Winter riding

jake_clyro · September 2008

Hi Guys,

I am just wondering if there are any tips or recommendations regarding winters tyres and riding in extreme mud, and sticky mud.

I went to ashton court a while back and my tyres wouldn't grip at all, and I couldn't grip on to my pedals.

I am currently saving for some SPD's to combat the pedal prob but just wanted to hear any recomendations.

cheers

cjw · September 2008

For mud... Panaracer Trailrakers 2.1.

roger_merriman · October 2008

for tires i still use some old mud tires IRC mud mad can't get them sadly any more though there are few mud pluggers around though quite a few are downhill tires, such as wet scream, trailrakers is good choice though reviews suggest it's a winter rather than a full on mud tire. which tend to be one trick ponies

i've found the DMG V8's grippy for bog snorkling,

maximus69 · October 2008

five ten shoes and flats, they definitely wont slip off the pedals i find them much better than spd for mud because you can dab a foot down that little bit quicker, but depends how muddy and tricky it is i suppose. if just xc i use spd, if a bit technical i use flats.

jake_clyro · October 2008

I've been looking at the below as my first step into the SPD world, any opinions or experience with these?

Shimano DX M647 Pedals
Shimano MP66 Cycling Shoes

also, i assume they are compatible :oops:

handful · October 2008

Hi JAKE_CLYRO. Don't know about these but if I can pass on a tip that I was given, check out Merlin Cycles as they do some really good shoe/pedal deals. I ordered some 520's this week paired up with Shimano MT51's for £49.99....bargain.

May be worth ringing them and see if they will do a deal.

I get the impression from what I've read that the cage type spd's tend to get clogged and are generally not as easy to use as the naked variety but I can't claim to know much about it so I'll leave the more experienced members to comment on your selections.

.blitz · October 2008

Schwalbe Black Sharks are the benchmark in extreme, sticky mud tyres but not so hot otherwise. You can get indestructible XTR SPDs (top notch mud clearance) for £50-£60 online and I find some roadie overshoes keep my feet toasty in the Winter.

stumpyjon · October 2008

For SPDs can't go wrong with M520s, snows the only thing that's stopped me clipping in (XT & XTR pedals are better, sealed bearings, lighter etc. but the 520 is very good VFM).

Another vote for Panaracer Trailraker 2.1 on the back, mine will be going back on soon, had minimal rear wheel spin out problems with it last year unlike the 2.1 High Roller I've currently got on.

Just be aware the majority of SPD shoes are very not waterproof and leak like sieves. On of the best nuys I've made in the last 12 months was a pair of Shimano MW02 gortex winter boots. Very waterproof and therefore feet stay warmer longer. Been using them for most of the summer as well. Bit pricey though at £ 90 to £ 100 but worth every penny IMHO.

SDK2007 · October 2008

Maxxis Swampthing tyres for Downhill mud courses and Bontrager Mud X for Cross Country mud riding.

omegas · October 2008

The Shimano MW02 gortex winter boot has now been replaced with the MW80 winter boots they are on offer at Merlin for £80.
If you ride all year round a winter shoe (Northwave C, Shimano MW80 or Spec Defroster is a good investment for keeping your feet warm and dry)
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... goryId=136
I purchased MW80 a few weeks ago and the sun come out so they not seen any wet weather to comment on, hopefully this week I will be able to try them out for a few hours riding in the rain and see how good they are.
As mentioned above a lot of the shoes especially the trainer type spd shoe are no good for winter as they soak water up like a sponge and take for ever to dry.
If you get a summer shoe like the MT41 or 51 a good overshoe will keep them dry like the Endura MT500 they are about £25 but do work as they are neoprene material like a wetsuit. The downfall is they are a pain to take on and off as they are a stretch fit. For the extra layout for a overshoe I would get a winter shoe as you can use them all year round if they are Gortex lined.

As for pedals the DX M647 has the open mechanism and I have never had problems with mud I also use M424 pedal this has the closed mechanism and can be prone to sticking in muddy conditions but have found a spray with GT85 or Ptfe spray keeps them clean for a few rides.

missmarple · October 2008

I use SPD's (but be careful - mud and ice can still get inside the clippings) and Conti Traffic 2.1" Tyres for the commute and XC'ing.

S_J_P · October 2008

Another vote for Shimano MW02 or MW80, great GoreTex shoes if you're running SPD's.

Tyre wise, I really can't fault Bonty Mud X TR's, they did me proud last winter, and they'll be going back on this year.

nferrar · October 2008

Trailrakers work fine for me in Ashton Court (I'll probably use a Bonty Mud-X on the front this year though as they Trailraker is a bit sketchy on the front IMO). Given all the roots as well though you're always going to slip about a bit.

For SPD shoes I'd highly recommend the Specialized BG line (I use the cheap Sport model, prefer the straps over a buckle). I also have the Defrosters for winter but you could also just use neoprene overshoes over normal shoes (they won't be as waterproof but should keep your feet pretty warm and most of the mud off the shoes).

ride_whenever · October 2008

I'd second the spec bg shoes... really nice.

For mud tyres, if it is really thick then you'll want to go thinner than 2.1" to give youreself as much clearance as possible.

And trailrakers... remember different mud tyres perform differntly in different mud, so the trailraker is great here in oxfordshire, but can be less effective elsewhere.

stumpyjon · October 2008

My MW02s filled up with water on the way home tonight (on road), trouble with them being waterproof is they don't drain when they do fill.

Water ran down my leg and wicked in through my socks :evil: . Must wear shorter socks, mind you the guy in my LBS did point out they would be as waterproof as anything else with a great big hole in the top.

jake_clyro · October 2008

Thanks for recommendations guys. I'd be lying if i said I wasn't a little bit more confused now, but all good stuff. I'm going to my LBS Saturday so will check out some of this equipment in the flesh.

another questions slightly off the mark. Could I be riding in the wrong gear in mud, when I struggle to get grip?

It was just a thought, as I see other riders getting through mud OK.

hucking_fell · October 2008

Try to stay seated and spin away in a low gear. Keep it all as smooth as possible. Jerky, stomping on the pedals type pedalling won't help. As soon as you stand up on the pedals your weight is further forward and not over the rear wheel which means it will loose traction. This applies to dry, loose ground conditions also.

HansRoaming · October 2008

cjw wrote:

For mud... Panaracer Trailrakers 2.1.

Signed, they are like tractor tires when it comes to mud (and speed). Even managed to go across that boggy black type mud that smells worse than what comes out of a dogs butt with them totally fine. Went depper than an inch over the rims but gripped and made it through to the other side.

Just remember to change them in the summer.

ride_whenever · October 2008

Might be worth asking in your LBS as to what most people find work in your local brand of gloop.

Winter riding

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