Zip tie bike tire "chains"
Todd Boulanger, Vancouver (WA)'s bike czar, came up with the idea of wrapping zip ties around the rear wheel as lo-fi tire chains, and then bikeportland.org ran with it. The hard plastic bands should in theory provide some start up and braking traction. Of course, if you have a rear rim brake, you'll have to disconnect it, and, frankly, that's kind of a deal killer. Since my Azor has hub brakes front and rear, I thought I'd give it a try on both ends. I'm here to report that it can be implemented, and it works well, in theory!
I hadn't realized the extent of Todd's brilliance. While I was focused on the physical effects of thin bands of hard plastic, Todd was looking beyond that to the metaphysical impact of doing something this desperate for a bike ride. Sure enough, with my little black tire charms installed, the snow and ice seemingly melted before me, as if parted by a tiny snowboarding Moses. This was aided by the temperature climbing rapidly to 37 this morning. Still, I don't think we can totally discount the tire charms. For my loyal readers, I managed to snap the following photo on some unspoiled sidewalk snow. It sort of does look like the zip ties could help.
I didn't dare hang around long, though, since nearby I saw fresh tracks from one of our urban cougars (Felis domesticus). I imagine stranded cyclers without tire charms are some of their favored winter prey. Be careful out there.
If things freeze again in the next few days, I may be able to report back with some actual information on the zip ties.
I hadn't realized the extent of Todd's brilliance. While I was focused on the physical effects of thin bands of hard plastic, Todd was looking beyond that to the metaphysical impact of doing something this desperate for a bike ride. Sure enough, with my little black tire charms installed, the snow and ice seemingly melted before me, as if parted by a tiny snowboarding Moses. This was aided by the temperature climbing rapidly to 37 this morning. Still, I don't think we can totally discount the tire charms. For my loyal readers, I managed to snap the following photo on some unspoiled sidewalk snow. It sort of does look like the zip ties could help.
I didn't dare hang around long, though, since nearby I saw fresh tracks from one of our urban cougars (Felis domesticus). I imagine stranded cyclers without tire charms are some of their favored winter prey. Be careful out there.
If things freeze again in the next few days, I may be able to report back with some actual information on the zip ties.
Labels: bicycling gear
posted by Joe at 8:01 PM
2 Comments:
I built a set of tire chains for my bike that don't interfere with the rear brake system at all. They take about 5 min to install too. Insane traction on snow and ice. It cost about $30 and a trip to Lowe's for the parts.
I needed (all approx for 26" bike):
16' of 1/16 "stainless steel cable
20' or so of thin chain it was 46 cents a foot
4 of those cable end clamps
I use it every day to commute to school. Works wonders on snow and ice.
You'd better be careful on driving bikes on snow, Man! There are surely some tricks not to fall, though. Some parts of a bike are kinda dangerous, too. If you fall, there's a possibility that you'll hit the pedals. Be sure to take note of that, too. Btw, was your ride enjoyable back then?
Post a Comment
<< Home