paulloewen

Thanks so much for all the info and the video. The main thing I think I need at this point is goggles--I have a very cheap pair that fog up really quickly. So I'll look for something else. I think I've exhausted my questions at this point--I appreciate you being willing to share your experience!

Just did my first 7k commute with the K50 tire--definitely an improvement. It took some time to get used to the different feel, but it's significantly better on ice/hard-packed snow. For the road conditions I'm riding on I wouldn't even want a faster unicycle in winter--I don't think I ever hit max on the V8. I'll try expanding my stance a little and see how that improves stability. Where I still had the most trouble was with ridges (like the edge of a plowed section), or really bumpy stretches. Since some of it is blown snow here today I actually had to pick the V8 up and walk it over some sections. My next questions have to do with other gear--with me traveling in winter, and my eyes getting quite cold, as well as wanting to move in spring/summer/fall to a faster wheel, I am thinking a full-face helmet makes sense. When I picked up the K50 at Canadian Tire I looked at snowmobile helmets on clearance. What do you wear as a helmet? I'm not wanting to spend $200. In winter I can only assume a snowmobile helmet would be great, but I feel like I'd overheat in summer and never want to wear it. But the advantage in winter is I wouldn't need a tuque or anything underneath. Also, do you wear knee/shin guards, elbow pads? If I go above 30km/h I think I want to move into that area. PS. I'd be happy to move this conversation to messaging, but I don't think I can (either the platform doesn't have it or I can't because I'm a newbie).

I've ridden some cold days in Winnipeg this winter on my V8, and the weather is fine if you dress for it. My commute takes about 22-25 minutes in winter. The main issue I've had is with the skin around my eyes--I need to get better goggles. As some have said, "there is no bad weather--only inadequate clothing." I don't think you can quite take that to the extreme, but certainly dressing well changes everything.

I will absolutely go pick one of those tires up. Thanks for the recommendation. Traction has been survivable when I can see the concrete. It's when I'm on really compressed snow that I've found it gets slick. Sometimes, if there are significant ruts in the same direction as me, I have trouble in and out of those ruts. I have not tried with any significant snow (more than 1 inch). I am planning on upgrading next year to a longer-range wheel, and was cautioned away from the 16X because of waterproofing. How have you found the 18XL? I plan on using in all conditions--rain, snow, etc. I was steered towards the Nikola+, which admittedly seems like a sweet wheel. Since I'm not going to be going too fast in winter anyway, I may leave the V8 as my winter wheel. That way the snow/wet/ice won't damage the new wheel next winter. Thoughts?

@winterwheel I live in Winnipeg and have been commuting on my V8 some days in winter. The temperature has not been a problem, but traction has been. I have been searching for appropriate tires but don’t know what to try. Could you point me to the exact tire you use? Is it available in a 16x2.125 or 16x1.95 variant?