Monday's weather

...is going to be rainy all day, and then freezing in the evening.

I seem to remember a day last November in which the Chainlink was full of people posting about how they had fallen on black ice. I feel like tomorrow may be similar, so be careful if you're going to ride. (I'll be out there because I get seriously grumpy when I don't ride, and I'm gonna get enough of that during the holidays anyway)

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Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on November 23, 2014 at 5:27pm
It was November 25, 2013. It was in the "I rode today" thread, page 390.
Permalink Reply by JeffB on November 24, 2014 at 2:17am

A good day to Divvy

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on November 24, 2014 at 4:11am

Yes, everyone be VERY careful!

Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on November 24, 2014 at 4:22am

Lower that tire pressure, a lot.  It works.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on November 24, 2014 at 5:49am

A blanket statement that's not very helpful. What do you suggest based on tire width, rider weight, and road conditions?

Brendan Kevenides said:

Lower that tire pressure, a lot.  It works.

Permalink Reply by Kat on November 24, 2014 at 6:08am

I'm riding home on a mountain bike, no studded tires.  First time in the snow.  Other than lowering tire pressure any other tips?  I'm taking Lincoln or Clark and figure they will get plowed first.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on November 24, 2014 at 6:15am

There's a lot of beginners on this forum, riding all sorts of bikes. And to just say lower your pressure, by a lot, is just bad advice. 

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on November 24, 2014 at 6:48am

It won't be so deep or heavy that your wheels won't punch through, and the ground is too warm for ice.  Just ride normally as you would in the wet; hope you have fenders!  I wanted to ride to day but I draw the line at rain.  Snow is fine, so maybe tomorrow.

Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on November 24, 2014 at 7:14am


To the point the amount of rubber touching the road is substantially increased, however, taking into consideration tire width, tubular vs. clincher, manufacturer's recommendation and the other factors you mention.  The precise amount is up to the good judgement of the rider.


KevinM said:

A blanket statement that's not very helpful. What do you suggest based on tire width, rider weight, and road conditions?

Brendan Kevenides said:

Lower that tire pressure, a lot.  It works.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on November 24, 2014 at 9:18am
http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/winter-weather-cycling-gui...

This has a section on bike tires for winter. It has info on reducing tire pressure for better winter traction. Check it out.
Permalink Reply by Chitown_Mike on November 24, 2014 at 9:32am

I rode into work today on my 23mm roadie, got my ass soaking wet but whatever.  The wife is picking me up, loading the bike onto the rack and driving to DC.  Now I am questioning whether that was a good idea if we get stuck in snow fall the whole way out....might have to borrow a garbage bag from work to cover the bike in.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on November 24, 2014 at 9:36am

I ride the same 700x32mm tires year round, at about 50-60psi. In the winter I'll drop the pressure because cold tires ride a bit stiffer and I'll drop the pressure if I'm riding off road, but otherwise I don't feel the need to mess with it if the road has some snow on it. 

I think that a real concern, especially on days when the road might be covered with a thick layer of snow, is that that you can can bottom-out on hidden potholes. Repairing a pinch flat on a cold snowy is no fun at all. 

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