winter equipment

Just a quick question for all. Since I'm in the burbs where there are hills, what does everyone use for tires on their bikes and body equipment. I have my mountain bike with nubby tires, but it takes me on a clear day 20 minutes longer to get to work then my speed bike??

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on December 4, 2010 at 7:23am

I think you may see "quick question" redefined here :-)
There are many who swear by their "speed bikes" through the winter, but I suspect these are folks with longer distances who are somewhat hardened to riding main arterials throughout the year.
I imagine your road bike is something you're not happy subjecting to slush and salt?
It sounds like a third bike may be in order for sloppy but not quite arctic conditions. One advantage of mountain bikes for winter riding (and one of the reasons for their form factor) is that the top tube is farther away from you so it's easeir to bail in really slippery stuff.
Otherwise . . . 20 minutes longer.
I personally use a thinner/ almost road style tire on the front and a thick tire with knobs only on the side (creating kind of a square profile) in the wintertime-- but my commute is only a mile and I tend to ride Sherman Tank style-- continually choosing whatever piece is most passable as I go, be it side street, main street, parkway, etc.