The all about Bicycling thread

I love my mountain bike (hybrid). I just don't get off road as much as I'd like.

Check out this winning ride:

 

That is an amazing ride... I've never heard commenters that were that excited though, heh.

 

I always wear a helmet and gloves and only ride a mountain bike. I love to ride trails and try to get out a few times a week.

 

Yesterday morning the temps were in the teens. I saw two dudes riding on bikes.

Amazing. They had to be frozen.

 

I rode to work today, about 7 miles.
Temp of 16 F.
It can be done but takes some preparation. Winter specific cycling gear with no exposed skin. Once you get out there pedaling you would be amazed how quickly you warm up.
I ride to and from work down to about 0F.

 

I tend to ride more during the winter than the summer. It's seldom cold, head, hands and feet require more protection.

 

The two people I saw riding were in no way dressed to be riding a bike in those temps. One was in a parka, so bundled he could barely move which is dangerous (looked elderly) and the other looked to be someone riding to work.

 

I used to ride my bike all winter. Knobbly tires are made for snow.

It can be a bit chilly but you just need to bundle up.

 

speaking of winter riding - has anyone done metal studded tires yet? Oddly enough, I really will not ride below 45 even though I much enjoy riding my motorcycle in temperatures down to 20.

 

Metal studded bike tires? For bicycles or just motorcycles? I clip on plastic fenders and put on knobby tires, but that's it.

 

I use Nokian studded tires, something like this .
Nokian (formerly Nokia) has sold the bike tires production to a company called Suomi Tyres http://www.suomityres.fi/winter.htm
They have a broad range of tires, with 100-300 studs. The studs I have are carbide and will cut through any ice.
For those that are skeptic about studs working for bikes I can confirmed that they do, I have never fallen on ice while using studded tires.

 

Biking in the winter is just like being outside. You've got to dress for it. The difference is that you dress for the 2nd 10 minutes, not the first. You'll overheat otherwise.

We just quoted a special event liability policy for a mountain bike race in Wisconsin the first week of January. So there's that too.

 

I also use those exact studded Nokians. They are the top quality brand.
Makes your bike feel like an Abrams tank.
You will not believe what you can ride across with studded snow tires on your bike.

 

I just found a 700x32c set of studded tires... really tempted to click buy.

http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results.asp?ID=BPC358885

 

aquafox, fflowley and Zweiblumen (and others), next time you're in the market for studded tires—and if you're feeling handy and/or adventurous—try making your own.

 

That post makes it seem way too easy Thanks for the link!

 

Welcome! If you go through with it, would love to hear how it goes!

 

For some reason the link won't open for me.
The handmades that I have seen are very rough riding and don't last long as the screws rip apart the rubber tire casing.
The Nokians look very expensive but they are highly functional and long lasting.

 

will do. don't expect anything too soon however