I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by EssFresh on February 5, 2014 at 7:38am

I choose not to ride today. Did see one well prepared cyclist moving effortlessly down Elston and one not so prepared suffering.

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Permalink Reply by The Grizz on February 5, 2014 at 7:47am

Outstanding commute this morning! Snow snow snow! I dare say I fared better than the motorists spinning about - well...I had more fun anyway.

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Permalink Reply by Deet 4.5mi on February 5, 2014 at 8:05am

Side streets are slow going but it is much better downtown. I am sure the conditions will be better this evening.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Stahlman on February 5, 2014 at 8:57am

Did not brave the ride today. Wish I had fat tire bike for days like this; however, the 9 mile commute would be crazy slow.

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Permalink Reply by Barclor on February 5, 2014 at 9:19am

As the owner of a 4.8" fat bike, IMHO it doesn't help any on city streets. Most of the snow you encounter is nasty packed down stuff that you sill just slide around on with fat tires - you want to cut through the snow and get to the pavement where there's more hope for traction. That's not to say you can't ride a fat bike, or that it's not incredibly fun, but I've yet to choose my Fatty over 30mm - 700C SS commuter.

This is perfect snow ride weather. Just warm enough to cut through 99% of everything out there. Now, let's hope they can clear some of this stuff out before the negative temps roll in and freeze everything!

Ryan Stahlman said:

Did not brave the ride today. Wish I had fat tire bike for days like this; however, the 9 mile commute would be crazy slow.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on February 5, 2014 at 9:27am

Barclor said:

As the owner of a 4.8" fat bike, IMHO it doesn't help any on city streets. Most of the snow you encounter is nasty packed down stuff that you sill just slide around on with fat tires - you want to cut through the snow and get to the pavement where there's more hope for traction. That's not to say you can't ride a fat bike, or that it's not incredibly fun, but I've yet to choose my Fatty over 30mm - 700C SS commuter.

This is the adverisment for the 45NRTH Xerxes studded tire (700x30mm): When a layer of snow conceals black ice, the ultra-narrow profile easily slices through the fluff and gets straight to business providing extreme traction in these extreme conditions.

I've only ridden mine a couple times so far. Took the train this morning. Might try the bike tomorrow.

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Permalink Reply by Barclor on February 5, 2014 at 9:41am

I've got Schwalbe Winter Studded tires in 30mm - That ad copy defines my commute this morning.

You can't ride like it's 70 degrees and sunny, but it adds just enough grip to get where you need to go safely.

Skip Montanaro 12mi said:

This is the adverisment for the 45NRTH Xerxes studded tire (700x30mm): When a layer of snow conceals black ice, the ultra-narrow profile easily slices through the fluff and gets straight to business providing extreme traction in these extreme conditions.

I've only ridden mine a couple times so far. Took the train this morning. Might try the bike tomorrow.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Stahlman on February 5, 2014 at 9:54am

I seriously considering getting some studded tires. Does any shop carry them locally? I would order them from Peter White; however, I am concerned about the clearance requirements. I currently have 30 mm tires that fit pretty tightly in 55mm fenders.

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Permalink Reply by BootsyC on February 5, 2014 at 9:57am

I hemmed and hawed this morning, finally deciding that I'd kick myself if I didn't ride. It was a great commute in.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Underwood on February 5, 2014 at 10:01am

I didn't ride this morning. I'm so depressed. I hate not riding. I woke up late and saw all the traffic and all the snow and knew I had no time to swap in my one studded tire. Crap. stupid idiot. I want a fat bike as well, I was thinking about that while I was trapped inside the train staring at the snowy street far far below... I will ride tomorrow!!! this is the second day in over a year I didn't commute on my bicycle. IM SO DEPRESSED!!! boo hoo hoo. Congratulations to you all who bravely conquered the snowy roadscape this morning... I salute you wonderful men and women.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on February 5, 2014 at 10:06am

I bought one of my Xerxes from Bucephalus in Evanston. QBP is out of stock until the fall, but I found another one online from Bikeman. I have SKS Cromoplastic 45 fenders. They fit fine, though the casting "hairs" sweep the fenders. (Keeps them clean, I suppose, though I doubt that's the manufacturer's intent.)

If we can coordinate a place to meet, you're welcome to check my front wheel (at least) against your front fork/fender. I have a QR front, 15mm track nut rear.

Ryan Stahlman said:

I seriously considering getting some studded tires. Does any shop carry them locally? I would order them from Peter White; however, I am concerned about the clearance requirements. I currently have 30 mm tires that fit pretty tightly in 55mm fenders.