The Secret to Winter Bike Riding
In a recent exchange, Jerry Bilek, owner of Monkey See, Monkey Read, accused me of being a wimp. As a guy who generally doesn’t lightly pass on a challenge, I had to follow up.
I had admitted that although I try to commute to work by bicycle at least four days a week during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn, I take the car during the winter. Unless it’s ten below or colder, I run outside all Winter, so it’s not the “eager and nipping” winds that keep me off my bike, it’s the slippery surfaces. Jerry commutes by bike year round. He told me that the secret to success is in the tires.
Here is a photo of Jerry arriving at work this morning, as well as a close-up photo of the tires, the Nokia Snow and Ice 160s…or something like that… They are made in Finland, where they’ve got even more snow and ice than Minnesota.
I appreciate the fact that Jerry is so determined to keep riding his bicycle, even during the winter months. It’s really great that he’s leaving one more downtown parking space available for a shopper or a diner. However, even if I had the special tires on my bicycle, I’ll admit I’d still be a little hesitant about riding on ice and snow.
Hey, Spring is just around the corner…
…right?
February 13th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Thanks Ross,
the tires are Nokia Mount and Ground w160s. 160 being the number of carbide studs in the tire. I have not had an accident since mounting these tires on my old bike. Mike at Mike’s Bikes has helped keep this old bike running smoothly. In the spring, I’ll switch back to some slicks.
February 16th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
[...] ride and I prefer to have safe roads where I ride. Here is a picture of me and my bike. Here is a story explaining the [...]
February 18th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Ross, thanks for publicizing the fact that people DO bike in winter!
Jerry, you are one of the local winter biking heroes! Others include Dan Kust and Eric Johnson. Even on very cold days, I often see someone biking in town.
I’ve biked the last three winters but probably not as much as Jerry. I ride if it’s above 20 degrees and not too icy. The cold is hard on my hands and feet, at least until I can afford a velomobile! I also added ski goggles and a balaclava to my equipment, and they help as well.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I was off my bike for two-plus months because of a broken ankle (freak cross country skiing accident), but am now back on the road. There’s no need to fear winter biking: Jerry’s studded tires are definitely a good idea (and have been used by Eric Johnson for many years as well), although I’ve ridden carefully with regular knobby mountain bike tires for years, with no accidents. I should probably invest in the studded jobs for added winter safety.
Proper clothing is the key to enjoying any outdoor activity in bitterly cold weather. With the right layering and minimal exposed flesh (balaclava!), just about any weather can be relatively comfortable.
No need to wait for spring, Ross. Get that bike out now!