Comments on: Snow Guvnor

By: Wolfgang Zeller

Wolfgang Zeller — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:26:30 +0000

Small correction:
“…no messy days of melting snow since mid-January” should read “since mid-December”. A very good season indeed, and rare in these times of increasingly mild winters.

By: Wolfgang Zeller

Wolfgang Zeller — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:38:31 +0000

Thank you for this report!
I have recently moved to Edinburgh from Helsinki where I cycled through each of the 15 winters I have lived there. My cycling friends in Finnland tell me this season has been the coldest in years and therefore exceptionally good for riding. There have been no messy days of melting snow since mid-January, just more and more fresh snow. I very much miss those smooth rides in the diamond-sharp dry air and arctic sunlight.
My main bike in Helsinki was (and still is) a 1940s Monarch built for the Swedish military. With a frame geometry, tyres and handlebars that are very similar to the Guvnor’s and a 3-speed Sachs I had installed it is the ideal bike for snowy rides. It’s too heavy (about 22kg, no joke) and sturdy to be derailed by a minor snow drift or what stays behind when the plough’s path crosses yours.
A curiosity you may appreciate: The Nokian tyre company (yes, this was the same enterprise as the cell phone maker until they parted ways in 1988) makes studded bike tyres for winter use. I use(d) these from November to April to stay safe on the Helsinki streets and for week-end rides on the frozen coastal waters.

As I said, I really miss winter cycling in Helsinki, but on the other hand the move to Scotland has prompted me to get a new bike here. And a Guvnor it will be, hooray! I decided earlier today after a test ride.

By: jmkd

jmkd — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:24:26 +0000

Thanks for dropping by, glad to hear the Delta Cruisers cut it for you too. How long does the snow stick around in Boston?

By: Lovely Bicycle!

Lovely Bicycle! — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:49:33 +0000

Glad people are riding these bicycles in the snow! We have Delta Cruisers on a few of our bikes and they really are great in the snow. We both ride our Pashleys through the winter, though they are not Guv'nors. They handle wonderfully.

By: Joseph

Joseph — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:55:55 +0000

How long does it usually take for Pashley to deliver an order?

By: jmkd

jmkd — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:54:21 +0000

That sounds like an interminable wait Chris, am sorry to hear. But I — and I’m sure everyone else on here — would confirm it’s worth the wait. You’ll be hard pressed to find a Guvnor owner who is not thrilled with their purchase, although if mistakenly judged by sporty carbon-fibre standards then it may take a few days adjustment!

By: Chris Minter

Chris Minter — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:42:02 +0000

Just got an update on my order.Another 7 weeks before I join the Guvnor club for real.Tell me guys its worth the wait which I am sure it is.Never mind at least the weather should have improved by then.

By: Simon

Simon — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:18:43 +0000

Regarding the lights I saw a Lucas Carbide light on ebay a few weeks ago that would have looked amazing, pristine brass and black however I wasn’t around when the auction finished…£47 in the end. Will keep an eye out for another!

Think i’ll slap my mountain bike tyres on this weekend and go for a rip around, bit of downhill fun although my pedals are SPD which could be interesting.

BTW, I’m building a new Guv inspired bike…got a 80’s raleigh 531 frame, painted a cherryish colour and awaiting delivery of Strurmy archer front and rear 5 gear hub. Going for a modern hybrid with alloy components so I can leave it outside and smash it around a bit…all my current bikes are too precious, a ridiculous place to be in.

By: jmkd

jmkd — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:33:40 +0000

Thanks both. Today’s ice was a different game altogether. No mishaps, but a few near misses. And an average speed of 6 mph.
Simon, don’t blame you for keeping the Plus Four somewhere cosy! I would certainly do the same.
Andrew, not so sure about a foot of snow, however it didn’t stop this Boston blogger on a vintage Raleigh DL1 Lady’s Tourist:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/12/riding-in-winter-wonderland.html
Again saved by the Delta Cruisers.

The light does for now, but am still on the hunt to light in style…

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:16:37 +0000

James — a fabulous report. You’ve inspired me !
We have a foot of snow here in Sussex and are marooned at home. After seeing your pictures, I’ll take the Guvnor out tomorrow and have a play. I like your front light by the way, looks quite unobtrusive.

Keep up the good work

By: Simon

Simon — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:21:24 +0000

Brave, the snow and ice around my way are quite bad, would never take the Guv out in this and my Mountain bike has slicks on at the moment…

I’ll keep an eye out for a Guv on ebay…one i’ll actually use lol