Winter Commuting - The Chainlink2024-03-28T15:26:06Zhttps://thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?x=1&id=2211490%3ATopic%3A4659&feed=yes&xn_auth=noh3 said:I think I'm going to…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-23:2211490:Comment:1220482009-09-23T17:42:12.363ZJoe Studer 8.0 mihttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Joe80
<cite>h3 said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=7&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A115856&x=1#2211490Comment115893"><div>I think I'm going to do studded on at least one bike this year.<br></br>Anyone know how to get some sort of group-buy thing happening to get the cost down from ridiculous to exhorbitant?</div>
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I was browsing some sites, and saw that BikeTiresDirect has decent prices on studded tires. Here is a link to…
<cite>h3 said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=7&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A115856&x=1#2211490Comment115893"><div>I think I'm going to do studded on at least one bike this year.<br/>Anyone know how to get some sort of group-buy thing happening to get the cost down from ridiculous to exhorbitant?</div>
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I was browsing some sites, and saw that BikeTiresDirect has decent prices on studded tires. Here is a link to their site:<br />
<a href="http://www.biketiresdirect.com/suzz/studded_tires/products.htm">http://www.biketiresdirect.com/suzz/studded_tires/products.htm</a><br />
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While it appears that the Nokians are out of stock, Schwalbe Marathon Winter Studded Tires are in stock, and offered at $62 per tire. My plan is to do it again thi…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-18:2211490:Comment:1208022009-09-18T18:35:25.097ZJhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/J
My plan is to do it again this year. As most of you know, Schwalbes makes excellent, but spendy tires. The markup isn't great, so even wholesale on the studded tires is more than a typical non-studded winter tire.<br />
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They're also made in really small quantities, which is why you almost never see high quality studded tires on closeout.<br />
<br />
Last year I ordered conservatively and they sold out really quickly, so this year I might do something more or less like a group buy (ie deeper discount to those…
My plan is to do it again this year. As most of you know, Schwalbes makes excellent, but spendy tires. The markup isn't great, so even wholesale on the studded tires is more than a typical non-studded winter tire.<br />
<br />
They're also made in really small quantities, which is why you almost never see high quality studded tires on closeout.<br />
<br />
Last year I ordered conservatively and they sold out really quickly, so this year I might do something more or less like a group buy (ie deeper discount to those who commit ahead of the delivery window).<br />
<br />
<cite>Joe said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=7&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A115990&x=1#2211490Comment115990"><div>At one point, I believe that J at Tati Cycles in Hyde Park had gotten a deal where Schwalbe Marathon Winter tires were priced at the merely exhorbitant level.<br/> <br/>
<cite>h3 said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=7&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A115989&x=1#2211490Comment115893"><div>I think I'm going to do studded on at least one bike this year.<br/>Anyone know how to get some sort of group-buy thing happening to get the cost down from ridiculous to exhorbitant?</div>
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</blockquote> Kelvin Mulcky said:I think it…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-17:2211490:Comment:1204642009-09-17T16:03:45.306ZScotthttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Scott29
<cite>Kelvin Mulcky said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?x=1&id=2211490%3ATopic%3A4659&page=6#2211490Comment115840"><div>I think it's be easier without dropping +$1000 on a dutch bike.<br/> <br/>
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Well yeah, you do have to buy the bike. But then you'll have a sweet dutch bike.
<cite>Kelvin Mulcky said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?x=1&id=2211490%3ATopic%3A4659&page=6#2211490Comment115840"><div>I think it's be easier without dropping +$1000 on a dutch bike.<br/> <br/>
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Well yeah, you do have to buy the bike. But then you'll have a sweet dutch bike. I will be commuting this wint…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-16:2211490:Comment:1200032009-09-16T03:53:26.860ZMollyhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Molly
I will be commuting this winter again. Biggest challenge? Fresh snow...thankfully it doesn't snow too much here. Necessary gear- fenders, lights, water proof shoes.
I will be commuting this winter again. Biggest challenge? Fresh snow...thankfully it doesn't snow too much here. Necessary gear- fenders, lights, water proof shoes. All you need for the real col…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-16:2211490:Comment:1199592009-09-16T01:34:28.246Zthepuppieshttps://thechainlink.org/profile/thepuppies
All you need for the real cold<br />
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1) bandana for face<br />
2) lobster gloves<br />
3) swedish leg warmers (army surplus): they work like a gangster. check the link. You put these over some Performance neoprene booties (get a size or two bigger) and nothings touching your little piggies.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=504864">http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=504864</a>
All you need for the real cold<br />
<br />
1) bandana for face<br />
2) lobster gloves<br />
3) swedish leg warmers (army surplus): they work like a gangster. check the link. You put these over some Performance neoprene booties (get a size or two bigger) and nothings touching your little piggies.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=504864">http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=504864</a> So much great info in this th…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-15:2211490:Comment:1198982009-09-15T20:48:30.824ZGinhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Gin
So much great info in this thread! Hope to see folks at the Bike Winter <a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/bike-winter-kickoff-planning" target="_blank">kick-off meeting</a> next Tues night.<br />
We'll have 10th anniversary Bike Winter stickers on hand. Start thinking about events, rides and classes you would like to see this winter. Get involved in the <a href="http://hafd.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/bikewinter" target="_blank">planning</a>.<br />
Also, we're doing a…
So much great info in this thread! Hope to see folks at the Bike Winter <a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/bike-winter-kickoff-planning" target="_blank">kick-off meeting</a> next Tues night.<br />
We'll have 10th anniversary Bike Winter stickers on hand. Start thinking about events, rides and classes you would like to see this winter. Get involved in the <a href="http://hafd.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/bikewinter" target="_blank">planning</a>.<br />
Also, we're doing a <a href="http://www.thechainlink.org/events/get-layered-winter-cycling" target="_blank">free workshop</a> in Logan Square Oct 11th. Would be great to have veterans and newbies alike to swap questions and answers. It's always a spirited debate…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-10:2211490:Comment:1180032009-09-10T21:31:13.065ZJhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/J
It's always a spirited debate, tires.<br />
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But with 27" the choices are limited, yes. There are plenty of inexpensive options from Kenda, Bontrager, Innova, etc. One step up will get you into something like a Panaracer Pasela. I personally like the Tourguard version of the Pasela, which is available at many local shops. Its tread is slightly more aggressive than others in the category and yet the ride isn't too harsh.<br />
<br />
From there, you will find the Continental and Specialized tires -- very puncture…
It's always a spirited debate, tires.<br />
<br />
But with 27" the choices are limited, yes. There are plenty of inexpensive options from Kenda, Bontrager, Innova, etc. One step up will get you into something like a Panaracer Pasela. I personally like the Tourguard version of the Pasela, which is available at many local shops. Its tread is slightly more aggressive than others in the category and yet the ride isn't too harsh.<br />
<br />
From there, you will find the Continental and Specialized tires -- very puncture resistant, but with stiff sidewalls for sure. For slightly more, you will find the Schwalbe Marathons, which used to be rare, but are now stocked at many local shops. I'm keen on these for their reflective sidewall, tread that seemingly runs forever, and tread pattern that's pretty good on slippery and wet roads.<br />
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Winter specificity aside, I usually recommend the Schwalbe Marathon at the high end and the Panaracer Pasela TG in the middle for folks looking for good all around 3/4 season 27" tires.<br />
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But do try to experiment with tire pressure for sure. A 27 x 1 1/4" tire is still relatively low volume for a winter tire, especially with a heavier bike + person + stuff. Generally what you want to do when it gets icy is run as low a pressure as you can get away with whilst avoiding pinch flats. Ditto on changing your route.…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-10:2211490:Comment:1180002009-09-10T21:30:20.121ZBalloonBikerhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/jamimaria
Ditto on changing your route. I live near there and pass Western and Wilson everyday. Lincoln to Wells is clear for the most part. I rode all winter last year and only had problems on the side streets. Good luck figuring it out!<br />
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<cite>Natalie said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=8&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A117987&x=1#2211490Comment117987"><div>Or maybe you can modify your route. The LFP sometimes stinks in the winter. Often,…</div>
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Ditto on changing your route. I live near there and pass Western and Wilson everyday. Lincoln to Wells is clear for the most part. I rode all winter last year and only had problems on the side streets. Good luck figuring it out!<br />
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<cite>Natalie said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=8&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A117987&x=1#2211490Comment117987"><div>Or maybe you can modify your route. The LFP sometimes stinks in the winter. Often, in fact, especially along the curve between and Oak and Chicago, when it can be completely coated with ice. You're way safer on the road. The only problem with the road, and it's a big one, is that if you lose your balance you're totally at the mercy of car traffic. I've been lucky so far.<br/><br/><cite>Dan M said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=8&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A117964&x=1#2211490Comment117964"><div>Thanks for the information (J, Natalie, and Koala).<br/><br/>With respect to going to 700c wheels-- I am not sure enough of my abilities to make the switch myself-- and I really don't want to sink any more money into the bike until I'm sure I won't wuss out on winter riding. I don't think I will, but I'm trying to ease into it. A new wheelset plus the labor for the adjustment would be a decent chunk of change.<br/><br/>I don't think I'll get the fender clearance on the knobbies.<br/><br/>So, I guess that leaves me with the available 27" tires-- and the option of building my own studded tires.<br/><br/>I ride from Western and Wilson to the LFP to the loop. I have heard the LFP accumulates some ice.<br/>BR><br/><br/><br/></div>
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</blockquote> I've heard it's impassable be…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-10:2211490:Comment:1179992009-09-10T21:29:23.279ZDan Mhttps://thechainlink.org/profile/DanM
I've heard it's impassable between Oak Street Beach and Navy Pier.<br />
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I was thinking that I'd jump off around Oak Street and head down through the Mich Ave. area to my office (which is on upper Randolph). There aren't great biking streets in the area, but I think it should work out for the short distance.<br />
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<cite>Natalie said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?id=2211490%3ATopic%3A4659&page=8#2211490Comment117987"><div>Or maybe you can modify…</div>
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I've heard it's impassable between Oak Street Beach and Navy Pier.<br />
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I was thinking that I'd jump off around Oak Street and head down through the Mich Ave. area to my office (which is on upper Randolph). There aren't great biking streets in the area, but I think it should work out for the short distance.<br />
<br />
<cite>Natalie said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?id=2211490%3ATopic%3A4659&page=8#2211490Comment117987"><div>Or maybe you can modify your route. The LFP sometimes stinks in the winter. Often, in fact, especially along the curve between and Oak and Chicago, when it can be completely coated with ice. You're way safer on the road. The only problem with the road, and it's a big one, is that if you lose your balance you're totally at the mercy of car traffic. I've been lucky so far.<br/><br/><cite>Dan M said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=8&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A117964&x=1#2211490Comment117964"><div>Thanks for the information (J, Natalie, and Koala).<br/><br/>With respect to going to 700c wheels-- I am not sure enough of my abilities to make the switch myself-- and I really don't want to sink any more money into the bike until I'm sure I won't wuss out on winter riding. I don't think I will, but I'm trying to ease into it. A new wheelset plus the labor for the adjustment would be a decent chunk of change.<br/><br/>I don't think I'll get the fender clearance on the knobbies.<br/><br/>So, I guess that leaves me with the available 27" tires-- and the option of building my own studded tires.<br/><br/>I ride from Western and Wilson to the LFP to the loop. I have heard the LFP accumulates some ice.<br/><br/>I will check out the armadillos. Any other suggested 27" tires? I've read about Schwalbe Marathons as some sort of super tire-- but I've also heard the "new" ones are cheaply manufactured and prone to blowing off the rim.<br/><br/><br/><br/></div>
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</blockquote> Or maybe you can modify your…tag:thechainlink.org,2009-09-10:2211490:Comment:1179872009-09-10T21:02:13.588ZNataliehttps://thechainlink.org/profile/Natalie
Or maybe you can modify your route. The LFP sometimes stinks in the winter. Often, in fact, especially along the curve between and Oak and Chicago, when it can be completely coated with ice. You're way safer on the road. The only problem with the road, and it's a big one, is that if you lose your balance you're totally at the mercy of car traffic. I've been lucky so far.<br />
<br />
<cite>Dan M said:…</cite>
Or maybe you can modify your route. The LFP sometimes stinks in the winter. Often, in fact, especially along the curve between and Oak and Chicago, when it can be completely coated with ice. You're way safer on the road. The only problem with the road, and it's a big one, is that if you lose your balance you're totally at the mercy of car traffic. I've been lucky so far.<br />
<br />
<cite>Dan M said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/2211490:Topic:4659?page=8&commentId=2211490%3AComment%3A117964&x=1#2211490Comment117964"><div>Thanks for the information (J, Natalie, and Koala).<br/> <br/>
With respect to going to 700c wheels-- I am not sure enough of my abilities to make the switch myself-- and I really don't want to sink any more money into the bike until I'm sure I won't wuss out on winter riding. I don't think I will, but I'm trying to ease into it. A new wheelset plus the labor for the adjustment would be a decent chunk of change.<br/>
<br/>
I don't think I'll get the fender clearance on the knobbies.<br/>
<br/>
So, I guess that leaves me with the available 27" tires-- and the option of building my own studded tires.<br/>
<br/>
I ride from Western and Wilson to the LFP to the loop. I have heard the LFP accumulates some ice.<br/>
<br/>
I will check out the armadillos. Any other suggested 27" tires? I've read about Schwalbe Marathons as some sort of super tire-- but I've also heard the "new" ones are cheaply manufactured and prone to blowing off the rim.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/></div>
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