Shoe chains?

[Tawpie]

Since studded hex pedals are a DIY item for my wheel, and because it’s winter and I do have to get off the wheel more than two times, does anyone have recommendations for boot chains to reduce the rather unsafe “one with the ice coating” feeling? I’m know@winterwheel and the Alberta crew must have something that works! TIA.

Edited December 23, 2020 by Tawpie

[winterwheel]

I wear some variation of ice cleats on any day where I might encounter ice or snow. The only down side is they grind away at your pedals so you'll have to put new grip tape on eventually, and they might feel a bit weird at first. 

The upside is I never worry about mounting/dismounting from slippery surfaces or having a mountain of snow build up on my pedals.

These are just an example, I have used many different types:

https://korkers.com/collections/ice-cleats/products/ice-cleats?variant=24522142187620

Edited December 23, 2020 by winterwheel

[Tawpie]

1 hour ago, winterwheel said:

they grind away at your pedals

I'm wondering if they be tight enough to put on the pedals instead of on your boots? Maybe if they're really stretchy and I got a size for a small 'shoe'. Would be an interesting experiment—I'd bet snow gets between them and the pedal and then they'd rely on the rubbery parts to stay put so probably wouldn't work for long. But thank you for the link.

[winterwheel]

On 12/23/2020 at 3:50 PM, Tawpie said:

I'm wondering if they be tight enough to put on the pedals instead of on your boots? Maybe if they're really stretchy and I got a size for a small 'shoe'. Would be an interesting experiment—I'd bet snow gets between them and the pedal and then they'd rely on the rubbery parts to stay put so probably wouldn't work for long. But thank you for the link.

Interesting idea but for me it wouldn't work; I need the traction for getting on and off the wheel on icy surfaces. The first winter there were a couple of times when I was happily riding on ice, cruised to a gentle stop, then fell over in a heap as soon as I stepped off the wheel. 

I might try something like that in summer though, it might be a good way to experiment with this new trend to spiky pedals for off-roading and such.

I should say that replacing grip tape once in a while isn't a big deal.

[Tawpie]

Oh yeah. Forgot that there’s life off the wheel too! I’ve got some sets on order to experiment with...

[Tawpie]

Best 9USD spent in a very long time. No help when you're off the wheel, but dadgum, they work super fantastic when you're on. We've maybe 4" of loose (cold) snow on top of ice and I'm practicing dealing with slippy terrain to help with balance—going up and down the dirt+stone driveways, sliding sideways, spinning out, micro drifting. It was uber sketchy keeping the feet planted on the pedals but these truly do glue you to the pedal. No side-to-side or front-back movement at all. I have no idea how long it'll take them to break, but until then I'm riding!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JJHQSZD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Size M (Shoes Size: Woman 5.5-7). The pedals are the XL KS pedals that eWheels puts on the 16X/XS. The fit is tight and I have a larger size coming in case it's too tight and the rubber snaps.

Edited December 30, 2020 by Tawpie

[Tawpie]

The latest experiment, studded grip tape. Works really well, no ice/compact snow buildup at all. It’s stuff for stair treads, was shipped from Alaska. Quite happy with it but it wants to poke holes in my roll.nz. 😔 

[.....]

That looks really good. I am very tempted to give a go and give up on adjustables. I've been waiting 3+ months on adjustables and I'm beginning to think it would serve me nearly as well to go this route. Did you remove the old tape first, or have to put another baseplate in? How hard is it to move around on the plate now? Is it eating the soles of your shoes? Im on a sherm and am very curious. Maybe you should buy a piece of thin rubber and sew to the cover just so it doesnt eat holes?  Was this it in 5"? https://www.asgonlinestore.com/xtremegrip-studded-anti-slip-tape.html

Im definitely torn about how to go about it. If it were warmer, my patience wouldnt have lasted even this long.

 

Edited February 27, 2021 by ShanesPlanet

[Tawpie]

No visible wear on the bottom of my Merrill hiking boots, been on the studded grip tape for oh, 200km? I pulled the old tape off the inserts, cleaned the residue with goof off, finished with rubbing alcohol, stuck the new on, then trimmed to fit. Because the studs are embedded into the rubbery stuff, I did the sticking-on step upside down to try to avoid having studs in the trim lines. I only had to remove two studs, which was pretty lucky.

 

I think though that you don’t really need to cover the entire surface other than for looks... and then you might get two sets from a 24” strip. Too many studs and the reduced weight per stud cuts down their effectiveness—I actually think the yellow studded upside down boot studs felt “stud-y-er”.

Go to kofflersales.com and search for #A6412. I got the 5x24 and used most of it. About 32USD shipped. My shipment came from AK so it took nearly 3 weeks.

So far, in limited muddy conditions it’s been swell, perhaps because the rubbery stuff sheds wet stuff very well and mud doesn’t pack in as easily. Don’t know if it’s my final solution, but it’s hella cheaper than the hextechs I desire and can’t really afford.

Edited February 27, 2021 by Tawpie