Ride a road bicycle in winter with snow on the ground?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ace
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I am going to school and will be needing to make about a 15 block commute to get to campus for my morning class. I would not consistently have access to a car and i dont want to pay top dollar for parking. If i REALLY had to, i could walk the distance, but i would have less than an hour to do so which could be done, but some days it might get a little close on time AND where i live it is super cold and dont want to be outside for longer than i have to. I was thinking about taking my bike. I know that while riding it would only get colder, but it would be for a shorter length of time. What i am worried about is snow/ice. the streets and sidewalks are mostly cleared off, but there are patches of it around and all i would need would be to hit one and have the bike go down with me on it. plus, if i had thinner road tires on it, i wouldnt have as much traction. Has anyone taken a bike in the snow before? how was it? did you have a problem with slipping? has any one used a fixed gear in the snow? would that make it even harder? oh and plus i would be wearing a heavy backpack that might add to the struggle...
 
Get a pair of cyclocross tires for you road bike otherwise walk! If you use a fixie in those conditions you may as well join the circus too!
 
You have to be careful of glare ice even if you are walking. Other than that ride. I suggest lowering your seat below the normal height so you can have your feet on the ground in an instant. It's only 15 blocks. Raise the seat in good weather.
 
Haven't used a fixed gear, but I have ridden on ice and snow. It can be dangerous, the things to look out for is any sharp turns, hills and anything on the ground that causes it to be uneven - I found last year that the cycle lane edge marker can cause you to come off if you hit it at the wrong angle - it was raised less than 0.5 inch but covered in ice.

I'd recommend a mountain bike with fat soft tyres and non SPD pedals so you can put your feet down quickly to stabilise yourself. However if you have a road bike stick to the treated sections of the road which have already been warmed up by car tires going over it.

My back pack does not make much difference but then yours is probably going to be heavy as you are carrying school books.

Anyway give it a go and if it is too scary stick to walking till the weather warms up.

Don't forget to wear a helmet, good luck.
 
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