The Chainlink

Traffic 'round these parts dropped off pretty dramatically a few weeks ago... hard to tell from the "I rode today" thread who's still riding, as one would have to conclude that Gene is the only one out there most days by reading it....

Who's sticking it out and plans to continue to ride pretty much every day regardless of weather?

(Was winter 2013;   2014 starts on p. 36;   2015 starts on p. 61)

 

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It's amazing how many posts like this there are, along with people who are battered ad bruised, or staying in because it'e too slippery to ride. Folks, all you need is **STUDDED TIRES**. Then if the whole north side ices over, it's business as usual! I got down to work and back yesterday without any problems. I expect to ride into work Monday regardless of the weather. Yet I am not risking serious injury, especially to my hands which are necessary for my work.

However, calling someone a "moron" for expressing anxiety over riding in winter conditions seems a bit over-the-top hostile. The risks are definitely higher when the bicyclist has better traction than the cars. But with your defensive riding skills set to "high", I think these risks can be managed. In almost 11 years of year-round riding (about 15,000 miles), I have never been hit by a car or injured in any way except for being "doored" once last May (my fault for riding too close to the parked cars). FWIW, I've never seen cars sliding through intersections, though I've sure seen a lot of cars not stop for signs. On the other hand, if you feel conditions aren't safe, don't feel bad about not riding.

I don't buy into this philosophy that riding in bad weather gives car drivers a negative image of cyclists. By following the rules (at least not violating them too flagrantly ^_^ ) and riding with consideration for other road users (including cyclists, BTW), I believe we set a good example that enhances others' respect for our being on the street.

Steve

Paul Michael Ignacio said:

I've done it before - rolling along a perfectly glazed street, straddling the top tube with one foot out, hands clenched into fists on the bar because even gentle feathering of the brakes would instantly dump you on the icy ground - but I'd just like to not have to do it again, thankyouverymuch.

I'll ride into work, and if the whole north side ices over I'll just throw the bike onto the Red Line.

Hey Steve-

What brand/model tire are you using?  How are they on dry pavement?

 

What a beautiful day today. Rode to Wilbur Wright college this morning to volunteer. This afteroon on my way back met Mrs. Duppie for lunch at he Chicago Brauhaus. Afterwards we rode home together.

45 miles this morning.  Seven of us!  The espresso is better in Highland Park. ;-)

Steve,

I'm glad you like your studded tires.  I just choose not to run them for a combination of reasons: cost is the most obvious one, but the primary reason I don't run studs is that their terrible rolling resistance makes them untenable for me to ride when it isn't sheets-of-smooth-ice out there.  Which is like 99% of the time. 

Again, I think it's great that you appreciate the security afforded to you by the studs, but for me riding those tires in most conditions is a bit like rolling through shallow sand. 

And for the record, if I end up taking the train home it'll be for the second time in five years since I've been at the shop.

This was a great day to ride-- glad I had to work or else I might have ended up staying close to bed all day after last night's 12-mile death march super fun Critical Mass ride into the wind.  I put the balclava on and ended up taking it off before rolling south.  Bright bright sun, and no slippery stuff.



Duppie 13.5185km said:

What a beautiful day today. Rode to Wilbur Wright college this morning to volunteer. This afteroon on my way back met Mrs. Duppie for lunch at he Chicago Brauhaus. Afterwards we rode home together.

I think it is time to show a little compassion for Steve here.  STAD (Studded Tire Attachment Disorder) is a life-changing problem for those suffering from it and those who love them; we should do our best to withhold judgement, and find it within ourselves to seek to understand and offer support. 

At least until medication can be developed.

Paul Michael Ignacio said:

Steve,

I'm glad you like your studded tires.  I just choose not to run them for a combination of reasons: cost is the most obvious one, but the primary reason I don't run studs is that their terrible rolling resistance makes them untenable for me to ride when it isn't sheets-of-smooth-ice out there.  Which is like 99% of the time. 

Again, I think it's great that you appreciate the security afforded to you by the studs, but for me riding those tires in most conditions is a bit like rolling through shallow sand. 

And for the record, if I end up taking the train home it'll be for the second time in five years since I've been at the shop.

Really, Steve, I had no idea that zealotry could extend to studded tires for bikes ;-)  Please don't take this personally, but for the few days they are needed, I'll just suffer and take the CTA.  

On my commuter bike (Dahon Mu XL) I use Schwalbe "Marathon Winter" tires. These are 20" tires inflated to around 55-60 PSI, which works pretty well at my weight (~210). On dry pavement, they are somewhat noisy (think: bacon sizzling) and there is a bit more rolling resistance. For me, these are small inconveniences compared to the peace of mind I get from not having to fear a sudden fall. The studs are tungsten carbide, and do not wear appreciably as a result of running on pavement. The tires themselves wear out before the studs, largely thanks to all the salt used in Chicago. I get about 2 seasons on the rear wheel and 3 seasons on the front.

I usually put these tires on at Thanksgiving or early in December and change back to regular tires in mid-March. It would be nice to be able to throw them on only when they are really needed, but that's a lot of work. I can't get up in the morning and say "oh, look... there's ice on the street; better put on the studs". So I will necessarily be riding on the studded tires on days when they are not needed. It is a reasonable trade-off for me. I *do* have to admit that this winter has been a bit of a disappointment, and I've needed the studs only a couple times so far. Climate change? ;-)

Steve

Rich Evans said:

Hey Steve-

What brand/model tire are you using?  How are they on dry pavement?

 

Hi, Paul,

I didn't mean to come off as if I think anyone who doesn't use studded tires is a fool (and notice I never called anyone a moron! ^_^ ). Neither did I mean that people shouldn't be able to choose not to ride or to take public transportation as they see fit. I only meant to respond to the ones who bemoan their inability to ride, or their injuries from falling, by pointing out that there *is* an alternative.

Your statistic of "99% of the time not needing the studs" is pretty close to the mark this winter, but it was not always so. It's hard to predict when the conditions will justify the extra weight, noise, effort. The decision to use studded tires has to be based on a number of factors, and the equation may work out differently for different riders. I think of them as "insurance" against getting hurt; as with most insurance, you pay a price for something you hope you never need to use. I don't know how old you are, but I'm in my 60s and probably wouldn't bounce as well as some of you younger folks. ;-)

Steve

Paul Michael Ignacio said:

Steve,

I'm glad you like your studded tires.  I just choose not to run them for a combination of reasons: cost is the most obvious one, but the primary reason I don't run studs is that their terrible rolling resistance makes them untenable for me to ride when it isn't sheets-of-smooth-ice out there.  Which is like 99% of the time. 

Again, I think it's great that you appreciate the security afforded to you by the studs, but for me riding those tires in most conditions is a bit like rolling through shallow sand. 

And for the record, if I end up taking the train home it'll be for the second time in five years since I've been at the shop.

:-)

h' 1.0 said:

I think it is time to show a little compassion for Steve here.  STAD (Studded Tire Attachment Disorder) is a life-changing problem for those suffering from it and those who love them; we should do our best to withhold judgement, and find it within ourselves to seek to understand and offer support. 

At least until medication can be developed.

Hi, Lisa,

I'm more of an evangelist than a zealot... at least in my own mind. ;-)

See my other posts, and I think you'll see where I'm coming from. I don't take your remarks personally.

Steve

Lisa Curcio 4.0 mi said:

Really, Steve, I had no idea that zealotry could extend to studded tires for bikes ;-)  Please don't take this personally, but for the few days they are needed, I'll just suffer and take the CTA.  

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