The only worry I have as a new commuter is ice, at what point do you reach for the car keys? I don't have studded tyres, a possible investment if it looks like a prolonged period of ice and snow is forecast, I can't justify a pair right now. Currently running on spesh espoir sport 700x30s. Should I be too concerned about Ice and snow of just mtfu?
Ice, does it stop you?
- Thread starter clf
- Start date
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Beebo
Firm and Fruity
- Location
- Hexleybeef
I dont worry too much, as 95% of my route is on main roads with bus routes, and these always get priority gritting in London.
If I cycled away from urban areas I would be more cautious.
Even in London I have slipped about a few times, and seen a couple of peiople go over on sheet ice, so you have to be careful.
I tend to ride my hybrid on snowy days, I think I have missed 3 or 4 days in the last few years because of snow or thick ice, but even then the trains arent running and the buses will be jammed up.
I can often get into work when no one else can, even on 28mm slicks.
If I cycled away from urban areas I would be more cautious.
Even in London I have slipped about a few times, and seen a couple of peiople go over on sheet ice, so you have to be careful.
I tend to ride my hybrid on snowy days, I think I have missed 3 or 4 days in the last few years because of snow or thick ice, but even then the trains arent running and the buses will be jammed up.
I can often get into work when no one else can, even on 28mm slicks.
Panter
Just call me Chris...
- Location
- Sittingbourne, Kent
In my personal opinion, no.
Ice is nasty. Without studded tyres, you'll go down on ice. You can minimise the risks by keeping to gritted roads etc but if there's a strong possibility of hitting ice then I wouldn't personally chance it.
Snow isn't so bad when it' soft and fresh, I even survived (just) a steep descent off the North Downs in fresh snow on a road bike, on an MTB fresh snow is actually surprisingly grippy. Once it's been compacted by cars, then refer to "ice."
Just my personal opinion, anyway.
I bought some Schwalbe tungsten studded tyres to keep me riding through the nasty stuff. They're not a magic bullet, but they do provide a certain level of grip even on sheet ice so I'm happy to chance it on those. What you do need to allow for is that cars won't have studded tyres so decide what's best for your journeys.
Ice is nasty. Without studded tyres, you'll go down on ice. You can minimise the risks by keeping to gritted roads etc but if there's a strong possibility of hitting ice then I wouldn't personally chance it.
Snow isn't so bad when it' soft and fresh, I even survived (just) a steep descent off the North Downs in fresh snow on a road bike, on an MTB fresh snow is actually surprisingly grippy. Once it's been compacted by cars, then refer to "ice."
Just my personal opinion, anyway.
I bought some Schwalbe tungsten studded tyres to keep me riding through the nasty stuff. They're not a magic bullet, but they do provide a certain level of grip even on sheet ice so I'm happy to chance it on those. What you do need to allow for is that cars won't have studded tyres so decide what's best for your journeys.
KneesUp
Guru
The weather app on my phone shows predicted daytime temperatures above 3 degrees everyday until the end of December. Are we supposed to be getting 'Snowmegeddon' again?
I have winter tyres on my car because I have to be able to use it sometimes, but my commute is so short that if it's treacherous I'm happy to walk with the bike (one of the other benefits of not having clippy-in pedals), so I'll keep riding where I can, but use judgement. I am also more likely to remember my helmet when it's slippy as the chances of me falling off are higher
If I had a longer commute I'd get winter tyres for the bike.
I have winter tyres on my car because I have to be able to use it sometimes, but my commute is so short that if it's treacherous I'm happy to walk with the bike (one of the other benefits of not having clippy-in pedals), so I'll keep riding where I can, but use judgement. I am also more likely to remember my helmet when it's slippy as the chances of me falling off are higher
If I had a longer commute I'd get winter tyres for the bike.
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
I have a set of studded tyres and they go on the spare bike at this time of year. They must be on their 4th season or so, and they don't get lots of use but still looking good. I've ridden across ice that people were slipping on walking across so I'm happy with the extra grip they give me. But they do slow me down so I avoid using that bike unless I feel it is icy.
And if it is really slippery I lower the saddle a little so I can put a foot down much easier without having to tilt the bike.
And if it is really slippery I lower the saddle a little so I can put a foot down much easier without having to tilt the bike.
Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
Any sign of ice and the ice bike comes out, studded tyres are a godsend for winter riding, plus they have the added benefit of giving you a good workout
Keith Oates
Janner
- Location
- Penarth, Wales
Ice keeps my bikes inside the house. Having said that I've never tried studded tyres but I'm no hurry to try them!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We don't get a lot of proper ice down here, but when it does I get stuck as my cycle commute is all on the back roads who don't know what a street light looks like let alone a gritter (I don't trust my car commute route in good weather, let along bad).
Also if it's that cold I start planning to work from home and need the car to transport all my work stuff around.
Also if it's that cold I start planning to work from home and need the car to transport all my work stuff around.
mcshroom
Bionic Subsonic
- Location
- Egremont, Cumbria
Studded tyres for me. The main roads all snarl up when the ice hits as we lose one of the main roads into work (it's a little fell road but a direct route from one of the local towns).
The drivers all avoid the little back roads I use though as they don't get gritted, meaning I get them just about to myself.
The tyres (700x30c Schwalbe Winters) are currently on my hybrid, ready for the temperatures to drop, but it's been too warm to need them so far this year. They do grip on sheet ice, but it's not a good idea to take them for granted. I ride slower, steer more and lean less, and ride sat in the saddle as much as possible to keep the back wheel weighted so it doesn't spin out on hills.
The drivers all avoid the little back roads I use though as they don't get gritted, meaning I get them just about to myself.
The tyres (700x30c Schwalbe Winters) are currently on my hybrid, ready for the temperatures to drop, but it's been too warm to need them so far this year. They do grip on sheet ice, but it's not a good idea to take them for granted. I ride slower, steer more and lean less, and ride sat in the saddle as much as possible to keep the back wheel weighted so it doesn't spin out on hills.
recumbentpanda
Veteran
Ice, does it stop you?
No, it tends to make you carry on . . .
No, it tends to make you carry on . . .
raleighnut
Legendary Member
- Location
- One of the 'Elite'
I can't wait to try it on the trike. 
But previously I'd just get the disc braked MTB out (fitted with very knobbly tyres) and go a bit slower/gentler.
But previously I'd just get the disc braked MTB out (fitted with very knobbly tyres) and go a bit slower/gentler.
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