Winter roads and tyres

Now that the roads are either wet, filthy, salted or icy make a special effort to check your tyres. Also, think about what you're riding on - is it the best tyre for the conditions.

If you've got a tear in your tyre, bin it, it isn't good to ride.

Many tyres have wear indicators, for example, continentals have a little dimple in the tread. Check it.

If you've still got fast summer road tyres on, take them off and put some tougher winter tyres on. They may give you a bit more rolling resistance, but if you're riding on frosty roads that is probably no bad thing. For winter riding, all you need is a workhouse tyre.

My personal winter tyre preference is Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons (25mm). They are tough (I've regularly ride them around Grafham and on farm tracks). 25mm gives a bit more confidence cornering on winter roads and gives a slightly more comfortable ride than 23mm.

Snap, then in summer I change to Continental Grand Prix 4000 S - 23mm.

Remember when i lived in Brum, went out one morning not realising just how cold it was, as i was picking my sorry ass off the floor after finding an icy corner, a helpful woman informed me...

"It's icy there"

Brilliant, hand me some salt, i'll rub it in my own wounds!!

This (and getting to Hinchingbrooke for physio yesterday) made me remember why I bought the "silly rubber cover" for my Speedplay cleats ...

Oh and something Andy Mc pointed me at

whatbikeracersshouldcallme.tumblr.com/po...ith-speedplay-cleats Warning image contains naughty words (and a pony).

GarethS wrote:

This (and getting to Hinchingbrooke for physio yesterday) made me remember why I bought the "silly rubber cover" for my Speedplay cleats ...

Oh and something Andy Mc pointed me at

whatbikeracersshouldcallme.tumblr.com/po...ith-speedplay-cleats Warning image contains naughty words (and a pony).

That site is great...

Came off today and smashed my face up. Be careful out there.

In the process of purchasing new tyres!

Ouch GWS.

Di2vid wrote:

Came off today and smashed my face up. Be careful out there.

In the process of purchasing new tyres!

Bike OK.???

Get well soon G............

If you've still got fast summer road tyres on, take them off and put some tougher winter tyres on. They may give you a bit more rolling resistance, but if you're riding on frosty roads that is probably no bad thing. For winter riding, all you need is a workhouse tyre. (quote)

30 riders out today on the club run, not one puncture or more important, spill.
Looks like we have all taken Richards advice.

More like we just got lucky!! I still have the same tyres i have on all year round.

Really suprised there were none considering the state of some of the roads.

mr_leemur wrote:

More like we just got lucky!! I still have the same tyres i have on all year round.

Really suprised there were none considering the state of some of the roads.

Shame on YOU!!