ice bike

[el gueche]

so, what are you running on the lakes? ss? multi? rat? my time is coming and i'm curious - over

[funky-funky-chicken]

Uni-Cogger.... All bikes that see regular winter use have one gear combination and several speeds: walk, run, push, stand, sit, coast, etc. I have some fancy Nokian studded tires on one bike, but am more impressed with the home-made versions I have seen on other peoples' rides.

[SprocketHead]

Single-Speed, Warm Shoes and Disc Brakes...

I've had issues with the derailer icing up and Rim Brake freeze, snow on the brakes turned to water, water turned to ice,,, No Brakes!

I'm fairly new to ice biking.. I experimented with the ol' beater last winter, this year I'm riding in style.

Oh yeah, bring extra clothes.. This should have been obvious, but I forgot them and ran out of energy. I ended up pushing myself HARD to keep warm for seven miles of icey river bottoms trail... Great Workout, but a little scary!

[corey]

I just ride my Giant, with my homemade studded tires. Works great on the ice on the lake, but I wouldn't ride it on much more than that. If I were to hit pavement or a rock or the like, I would snap off a stud or pop a tube.

[el gueche]

had a blast tonight - a buddy and i rode across cedar lake, lake of the isles, and followed some car tracks out on lake calhoun - 2 hour ride - pretty fn' groovy

[JHM]

Any info out there on how to make your own studded tires?

[mtnbykr]

Any info out there on how to make your own studded tires?

go to your lbs and tell them you want the innova 26" studded tires from qbp.
already pre-studded and these studds last longer than the sheetmetal screws. nicer on the hands if you have a flat too.

if you still want the sheetmetalcrap studds, do a search and you'll find a bunch of posts here and on mtbr.com

kl

[mara]

As much as I am anti - studded tires, I did make up a pair for the ice race on Sunday. It took a couple hours, a drill, regular and self drilling sheet metal screws, a roll of heavy - duty weatherstripping foam, and a little trial and error to see what would clear my chainstays. The QBP tires are great and have a lower likelihood of flatting, but making your own feels pretty neat. I can't wait to try them out!

[fasterfoster]

Any info out there on how to make your own studded tires?Check out these sites from previous discussions:
http://www.gbronline.com/templeinmn/stud.html
http://edmontonbicyclecommuters.ca/
http://users.rcn.com/icebike/Equipment/tires.htm (http://users.rcn.com/icebike/Equipment/tires.htm)
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/studdedtires.asp
I know there is more, but I can't remember where they are!

[noise_is_life]

Beyond any reliability issues, are the Innova or Nokian studded tires as effective on ice as the DIY?

Anybody ridden both?

[nigel]

Beyond any reliability issues, are the Innova or Nokian studded tires as effective on ice as the DIY?

Anybody ridden both?

From my experience its Nokian all the way. But thats just me.

[daveyp]

Beyond any reliability issues, are the Innova or Nokian studded tires as effective on ice as the DIY?

Anybody ridden both?
Yes, DIY are fine but likely unreliable eventually, except perhaps for a rare few tire craftsmen and a lot of time. With our decade+ long icy winters trend (and more to come no doubt), longevity and reliablity are much more important to me. Flatting in winter, like wiping out, often far from warmth is not fine. I've enjoyed excellent, albeit pricey (unless you really find a deal), Nokian service from Extremes and Revenze, depending on need. The tires and studs are virtually indestructable and likely lighter than comparable non-commercial counterparts.

[ThorSonic]

I'm new to all this, but I have been riding the Nokian Extremes on lakes (before the snow) and they have never slipped. The only time I got close was following in motorcycle racer tracks, where they rip up the ice and leave a layer of chipped snow. I only slid a little. Seeing as how you should be able to get 4 seasons out of them, it seems worth the money. I have too many friends who make their own studded tires for motorcycles, and only the most experienced don't battle with tire failure or radical stud loss.