V-brakes and snow don’t mix

Alaska winter riders prefer packed snowmachine trails over powder, use disc brakes to avoid icing, and run fat 3.7-inch tires for flotation.
By Jeff Barber
   Last Updated:
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The Anchorage Daily News ran a story by Craig Medred a few days ago about winter riding in Alaska that had some good stuff in it. A few highlights:

  • Snowmachine tracks are good for bike riding. Fluffy snow is not.
  • Disc brakes are ideal for snow riding since V-brakes can get icy on a hot downhill.
  • When it comes to bike components, you can only pick two out of three adjectives to describe them: light, durable, or cheap. Having all three in one is impossible.
  • 2.7 inch tires are skinnies for Alaska winter biking; you’ll want to beef up to 3.7 inches.

Good read if you have the time, just think how long it’ll be before those guys are seeing summer riding conditions …

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