Mountain Biking in the Snow?

I can tolerate up to 6" of freshes. If it's already packed down, it's good to go.

Run lower air pressure. I run as low as 25psi on tires that I run 35psi on dry.

Wider the better.

Studded tires are only good on ice.

icebike

I rode down Route 1-9 between Elizabeth and Avenel/Rahway one year in a blinding snowstorm behind a snowplow truck when the road was closed. Man that was fun. Try putting some anti-freeze in your chain/cable lube. Go to icebike.org for some interesting tips. Put "Winterizing your freehubs" in their search. the tool you need to get to your pawls is called the EVT Shimano freehub tool sold at biketoolsetc.com. If you get deep into ice riding. Have fun.Don't forget anti-fog ski goggles.:thumbsup:

riverunner666 said:

I live in New Jersey and we just got a lot of snow . I was wondering how much snow you can ride in? and when do go riding in the snow what type of tires i should be using (i have kenda nevegals are they good for the snow) and final any tips for the trails with snow

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i know i am shutdown till this snow leaves.. we got 24''+ here in glassboro area

I rode all winter last year in CT. Nevys are ok, as long as they're not too worn. If you need studs it's a pain to walk, so I tend to skip those rides.

Night riding in the winter is the best.

Depends on what kind of snow you have. We get mostly powder snow here and when it's deep riding gets crappy. Like today, lotsa new powder coming down. A narrow studded tire up front like Ice Spiker (tends to wash out in deep powder though like most tires) or something REALLY fat that floats. For the rear I like a heavy duty mud tire for some grip and huge sliding on ice... wouldn't hit the slopes with these though, with my skills it would equal suicide. Compacted snow is almost like summer riding, even better sometimes.

i'm in NJ too - this is a little too much. generally 6 inches and under is the way to go. once the sun gets on this a bit and makes it crunchy it'll be fun to go out in. but as it was said before - low tire pressure is the way to go. once it gets real icy you might want studs, but i have never had studded tires and have had plenty of fun in the snow.

or get a fat bike.

just get out there and have fun with it. its really fun if the conditions are good. but it can be quite the workout.

if i can get the bike to move i'll ride in it

Surly Pugsley bike or add on parts

Surly Pugsley bike or add on parts

SingleTrackHound said:

Studded tires are only good on ice.

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and hardpack snow.

rinseflow said:

Depends on what kind of snow you have.

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Ditto !

You can get through powder much easier that wet. We got about 6 to 8 inches where I locally ride however it was a wet snow which made it difficult to climb the hills. In the forest it wasn't quite as deep because much of it stuck on the trees. When I got to a trail where someone else had ridden (or pushed) through I was able to keep pedalling. In the deep sections where no one else had already broken through it was tough going. Was still a great ride even with a few short hike-a-bike spots.

ODN

powderhound82 said:

and hardpack snow.

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Slippery hardpack.

Some of the nicest trails here are hardpack trails from people walking their dogs. It works fine with nobby summer tires and smooths the usually abundant roots and rocks. I would never think of using studdied tires for those, even though there might be the occasional dab of ice.

How many words did Eskimo's have for snow?

I live in NY and we just had about a foot. I went riding the day after and would guess there was 9-12" of snow on the ground. I for one love riding in untouched snow, as its easier, packed snow is really hard and it throws you around a lot. I run panaracer XC fire pro's.

I love riding in the snow, don't get it as much round here though. Got some atm that has stayed because it's been cold, and now most of it is really icey. I love being able to travel sideways on my bike for stupid amounts of time, so I'm getting out asap.

We just got three to four inches of new snow last night so I hit the trail early this morning, it was a blast. It has warmed up enough here now that it is starting to melt and creating a lot of mud, in which case I'll go for my rides early in the morning while the mud is frozen and try to get back home before it get messy. Either way, just ride if you can!!