Views on riding in the snow?

[Part time cyclist]

Do you still go out riding in the snow? Thinking about going out tomorrow lunch time but not sure, may be a bit slippery. But if I stick to the main roads the snow should be gone !!! It's only snowed one day and I am missing not going out on my bike...

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

No issues with that but switch to my MTB - trek 6000 - as safer than my roadie for the snowy commute.
I used it new last year when we were gettig 2ft snow up here in Newcastle an temps at -14. It was cracking and very safe.
I did frighten the bejayzu out f a few drivers at 07:00 when they were all jittey in the snow, however, give me a car tyre track and i was away - uually leaving the cars standing.
I did get quite a few funny looks especially when it snowed a bit heavier and mine was the only bike coming into work and me like a mobile snowman.
I only had 2 crazy drivers over the 6 weeks - one tailgating me at 07.15 on a 40mph dual but devided that sitting on my back wheel in an Audi Q7 with just over of a ft sq windscreen cleared and on her mobile!!!
The other one was going home and because I was slowing her down, the horn was the only way she could let me know.

Rgardless though - the ife has forced me to use the car tomorrow to get home early and off to a party

TONY

 

[snorri]

It depends on the kind of snow, the effect on cycling can range from 'no bother' to 'impossible' .

 

[MarkyMark292]

I cylcled today in the aftermath of the snow. I am no longer a virgin snow cyclist. The off road route I normally take had not been gritted and as such, the route was snowy/icy slush. It wasn't impossible, but it was hard going, especially the uphills. I found the trick is to be loose in your movements. Be free with your bike and adjust accordingly. My back end was constantly moving left and right as I was moving forward and I had to keep adjusting the front too, but no different to listening to your car in the snow. Always try and cycle in a straight line and where you have to turn, do it very cautiously and preferably slowly. Use your back brakes more than your front and only use them if you absolutely have to, gently.

 

[VamP]

Yesterday at Herne Hill.

 

[Ian H]

...be loose in your movements.

The prospect of riding on ice has that effect on some cyclists.

 

[Chris S]

A fixie is best in slippery conditions - you've got direct feedback about the road's surface and are more aware of icy patches, etc.

Back-pedalling is often a more effective way of stopping than pads on wet rims, you're less likely to lock the wheel as well.

 

[IT_Dummy]

My old Raleigh Max orge just pushes through the stuff
Its built like a tank (with big knobbly tyres)

 

[GrasB]

depends on the rider. I find that fixed is the worst bike for me to be on. If the rear steps out I momentarily stop peddling, this locks the rear wheel solid & makes finding the right wheel speed hard. The result is a large rear wheel slide.

 

[dellzeqq]

the Brompton is surprisingly good on loose stuff, but won't handle ruts

 

[Ian H]

A fixed is only better if it's a low enough gear to avoid getting out of the saddle on any hill you're likely to encounter. Honking on ice is a very specialised skill. Slippery conditions are easier with wider tyres and more stable geometry (think mtb or old roadster). Last year in Scotland there was a big freeze. I gave up my planned ride when I discovered that putting some effort in just made the wheel spin - it wasn't possible to go hard enough to keep warm.

 

[Theseus]

Can't comment on this year as we have not had any snow.

The problem I had riding the fixed last year wasn't the traction or control of the rear wheel, it was the build up of ice on the brake blocks. Not a lot of stopping power.

 

[Ian H]

If there was that much ice you wouldn't really be wanting to brake much - not if you wanted to stay upright.

 

[Globalti]

Some of my most memorable rides have been in snow, especially moonlit snow.