As part of my continuing series of polls (when they work) about cycling and cyclists, I wish to take a look at "Ice Biking" or "Winter Cycling" or "Snow Riding" etc.
What is Ice Biking?
Quite simply it is riding your bike in winter conditions.
Though many consider riding a bike a summer sport, people like me depend on cycling as transportation and as of such do not stop when snow hits the ground. There are many specialized pieces of equipment one can acquire to make said task easier and safer, as well as some special techniques winter riders use.
Equipment
1. Studded tires: These are thick, deep-treaded, steel spiked tires. They allow riders to change direction on slick ice and hard snow, as well as dig into thick snow. Chains can also be used, but are not commercially available, and require bikes to have disc or drum braking systems.
2. Low pressure tires: These will most likely be studded as well, though low pressure is also used on sand. They are quite simply very wide, thick tires that can be run at pressures as low as 1 bar (15 psi). The lower pressure allows the tire to "float" over the top of thick snow due to a larger surface area in contact.
3. Lighting systems: It gets dark in the winter much sooner than in the summer, days are also shorter. As of such winter riders must carry a much more extensive lighting system to both see and be seen. Black ice is only a problem if you do not know you are on it.
4. Thermal protection: Winter = cold, depending on how serious you are your winter apparel may be as fancy as special winter tights and form fitting jacket, to just a pair of slush pants over your sweats. A balaclava is always useful though.
5. Eye Protection: Simple glasses do not help much in the snow. Most riders in snowy conditions will don ski goggles.
Techniques
Riding on snow the same way you ride on pavement will lead to a fall. Riding on snow is all about the unknown. You do not know what is under the top layer of snow, and must be ready for anything because of it.
1. Ice riding is reactionary. You will feel your front end slip, and your back slide, you must know how to react in order to stay up. Unfortunately this is something learned through experience.
2. Never on slam the brakes. On ice and snow locking up your tires will unless you intended to result in a fall. If your front end goes you go down, and locking a back during a turn can do the same. When riding in slippery conditions keep your speed lower and brake with gradual pressure to avoid locking up.
3. If you are on ice do not turn. If you find yourself on a patch of ice without studded tires, a straight line is your only real option. It is possible to turn depending on how smooth the surface is, but on regular tires you are asking for trouble.
4. Plant and turn: When changing direction you are at the most risk. Slowing and having your inside leg ready to plant if the bike slips is always a safe bet.
5. Know your limit: Everyone?s experience and equipment will restrict them at a certain point. If you ride a racer with 7/8? slicks riding on snow of any kind is not your best option. Even with studded tires at a certain level of snow (though more than a car) you will be unable to keep a pace higher than walking.
My question: How many escapists have taken their bike out in the snow?
Damn poll chopped off 3 responses
What is Ice Biking?
Quite simply it is riding your bike in winter conditions.
Though many consider riding a bike a summer sport, people like me depend on cycling as transportation and as of such do not stop when snow hits the ground. There are many specialized pieces of equipment one can acquire to make said task easier and safer, as well as some special techniques winter riders use.
Equipment
1. Studded tires: These are thick, deep-treaded, steel spiked tires. They allow riders to change direction on slick ice and hard snow, as well as dig into thick snow. Chains can also be used, but are not commercially available, and require bikes to have disc or drum braking systems.
2. Low pressure tires: These will most likely be studded as well, though low pressure is also used on sand. They are quite simply very wide, thick tires that can be run at pressures as low as 1 bar (15 psi). The lower pressure allows the tire to "float" over the top of thick snow due to a larger surface area in contact.
3. Lighting systems: It gets dark in the winter much sooner than in the summer, days are also shorter. As of such winter riders must carry a much more extensive lighting system to both see and be seen. Black ice is only a problem if you do not know you are on it.
4. Thermal protection: Winter = cold, depending on how serious you are your winter apparel may be as fancy as special winter tights and form fitting jacket, to just a pair of slush pants over your sweats. A balaclava is always useful though.
5. Eye Protection: Simple glasses do not help much in the snow. Most riders in snowy conditions will don ski goggles.
Techniques
Riding on snow the same way you ride on pavement will lead to a fall. Riding on snow is all about the unknown. You do not know what is under the top layer of snow, and must be ready for anything because of it.
1. Ice riding is reactionary. You will feel your front end slip, and your back slide, you must know how to react in order to stay up. Unfortunately this is something learned through experience.
2. Never on slam the brakes. On ice and snow locking up your tires will unless you intended to result in a fall. If your front end goes you go down, and locking a back during a turn can do the same. When riding in slippery conditions keep your speed lower and brake with gradual pressure to avoid locking up.
3. If you are on ice do not turn. If you find yourself on a patch of ice without studded tires, a straight line is your only real option. It is possible to turn depending on how smooth the surface is, but on regular tires you are asking for trouble.
4. Plant and turn: When changing direction you are at the most risk. Slowing and having your inside leg ready to plant if the bike slips is always a safe bet.
5. Know your limit: Everyone?s experience and equipment will restrict them at a certain point. If you ride a racer with 7/8? slicks riding on snow of any kind is not your best option. Even with studded tires at a certain level of snow (though more than a car) you will be unable to keep a pace higher than walking.
My question: How many escapists have taken their bike out in the snow?
Damn poll chopped off 3 responses
