GripStuds sells studs that you can insert in any tire Fat Bike Tire Traction Studs – GRIP STUDS
It‘s kinda weird to discuss studded tires in the middle of summer, but still interesting, since I like the idea of unicycling on snowy roads. I know the studs don’t help in the snow, but the snow often hides the ice underneath. That’s why until now I only unicycled on dry roads in the wintertime.
In your guide you write
Also, you do not want to overly stud because it adds weight and is simply unnecessary. Commercial winter tyres are heavily studded because a high stud count gives a ‘selling point’ to the buying public.
I am (was) guilty of thinking more is better. Can you indicate a ball park how many studs a 26“ tire should have for good grip on icy roads? By the way, cool winter pics!
I don’t think I can really answer that as conditions do vary. If you are cycling on absolutely pure ice all the time, go wild with the stud count! My point is that at some point you are starting to
- Add weight.
- Reduce your performance on no icy surfaces.
Ok. Will try to rely on the fact, that studs do their job even if they don‘t come en masse.
It’s allegedly summer here (west coast of Scotland). Last nights ride the Strava data tells me it was 5°c with 28mph winds and it was raining. Hard. I was quite late going out, it was getting dark so I had a head torch on.
The problem I have with riding in that weather is the rain right in front of my face being lit up by the head torch and actually making it difficult to see properly. I always keep lights on the lowest useable setting to try to reduce glare, but I’m curious what other uni riders use for lighting the dark? I’ve tried mounting lights on the uni frame but my legs get in the way
The other thing is cold. Specifically cold hands. I have very big hands, I always wear Kris Holm pulse gloves for the wrist supports but can’t find anything big enough to wear on top. For reference, I barely get my hands into the pulse in XL. I was considering a pair of waterproof motorcycle mitts as they are meant to go over gloves but I’m not sure they’d actually be much warmer and mitts might make using the brake awkward.
I really don’t want to stop riding this winter so recommend me lights and gloves please!
Part of my ride home today.
I was very curious when I saw you posted on this thread. Of course you’re not on a treadmill. Are you trying to tell us there are no off season?
Edit: I see you’ve been here a lot
I’ve been on a unicycling hiatus for about 3 1/2 years. Makes me sad to say that but it is what it is. But I’m making a comeback!
I’m getting back into shape with P90X (I’m proud to say I start week 11 of 12 today). I hate it, but I love it! And I plan to do Insanity next.
I’m basically building up strength and endurance to do HIIT workouts which used to be the perfect conditioning for me, for the type of cross country muni my local trails offer. Steep 15 to 60 second hill climbs, with a short break in-between. For me, cleaning trails with no dismounts, and pushing though with no interruptions is what it’s all about, and being in shape is required or the fun drops off sharply.
I plan to also get some actual riding in soon! I used to really enjoy riding the hard-packed snow-covered neighborhood streets.
I appreciate this thread! You’re making me psych myself up even more!
I’m blessed to live somewhere so stunning (Cape Town) that the weather allows for all year riding. The worst it ever gets is a bit too windy, but it never lasts more than a few days.
I do however Box🥊three or four times a week all year round, and that seriously helps with my cardio fitness, as well as core and general strength.
I’ll also see if I can go unicycling on the day if I don’t get home late from work, which is usually the case. I spend 2.5 to 3 hours a day on the bike during the week. Then I usually do 20-30 sit-ups, push-ups and a little something for my back. All of which also helps me a lot when riding a unicycle. I usually ride my unicycle on the weekend when the weather is good.
Yes
Hey, me too.
Normally here in Minnesota I’d be in what could be considered an off-season, but however:
- The last two years, the winter here has been very light on snow. The roads right now are actually completely snow/ice free!
- Even in there was snow, I’ve gotten a unicycle for that now
So I guess for me there’s no excuse not to ride… Except when it drops to somewhere around 0°F or below and I decide I’d rather be comfy and warm than freeze outside on one wheel
But hey… At least on a unicycle I can ride with my hands in my pockets if they get too cold
No kidding. I was just on a bike a couple weeks ago and I had to turn back because my hands were freezing and I couldn’t put both hands in my pockets!