[TimMontague]

This requires a bike that doesn't have hand brakes, otherwise the zip ties would get caught on the brake pads.

[barkingcat]

Yah the bike in the image has disk brakes. you can see the disk at the centre of the wheel. Disk brakes have "handlebar" brake levers, but the braking force is directed by small pads that grind against a disk - just like car brakes. They can be mechanical or hydraulic based.

[imd]

By hand brakes, you mean rim brakes. Disc brakes are operated by hand, and they work. The only brake I can think of that's not a hand brake is a coaster brake.

[digitallogic]

Also, it is gonna be even more of a pain to change a flat.

[jemfinch]

One benefit of snow is that it protects from a lot of the things that would ordinarily cause a flat.

[tomjen3]

You just need to have a cutting tool on you at all times, but you should do that anyway since a knife is very useful.

[jessriedel]

But then you have to put on a whole new set of zip ties too.

[mhd]

The pictures are a bit blurry and I'm not up to date on my hipster brake technology, but he seems to have hand brakes. With enough clearance, this shouldn't be a big problem.

[maximilianburke]

I think the other poster he meant disc brakes vs. centre pull/cantilever cable-actuated brakes.

[TimMontague]

Ah yes, disc brakes would explain it.