tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post4723382966708768010..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Studded Tires in March: A Cross-Atlantic Seasonal Summary Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39684524619804764962015-04-07T11:47:32.105-04:002015-04-07T11:47:32.105-04:00Three weeks ago in Oxfordshire I just couldn't...Three weeks ago in Oxfordshire I just couldn't make the bike turn on ice going around a corner on my way to work. I do not clamp my feet onto the pedals so no big deal except, I had not zipped the small pocket on the small bag on the rack on the back of my bike. Spent 15 minutes going around picking up change. Being originally from New Hampshire there was no way I would have left 1p on the road or in the bushes. <br />Nice to see what I am missing but also good to see The Sox are undefeated !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32374594796377041582015-04-03T16:48:43.908-04:002015-04-03T16:48:43.908-04:00I live on Cape Cod, the Nokia A10s allowed me to r...I live on Cape Cod, the Nokia A10s allowed me to ride all but 4 days for the whole winter. It was rough, but doable.Great tires.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12503232923419515832015-04-03T16:44:15.021-04:002015-04-03T16:44:15.021-04:00I've got the same tires for winter (cape cod)....I've got the same tires for winter (cape cod). I've been riding them for about 3 winters now. They really make the difference. This winter was especially bad, and I was grateful to have them. There is no cracking in the sidewall and they seem very durable. I have only lost one stud, and from what I understand, they can actually be replaced. I found running them at 40-45 PSI worked best. Very good on ice. Read Peter White's description: <br /><br />"How effective are the studs?<br /><br />To describe the stud's effectiveness, I'll use an analogy. Think about walking with rubber soled shoes on three surfaces; dry clean asphalt, glare ice, and glare ice that's been sprinkled with sand. On the dry asphalt you can run and make sharp turns without any concern about your shoes skidding. On the ice, you can only walk carefully, changing direction and speed slowly, lest you Fall Down Go Boom (that's FDGB for those of you, "in the know" so to speak). On ice that someone has nicely sprinkled some sand over, you can walk easily and perhaps even run. But if you do run you won't be making any sharp turns or trying to stop quickly, as you would on dry asphalt, since you know full well that those little grains of sand aren't glued onto the ice, and can roll if pushed hard enough.<br /><br />Riding on ice with studded tires is like walking on ice that's been lightly covered with sand. It's pretty safe. You're not likely to fall unless you do something stupid. You're not going to have the same traction you would have on dry pavement. But you're going to have far more than you would with regular tires on ice. Keep in mind that there's ice down there and you'll be fine. Try to be a hero, and you'll probably pay a price. "Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16188474138083776792015-04-02T18:32:27.578-04:002015-04-02T18:32:27.578-04:00V…you're still a newbie. don't !!!!V…you're still a newbie. don't !!!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26041767083224826232015-04-02T00:03:19.471-04:002015-04-02T00:03:19.471-04:00I know it’s late, but I wanted to weigh in re the ...I know it’s late, but I wanted to weigh in re the studded tires. They are just the best thing ever! I had never biked in snow before this year, so have no basis for comparison, but the romantic fantasy of biking while fat fluffy flakes floated gently down in the light of the street lamps that made me buy a second bike as a winter bike did not include wiping out and hurting myself, so I bought a pair of Schwalbe Winter Marathons. Ice, even black ice, and packed snow were no problem at all, though that deep, heavy, brown-sugar snow was hard work. With the studded tires, it was easier to bike than to walk. They aren’t cheap, but they were certainly worth it. Mind you, it started snowing here on 2 Nov, and it isn’t completely gone even now, so I am getting my money’s worth. YMMV. Highly recommend them both for the feeling of security and for the actual difference they make to a slick, cold-weather commute.<br />(If possible, buy them from an LBS that has hardwood floors. Rolling the bike out the door w studded tires sounds like riding on bubble wrap. Such a happy noise.) <br />And if, like me, you are firmly in touch with your inner child and still get a thrill stomping that crisp layer of ice atop water at the edges of paths and puddles, it is no less fun on a bike.<br />The tires are a keeper, but I will have to make some changes when it gets really bitter. Seems I’m good to about –20C. Below that, my fingers freeze, though with sufficient layers topped by a windproof layer and down, keeping torso (always too warm), legs, even face, etc, warm wasn’t too much bother. At least, not much more bother than warming the car and scraping windows, etc, for which you also need a windproof layer and down when it’s –30C and blowing. I have an old down-filled jacket that I am considering cutting up to make pogies. That might do it. <br />And I have to say, merino is a lovely thing. Not at all the itchy, smelly stuff I remember from the 80s. This is soft and warm without being hot and doesn't smell or make you smell and barely needs washing if you hang it up outside for a few hours to air every so often. (All things I learned from this site, so preaching to the choir, here, but quite the revelation for me.)<br />Best,<br />Lil BruinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1901722957616379432015-03-31T12:39:46.427-04:002015-03-31T12:39:46.427-04:00"But seriously, one more winter like this and..."But seriously, one more winter like this and I'll probably buy a fatbike."<br /><br />Studded tires are made for those bikes, too!NHcyclernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56337255154210051642015-03-30T14:08:28.744-04:002015-03-30T14:08:28.744-04:00It's true that the roads get narrower, and tha...It's true that the roads get narrower, and that this is often a problem. But I've found that on some of the narrower ones, it ironically turns into a benefit. These are the roads where in normal (non-snow) conditions there isn't quite enough room for cars to pass safely, but they think there is. I usually take the lane and move over to let people pass when I decide it's safe, but drivers sometimes get annoyed and honk or yell at me because they can't beat me to that next red light. When there's snow, it becomes so obvious that there really isn't room to pass that at least they don't act like they think it's my fault. <br /><br />That's not to say it's all roses or anything. I certainly wouldn't say this winter was "good for cycling" - just that it was even worse for everything else!Emily OBrienhttp://www.dillpicklegear.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11949360731738348652015-03-30T09:43:23.951-04:002015-03-30T09:43:23.951-04:00"I myself am old enough to have an infant gra...<i>"I myself am old enough to have an infant granddaughter...."</i><br /><br />Technically, so am I... as I realised last week, when a local woman aged 35 announced she is expecting her first grandchild. <br /><br />But <i>anyway</i>. Congratulations on enduring such long winters, and on building up a winter bicycle that works for you!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70935596147951518902015-03-30T09:35:59.849-04:002015-03-30T09:35:59.849-04:00They are Portuguese cork grips from Rivendell.They are <a href="http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/gt5norm.htm" rel="nofollow">Portuguese cork grips</a> from Rivendell. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72909663124073790872015-03-30T09:33:32.640-04:002015-03-30T09:33:32.640-04:00My skill level is probably half way between that o...My skill level is probably half way between that of a beginner and that of Ms. O'Brien. And judging by some of the photos I've seen of my 'hood from January-February, there were undoubtedly weeks during which I would have been unable to ride, had I spent all winter in Boston.<br /><br />That said, during the weeks I did spend in Boston, more than half of the roads I cycled on had snow banks instead of bike lanes or shoulders, necessitating not only mixing with traffic, but maintaining a steady line of travel even when encountering ice patches. The "funnest" was cycling over the Mass Ave Bridge, in the dark, the bike lane and a good portion of the travel lane itself eaten by snowbanks. Let's just say, I am a lot more comfortable mixing it up with motor traffic now than I was even 2 years ago!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84509902204307066632015-03-30T09:26:20.822-04:002015-03-30T09:26:20.822-04:00WD40!!WD40!!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53089741782210426002015-03-30T09:25:42.560-04:002015-03-30T09:25:42.560-04:00Normally I wouldn't. But the slope angle + wid...Normally I wouldn't. But the slope angle + wide rear rack meant no drivetrain contact. Placing it on the other side would have been more awkward to lock due to shape and slope of snowbank. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72500720973787096422015-03-30T01:59:52.007-04:002015-03-30T01:59:52.007-04:00What kind of grips are that? Looks good.What kind of grips are that? Looks good.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57118938767014193022015-03-28T01:01:04.723-04:002015-03-28T01:01:04.723-04:00When I started commuting, after essentially not ri...When I started commuting, after essentially not riding since my university days decades ago, I did a lot of reading—as if that would prepare me for the experience—and found LGRAB, and through that site, this one. I’ve been an avid reader for many, many months, and keep meaning to comment, so today I’m jumping in. <br /><br />Allow myself to introduce myself …<br /><br />I’ve always owned a bicycle, most recently a 2001 Cdn Tire bso. It got an annual tune up, and some years was ridden the four blocks home and not touched again.<br /><br />Last year, after decades as a freelance, I finally had an in-house gig, and someplace to bicycle to! After the snow melted in April, I treated myself to fenders and a rack, essentially doubling the value of the bike, and thought I might try to ride to work once or twice.<br />(I actually took a trial run on a day off, to see if I could ride 6km and still work after without being too exhausted :-)<br /><br />I could. I did. I rediscovered the joy!<br /><br />But I was riding an ugly old bike, with my husband’s ugly old nylon panniers. I myself am old enough to have an infant granddaughter. BSO and I were neither fast nor elegant. We needed a little class, so I ordered a lovely Basil bag through a bike shop further afield.<br /><br />The fateful day my bag arrived, after admiring the Bromptons and the cruisers and the Linus bikes, I thought, since I’m here, I might just have a peek at the (more affordable, if only slightly) bikes in the basement. One purred, “Buy me. Take me home.” I resisted. For months. <br /><br />Finally, in Sept, I was back in that neighbourhood and had another peek. My bike was still there, still hanging on the wall; still on discount, but still priced more than some cars I’ve owned. Still said, buy me, take me home. I took it for a test drive. It was too big. Zero clearance over the bar. It wasn’t a step-though like I was sure I wanted. It was too fast. It was too scary. It was like flying.<br /><br />Nice LBS people listened to me insist it was too big, and offered other bikes to try. Most were nice. Most fit better. None said buy me, take me home. I dithered and went away, and came back the next day and bought “my” bike.<br /><br />Now I ride a 2012 Brodie Infinity. Not perhaps a lovely bicycle by the standards here, but it has ample gears (unlike the bso derailleur that wouldn’t even acknowledge there was a third ring), disc brakes (the bso thought I could just drag my feet), fender, rack, and I added a basket even though it destroyed the silhouette. I am enjoying it a great deal. So much so, that I bought another bike, a 2014 Kona Dr Good, which I outfitted w studded tires as a winter bike.<br /><br />If someone had told me a year ago I would try biking to work and enjoy it and find ways to do more of it and even try to ride through a Cdn winter, I would have thought them mad. Yet here I am, if not a “cyclist” at least someone who gets from A to B on a bicycle. <br /><br />Thanks for providing such a wonderful (smart, encouraging, informative, interesting, provocative, entertaining) site. The good and abundant advice here helped embolden me to try something I could not have envisioned otherwise, and I am very grateful.<br /><br />(I’m also a bit long winded. Apologies. Won't make it a habit.)<br /><br />Best,<br />Lil Bruin<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-46541197512351667022015-03-27T21:21:12.173-04:002015-03-27T21:21:12.173-04:00I live in the suburbs outside Boston, where there ...I live in the suburbs outside Boston, where there is a shoulder - i.e. the bike lane, and cyclists (including skilled and fast roadies) generally ride there. In February it was all covered in snow. That's 3 to 5 feet on both sides of the road for cyclists to ride that disappeared - so it's not just about the bitter cold and the slush and ice on the road and studded tires, it's that there is very little room to ride. For example, Beacon Street, and Commonwealth Avenue, two major roads that lead from the suburbs into Boston, had no bike lane. To ride a bike, you had to be very skilled, like Miss OBrien, and very comfortable taking the lane for an entire commute - which I am not, or you ride next to the snow bank, with cars brushing right past you, and no margin for error - and you can do all this in the dark, as February has less daylight. Maybe it was cleared better in the city (where many bike lanes are the door lane next to parked cars anyway), but in the suburbs the major road were very narrow - barely room for cars going one way. <br /><br />Also, I think you would have had a harder time if you had come in February. I didn't ride in February, and resumed in the beginning of March, as more space appeared on the roads, and yes I saw more cyclists in March, which encouraged me as well. Ice was still an issue for those who commute very early or late, less so during the day, and daylight savings helps for the evening commute. And I don't thing the end of January through February was as awful as some make it out to be, but it was bad or cycling.<br /><br />All this is to say that it isn't fair to say riding was easy, or only a mater of the right tires.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-48074213589662142882015-03-27T18:01:31.032-04:002015-03-27T18:01:31.032-04:00Beautiful photography again; I always enjoy your p...Beautiful photography again; I always enjoy your posts, relaxing and informative reading.spokeswomanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003029599627697118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87139614512993585182015-03-27T14:48:57.861-04:002015-03-27T14:48:57.861-04:00Derailleured and lain on its right side - for sham...Derailleured and lain on its right side - for shame. GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-36919353265601441862015-03-27T14:04:42.636-04:002015-03-27T14:04:42.636-04:00I think the majority of riders would disagree with...I think the majority of riders would disagree with my approach, but I have a beater 10-speed I used a lot this past winter and I worked WD40 into the shifter cables to make sure they didn't stick and I covered the derailleur in WD40 as well - of course, that was because it was a junk bike with junk parts that I didn't care much for. Yes, it did get very dirty and cleaning it up last week wasn't fun, but it at least stayed slippery enough to shed water and ice. It never once got stuck. Jay Tyanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16379343653425080261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89272005863788627932015-03-27T11:29:11.753-04:002015-03-27T11:29:11.753-04:00Thank you! It's my mother's from the '...Thank you! It's my mother's from the '70s, too tight for my massive head and is starting to shed besides - but I love it and relish the opportunity to wear it.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21928122694179796522015-03-27T11:06:19.554-04:002015-03-27T11:06:19.554-04:00I picked up a pair of lightly used, 26-inch Nokia...I picked up a pair of lightly used, 26-inch Nokians on Craigslist last winter, and they came in very handy, as my town received a record 100 inches of snowfall. As Veloria said, they perform very well on packed snow and glare ice, but not quite as well in deep, unpacked snow. They came in handy again this year even though we received about one third as much snow. On days when the streets were dry, I simply rode one of my other bikes because those stout, studded tires are a bit sluggish on dry pavement. I've prepared for next winter by building up a dedicated snow bike with a Sturmey Archer 5-speed internal gear hub, and hub brakes front and back to minimize rim and derailleur wear from ice and snow. Of course it will be outfitted with those ice-gripping Nokians.<br />BTW: That fur hat provides a smart Bike Cossack look. Very stylish.MT cyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17451590809473759574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58825446774332822962015-03-27T08:17:25.252-04:002015-03-27T08:17:25.252-04:00Sorry - internally geared hub. Sorry - internally geared hub. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87822887777240163072015-03-27T08:03:05.718-04:002015-03-27T08:03:05.718-04:00what is an IGH bike??what is an IGH bike??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28978702856166552882015-03-27T07:53:29.054-04:002015-03-27T07:53:29.054-04:00It's a little more complicated than that. Noki...It's a little more complicated than that. Nokia is the name of a Finnish industrial town that gave birth to a number of factories/manufacturers. Among these were Nokia Company (originally a milling factory), Finnish Cable Works and Finnish Rubber Works - the latter being the tire manufacturer. In the '60s these three businesses merged to form a conglomerate. However, in the '80s, the rubber works company left and became independent again, now named Nokian Tyres. From that point on, Nokia the communications company and Nokian Tyres followed separate trajectories. That is my understanding of it at least.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80318068412564651482015-03-27T07:37:12.915-04:002015-03-27T07:37:12.915-04:00Those are Bella Ciao handlebars, a cross between P...Those are <a href="http://www.bellaciao.de/en/?page_id=451" rel="nofollow">Bella Ciao handlebars</a>, a cross between Porteur and North Roads style. Not sure whether they have a consistent US distributor, but <a href="http://bicyclebelleboston.com" rel="nofollow">Bicycle Belle</a> in Boston might have a spare pair or two. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68022261253500478082015-03-27T07:33:27.168-04:002015-03-27T07:33:27.168-04:00"if anything the snow affects a bicycle commu...<i>"if anything the snow affects a bicycle commuter less than most other people... I've never appreciated commuting by bike as much as I did this winter."</i><br /><br />Albeit within a much shorter time span, this was certainly my experience. Any time I tried a different form of transportation, something would go wrong. But the bike was just the same as always.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com