Snow Bike Set-Ups

[Shorty]

What do you ride off-road in the snow?

I'm especially interested in set-ups that don't use studs, and are not standard Pugley builds...

I'm considering setting up a bike to take out on days like today... FRESH TRACKS!! (and I can't afford a Pugs).

Any other set-ups out there, or does everyone use studs or Pugs?

Any large marge rims on non-Pugs bikes out there?
Anyone recommend a really fat tire (other than the Endomorph)?
How about fat rims (other than the Large Marge)?

If you ride a bike like this, how do you like the non-stud/non-Pugs set-up??

I've recently been inspired by this... the Jeff Jones 'Fat Front' bike:
http://www.jonesbikes.com/update/news/News2_pop_diamond.html

[Whatsmymantra?]

You don't need a special bike or studded tires. Slicks might not work too well but IMO studds are like cheating, way to easy. Winter riding is about being smooth and learning to balance front to back and side to side. Winter riding is great for your skills.
The most important gear is what you wear. Learning how to layer and ventilate because you will work up a sweat. I like those pile socks and gloves down to about 20 degrees. Below that I have some "lobster mits" and for the feet (cause I'm cheap) I made my own shoe covers out of some XXLG neoprene hunting fishing socks from Fleet Farm or Cabellas (about 10$). Cut some holes for the cleats and your good to go, just don't walk around in them because you will tear them up.
Today was a great day until the snow got too deep.

[gopherhockey]

One I remember based on a 1x1 is running a pugsley fork on the front with an offset large marge/endomorph, and on the back a center spoke large marge with the gozzolodi tire (cutting the brake tabs off to help it fit).

Problem is I don't see this being any cheaper than a Pugs unless you have a 1x1 frame you aren't using.

I know I mentioned this elsewhere, but WTB Timberwolf tires are the best I've seen for non-studded winter riding where you don't want to use some of the more unique and spendy larger tires. They are all a bit over sized and look like motocross tires, so they get decent grip. 2.7 if you can, otherwise 2.5 or 2.3.

The cheapest way I know to create a decent winter bike is to take whatever beater you have and see how large of Timberwolf tires you can fit. When you get to the point where you want to ride on slick hardpack or ice you can stud up a pair and switch back and forth as necessary. The problem is so many bikes can't handle the larger Timberwolf tires.

You mention riding today... I'm guessing a person will need thin tires to cut through the snow, as nothing is really going to float on top until we get some packing done. When the snow gets to be a certain depth and isn't real wet the only fresh tracks we get are on snowshoes.

Do you have parts you want to use on this bike?

You don't need a special bike or studded tires. Slicks might not work too well but IMO studds are like cheating, way to easy. Winter riding is about being smooth and learning to balance front to back and side to side.

Or breaking ones leg... studs aren't just for grip, they are for safety as well. It depends on what you are trying to ride. You aren't getting fresh tracks with smooth tires on a trail like Leb or Murphy if there is hardpack ice out there. One thing about winter riding is you have to be ready for a real variety of conditions. Even a pugs won't cut it in all conditions. (pugs tires are fairly smooth and especially wide with no lateral grip)

[Lezgo Cycling]

What do you ride off-road in the snow?

I'm especially interested in set-ups that don't use studs, and are not standard Pugley builds...



I am going to run my specailized rockhopper SS 32x17 rigid w/ cheap kenda tires.

[dave t]

From 11:30 to 1:30 today at Lebanon, my 2.5 Conti Diesels with lowish pressure were working great. I got first tracks in XX and only one bike had been on the top of the dream-out but the tracks were nearly gone. I cleared most obstacles except the skinny off the camel and dabs on a couple others.

I'd say the snow was getting to about 3 inches and I really don't think anything but the longest stud setup would have been able to reach through to the base dirt. Maybe a bit less deflection from angled roots and tracking in off-camber sections etc.

Rocks were what gave me the most trouble and studs don't grip rocks. I will switch to my 2.7 Timbies soon but I need to do something to keep those wicked side knobs from grabbing the chain all the time. Until it packs in a bit more, if you can't run Endos, a semi-wide 2.3 or so might be better than a 2.7.

I like the extra challenge w/o studs until there are many real ice sections which I never found today.

[timmy]

What do you ride off-road in the snow?

The same bike I ride in the summer, but with less air in the tires and I dress a little warmer.:D

[danger!]

I'm in the process of building up a snow bike. I'm going to build up a Large Marge wheelset, and run 2.8 or bigger tires, and see if they will fit on my On-One inbred 456. If not, I'll get a 1x1 frame probably. I was considering a Pugs, but I already have the Large Marge's, and they aren't the offset version needed for the pugs, so I'd be starting from scratch again.

[bigwheel]

From 11:30 to 1:30 today at Lebanon,.

Did you come in from Galaxy? When I was there (noonish) there were no tracks. The pugs couldn't break through the boiler plate, so I switched out to skis.

Tonight, I got the monkey into winter mode. Studs on, very low gear, even a beater fork.

[dave t]

I was out Saturday. I guess "today" gets confusing when someone reads it "tomorrow".

Sunday I got there around 2:30 and it was difficult riding.

I drive to the trail in winter to keep the chemicals of the bike.

[iceskier]

I built up a 1x1 last winter and used Sun Double Wide (44mm) rims and Michelin 32DH tires (2.8") and when I got a chance to ride, it worked well.

I just found some Gazzalodi tires (3.0") and I am selling the 2.8" tires if anyone is intersted.

http://www.morcmtb.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=382
Self serving portion of this post completed:crazy2:.

[heartless]

Same old Monocog, but my water bottle gets replaced with a coffee thermos, I add a cheap LED headlight and taillight, plus one Klondike stud tire on the front, and call it a day. The Monocog is my commuter as well, and the studdy up front helps on the sidewalk / road ice that tends to accumulate around here, since North Dakota does the bare legal minimum of road maintenance.

http://www.losthighwayphoto.com/icebike2008.jpg

The same setup worked for me all of last winter as well, except the bike was a beat-to-hell Trek 820.

I second the folks who mentioned dressing right. It's hard to get it right every day because every day is different, and a lot of trial and error is the only way to find what works for you. I have some nice synthetic wool socks and long johns, with a light jacket to stop the wind. I never found any gloves I liked (plus I'm cheap), so I wear my choppers on my hands.

It's kind of a trade-off, because you're going to sweat no matter what, and if you have to stop for a bit it's nice to have some extra warm layers on - especially if you've just been sweating. I almost always have a backpack with me, it's like I can't ride without it, so it's easy to peel off layers when necessary plus carry things like dry socks and extra water.

[tedsti]

For wide less expensive rims, check out the Alex ??32. As John mentioned, the WTB Timberwolf race is a really good tire for the snow and fairly light for its size. These will also work well for studding if you decide to go that route later. Another tire to consider is the Panaracer Fire 2.4 FR.