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Questions tagged [ice]

Cycling when ice is on the ground. Ice is slippery and can cause a fall risk. Distinct from snow, as snow does not always come with ice.

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10 votes
9 answers
7k views

Why are there no snow chains for bicycles?

My last bicycle trip was a complete nightmare. Snow and ice everywhere, with no plowing anywhere. It made me re-realize what I already became all too familiar with last winter: it's a scary nightmare ...
W C's user avatar
  • 133
11 votes
4 answers
7k views

Are winter tires (with studs) safe to use in summer-like conditions?

The climate where I live is such that you may get snow or even true ice one day, but it will be dry gravel and tarmac on another. I understand that winter tires would not be ideal on these, but ...
nightrider's user avatar
  • 8,134
3 votes
1 answer
146 views

Rotor VS Caliper VS Pad compatibility

It might be a silly question, but it's not clear to me (peabrain here) I'm using BR-R317 calipers with G03S pads and RT30 rotors. It's my understanding that Shimano calipers and rotors are compatible, ...
atomic-pork-chop's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
2k views

Can a fatbike cross frozen car tire ruts without slipping?

I'm investigating winter commuting options (it's never too early to start thinking about next winter...). I'd love to keep biking in the winter, but I've had some scary experiences falling on ice, ...
Alice McLeod's user avatar
6 votes
5 answers
2k views

Does there exist a gravel bike that can accommodate 29″×2.25″ ribbed (and studded) tyres?

The title line says it all. Just by looking at the pictures of the forks used for gravel bikes, and before reading the specs, it's evident that a 2.25″ won't fit. Is the term "gravel" today ...
Sam7919's user avatar
  • 10.3k
5 votes
4 answers
809 views

What is the smallest collection of bikes to maintain for these three types of snowed over paths?

Selecting the kind of bike to ride depends perhaps a bit too much on context—how much snow, whether and how quickly the snow is plowed, etc. Last winter I've taken the road bike on trails soon after ...
Sam7919's user avatar
  • 10.3k
1 vote
2 answers
256 views

Why aren't winter bicycles camping events common as the motorcycles one?

Here in Europe there is a trend of organizing winter motorcycles rallies in wich the participants go camping in the snow, wearing furs and cooking on camp fires. The first and most important is the ...
penguin86's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
187 views

For a studded tire that is available in both 29" and 27.5" which will perform better in snow/ice all else being equal?

I"m looking to start winter riding. My soon-to-be bike, a 2018 Devinci Troy Carbon 27 GX 12S, is able to take both 29" and 27.5" tires. I prefer 27.5" tires, but would I have more control and ...
Bearcat's user avatar
  • 13
5 votes
3 answers
7k views

Minimize freezing of brake cables

Is there something I can spray on my brake cables to keep them from freezing up in cold weather? I want something preferably that will not attract dust. Brakes froze when temperature was 20 degrees ...
fixit7's user avatar
  • 1,318
7 votes
2 answers
2k views

What to do with a frozen bike?

My bike was outside and it snowed. I thought it was ok because it was undercover but the tarp broke and now my bike is covered in snow. I had 3 locks on it, 2 of them came off but one is frozen. I ...
snowchym's user avatar
  • 173
5 votes
1 answer
9k views

How is fat bike traction on icy roads compared to a mountain bike?

From anything between black ice to 4 inches of snow (paved roads only, no offroad), how will fat bike tires compare to mountain bike tires traction-wise? Please note since the bike has to be ridden ...
AzulShiva's user avatar
  • 1,468
3 votes
3 answers
365 views

Front wheel requires weight for traction: is this applicable to icy conditions?

How is cornering on the road different than cornering on dirt? Is cornering in snow any different? I usually attempt to keep at least half my weight on the front wheel for stability when cornering ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 14k
9 votes
3 answers
9k views

Snow Tire Wraps for Bicycles

In some areas of the world, cars are allowed to use snow chains (or cables) in order to increase traction on ice and snow. This is slightly complicated on bicycles, but has been done. The main ...
Batman's user avatar
  • 46.4k
2 votes
1 answer
112 views

Any issues with yaktrax and flat pedals

Did anyone tried using yaktrax ice-traction device for shoes when using bicycle (with flat pedals)? I have noticed that often very large risk of falling in icy conditions is when mounting dismounting,...
Davorin Ruševljan's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
850 views

How to prevent ice from clogging the cassette?

I've commuted on a bike in winter for 13 years now, but never as far as now, that is 30 km daily. I have a problem which I never experienced before. In temperatures close to 0C and on paths covered ...
MaDa's user avatar
  • 139
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Good tires for road riding in winter weather?

What are some good tires to install for riding the roads in snow, ice, other winter conditions? Besides letting some pressure out for better traction, what tires should I use?
J.T.'s user avatar
  • 29
14 votes
6 answers
4k views

What's in a good all purpose city commuting winter tire?

How do I determine what factors lead to a good all purpose city commuting winter tire? Does the rim matter? I'd like to not have to worry too much about looking out for and avoiding black ice, mainly ...
bicyclops's user avatar
  • 435
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

Will my drivetrain freeze if left outside in the winter?

I have to leave my bike outside at work for 8-10 hours at a time. If it's -3°C or -6°C, is there anything special I need to do to ensure it will still ride when I'm ready to go home? i.e., ...
bicyclops's user avatar
  • 435
12 votes
8 answers
989 views

What are the minimum requirements to commute comfortably through the winter?

What needs to change on my bike? I have an 80's Schwinn Traveler single speed conversion. What needs to change with my clothing? I just wear regular street clothes now. I'm looking for the minimum ...
bicyclops's user avatar
  • 435
19 votes
5 answers
765 views

When are studded tires necessary?

Aside from racing or riding across a frozen pond, under what conditions do you find studded tires useful? I have never used them, and the worst I have had to do is take a day off when it is really ...
David LeBauer's user avatar
14 votes
5 answers
5k views

How to make studded tires

Has anyone ever made a set of studded tires? What did you use? I read about a method somewhere but I cannot recall where. I heard that you can: Drill/make a small hole through the tire Screw a ...
sixtyfootersdude's user avatar
26 votes
12 answers
14k views

What type of brakes is least subject to failure in the winter?

There is a lot of snow in the winter where I live. Different kinds of snow; soft, sticky, wet, etc. And ice too. It can get pretty cold: -25 °C (-15 °F). We drop salt, sand and gravel on our roads. I'...
Nicolas's user avatar
  • 443