Winter Gritters

12-14-2003, 02:42 AM

This question may well have been discussed at great length. But
perhaps someone can offer some advice. What do you folks do after a
snow-fall when the gritters have been out - and left what is a messy,
slushy and gritty road? Would you recommend any particular type of
tire, etc, for the bike?

Reenie

12-14-2003, 05:44 AM

"Reenie" wrote ...
> This question may well have been discussed at great length. But
> perhaps someone can offer some advice. What do you folks do after a
> snow-fall when the gritters have been out - and left what is a messy,
> slushy and gritty road? Would you recommend any particular type of
> tire, etc, for the bike?
>
> Reenie

I've been using Nokian Hakkapeliita studded tires for the last few winters,
they are an excellent winter commuter tire. The tread itself works well in
packed snow, and the studs keep you upright on the bits of ice that you
encounter here and there. As for the "etc." part, I hope you're using a good
pair of full coverage fenders when you ride in that stuff. SKS are really
good.
--
mark

12-14-2003, 10:34 AM

"mark" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:TG_Cb.3706$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].pas.earthl ink.net...
> "Reenie" wrote ...
> > This question may well have been discussed at great length.
But
> > perhaps someone can offer some advice. What do you folks do
after a
> > snow-fall when the gritters have been out - and left what is a
messy,
> > slushy and gritty road? Would you recommend any particular
type of
> > tire, etc, for the bike?
> I've been using Nokian Hakkapeliita studded tires for the last
few winters,
> they are an excellent winter commuter tire. The tread itself
works well in
> packed snow, and the studs keep you upright on the bits of ice
that you
> encounter here and there. As for the "etc." part, I hope you're
using a good
> pair of full coverage fenders when you ride in that stuff. SKS
are really
> good.

Haks are good. So are Mount & Ground for 26 inch. Extremes are fun
but unnecessary.

For fenders, I don't have any trouble with Mt Zefal but whatever
fender I'd recommend mudflaps for a much cleaner... ok less
filthy, drivetrain and shoes. You might also want to try gaiters
and water resistant pants or booties and rain tights.

Try to watch for the strips of slush and ride close enough that
passing vehicles can't blast it into your face. A mirror helps in
trying to judge whether a driver likes to pass wide or close, then
I adjust my position so they won't be on the line of slush when
they pass or at least it won't hit me above the waist.

Doug
For email, a sense of wonder.

12-14-2003, 11:17 AM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Reenie) writes:
> This question may well have been discussed at great length. But
> perhaps someone can offer some advice. What do you folks do after a
> snow-fall when the gritters have been out - and left what is a messy,
> slushy and gritty road?

After riding in wet conditions, especially if some of the ride
is over unpaved surfaces with lots of tree leaves & needles
lying on the ground, I'll find a crud build-up particularly
around the (cantilever) brake pads, under the fenders, and around
the bottom bracket. Wet tree detritus makes a wonderful delivery
system for grit. When brought indoors, this stuff will dry
out and fall on the floor, leaving an embarrassing mess. So I
just wipe it off, paying special attention to those areas I
mentioned. I also try to keep my rims as clean as possible -- at
least, the braking surfaces.

Speaking of brakes & rims, it might pay to periodically inspect your
brake pads if you're frequently riding over wet, sticky sand. The
easiest way is to take the wheels off while leaving the brake pads
where they're set. Then pick any gritty particles out of the pads
with a darning needle or something.

cheers,
Tom

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12-14-2003, 12:27 PM

I was planning on investing in some fenders... thanks for the
reminder. Is there anything else I should think of as I 'winterize' my
bike. I am in Maine - so I expect the winter to be a long one!
Reenie

"mark" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<TG_Cb.3706$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].pas.earth link.net>...
> "Reenie" wrote ...
> > This question may well have been discussed at great length. But
> > perhaps someone can offer some advice. What do you folks do after a
> > snow-fall when the gritters have been out - and left what is a messy,
> > slushy and gritty road? Would you recommend any particular type of
> > tire, etc, for the bike?
> >
> > Reenie
>
> I've been using Nokian Hakkapeliita studded tires for the last few winters,
> they are an excellent winter commuter tire. The tread itself works well in
> packed snow, and the studs keep you upright on the bits of ice that you
> encounter here and there. As for the "etc." part, I hope you're using a good
> pair of full coverage fenders when you ride in that stuff. SKS are really
> good.