Snow + ice = certain death?

Hi people,

I was hoping somebody can help me out. Basically I started riding this year and was planning to ride all year but have no experience of winter riding (at the moment I have no car and I hate buses).

But as Christmas is coming and it is getting colder and I'm not so sure that winter riding is a good idea

The cold does not bother me, well, until my hands go completely numb, but cold alone will not stop me riding, neither does rain. If its raining heavily and I have to go somewhere, I just get wet and go a bit slower. The thing I am starting to get worried about is ice and snow.

Looking at the forecast this week there is a chance of snow showers in Guildford. I figure that its not going to settle on the roads, but do I get on the bike as normal and just take it easy, or is riding in snow showers certain death?

Any advice or tips for surviving the snow/ice? Or should I just admit that a bike is not really a practical mode of transport and buy a crappy car to see me through the winter...

rode thru a few white winters in Scotland. Main roads are usually all ok its when you get to side roads. Take it steady, no harsh acceleration or braking, dont lean bike too much and if its really bad ride with your feet on ground (I never did this as I could not reach) crappy car would warmer though

[ophic]

Gritted roads don't pose much of a problem, but ice does. I rode 55 miles to work down a motorway last winter, only to splatter myself on the turn-in to work cos it hadn't been gritted there.

Generally snow/slush/ice/fog mean you're better off in a car, imho.

i have ridden in snow/ice ended with me sat in a and e for a few hours with a broken wrist after hitting black ice and the bike slipping out, and that was with no harsh acceleration or braking bikes just don't cope well in snow i decided so will be walking if it gets to that stage.

Fit a sidecar for winter

Hmm, yes that would be an option. I could somehow strap my SV and my YBR together so I have 4 wheels instead of 2

But I think I would rather be a sissy and buy a cheapo car just to get me through the nasty icy days than break my precious SV and bones

[ophic]

or buy a trailie, fit winter tyres and go nuts

I've ridden through blizzards, ice, freezibng fog and more ice/snow.

It was horrible but you can do it. The key is to be smooth, no sharp braking, accelerating or turning. In fact, it's probably better if you just walk.

Seriously though, snow isn't too bad unless it really starts to settle. The days where I wouldnot ride are the next 2/3 days once it has snowed and frozen over. Then you are asking for a trip down the tarmac.

Originally Posted by ophic

or buy a trailie, fit winter tyres and go nuts

I have to say, not such a bad idea. I did some off roading in the snow and it was much safer than using my road bike!

Your in the same boat I was a year ago so I recon I know whats in your head. TBH I used the bike everyday apart from 1 (when I took this misses car). As others have said the main roads will be fine but the sdie roads may be a bit tricky. Practise your slow control stuff, try keep revs low and constantly turning the back wheel.
I had no trouble on my 16mile commute but a lot of that is motorway. Another thing, compacted snow is a bitch as is slush but fresh snow is suprisingly stable at low speed try your best not to lean too far though.