Alu road bike good in winter?
Alu road bike good in winter?
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Original Poster:

1,950 posts

230 months

Wednesday 18th January 2012
quotequote all
Do aluminium road bikes survive winter wet and grime better than steel?

I realise the chain, brakes and mechs will all need regular cleaning and re-lubrication - but can an alu frame be left dirty, and not suffer the same rot as a steel one?

Just wondering whether to retire the old steel rust-bucket and go alu; or save my cash...

Ta.

snotrag

15,630 posts

240 months

Wednesday 18th January 2012
quotequote all
Lots of people panic about their road frames in winter.

Fact is however, that the frame is pretty much the least susceptible to any kind of lasting 'damage' by being ridden through a harsh winter.

Over a lifetimes winter riding, you'll spend a vastly greater amount replacing chains, cassettes, rings, tyres and rims than you will frames!

There should be no reason why an Alu OR steel frame should be knackered from winter riding. About £10 of rust proofing products is enough to protect a steel frame so well it will probably outlive your cycling career before it gets rusty.