December 4th – Although it suddenly got warmer over the weekend, I’ve taken the plunge (late this year) and fitted ice tyres to a couple of my bikes as I do every winter.
Slightly fatter than my normal road tyre of choice at 35mm, these have a pronounced tread more akin to a cross tyre, with 4 radial bands of carbide-tipped spikes that bite into ice and packed snow.
Last week was cold, but mercifully, due to the dry spell, not too icy, but a close shave with a frozen puddle concentrated my mind. Although noisy and draggy, these tyres won’t slip easily on ice and wash down slime and will make me feel more secure on those dark, icy commutes.
If you’re out on the roads in a cold spell, here are my tips for safe cycling, even if you don’t have winter tyres…
- Stick to main routes where possible. Avoid backlanes and canal towpaths.
- Ride on the road, out of the gutter where standing water freezes.
- Take it steady, and ease off on the speed – particularly downhill.
- Use your momentum and judge it – avoid braking where possible.
- Turn gently without braking.
- Use your back brake rather than your front, and pulse it don’t clamp it on. Just light touches.
- Move with the bike. Go with it if it slides, don’t fight it.
- If you lose the back, you can pull out of it with care. Lose the front and you’re gone. Bear that in mind in a slide.
- Give other roadusers more space, and consider the consequences if they slide.
- Let a little air out of your tyres to increase contact area.
Take it easy, folks.
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