the total weight of you and the bike. You don't weigh over 130kg do you?1938 Hobbs Tandem
1956 Carlton Flyer Path/Track
1960 Mercian Superlight Track
1974 Pete Luxton Path/Track*
1980 Harry Hall
1986 Dawes Galaxy
1988 Jack Taylor Tourer
1988 Pearson
1989 Condor
1993 Dawes Hybrid
2016 Ridley Helium SL
*Currently on this0 -
Good to have a positive testimonial.
Schwalbe themselves say the only benefit to having the marathon version over these is for 'extreme cornering' which I don't plan on doing in icy conditions anyway. Also, these were available in 30c which I'm hoping will fit under the p45 chromoplastics on my London Road no bother.
Got the wheels that came with the bike spare so I plan to fit a second set of discs to those with the winter tyres and then will only have to quickly swap the casette over and reset the calipers to switch between slicks and studs
I have the tyres with more studs, 240 per tyre I think, in 35c and they fit under the P45's on my rear wheel, not the front though. I ride a Croix de Fer.
I had to drive today & span out on an icy corner on the way in, bloody terrifying. Spikes going on for tomorrow and cycling until it warms up!
I'd never seen that line about 'extreme cornering'
I wouldn't say I'm extreme, but I do corner on icy roads with them and stay upright no bother. Certainly feel safer on these than I do in my car. 0 -
[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19779556#p19779556]Snakebite the 2nd[/url] wrote:Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113
Maximum load 75kg.
That's me screwed then, I haven't been 75kg since I was 12.
That's the wheel load, so about half the total weight of you and the bike. You don't weigh over 130kg do you?
This load business confused/shocked me the other night, when looking at studded tyres, given the recent late arrival of winter! Given I'm ~95Kg currently wearing extra winter layers for work, I started to think I needed the top model of Schwalbe studded, designed to take 100Kg.================
2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo0 -
I'd still be very careful on icy roads with the Marathon type tyres. I've been flat on my ar5e on these. They weigh an absurd amount too. I'm a fan of Ice Spiker Pros. Lighter and a lot more studs - only MTB though.ROAD < Scott Foil HMX Di2, Volagi Liscio Di2, Jamis Renegade Elite Di2, Cube Reaction Race > ROUGH0
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I'm not bothered by temperature - if I dress appropriately, then I'm fine.
However, I will not cycle if it's icy. I've come off too many times when younger to risk it in my older years.Carrera Subway 2015
Boardman Hybrid Team 20140 -
I'm quite happy to get out there, even in ice, with my Schwalbe snow studs. Thing is though, it's virtually never about you. If you go and someone else is anywhere near then......
Indeed, that was the closest I ever came to being hit. Roundabout, van behind mere metres away, I started to go, caught it but came to a halt. He missed me by inches. He looked genuinely scared and I doubt he's ever driven that close to anyone again.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
The 30c ones fit under my P35 guards, so I doubt you'll have a problem. I put mine on last night and certainly needed them this morning!!
Those are the tyres I use too, after I wore out my first set of Marathon Winters. I find the lower stud count to be better and they're more of a "last line of defense" most of the time.4 separate slips but stayed upright this morning on the minor roads and cycle paths here in Bristol. Was going careful and it wasn't even that icy.
Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113 to keep going through winter since my only alternative is 2 buses taking a minimum of an hour to get to my office 5 miles away!
Good to have a positive testimonial.
Schwalbe themselves say the only benefit to having the marathon version over these is for 'extreme cornering' which I don't plan on doing in icy conditions anyway. Also, these were available in 30c which I'm hoping will fit under the p45 chromoplastics on my London Road no bother.
Got the wheels that came with the bike spare so I plan to fit a second set of discs to those with the winter tyres and then will only have to quickly swap the casette over and reset the calipers to switch between slicks and studs
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[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19779556#p19779556]Snakebite the 2nd[/url] wrote:Just ordered a pair of these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod118113
Maximum load 75kg.
That's me screwed then, I haven't been 75kg since I was 12.
That's the wheel load, so about half the total weight of you and the bike. You don't weigh over 130kg do you?
Not quite!
Although it does feel like it sometimes on the hills.0 -
Luckily I got the bus today as the only cyclists I saw were limping and pushing their bikes. Looks like most of cardiff was covered in black ice this morning.Cannondale CAAD 10
Genesis Equilibrium Disc 10
Bird Zero TR0 -
Can you get studded tyres in less than 700x40c?.
There's these, though I can't vouch for their effectiveness
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYSCSNST/schwalbe-snow-stud-wired-tyre0 -
Luckily I got the bus today as the only cyclists I saw were limping and pushing their bikes. Looks like most of cardiff was covered in black ice this morning.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/ferrari-worth-least-170000-crashed-10738502
one would imagine the owner has more than one car. And therefore went through the "what car shall I take out today" thought process. The giant dickMy blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Can you get studded tyres in less than 700x40c?
Schwalbe says yes, 700x30C exist, apparently!
http://www.schwalbe.com/gb/spike-reader/winter.html
Never seen that size listed online though, when I've looked.================
2020 Voodoo Marasa
2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
2016 Voodoo Wazoo0 -
Mine are 30c as shown in the photo 5 posts up - so they defo exist.Can you get studded tyres in less than 700x40c?
Schwalbe says yes, 700x30C exist, apparently!
http://www.schwalbe.com/gb/spike-reader/winter.html0 -
Can you get studded tyres in less than 700x40c?.
There's these, though I can't vouch for their effectiveness
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYSCSNST/schwalbe-snow-stud-wired-tyre
i have a set there's good but dont go down any ice slides i.e. very steep descents with +1inch of ice covering or as we know it here, every blood farm laneRule #5 // Harden The Feck Up.
Rule #9 // If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Rule #12 // The correct number of bikes to own is n+1.
Rule #42 // A bike race shall never be preceded with a swim and/or followed by a run.0 -
Can you get studded tyres in less than 700x40c?
Schwalbe says yes, 700x30C exist, apparently!
http://www.schwalbe.com/gb/spike-reader/winter.html
Never seen that size listed online though, when I've looked.
See my post at the top of the page - crc have them for 20 quid http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-winter-spike-road-tyre/rp-prod1181130 -
Drove in todayt. I have some meetings i need the car for (and it's -4 in Cambridge!).
Coming in past Foxton i passed a guy on a road bike in baggy shorts and what looked like boat shoes with short socks on. He was coming in from Royston direction and i kept pace with him in the car pretty much all the way in. That's utterly mental! I cannot imagine how cold he was!0 -
CAme in down Archway this morning, alongside a hybrid rider in shorts and tshirt (and a high viz vest). No gloves. I think he'd gone beyond blue.
I counted four pairs of shorts (baggies, not cycling ones); lots of no-gloves riders.
I normally ride "hot" and even I am in full winter gear.Commute: Langster -Singlecross - Brompton S2-LX
Road: 95 Trek 5500 -Look 695 Aerolight eTap - Boardman TTe eTap
Offroad: Pace RC200 - Dawes Kickback 2 tandem - Tricross - Boardman CXR9.8 - Ridley x-fire0
