Apollonius
Guru
- Location
- South Staffordshire
I usually find I am using a more tactile approach. If I am sitting on it then it is ice.
Ice...
- Thread starter Tankengine
- Start date
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I usually find I am using a more tactile approach. If I am sitting on it then it is ice.
steveindenmark
Legendary Member
I ride my scooter at this time of the year. It is easier to control when it is icy and not so far to fall.
- Location
- Glasgow
I am smug because I've got studded tyres and it's icy
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
I am smug because I've got studded tyres and it's icy
Enjoy your smugness.
Still not as much fun as deliberately sliding sideways and knowing you're not going to fall off.
Don't ride would be my advice. IMO it is not worth the risk of a broken pelvis/collar bone for the sake of a day off the bike, as that's likely to be 6 weeks off the bike. Not to mention the time it takes to get your confidence back even if you get away with just being bruised. If, however, you have no choice, as its your only form of transport, then I would consider investing in some studded tyres , but still be careful.
iggibizzle
Senior Member
- Location
- blackpool
In blackpool they barely grit even the most main of roads. Found out to my cost yesterday. Only a badly bruised hip and grazed arm but could have been much worse. Getting the bus today. Not worth another off!! 
Mo1959
Legendary Member
- Location
- Perthshire,Scotland
Very wise. It's just not worth it. Even nobbly mtb tyres don't help on black ice as I found out last winter.In blackpool they barely grit even the most main of roads. Found out to my cost yesterday. Only a badly bruised hip and grazed arm but could have been much worse. Getting the bus today. Not worth another off!!
winjim
Smash the cistern
My tyres make a horrible clattery noise on tarmac, and a lovely whooshing sound on sheet ice.
Hip Priest
Veteran
I generally just won't ride if it's icy. Unless I'm commuting, in which case I'll use main routes.
Apollonius
Guru
- Location
- South Staffordshire
Totally agree with not going out if it is icy. There is no point in risking injury. Better to miss a day or two while the cold spell is on than miss weeks with broken bones. I know this doesn't work if you have to commute, but for leisure/fitness cyclists like myself : no point in being brave (foolhardy.) Plenty of miles to be had when it warms up a bit.
Studded tyres are awesome on ice. On the few icy mornings last year it was great being able to ride over ice just like it was dry. You have to be careful stopping though - when you put a foot down and realise you're on sheet ice. They're also a pain on non-icy days, and I couldn't wait for the weather to warm up so I could switch back to slicks.
BrumJim
Forum Stalwart (won't take the hint and leave...)
- Location
- Selly Oak, Birmingham
Yep, pretty much agree with all of the above. With only two wheels to rely on, you generally know there is black ice when you are kissing it. Gritted roads are pretty much as good as dry above-zero roads (but have the side effect of wrecking your chain rather quickly). Don't know about studded tyres. I have a pair and am almost praying for thick snow or lasting frost just so I can fit them and try them out.
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
Tips: get maps of gritted routes from the local highway authority and if you do meet ice, slow down, keep it straight and upright and be ready for an emergency dismount. I've had some great fun sliding theback wheel out on ice, but I've also slid off and broken bits of bike... on a road that should have been gritted but was iced.