From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!eagle!mhuxt!mhuxa!mhuxh!mhuxm!pyuxjj!pyuxcc!bdp Newsgroups: net.cycle Title: Winter Bicycling or Motorcycling? Article-I.D.: pyuxcc.425 Posted: Tue Jan 18 11:39:51 1983 Received: Thu Jan 20 04:36:30 1983 Anyone want to share some thoughts on winter bicycle or motorcycle riding? Bicycle magazine articles I have read deal with warmer climates than we Yankees experience. They are mainly concerned with cold and rain, but not snow, sleet, and ice. Allow me to lead off the discussion. I purchased a Specialized Stumpjumper last October with the intention of using it during the winter. The solid construction and balloon tires seem to be a win; the heavy tread tires are especialy good on undriven snow and flat ice. Unfortunately, the upright riding position and light weight have their drawbacks. First, the upright position places more weight on the rear tire than on the front. As a result, the bike is susceptible to skidding. One bump on any icy stretch and the bike will loose control. The only way I have found to lessen this effect is to ride leaning forward so that more weight is placed on the front wheel. Otherwise the only other solution I have found is to ride more slowly. Second, the light weight also contributes to the bike's instability. I have front and rear panniers, with Blackburn Rear and LowRider racks. When these are loaded, say, with 15-20 lbs. worth of groceries, the bike is much more stable. This is a sad situation, since the heavier weight requires more energy to drive the bike. Perhaps heavier bikes (a.k.a. "clunkers") do have a place in winter riding. Consider them as training bikes to build up your legs but not your ego. Another thought on techniques is that you cannot lean on a turn. For anyone who rides a great deal, leaning is a habit. Thus it takes some concentration to remember *not* to do so when riding on slick surfaces. I am embarassed to admit that I forgot this basic fact yesterday morning; my right knee is still smarting from the crash. Bruce Parker BTL Pissthataway