Pekka TahkolaNov 23, 2022

1000 out of 1200 kids in this school in #Oulu, #Finland, arrive by #bicycle, even in winter. 100-150 walk, rest by ski, kicksleds and car. This day it was -17°C, some days it can be colder than -30°C.

Note that this is only one of the four bicycle parking areas of this school 🤗

#Wintercycling #MeanwhileInOulu

Show threadKarl Voit  Nov 23, 2022
@pekkatahkola How common are spike tires?
Show threadPekka TahkolaNov 23, 2022
@publicvoit About 30% of ppl cycling here use one or two in winter. Among kids even less. Usually there's simply no need for them 🤗
Show threadjnbhlrNov 24, 2022
@pekkatahkola @publicvoit Which is amazing. Anything special about those bikes at all? I suppose they have to be a bit more diligent with their cable services to avoid freezing water blocking them?
Show threadPekka TahkolaNov 24, 2022
@jnbhlr @publicvoit Not really. The simpler the bike, the better it also works in winter. Several bikes could be just single speed with coaster brakes even sometimes without any cables that could freeze. That said, many bikes also have gears and cables. But it's kinda common sense to take into account the freezing possibility and not let them freeze. 🤗 Still happens sometimes though.
Show threadjnbhlrNov 24, 2022
@pekkatahkola @publicvoit Are coaster brakes more resistentant to freezing? I guess so, as they are covered in grease. I'd expect all bikes on the pictures are frozen after school - how dow you mean that "not let them freeze"? ;-)
Show threadTakemusu
@jnbhlr @pekkatahkola @publicvoit An internal hub may be advantageous as they are for many frequent bike commuters. Other than that fat tires, frequent light clean & lube of the chain & really warm gloves. The forecast is ❄️🌨️ & temps in 20-30s this week & I have to admit we might not ride this week.
Nov 25, 2022 at 6:55pmWeb