Hi folks, I've been lurking a while after being alerted to CCE by @SRD but have finally signed up. Thought I would introduce myself and call on your collective wisdom? I am a long term London cycle commuter and some time campaigner who moved up in Autumn. New commute from Morningside to the Gyle is too short for my taste but I like the way that so far drivers seem generally less enthusiastic about trying to kill me. Anyway, my question was, assuming winter does eventually arrive, what's the one bit of kit or piece advice you would suggest for someone new to winter commuting in Edinburgh? I ride what the marketing people have in their wisdom christened an 'adventure bike' on fairly thin, slick tyres. When it snowed in London I rode in the snow but I'm particularly nervous about the prospect of ice!
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting
New User - Winter Riding Advice
(16 posts)-
Posted 7 years ago #
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Welcome! If your bike can handle wider tyres marathon Winter tyres are well worth a look. They will give you that security on ice. They can be a pain to get on and off and with recent mild winters, some would question whether we need them at all. Guess they come into their own on about a dozen days each winter.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Mudguards, if not already present?
It's not particularly rainy here but there just seems to be a lot of sludge about, particularly when the off-road paths are covered in decaying leaves.Posted 7 years ago # -
@Equilibrium
Welcome. The one thing that seems to shock people when they come here from sunnier climes is the wind, and Morningside is the epicentre of the city-cyclones of Edinburgh.
There are occasional days when you're better getting the bus, especially if you're going by the canal as I imagine you will. Otherwise all the usual advice applies - but watch out for cross-winds emerging from gaps in tenement blocks. I've been blown onto the pavement a couple of times.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Welcome.
So much discussion/advice on here already -
http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=190#post-1370
Not suggesting you look for it rather than asking again!
Of course the main problem is "assuming winter does eventually arrive". You missed the 'big winter' when it froze for weeks (probably).
One real consequence was (due to campaigning by Spokes and CCE people - NOT two 'camps') was that CEC agreed to grit main walk/cycle routes (1% annual increases in cycle budget made this possible). Generally they are doing a good job, but there can be lapses. Reminders on Twitter have some effect.
General advice is watch the weather (forecasts and KB - link below) if it goes near 2 degrees there's likely to be frost/ice somewhere. Change your route, get the bus, proceed with care.
Wind can be a problem, though my feeling was that there were fewer very bad days last year.
Always worth checking http://www.ed.ac.uk/geosciences/weather-station/readings/24hours before you start your commute - you'll know whether it froze overnight and how hard the wind will be blowing against you.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Welcome Equilibrium!
The only winter essential for Edinburgh is warm gloves. On paper, Edinburgh isn't that cold - but the wind chill can be pretty brutal and it tends to be your hands that suffer.
If you are worried about ice (lying snow is actually pretty rare) then get to know your bus routes - these are always gritted first and most frequently. You should be fine if you follow these - even in really cold snaps.
Obviously, there are lots of additional things you could buy - some people here swear by spiked tyres (good for icy off-road routes) and buffs are popular. However, there is little in the way of stuff you have to buy.
Also, I agree with wingpig about mudguards - keep the bike clean, you dry and following cyclists free from flying gunk.
Posted 7 years ago # -
From Edinburgh's 'proper' winter (they used to come most years.)
Posted 7 years ago # -
Thanks all for the welcome and the tips so far. Totally with you @Wingpig on mudguards - I know some people don't want to ruin the lines on their pretty bikes but if commuting it's a no brainier for me. Thanks for the wind warning @IWRATS - used to live in Wellington (NZ) but never rode there (it was hard enough standing up some days). Have been resisting the winter tyres thing @paddyirish but it's clearly the right answer and they are probably more fun than road rash? Funnily enough @Morningsider gloves are the one bit of clothing where I've been thinking my London clobber is just not up to the job some days. And thanks @chdot - I did look for old threads but I'm afraid I couldn't see them so thanks for digging them out & being so civil about it! Sticking to gritted bus routes in the worst conditions a great tip.
Posted 7 years ago # -
"& being so civil"
That's CCE.
Still amazes some people.
You also missed the (2015) Referendum thread. Both 'sides' - and the undecided - engaged with views and info.
Some said 'I learned more about the issues here than anywhere else'!
There's only one subject that has raised much HEAT (has its own special thread now).
Posted 7 years ago # -
hi equilibrium, i bought a marathon winter tyre after the big freeze and sliding along rivers dale drive on my hip (I think i attempted the corner as the guy ahead did, but he probaBLY had the spikes on). my tyre has two rows of spikes, not four and it sits on a spare wheel. i think i have used it twice in five years. but it has kept the weather good for winter cycling and therefore worth it. gore tex do a good pair of over trousers but they are not cheap. depends if you need to be dry on arrival at the gyle. aldi merino base layers good value when they are in the shop. some sort of bunnet that fit under your helmet. sealskin or aldi waterproof socks, good insulation on them too. overshoes/galoshes
Posted 7 years ago # -
welcome @equilibrium glad we've not scared you off :)
I've always found Nov-Dec the worst for snow/ice. If you've got this far, Id'd say you'll be fine, but a Marathon winter on the front does help dispell worries.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@SRD, winter now peaks Jan-Feb in my book. has been mild so far. indeed people out in short sleeved shirts the other week.
Posted 7 years ago # -
@gembo
Gloomy winter's noo awa'. Dispelled and anihilated;
http://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/
Website a bit outdated, has 2015 as warmest year on record, but 2016 beat 2015 handsomely.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Might need to revise wording...
"
NASA is an expert in climate and Earth
"
Posted 7 years ago # -
the temperature differential graphic on the link IWRATS provides is a powerful visual representation of global warming
Posted 7 years ago # -
Welcome @equilibrium.
The only thing I would add is to leave some key items of spare kit at work.
Knowing you have some dry socks to get you home makes you slightly happier when wringing out your morning pair...
Posted 7 years ago #
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