Winter cycling, change bike or tires?
Discussion
So i've come quite a long way this year in cycling terms, probably lost a fair bit of lard and am keen to continue getting the miles in over the winter to ensure it doesnt come back.
However, i'm a bit of a wimp and its going to take a fair bit of will power on my part to get out when its wet, cold and windy. I dont really like gyms so i figured id better of buying a new bike suited to winter plodding or maybe just carry on with the trusty road steed.
What are your prefered winter road tires or would you move over to your mtb for the winter hack?
Or just buy a rolling road jobby...?
However, i'm a bit of a wimp and its going to take a fair bit of will power on my part to get out when its wet, cold and windy. I dont really like gyms so i figured id better of buying a new bike suited to winter plodding or maybe just carry on with the trusty road steed.
What are your prefered winter road tires or would you move over to your mtb for the winter hack?
Or just buy a rolling road jobby...?
Edited by PorkRind on Tuesday 12th August 14:21
PorkRind said:
So i've come quite a long way this year in cycling terms, probably lost a fair bit of lard and am keen to continue getting the miles in over the winter to ensure it doesnt come back.
However, i'm a bit of a wimp and its going to take a fair bit of will power on my part to get out when its wet, cold and windy. I dont really like gyms so i figured id better of buying a new bike suited to winter plodding or maybe just carry on with the trusty road steed.
What are your prefered winter road tires or would you move over to your mtb for the winter hack?
Or just buy a rolling road jobby...?
Its well known on here that bikes dissolve into dust in the winter, so people buy winter bikes However, i'm a bit of a wimp and its going to take a fair bit of will power on my part to get out when its wet, cold and windy. I dont really like gyms so i figured id better of buying a new bike suited to winter plodding or maybe just carry on with the trusty road steed.
What are your prefered winter road tires or would you move over to your mtb for the winter hack?
Or just buy a rolling road jobby...?
Edited by PorkRind on Tuesday 12th August 14:21
I run the same tyres year round, which is 28mm Gatorskins on my CX and 23mm for my road bike.
I don't really have a winter bike, but if you have expenssive wheels, I would mothball those for the winter and maybe get some cheaper training wheels. Running my RS80s through winter wasn't a great idea and the rims are in a poor state because I didn't bother cleaning them every night.
Also, riding in winter is all about having the right clothing for the conditions. overshoes are essential, as are a nice fleece lined jersey, ear warmer, jacket and decent gloves. Decent lights are a must too. The Cree T6s from EBay are amazing value for money
TwistingMyMelon said:
Depends where you are as well & how often you ride , round Reading I found one bike OK in Winter a couple of times a week
Out in Wiltshire riding 3/4 times a week in Winter warranted a new bike, the roads are grim with mud and s
t (literally st!)
Yes, am in the shire and yes, lots of mud.. Ill muc off it after every other ride i reckon Out in Wiltshire riding 3/4 times a week in Winter warranted a new bike, the roads are grim with mud and s
t (literally st!)This forums going to the dogs
BUY A NEW BIKE OF COURSE!!!!!!!!
Seriously if you are riding in winter full mudguards make a huge difference to your comfort and longevity of bike bits too
I switch my summer wheels to a pair of £80 all in Planet X scuzz ones running 23mm Conti 4 seasons with a pair of clip on crud racers when the seasons turn
This does the job but not as well as a "proper" winter bike set up
I do enjoy staying on the summer bike with weight advantage over my makes hacks but with winterised bits, however my dream winter bike would have full guards and space for 28mm tyres in winter - steel, aluminium or even carbon is immaterial to me
Ive looked at the Ribble Audax for the last few years and having missed out on the Alps this year may even have a bit of spare change under the sofa......
Pfffft!
Tyres. That's it, all you need. Winter tyres convert a summer bike to a winter bike in less than twenty minutes. I recommend Continental Grand Prix 4Seasons, in 25mm width, or bigger if your bike has the space for them. Then ride. I'd be inclined to keep those tyres on all year round to be honest. Tougher than any 'lightweight summer specials' and they make next to no difference to my pace in the dry.
And a bit of water won't hurt you, or the bike
Tyres. That's it, all you need. Winter tyres convert a summer bike to a winter bike in less than twenty minutes. I recommend Continental Grand Prix 4Seasons, in 25mm width, or bigger if your bike has the space for them. Then ride. I'd be inclined to keep those tyres on all year round to be honest. Tougher than any 'lightweight summer specials' and they make next to no difference to my pace in the dry.
And a bit of water won't hurt you, or the bike
47p2 said:
N+1 and get yourself a single speed with mudguards 
Clean your mouth out, singlespeed - blurgh !MadDad said:
A set of these;
A pair of these (in 25mm);
And one of these (or similar) for the days when it is too icy to ride safely (rain is not an excuse not to ride);
It goes without saying a decent set of F & R lights, some decent winter clothing and a big bag of willpower!!
Yeah, its the will power i lack A pair of these (in 25mm);
And one of these (or similar) for the days when it is too icy to ride safely (rain is not an excuse not to ride);
It goes without saying a decent set of F & R lights, some decent winter clothing and a big bag of willpower!!
, where can you get this online? 
PorkRind said:
I suppose you want the rims to be bright orange, it to have flat bars and teh rider a specific hair do / bag?
Not if your serious about cycling 
I've bought a pair of NOS American Classic 420 Aero wheels for my Giant Omnuim and they are very bling so I'm in the process of removing the decals. Only problem is the decals are painted on so it takes a full day of paint thinners and Farecla to get the darned things off each wheel
One done and one to do
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