Current Safety Article
COLD TIRES, COLD STREETS
If you've been to a meeting recently, then you have probably heard me say that. What does cold tires, cold streets actually mean though?
To begin with the obvious it means that your cold tires will behave the same as old worn out tires. They will have very little grip, poor flex and a small contact patch. There is a good chance that your PSI will also be lower and we know all about how low tire pressure affects performance. Poor performance leads to a very good chance for mishap.
Now, add in cold streets. Cold streets equal slippery pavement. Have you ever noticed how much your feet slip when stopping? Even with my boots my feet slip very easily. If you haven't, try it. Slide your food back and forth next time you come to a stop light. It's almost scary. Super slick.
I won't bore you with the physics, but there is a really good reason they only lay asphalt when it is good and warm.
So, before asking much from our cold tires we need to heat them up a bit. And no, I'm not talking about burn outs!!! A smooth ride at over 45 MPH for 5-7 miles will do the trick. Weaving back and forth will do nothing to speed things up. After all, it's not an F1.
Once your tires are warm you ask more of them. Keep in mind about tire "loading". This is better to do once tires are warm. Tire loading will be another topic for another occasion.
So now when you hear "cold tires, cold streets" hopefully it will be a reminder. I use it as my mantra whenever I get on to ride in cold weather. Maybe you will choose to do so as well.
COLD TIRES, COLD STREETS season is on us.
