A dusting of snow has already coated our cycling paths. It has melted, but it's got me thinking about riding throughout the winter again because, at some point, snow will be here to stay - if we're lucky and I hope we are - it also means enough coverage to ski in local parks.
After getting rid of a too small Trek Antelope earlier in 2020 that served for two years as a practice winter bike, (never tried studded tires) I'm ready - I think - for the next step.
I've spent some time pondering exactly what that next bike should be: Do I want a lean maintenance-free machine, converting my step-through Peugeot into a 365 Bike and use currently owned 26" studded tires? I also have an extra wheelset, which means I could swap wheels when needed, though in reality the hassle wouldn't be worth it. Or, I could purchase a cheap single speed fat bike - I've always loved the comfort of cushiony 4" tires. But the coolest thing ever - to be honest I'm dreaming big - would be a 20" fatter tired bike like the Velo Orange Neutrino. which might cone in handy for multimodal commuting, using our local bus service.
After all my internal ramblings, I've decided to slap the studded tires on the Peugeot St. Laurent and try it out for the snow season. If that's successful, then eventually I might have Old Spokes Home convert the bike into a 365 bike - the model is a perfect candidate.
Dedicating the Peugeot to winter duty still allows a range of perfectly suitable bikes for the rest of the year: skinny-tired fender-less Peugeot UO 14 for fair weather rides, Dahon Boardwalk, and with safe bike parking, the Rivendell Clem could also work. All are unique bicycles that would be efficient commuters (plus give me a variety of riding styles).
I think I answered my own question.
After another snowfall that has lingered for days, I was ready to get out there. Today I mounted the studded tires and rode in more fresh snow that started the moment I left home and continued for the entire 8 miles I was outside! To be honest, it's helpful that I primarily ride on flat trails.
I had so much fun. I can do this!
 |
| Le Peug with studded tires. I removed the front basket for better visibility while using a front mounted light, and sporting an older set of small panniers. |
Those studded tyres look good and something I would do if I lived where you are. The Old Spokes 365 is a great idea especially with the 3 speed hub. I had a folder with a Shimano 7 speed hub on 20 inch wheels,it was so reliable and virtually maintenance free. I commuted 10 miles a day on it for about 7 years with no problems. I gave it to my daughter and it's still going.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like my bikes and their uses are always a work in progress. This bike seems like the best candidate for a winter bike but I wonder if I'll miss it's comfort for daily commuting for other times of year. There's always the option, even after conversion, of swapping the tires back to slicks and riding with less gears. We shall see.
DeleteAnnie if you decided on a 3 speed hub you can change to drive cog to a larger one and also have a smaller chain ring on your crankset, this will give you lower gearing.
DeleteAs you may have seen I built up a bike with 2 studded tires but I don't think I can justify keeping it around this winter as the snow here is so infrequent and generally gone quickly. I'm already cursing it being in the way. I may just swap wheel sets with another bike as the need arises or even just the front wheel. I like the Old Spokes 365 bikes. I've had so many 3 speed hubs pass through my hands I wish I'd kept one or 2. Good luck with your set up.
ReplyDeleteIf we regularly had light snowfall that quickly melted I wouldn't consider studded tires. Of course, VT is a different story. My only concern about 365 conversion would be how 3 speed compares with my granny gearing, especially in winter where the tendency is to ride slowly but have high cadence to be able to roll over packed snow and make micro adjustments in steering - I discovered how important that was yesterday riding in a snowstorm. Studded tires are not foolproof and not a replacement for cautious cycling but can lend traction. My 18 year old rides his knobby tired mountain bike on the same bike path and says his tires are wider and he has no problems. I have to chuckle though - such physical optimism and younger bones!
DeleteNo studded tires needed here in southern California - but must say I appreciate the continued re-imagining of your bikes. I really love that Peuegot frame, it's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Love this Peugeot, very rare size and feel lucky to have found it.
DeleteI love that you alter your bikes so much. Makes for fascinating reading. Here in Aus there is no need for special snow tyres, plain city commuting is all I need.
ReplyDelete