Snow Bike
Quick question for all: Which bike should I ride during icy conditions? The X-Bite 2000 or Old Yeller? Why am I asking? Allow me to explain.
First off, understand that I do not have my studded tires on either bike as of yet, hence the debate.
I love the X-Bite 2000. It's light, responsive, and I love the hard tail nature of it for carrying the grocery getter or the kid cart. It's first experience with ice however was a bit shaky. I'm wondering if this is partially because of how light it is.
Old Yeller...well, it's old, and it's yeller (yellow). It's a known commodity on ice. It's heavy (Norba Downhill frame) and seems to hold the road well even without studded tires. Does its heavier frame help it in these conditions or not?
Which bike should I put the studs on for icy riding? Best (non-smart aleck) response may be compensated with liquid refreshment if I choose to be nice.
5 comments:
X-Bite 2000 - you already know that Ol' Yeller can handle the icy conditions and your first ride with the X-Bite was a bit shaky per your blog so I would suggest riding the X-Bite with Studs and give it one more chance.
Studs for both. Don't neglect either one. If you do they may need counseling. They need saddle time to be happy.
I'd rather only "stud" one. When the roads are not snow packed/icy, it is too hard on the studs to ride on pavement. After a little more thought, I'm leaning towards studding Ol' Yeller as I like to ride the X-bite 2000 when roads are good/not icy.
I haven't had any problems with carbide studs which are on my Nokian when riding on pavement. I have carbide skags on my snowmachine and nothing wears them down. My Nokians had instructions to ride them 30 miles or maybe K's on pavement to set the studs. I think the pavement is softer than the studs.
I prefer hardtails for winter riding. Suspension seems to be less effective the colder the temps and riding on snow.
I have found ice to be ice, no matter what the bike. Just as easy to slide out unexpectedly on one as the other. Especially wet ice....I know this from experience..ouch. Just my opinions. Riding in your area may be very different than where I'm at.
prior posts:
I want a Roomba now, you are the second person in a week I have heard raving about it.
I'm glad your feeling better!
Giving up the mileage/speed thing was one of the best things I did, which wasn't intentional, my bike computer batteries died and I didn't replace them...I was wearing myself out and was taking 2steps back for every one forward. After the computer died, I started enjoying my rides more. So is what decided it for me.
Take care,
Good to have options and choices. Stud one...either one. You'll be glad you did. However, I prefer to have a bike with fenders as well as studded tires. Pick up an old hardtail with a solid fork, they make the best winter bikes.
As long as you buy carbide studs, like Nokian uses, you can ride on all the pavement you want without even putting a scratch in the little studs.
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