First Snow Commute 2012

Well the snow came to most parts of the UK on 4 February and, as predicted by many, a few inches of the white stuff brought motoring misery for lots of drivers. I was at work when it started and the majority of staff coming in for the night shift were delayed. Not directly because of the snow but indirectly because a fair number of other drivers were unable to continue on their journeys and simply abandoned their cars. It does make me chuckle every year.

I got home in the fresh stuff on the bike with no problems. However, I changed my Schwalbe Marathon tyres for the Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tyres in readiness for the next days return early morning commute. Took about 35 minutes all told. 

I was concerned the gritted, slushy roads would freeze overnight and make life on two wheels pretty risky. As it transpired the main roads were clear and the side roads were not too bad either. The studded tyres worked well though and I was able to put more power onto the road and corner more confidently than I would have done otherwise. 

As I am writing this on 6 February, most of the roads are now clear of snow and I was able to take the Golden Child to her Rainbows group on the tagalong. I will keep the studded tyres fitted for the next week or so. They run fine on tarmac (if a little noisy) and the cold weather is set to continue for a while longer I understand. There may be more snow yet and don't intend to get caught out.

Studs Are Good...But Not Perfect!

Still using the studded tyres as expecting some more cold icy weather soon. Fine if a bit noisy on the tarmac. Not so good on smooth, dusty concrete! Bike and me OK although might have some bruising later today.

Snow Commute

The start of my 4 mile commute yesterday morning at 06.45hrs. Brrhhh!

Cycling Studs

Fitted my newly purchased studded snow tyres - Schwalbe Marathon Winters - the other day and these are my first impressions.

Schwalbe Marathon Winter Tyres

The tyres were easy to fit by hand over the rims and didn't require gloves for protection. The studs are flat ended carbide rods and are not sharp at all. I've covered about 26 miles since - had one return trip to work in a thin covering of snow and ice and today 18 miles to/from south Manchester (to see a secondhand bike I'm thinking of getting but that is another post to be hopefully). This last trip was mainly on clear gritted roads with some banked slush in the cycle lanes which I took care to avoid as well as a mile or so along national cycle route 6 covered in compacted snow.

National Route 6 crossing the M60

It was good to be able to compare handling in both snowy and clear conditions. The tyres handle pretty well on the tarmac, although they are quite noisy and there is a little bit of vibration through the handlebars. The ride remains comfortable however and there is no noticeable drop in speed compared to my normal Schwalbe Marathon Supremes. On the snow/ice the ride is grippy and assured and while I still took it easy, I'm sure as I gain in confidence with them I'll be back to cycling almost as if the road was clear - almost!

I'm happy I bought them as I'll be able to get to work whatever the weather. I know some committed cycle commuters are making alternative arrangements for their commute while the roads are snow and ice covered but I would just miss my cycle fix too much for that.

Winter Preparation

Last year I took a tumble on some black ice while cycle commuting to work - the iced banana episode. Apart from this I loved my winter commute and arrived feeling alive and refreshed at work. Because I work shifts I cycle at silly times so it is inevitable I will be on the road in the crappiest winter road conditions. I decided to do my best to prepare for this years challenge and hopefully avoid any further such incidents. 

Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tyres

I cycle a variety of side and main roads and previous conditions were a mix between ice, black ice, slush, snow (powder and compact) and clear tarmac. A quick bit of Google research to see which tyres were best suited came up with Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tyres. These can run at different pressures and are OK on tarmac alone - essential for the variable conditions we have in the UK. I ordered some last night from Bike24 in Germany as I couldn't find any in stock in the UK. 

Now the decision is should I get some body armour as well?