Icy roads

[Banjo]

Got a bit worried this morning when I noticed ponies in a field had frost on their backs. Oddly thje roads were fine .

Whats the crack with studded tyres? Can you use them on tarmac or only on snow/ice?

 

[mcshroom]

They work fine on tarmac (but are a little noisy). The studs grip in ice and keep you upright as long as you don't do anything daft.

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

Will be my third day not cycling tomorrow! Instead of growing some balls my are withering and dying!

 

[Crankarm]

Seriously icy roads this morning. Starting to think about getting home now. Busy main road or icy back roads?

Who would have thunk it in December and winter as well .

 

[Crankarm]

I can't believe so many cyclists fail to prepare properly for icy/snowy conditions. It's the same with car drivers. It's not as if freezing conditions ice and snow aren't expected in winter. Staggering really.

 

[gavroche]

Got a bit worried this morning when I noticed ponies in a field had frost on their backs. Oddly thje roads were fine .

Whats the crack with studded tyres? Can you use them on tarmac or only on snow/ice?

I would not use studed tyred on tarmac, no grip as they are designed to grip ice, not smooth surfaces.

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

This is my first winter commuting so I was preparing by asking members for there experience and expertise on how to continue cycling and enjoying it in these conditions. Thanks for all your support

 

[Banjo]

This is my first winter commuting so I was preparing by asking members for there experience and expertise on how to continue cycling and enjoying it in these conditions. Thanks for all your support

Be cautious better to drive in and live to ride another day.

Busted hip or collar bone will put you off the bike for months.

Its not allways predictable, done some rides in plus 2 or 3 and encountered ice done others in minus 2 or 3 and its fine.

Problem in lanes tends to be that theres no drains so any water running off the fields goes on the roads then freezes. Shady areas at the bottom of a dip are danger areas cold air sinks to the lowest point as does any water on the road.

Not trying to put you off winter riding just be aware.

 

[mcshroom]

I would not use studed tyred on tarmac, no grip as they are designed to grip ice, not smooth surfaces.

I'm going to guess you've never tried using them.

They grip as well as a normal tyre in the dry (tarmac is not a smooth surface, even when the councils have laid it correctly). They are heavy so speeding up takes a bit of effort but other than that I can treat mine the same as normal tyres, and have done for the last two winters.

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

I'm going to guess you've never tried using them.

They grip as well as a normal tyre in the dry (tarmac is not a smooth surface, even when the councils have laid it correctly). They are heavy so speeding up takes a bit of effort but other than that I can treat mine the same as normal tyres, and have done for the last two winters.

Do you mind me asking what size and make your tyres are?

 

[paulw1969]

Will be my third day not cycling tomorrow! Instead of growing some balls my are withering and dying!

dont worry reckon mine have gone altogther...........not commuted since last Thursday.......not even been on the turbo......been a very bad man this last week . (read: severely lacking motivation at the mo)

 

[HLaB]

Will be my third day not cycling tomorrow! Instead of growing some balls my are withering and dying!

Its been mild enough for me up in Peterborough but if its not for you don't worry, the worst thing you can do is tense up and have causing you to have an accident, there'll be other days. It supposed to turn a tiny bit milder but wetter tomorrow, I don't know if thats better though

 

[STEPHAN DAVIS]

Looking forward to scrubbing the bike down Saturday morning and then going out with the guys Sunday morning! Happy days!!!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I would not use studed tyred on tarmac, no grip as they are designed to grip ice, not smooth surfaces.

No problems for me with studded tyres on tarmac - wet or dry: then again the roads here are not exactly smooth

 

[mcshroom]

Do you mind me asking what size and make your tyres are?

My current tyres are Schwalbe Snow Studs in 700x38c (40-622). They are a bit heavily treaded really for riding on ice, but that tread gives a bit more traction on snow.

Some Marathon winters (They come in 20", 24", 26" and 700c sizes)) are probably better for ice as they will roll better than mine.