When you're buried under a snowpocalypse, it's impossible to think about anything else! If you're living in one of the many states blessed with a winter wonderland, try this quick (and inexpensive) trick that will allow you to keep your bike on the road with a little extra traction. Take that, 4-wheel drive SUV!
Most Re-Nest readers aren't unfamiliar with the idea of riding your bike as a serious mode of transportation. Snow causes complications, but this quick trick will keep you riding while cars are in the ditch. All you need are cable ties, found at your local hardware store, computer parts store or big box retailer. The cost is usually less than $5 for 100 of the little buggers and they can make the difference between staying upright and gracefully bike-sledding down a hill sideways!
If you have rim brakes this hack isn't for you as they will obviously catch on the ties, but for fixies riders or disc brake bikes, you'll be good to go! When the snow is gone, simply snip them off! See more on this idea over at Wired's Gadget Lab.
(Image: Wired)
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Brilliant!
This is the dumbest idea ever. If you don't have a fixed gear or disc brakes, don't try to brake the instant your brake pads hit the zip ties, at the very minimum you'll tear off the brake pads. At worst you'll destroy the rim, fork and end up in the hospital. Oh, and what if you get a flat? Now you, or one very angry mechanic is going to cutting about 40 zip ties off the wheel to replace it.
@brian570. They do mention it's not for rim brakes...which is the majority of thin-tired 700c wheeled bikes that would benefit most from some more traction (unless you're fixed).
I'll second the point about the flat. Have fun fixing that.
Now that I live in Alaska, I've discovered that you can buy studded bicycle tires. They're a bit pricey but do the trick.
the idea of riding a brake-less track bike in 1+ inches of snow, with or without fake studs, sounds horrible. that said-- nice pedals.
People think this is such a clever idea, and at first, I thought it was too. But seriously, who wants to cut all of those off in snowy weather to change a flat. :( If you're really a die hard winter rider, you can buy metal studded snow tires. A little pricey, but could be worth it.