Winter Chopper

[MplsCoaster]

Hey Everybody,

Its getting cold up here and I'm kinda looking forward to riding in the snow again
Last year I tried riding with my Trek cruiser

I put studded tires (really icy beginning of winter) and a Sach Torpedo Automatic
It worked pretty good but without front suspension, it was punishing
Also the Automatic would upshift just when I was trying to get around runners in the deep snow (really tough!!)
So we got a total of 94" of snow last winter so I switched to my Mountain bike

This year I've got a different plan
I'm going to use the springer fork and Kickback that were originally on my Spaceliner
Than I have some front suspension and and can shift when I want
I started a mockup

A 1.95" studded up front for turning ability
An awesome 2.3" snow tire on the back (Ritchey MotoVadar)
Then find a banana seat so I can get full stretch for my legs and a sissy bar
No need for reflectors (lots of night riding) when you have chrome!

There are some crazy ice races here so it might be fun to do them too
http://www.velomobiling.com/gallery/MNHPVA/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1c3K1iUkoc
This was my favorite from the 2010 Ice Shanty project
I want to make it slightly more practical than "Ice Chopper" though

Winters are long and cold up here, why not be crazy?

Thanks for looking

 

[Skipton]

MplsCoaster

Great idea using the springer fork. I really like the way my Schwinn handles in the snow. The fork really helps when its icy and bumpy
helps keep the front tire from slipping. I run a homemade studded tire with screws coming out of the knobbies :wink:
Also the Schwinn has a 4 speed Nexus. got to be able to down shift for the deep stuff :wink:

Riding my Monark in the snow is 180 degrees different. you never relax with out a springer fork the bars want to twist right out of you hands
And the Fat Franks work great 99% of the time but are no fun in deep snow :shock: :roll:
Single speed hub makes it hard on the legs pushing in snow

Looking forward to seeing some progress on your snow bike! :mrgreen: