Bring on the Snow!

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Permalink Reply by Michelle S on November 10, 2011 at 1:42pm

Deal alert for the ladies: Rampage brand "fleece-lined" tights are at Filene's Basement on State, $6.99 a pair. It's not really fleece, but more like a soft cotton, so it's not bulky, but very cozy. I can't wait to wear these. Bring on the snow, indeed.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 10, 2011 at 2:02pm

To each his own; Whatever works best for you, keep doing it.

Last year I used studded tires. When inflated properly they ride on the flat, untreaded center of the tire; the studs do not hit the pavement. The studs are angled to the side and only come into play when there is snow or ice rising up off the pavement. Best of both worlds. I am often on the less-plowed paths right next to the water and these studded tires work great, unless you are up to your armpits in snow or rode into the lake.

Dan G er said:

i agre with Justin.  fat tires just pick up snow. i use 38's slickish and that works fine, i tried studded tires, meh. good for ice, slow on pavement. i also like a fixed gear because the brakes never slip or fail when wet.   bring it!! =D

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on November 10, 2011 at 2:19pm

A shower cap works, too.

Barry Niel Stuart said:

Last weekend, I just bought a Jandd Mountaineering helmet cover and a balaclava.  This combo should take me into some bitter cold.  Any helmet cover contributes to your warmth by blocking off the vents and creating dead air space.  This bright yellow helmet cover not only adds warmth, but visibility.  It even has a loop on the back for a blinker. 

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Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on November 10, 2011 at 2:38pm

You can try an 18t fixed cog/freewheel if you want easier pedaling. In addition you can also get a lesser tooth chainring. I'd go with the first option first, and see how that works out.

Ian Dinsmor said:

I'm also entering into my first bike winter.

 

I ride a single speed with a pair of 30mm Cyclocross tires on it. I have seen a few people mention that they ride fixie during the winter and am considering adding a fixed cog on my hub and giving it a whirl, however, how do you guys on fixies and SS deal with the wind?

 

I don't mind the cold or the precip, but damn, there is nothing more exhausting than pedaling a 42-16t single speed into a 20mph headwind out of the North (or South for that matter.) And is it just me or is there *always* a headwind? :)

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Permalink Reply by ID on November 10, 2011 at 2:58pm

I actually just went on my lunch break and got an 18T fixie cog. I rode it back to work and I'll say my first experience riding fixie was an enlightening one, especially through lunchtime South Loop traffic.

That being said, I could feel an immediate difference in it being easier riding into the N wind. More fixie trial by fire on the 9 mile ride home...

 

MagMileMarauder said:

You can try an 18t fixed cog/freewheel if you want easier pedaling. In addition you can also get a lesser tooth chainring. I'd go with the first option first, and see how that works out.

Ian Dinsmor said:

I'm also entering into my first bike winter.

 

I ride a single speed with a pair of 30mm Cyclocross tires on it. I have seen a few people mention that they ride fixie during the winter and am considering adding a fixed cog on my hub and giving it a whirl, however, how do you guys on fixies and SS deal with the wind?

 

I don't mind the cold or the precip, but damn, there is nothing more exhausting than pedaling a 42-16t single speed into a 20mph headwind out of the North (or South for that matter.) And is it just me or is there *always* a headwind? :)

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Permalink Reply by Poptart on November 10, 2011 at 3:16pm

I ride 46 X 16 , its fine unless the wind is over 15mph, then you just avoid the LSP.

also here is a great little gear/skidpatch calculator http://www.surplace.fr/ffgc/

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Permalink Reply by Joe Willis on November 19, 2011 at 12:27pm

The two I ride are 46x17 and 51x15. The heavier geared bike does not get ridden anywhere near ice but my other is ridden through winter. The only time I have had issues is with black ice, you slide a bit farther and faster than you anticipate.

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