Sure, I don't have great tires (26 x 1.75 Decathlon City5 Protect), and my brake pads definitely need to be replaced as they hardened so fast I couldn't use them even once.
But damn was it rough. 50min commute turned into 1h40 of whatever the hell that was.
I'll keep on trying, improving my setup and everything but I can't guarantee I'll join the ranks of the winter cyclists for good.
Also regardless of what I do, the roads aren't well maintained and plowed for most of my commute Cf pic #2
Open to any recommendations ! (aside from changing my pads, I have new salmon Kool stops in my bin and a studded shwalbe somewhere) Thanks 🙏
PS: I did fall once, but the photos are unrelated to that. I laid my bike on the side after having to push it for 20min when I figured I'd make a reminder of tonight.
by konishiwoi
13 Comments
Just keep riding. You’ll get better at it the more experience you have.
Jeezus. That’s a lot of fresh snow to plow through, and I’m Swiss. I know there are people who can ride with this conditions on a fixed gear bike and 23c tires… But I would consider another kind of bike, like people do in Finland and Norway, if you often have snow. Like, a rigid MTB with spiked tires of the snow is hard, or a tubeless setup with thexwidesr tires possible?
It gets easier when the storm passes, sticky snow makes it much harder to pedal. It’ll be easier tomorrow, You got this!
A front studded tire will help for icy conditions
You’re gonna need studded tires. They make more difference than you can ever imagine.
Snow is tough when it’s deep and wet. Pray for colder temps on your next snowstorm and it’ll be easier to ride in
It’s rough in fresh snow like that, like riding through the loose sand at a beach, just saps your energy. What’s snow clean up like where you are? If it turns to icy hardpack snow, I’d dig out the studded tire for the front, but if they clean up relatively quickly and things dry out and aren’t icy, you can just take breaks on snow days and ride after.
Ditch the fenders and swap some meatier tyres! Also consider packing some of that stuff more in front so you keep the balance for better handling!
I believe in you – preparation is key.
Wrong!
Your bike isn’t.
So I don’t know how it is where you live, but usually it is only this bad for a day or two until the snow gets packed down or at least partially removed. Riding on packed snow is just as fast as asphalt I would claim (well… Almost).
Get spiked tires.
If it snows like this very often and you experience this kind of new soft snow often, a fat bike with spiked tires is your best option.
What’s the temperature outside? 😶🌫️
I salute you for trying! Other than a fatbike, it’s gonna be tough. I was a courier in Utah and less was better in that snow. Single speed (not fixed gear with those hills), seatpost fender and downtube fender for some wet protection while avoiding packup of snow. Skinny tires do cut through but any turns are dicey. Some Koolstop red or salmon brake pads helped a bit. Start watching some speedway motorcycling racing, wear thick clothing and good luck!
I live north of the arctic circle in norway. Daily is a 29” enduro e-bike with a massive battery, 40mm rims and schwalbe ice spiker pros.