ubuntu-cyclists team mailing list archive

["Wesley Cooper" <123drc@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks to Justin for the excellent suggestions for winter biking, and to
Fabian for the intriguing reference to BionX. Winter biking is a subject
dear to my heart, because I wouldn't stay fit without it. I simply don't
have the time or patience to join a fitness club. I've found though that by
giving up my parking pass where I work, saving thereby about eighty dollars
per month without factoring in gasoline, I have sufficient motivation to get
on my bike for a daily commute of 8 to 10K each way, depending on the route.
It's a pleasure to avoid the stress of driving during rush-hour traffic, and
biking doesn't take appreciably longer. Last year I gave up for one week
during a particularly nasty cold spell, taking the bus instead, but usually
many layers of clothing, including some New Zealand wool long-johns and a
balaclava, keep me reasonably comfortable. Lobster-style gloves are
requisite. When it's particularly cold I use ski goggles to protect my eyes.
My research room in the university's library doubles as a changing room, so
I don't go into classes looking like the abominable snowman. My routes keep
me off the streets for the most part, thanks to the the extensive system of
trails in the river valley. When I do use streets, I usually have the option
of shifting over to sidewalks if I feel the need. I took two or three spills
because of ice last year, mangling the derailleur as a result. But the good
people at Hard Core bikes <http://www.hardcorebikes.ca/> keep me on the
trails. Thanks to them, my bike rides like a new one even after two winters.
I haven't decided whether to buy studded tires yet, despite Hard Core's
recommendation, because so far Edmonton's winter is essentially snowless.

On Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 8:56 AM, Justin F. Knotzke <jknotzke@xxxxxxxxxx>wrote:

>
>
> 2008/12/1 Fabian Rodriguez <magicfab@xxxxxxxxxx>
>
>>
>> Hi all
>>
>> As winter starts in Montreal, I am wondering who else is biking through
>> the winter.
>>
>
>
>   I also live in Montreal and I've ridden in the winter for several years
> off and on. In Montreal, what you need to concern yourself with isn't the
> snow, but the salt. Montreal hoses its streets with salt and this will kill
> your bike.
>
>    My suggestions are these:
>
>    1.  Get a Fixie. If you can find an old fixie with one brake. Go for
>    it. Brakes tend to get clogged with snow and ice and freeze and don't work.
>    The fixie will help you slow down with your feet. Don't expect the bike to
>    last very long.
>    2. Don't worry about tires. I find they make zero difference. I have a
>    buddy that got studded tires and so far he says they just slow him down.
>    3. It's all about bike handling. Ride slow and be really aware of where
>    the bike is flowing to. On ice and snow, bikes move in all kinds of
>    directions and you have to be able to feel which way they are going and
>    adjust.
>    4. No abrupt movements. If the bikes starts to slide in a way you don't
>    want it to go, don't try to correct it quickly. You'll go down. Slowly feel
>    which way the bike is going and adjust slowly.
>    5. Take up all the room you need on the road. Don't let cars intimidate
>    you. If there is a patch of road near the middle that isn't covered in snow
>    and the sides are all ice and snow, take the middle. Yes cars will honk and
>    be impatient. Tough luck for them. When you get to a spot to let them go by,
>    do so. But your safety comes first.
>    6. Oil your chain. Lots. Buy thick yucky chain oil (Phil's Tenacious)
>    and hose your chain with it.
>
>    Good Luck!
>
>    J
>
>
>
>
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-- 
Dr Wesley Cooper, Prof

Dept of Philosophy, U of Alberta
http://www.arts.ualberta.ca/~pex/wordpress/