I rode today. Did you?

Nice first ride in the COLD.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ryan Stahlman on February 5, 2014 at 4:54am

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 4:57am

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 5:01am

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 5:06am

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.

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on February 5, 2014 at 5:37am

Video: 1 minute and 54 seconds of this morning's bike commute on the Gold Coast. Click here.

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Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on February 5, 2014 at 5:39am

Don't sweat it. Go have a cup of coffee and think about riding tomorrow.

I did not ride today either, but hopefully will get out tomorrow if the roads are clear and it's not too cold out.

Robert Underwood said:

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 Gene Tenner on February 5, 2014 at 5:54am

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Permalink Reply by Simon Phearson on February 5, 2014 at 5:54am

I didn't ride, either. I didn't make the call until this morning - but it took just a quick look at the blinding snow, coming in with a 10-15 mph headwind, and the completely unplowed roads to decide to bail. I knew the LFP would be no better than half-plowed and would be buried under deep drifts at three or four points.

It's really not worth worrying about, if you don't go. It's not a competition, it's not a religion, no one's getting gold stars for perfect attendance. I think we kind of allow ourselves to get peer-pressured into doing crazy/dangerous things or building wildly impractical bikes. We all should make the decisions that make sense for us, our bikes, and our routes.

Of course, getting the ride in feels great and missing it kind of sucks - I know that feel. But that should be our motivation. Not the bragging rights.

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

Ciclo Urbano has a pair of 700c x 30 45NRTH brand studded tires in stock at the moment. Very narrow for a studded tire.

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.

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Permalink Reply by Davo on February 5, 2014 at 5:58am

I thought about it then didn't because the fresh snow was covering all the things that Im trying to miss earlier this week. Also, I saw people driving like idiots and didn't want to factor that into the already sketchy conditions.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Underwood on February 5, 2014 at 6:03am

Thanks man... I also slept in late, which is very bad for me if the roads are messy mixed with heavy traffic. When the streets are snowy I try and leave 15 minutes early mainly to get ahead of rush hour traffic. I still think I want to get a fat bike... and a set of studded tires. I have one homemade studded tire but the sheet metal screws are worn off already from the pavement, and I've only used it this winter.

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Don't sweat it. Go have a cup of coffee and think about riding tomorrow.

I did not ride today either, but hopefully will get out tomorrow if the roads are clear and it's not too cold out.

Robert Underwood said:

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.