Cycling in snow

[matticus]

Carbon bikes are not meant to be ridden below 5c.

... or above 3.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Cycling in snow is fun, but much more so off rather than on road IMO.

Have a lovely pre-dawn ride today in icy conditions with just a tiny smattering of fresh snow with spiked tyres on the MTB which means you don't need to worry about ice. I got the spiked tyres for commuting, but now WFH due to COVID.

Rather more snow at the weekend up in the Peaks, very hard riding with drifted snow on deep mud...

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/your-ride-today.173254/page-1853#post-6285301

 

[Ridgeway]

Carbon bikes are not meant to be ridden below 5c.

Mine didn't brake last week, water bottle froze but the bike worked, interesting point though.

 

[Ian H]

Snow or ice is fine if you can can hear it crunching. When it goes silent then care is required. Rutted ice is the worst as you are often reduced to following the ruts wherever they may lead. Also, in those conditions, it's difficult to ride fast enough to keep warm.

 

[johnblack]

Went out yesterday, first time I've had the chance in a few years, such a great laugh, some off roads and quiet lanes, tyres were perfect, just dropped the PSI a bit. Only problem was the gears freezing solid about 4 miles out and having to ride the next 16 in 32/28.

 

[mjr]

If we get a couple of days of icy slush it is hardly worth changing tyres.

Pretty quick to put swap some old or cheap wheels on a suitable bike though.

 

[MichaelW2]

Pretty quick to put swap some old or cheap wheels on a suitable bike though.

I would on a normal bike but with Alfine and dynamo hub most of the bike value is in the wheels. I have spare studded tyres for long cold spells.

 

[Drago]

Carbon bikes are not meant to be ridden below 5c.

Christ almighty how many riders can manage five times the speed of light?

 

[raleighnut]

Snow hah,

 

[davidphilips]

Would really like to say i am not put of by snow and a few years ago would happily cycle in most conditions but not now.
Admire cyclists not put of by freezing temperatures but only use road bikes now and have had to many injuries to risk another.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Christ almighty how many riders can manage five times the speed of light?

You‘ve been slacking, my ftp is now warp 7.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I seek out the snow for a ride. A rare opportunity to practice certain control skills.

Glissading down the hill on your bum and using the bike for steering.

 

[biggs682]

I've heard carbon bikes can't be ridden in snow, they might break!

I think as long as the carbon doesn't go below minus 10 you are ok

 

[mjr]

I think as long as the carbon doesn't go below minus 10 you are ok

If it is colder, you need to stop your ride and stroke the bike every minute or so.

 

[Baldy]

Strangely a friend in Canada sent me this video this morning.

Testing The Studded Tyres - YouTube