Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Snow Tires, Snow Suits, and a New Rear Wheel




Tim put the studded snow tires on our bikes over the weekend--I thought it was a bit early. On Monday a friend in class told me that Massachusetts had a snowstorm over the weekend, so I have to admit that I was wrong and Tim was right on time. Even though it hasn't snowed here yet, it is prudent to be prepared. There is a pleasant satisfaction in listening to the hum of the studs on the pavement as I ride into campus.

We purchased the snow tires on-line last winter as we began to experiment with occasional winter bike rides. I was amazed at what a difference they make in icy conditions. A couple times we rode out on frozen Lake St. Catherine. Even on sheer ice, the bikes felt solid. Using the studded snow tires greatly increases the safety of winter commuting. With the snow tires on, there is less concern about slipping on a patch of ice and landing in front of an oncoming vehicle. They do slow me down though: the ride each way is now about 5 minutes longer, even on bare pavement. With snow on the road, that time increases even more.

Zeb's getting ready for winter as well. While in Rutland last week, I purchased a down, one-piece snowsuit with hand and foot coverings. He's been trying it out. It's a cinch to use--we don't have to remember gloves, snow pants, jacket, etc. Just slide him in, zip him up, and we're done. We haven't gotten into really cold temperatures, but so far he stays quite warm with it on.

My rear wheel finally bit the dust. Earlier in the semester, while on a pleasure ride over a class 4 road, I had broken a spoke. I didn't notice for quite a while and continued to ride the bike. Tim eventually saw the problem, replaced the spoke, and trued the wheel, but I had already weakened the other spokes. They started popping. Each time Tim tried to true the wheel, another spoke would break a couple days after. Last Thursday, the wheel was completely out of alignment and rubbing significantly on the brakes. I decided that I was OK with spending the money on a new wheel.

On Friday, Tim started looking for a new wheel that would fit my bike. He searched the Internet and looked at a couple big bike supply chains. They didn't have what we needed. (My bike takes a 700 wheel, which seems to be going out of vogue.) He called one of the suppliers in who-knows-where. They recommended that he check for a used one at The Old Spokes Home in Burlington, of all places. Tim gave them a call and was greatly impressed by what they were doing--recycling and reselling old bikes and bike parts--and with the service. He ordered the new wheel. This is the best part: for $15 shipping, it came the next day. Fast service, good prices, used parts: What more can you ask for? We'd recommend them to anyone looking for bikes or bike parts (http://www.oldspokeshome.com/).


2 comments:

Carol Larkin said...

Zeb's snowsuit sounds perfect and a much needed time-saving convenience as well............he looks snug as a bug in a rug........

White Mountain Llamas said...

Hey Ruthie! Gabe and I love your blog! We were talking about the studded snows - where did you get those exactly? We were impressed that you had traction on the lake!

Also, Gabe suggested that if it was snowing really hard and it made the traction even worse for the two-wheeler, that walking is not always out of the question because it is such a short distance, relatively speaking of course :)

Miss you lots! Give our best to Tim and Zeb. Love Erika & Gabe :)