Winter Cycling - The theory behind the "winter beater"

I have made a few comments as of late, as well in the past, about not understanding the point of having a bike dedicated to winter riding only, the "winter beater".
Now I can fully understand the idea behind having a beater bike for riding to the pub or when you are traveling somewhere that requires you to leave your bike locked to something or locked somewhere that is "undesireable", but is a bike devoted to nothing but the wintery season necessary? I'll give you my point of view.

I do not belive, at least for me, and likely for a large group of commuters that a winter-only bike is necessary, practical, or the "best" route to go. I use my only mountain bike. The same bike that I use March thru November to rip up the local dirt trails and pound the double/single track. Now I'm not very "skilled" when compared to most other mountain bikers but I am more skilled on this bike than any other I own. I am quite comfortable taking it down long, steep decents of terrain ranging from gravel over hardpack to mud, roots, rocks, ruts, and sand. So riding this bike during what is probably the most dangerous time of year for commuting only makes sense to me, after all, I'm more comfortable and skilled on it. So if I had a different "winter only bike" that I only rode when it was snowing or icy out then I would be depriving myself of alot of comfort and skill that is required to ride in that terrain and conditions safely.
Now if I had a second "identical" bike to my mountain bike then I guess I could see using "it" as my winter bike. But then again, I'd be depriving myself of alot of joy on that second bike. as far as the extra damage done to a bike in winter I have just not noticed it to be all that bad. A few corroded bolts here and there is all that I had from last years winter.

so maybe I am missing something, or maybe I just take way too much care of my mountain bike in the winter. would anyone care to comment on what they do and why? I'm not being cynical here, I'm seriously wanting to know why people have a bike devoted to winter only riding and if they do, do they feel that they are depriving themselves of some necessary comforts and skills that might aid them better.

You are absolutely right in that it is not necessary to have an old beater for a winter bike. Your favorite all season bike will perform well enough in winter with the right tires and fenders.

However, fast road bikes do not perform well in winter conditions unless it is dry. And in winter you are more likely to crash and break something. This is not a desireable thing if you have an expensive road or mountain bike. But in the end it depends on your priorities. Some would rather just fix or maintain one bike for all seasons. Nothing technically wrong with this. Yet many bikes cannot fit the right kind of tires needed for winter. Or the right fenders and many feel better taking an old cheap beater out. In some places the salt, sand and slush raises terror with the bike drive train and many do not want thier high end drivetrain subjected to this stuff. If a mountain bike is your primary bike it can function as a winter bike better than most others. And if it's all you need or want consider yourself lucky. Some of us bike weenies need five or six bikes for different conditions to be happy.

I take my nicest bike and beat it all winter.

In the spring I may replace a few parts as required.

That is all.




Full disclosure: It is a mountain bike. Although it is commuted on, theft is not a significant risk.

The term "winter" really doesn't mean much. "Winter" is a season with all sorts of weather. Cold isn't really hard on a bike, so I would ride ANY bike in the winter that I would ride in the Summer. Now, when you start talking about snow/slush/salt, then we have a different matter.

Even then I don't get all that excited. I wouldn't ride a $1000 bike in the snow/slush but that is just me. Then again, i don't own a $1000 bike so that solves that. So what bike should you ride in the winter? I would ride one that you like to ride. That is the same thing I do in the summer.

You've made many excellent points and I agree with most of them. someone mentioned the road bike issue. But then again, if your just plain "all season beater" was a MTB then that would solve the problem. for some people it's the idea of "the right tool for the job" Personally, I have many bikes, but mostly ride one or one of the tandems. But I ride what I guess would be considered a low end hybrid. (2007 Marin Kentfield) I bought it in January and have ridden it every day since. I bought it because I wanted it and wanted to ride it. If something breaks or wears out, I'll replace it just like I would any other bike. I live in south east michigan so we actually do see decent "winter conditions" often enough. I just don't see spending the money I did on that bike (I know, not a lot for a new bike, but it was my first new bike since I was 15 and that was a POS I bought and that was the only other new bike I've ever had) and letting it sit in the garage on bad days. I bought it to ride it. I take care of it, maintain it and will upgrade parts as needed. that's how it goes.

You've made many excellent points and I agree with most of them. someone mentioned the road bike issue. But then again, if your just plain "all season beater" was a MTB then that would solve the problem. for some people it's the idea of "the right tool for the job" Personally, I have many bikes, but mostly ride one or one of the tandems. But I ride what I guess would be considered a low end hybrid. (2007 Marin Kentfield) I bought it in January and have ridden it every day since. I bought it because I wanted it and wanted to ride it. If something breaks or wears out, I'll replace it just like I would any other bike. I live in south east michigan so we actually do see decent "winter conditions" often enough. I just don't see spending the money I did on that bike (I know, not a lot for a new bike, but it was my first new bike since I was 15 and that was a POS I bought and that was the only other new bike I've ever had) and letting it sit in the garage on bad days. I bought it to ride it. I take care of it, maintain it and will upgrade parts as needed. that's how it goes.
That's exactly how I feel too about having extra bikes. I actually do own a few, but can't see riding on of them *only* during a certain type of weather condition. For the last few weeks I've been commuting on my mountain bike, before that I commuted for several months on my fully-equipped commuter, and then before that it was "just whatever bike I felt like pulling out of the shed that day".
And yea, we here in SE Michigan do have a pretty decent "winter conditions". I live in Clinton Township and commute all year.

Oh no! I hope my wife never sees this thread! I have 10 bikes with two are "winter" bikes.

Only one bike? Never!

I plan on taking a 2007 Tricross through Quebec winter (read: harsh, harsh, harsh). Should be able to fit winter tires easily. Sounds whacko? I'll at least try ;-)

Note: I don't have winter riding experience but I'm used to winter :-P

I would suggest that we all have a different notion of what winter is. Where I live it involves a lot of temperature swings across the freezing point so I see quite a bit of ice and wet, salty roads. That means fenders, studded tires, and a bike that I won't worry too much about crashing occasionally. Not quite a beater bike (who wants to ride that?) but also not the nice bike.

I plan on taking a 2007 Tricross through Quebec winter (read: harsh, harsh, harsh). Should be able to fit winter tires easily. Sounds whacko? I'll at least try ;-)

Note: I don't have winter riding experience but I'm used to winter :-P

no. doesnt sound 'whacko' to me, but sure means you have more money than i do (or found a very good backyard "sale" ;) ) i totally agree with previous posts, the "winter beater" idea is more a question of available dollars... i do buy used bikes (www.lespacs.com) in winter... which would qualify as "beaters".

some tires with "aggressive" patterns will fit but studded tires AND fenders on such a bike will easily get jammed by snow, but then again, i've never used anything close to such a bike in winter... sigh...

as a side note: (regarding the 'harsh, harsh, harsh' Quebec weather) Quebec territory sure includes "kangiqsujuaq" (which is further north than anchorage) but if you live in montreal, you will find bikers on this forum that have way "harsher" conditions than what we experience here... (like in anchorage, for example). anyway, just wanted to say "hello" to people who bike where i'm not so sure i would....

cheers!

no. doesnt sound 'whacko' to me, but sure means you have more money than i do (or found a very good backyard "sale" ;) ) i totally agree with previous posts, the "winter beater" idea is more a question of available dollars... i do buy used bikes (www.lespacs.com) in winter... which would qualify as "beaters".

some tires with "aggressive" patterns will fit but studded tires AND fenders on such a bike will easily get jammed by snow, but then again, i've never used anything close to such a bike in winter... sigh...


Well I'm not in a situation to throw money away but have enough to equip well for winter. The thing is that I still don't know how to winter bike my 35km r/t commute (I live in Laval actually :)). I'm a bit afraid to be honest and am very confident on the tricross. I've been told by my girlfriend to hold-off on winter tires before I really plan on doing it so I'm still debating how/if :D This thread is interesting to me.


as a side note: (regarding the 'harsh, harsh, harsh' Quebec weather) Quebec territory sure includes "kangiqsujuaq" (which is further north than anchorage) but if you live in montreal, you will find bikers on this forum that have way "harsher" conditions than what we experience here... (like in anchorage, for example). anyway, just wanted to say "hello" to people who bike where i'm not so sure i would....


:) hehe

I have a snow bike, my 'beater' bike gets used year-round. The snow bike is the only flat-bar bike I have, the only disc-braked bike I have, the only aluminum bike I have and sports studded tires. It is only used on snowy-icy winter commutes or errands. I have one because I can. :D

I have a snow bike, my 'beater' bike gets used year-round. The snow bike is the only flat-bar bike I have, the only disc-braked bike I have, the only aluminum bike I have and sports studded tires. It is only used on snowy-icy winter commutes or errands. I have one because I can. :D

you have a lot of things because you can ;). In this case, I compare it to the coil spring compressor I have in my tool box. I don't use it all the time, but it is the right tool for the job, designed to do exactly what I need it for. And, no one will make me feel bad for having it.
In my case, I put the studded tires on after the first or second freeze (last year was my first winter with studs) and take them off in the spring. otherwise, my bike is my bike no matter the season. I actually miss the simpler time when I was younger though. My mother didn't have a car so we brought home groceries with her bike. She had an old Schwinn Suburban 5 speed with the FFS and Wald folding grocery baskets. The tires were bald and the rear brake cable was rusted to the housing so it only had front brakes. At 11 you don't know/think you "need" all that winter gear or a fancy bike to ride in the snow/salt/ice. no harm came to us or the bike and I do believe that I was the only one to fall and it only happened once.

then there was the day my brother and I took the Schwinn Twinn out in the snow... there's absolutly nothing like having your captain fall off the bike after starting to spin.

I enjoy cycling in as many ways as possible (winter,rain, summer, track, road, mountain, etc.) so specializing a certain bike for a certain type of riding is absolutely necessary for me. you can have one bike that does many things at a mediocre level. or you can have multiple bikes that excel in their particular field

The features that I need for winter cycling (hub gears, partially enclosed chain, drum brakes, generator hub, riding position that does not require special clothing), are also features that make year-round riding more convenient for me. Consequently, all I do is put the Nokian studded tires on in December and take them off in March. A proper commuting bike is much more salt-resistant than a car.

Paul

Well I'm not in a situation to throw money away but have enough to equip well for winter. The thing is that I still don't know how to winter bike my 35km r/t commute (I live in Laval actually :)). I'm a bit afraid to be honest and am very confident on the tricross.

i should specify that i strongly believe in using quality bikes in winter because this is precisely when: light weight, rust resistance, "'aerodynamic' position", easy maintenance (v-brakes) and _reliability_ is worth the most to me... (never thought i would qualify v-brakes as easy maintenance one day... :))

i just buy them used... so my current all-aluminum Marin San Anselmo 2001 (i think, i once posted a picture of it). must originally have been worth something like 500-600$(?) but i got it for 200... (ok, ok. then i added 200$ of tires, changed the headset and seat, added lights, fenders, rack)... so... it's probably back to its original value.... :o but it is now a very efficient winter bike... therefore its more a "beaten" than a "beater" :rolleyes:

but THE most important factor to me is that they fit Nokian Hakkappelitta (or however its spelled)106 tires AND real fenders... (on which i add some homemade mud-flaps because there is always slush on the road (that's another topic))

my commute is very similar to yours in distance, but i live and commute in montreal, no bridge involved...i strongly suggest you trade "waiting in traffic" FOR "daily exercise" and "fresh air" this winter... on your specialized or not!

I enjoy cycling in as many ways as possible (winter,rain, summer, track, road, mountain, etc.) so specializing a certain bike for a certain type of riding is absolutely necessary for me. you can have one bike that does many things at a mediocre level. or you can have multiple bikes that excel in their particular field

So how do you "specialize" your bike for the winter that you would not do for any other time of year?
I just toss on the studs and I'm all set, I don't call that "specializing" though.

I would suggest that we all have a different notion of what winter is. Where I live it involves a lot of temperature swings across the freezing point so I see quite a bit of ice and wet, salty roads. That means fenders, studded tires, and a bike that I won't worry too much about crashing occasionally. Not quite a beater bike (who wants to ride that?) but also not the nice bike.

+1 That bit about the temperature swings is why I want to have 2 bikes this winter, first will have studded tires for snow and ice days, the second will have Continental Top Contact winter tires because I don't like studs on wet or bare tarmac. My current bike cost me $75 second hand, plus $100 for fenders, rack etc. The next bike may end up costing me $500+ because I can't find anything secondhand that suits. i wouldn't call either a "beater" but both will be modded for the season.

So how do you "specialize" your bike for the winter that you would not do for any other time of year?
I just toss on the studs and I'm all set, I don't call that "specializing" though.

Summer/nice weather bike: road bike with 23mm tires, road brifters, caliper brakes, road crankset with 12/25 cassette, simple LED headlight, single sided clipless pedals
bad weather bike: MTB with rigid fork, 1.5" slicks, trigger shifters, v-brakes, hybrid crankset with 11/28 cassette, HID headlight, SPD clipless pedals, full fenders
Snow bike: Same MTB as above but with 1.95" studded tires and different wheelset with 11/32 cassette, Powergrips

During the summer for longer rides with lots of daylight, I don't feel like lugging around a bunch of extra weight from a high power headlight, fenders, and more rugged frame when I have all the light I need from the sun, don't plan on encountering rain, and don't plan on wiping out every mile (not that I do in the snow but I often come close). I love shifting with road brifters but during the winter, trigger shifters are much easier to use with bulky mittens. Sure, I could get by with one bike but I enjoy cycling more with two so that's how I roll :)

I use my "beater" and my MTB all year round ... when I want a break from my favorite road bike.

My "snow/ice" bike is a Vision Fitness-HRC3600, cause I don't want to ride outside in the snow and ice. I don't mind the cold, but forget snow and ice. Yet, I must admit that snow looks nice outside my window, when I'm riding the 3600 ...

I bought an old rigid Arashi 21 Speed MTB at a garage sale for $20 to use as a winter beater this year instead of my Enduro. I intend to leave it mounted with fenders, bmx flat pedals and the Nokians year round.

Last year, I rode my Bianchi CX/Beater when the roads were wet/slushy and my Enduro Expert w/ Nokian Extreme 294's when roads were icy. It saved a ton of unecessary wear on the Nokians. Also, since I commute 58km round trip, the less rolling resistance of the Bianchi was welcomed. The snow/salt/road grit was hard on the Enduro's pivot bushings/bearings and the cold was hard on the shock seals. My air shock started to leak in temps below -5C.

To me, it makes sense to have a dedicated winter/ice bike. I commute about 600km / month in the winter and I'd rather wear out my beater's Shimano SIS instead of my Enduro's XTR.

Last Year's Winter Beater
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/TequilaJoe888/Enduro/Picture010.jpg

This years winter eater (Work in progress)
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/TequilaJoe888/Arashi/IMG_4032.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c76/TequilaJoe888/Arashi/IMG_4033.jpg

That Enduro looks like a beast!

I rode a Rival last winter and the poor thing is toast now. One winter destroyed it, but we got slush, salt, deep snow...and it lasted into late April!:mad:

I am still trying to decide between using my Rockhopper 29er, or buy a beater. I am jaded from last winter, but I probably could have taken better care of the bike. Still a winter beater sounds sooo much easier!

How about "winter beaters". I have two winter only bikes. The 15 year old GT timberline with a bulletproof 21 speed drive train and heavy duty 26" studded tires and a GT comfort bike of the same vintage with 700 x 37 studded tires for easier rolling. Why? I overhauled the GT last spring after two winters and you would not want that kind of salt and sand abuse on a more expensive bike or components. I paid $20 for each of these bikes and with garage sale racks, fenders and Nashbar closeout tires I have less than $100 in either bikes. That is why I ride winter beaters.

op thinks too hard

I have 12 bikes.
my brompton, fantom cross, litespeed, pugsley, karate monkey are my winter beaters
and I ride them in summer

my TT bike, Trek postal, chopper, surly 1x1, Del Norte, Colson Silver Ring never see the snow,
though this year the Del norte is getting ridden into winter, so it may move to winter beater status

my other bike I lend out to those less fortunate so I don't know what it's up to

So how do you "specialize" your bike for the winter that you would not do for any other time of year?
I just toss on the studs and I'm all set, I don't call that "specializing" though.

This is basically what I do. I have two sets of wheels that I swap back and forth depending on the conditions. One set has studs @ 35 psi, the other slicks at 120 psi. Oddly enough, when it is cold and dry here in Calgary, I can go a week or two on the slicks, which have a surprising amount of grip at -25C.

That said, I have special bikes for other purposes, like road rides, mtn bike rides and easy mtn bike rides.

For some people a winter "beater" is necessary. Modern good quality road bikes tend to have very tight clearances, making it impossible to add off-road tires, studded tires, and most fenders. Thus hybrids and mountain bikes a generally a better option for tough winter riding. I don't really agree with calling such a bike a beater though. I love the idea of winter riding, and there are quite a few folks who happily ride through out the entire winter, no matter the weather (unless we're talking 5' or more of snow everywhere!). I'd rather have a dedicated winter bike that's of a good quality than a "beater". There are some really nice mountain bikes on the market.

This winter I'll just be using my hybrid, a Trek 7.2fx. It has enough room for studded tires, and I'll fit fenders on it with those tires even if I have to cut-up some existing fenders or make my own from scratch.

Based on what the road salt did to my Jamis (not expensive) mtn bike commuting last winter, when I ever buy a new commuter (read: nicer, thinner tires!), I will use the mtn bike as the bad weather machine. Plus, I can have the studded tires on one for when it is icy, and ride the other when the roads are clear.

I'm always comfortable when I climb back on my mtn bike- even if I haven't ridden it for awhile, so I don't see a handling problem.

To the OP, it was a fair question to ask though.

My winter conditions include snow, sand, slush and icy roads from December to February. We also have short days and a lot of overcast conditions at that time of year. Temperatures are cool, below freezing, but seldom does it get truly cold. To cope with these conditions, I need a few features in any winter bike such as wide tires with good tread, platform pedals and good lighting. Because the salt and sand work their way into the drivetrain and components, I don't want an expensive bike in winter. I don't want to spend a lot for maintenance on a winter bike.

A mountain bike can meet these needs, but a highly technical mountain bike with suspension systems might not be a good choice since salt and sand from the roads can work its way into the suspension components, resulting in expensive repairs. I'd also shy away from a road bike, especially a performance road bike for winter road conditions. Narrow tires and light alloy wheels are no match for a city street after a heavy snowfall.

My present winter bike is an old entry-level mountain bike from the late 1980s. It was given to me after the original owner abandoned cycling. The bottom bracket is worn and needs replacing. I also need to do some adjustments on the derailleur and I need to replace the brake pads. I've added a bright headlight but I'm considering replacing it with a homebuilt unit for even more light.

A mountain bike can meet these needs, but a highly technical mountain bike with suspension systems might not be a good choice since salt and sand from the roads can work its way into the suspension components, resulting in expensive repairs.

Perhaps, although I've found that one good mud wallow in a mountain bike race can get more grit into things than an entire winter of commuting.

I think all of my bikes would be considered beaters by some people :) - let's just say I spend a fair bit of time tinkering and/or haunting garage sales. However, I do have a mountain bike that I have set aside for snow riding (which will be fun to try - first winter on the bike for me!). I don't know if I'll do fenders on that one, because I'm worried about snow building up. Studded tires if I can find a good deal. On non-snow/not too icy days I'll probably just keep rolling along on my usual commuting bike with its 1" semi-slicks.

I was looking at things like neck warmers and beanies in a snowboard shop today. I think I will get my winter headgear there rather than at the bike shop because the snowboard stuff looks considerably warmer. For gloves I will probably keep using my fingerless padded gloves inside a pair of fleece-lined Goretex gloves that I stole from The Boy :D

BG - You are a very handy person so making your own studded tyres should be doable... it isn't that hard to do and my DIY studded tyre (I only run a front one) will be seeing it''s 3rd season as it still has plenty of bite left in it.

My winter bikes might look like beaters but they are 100% sound and use good quality parts as I think that getting stranded at - 30 to -40C would suck.

My new winter bike- It's an '88 Kuwahara Shasta (hand built Ishiwata frame) with a fixed gear conversion and I just fitted it out with fenders and installed a new XTR v brake for better stopping power / modulation for when I use a brake.

And you just gotta have a thermos.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/numberfive11.JPG

Oooo. Thermos. *adds to shopping list* I'm getting tired of the line-ups for the coffee shops on campus (they boosted admissions by 1000 students this year and you can't swing a cat anywhere in the college!), but I usually want a second dose of caffeiney goodness before class. It occurs to me that drinking coffee while looking out over the reservoir would be very pleasant!

Oooo. Thermos. *adds to shopping list* I'm getting tired of the line-ups for the coffee shops on campus (they boosted admissions by 1000 students this year and you can't swing a cat anywhere in the college!), but I usually want a second dose of caffeiney goodness before class. It occurs to me that drinking coffee while looking out over the reservoir would be very pleasant!

I usually fill my thermos with chai and really enjoy being able to stop and take in the view of the river valley here... at this time of year is is nothing short of amazing.

You could also mount a coffee cup to your handlebars... :D

No room on the handlebars - with the new light I think I officially turned into Captain Dashboard...

Of course, I do have a handlebar mount drink cage on the Raleigh, and I have not taken that one out for a spin in a while. :D

Not that it is winter yet by any means... 25C today! (Yes, I realize it could still snow at any moment. Let me enjoy my delusions).

well i'm getting ready for my first serious winter of riding. i only have one bike, and there is plenty of salt and water/slush on the roads (mid-state NY). i have full fenders, and don't have any problem with replacing my chain as necessary (my front chainring is a single Surly SS, so it should be ok with proper cleaning, i hope). Assuming i do a quick post-ride cleaning with a little fresh water and then wipe the bike down (stored inside in the dry and warm of the boiler room), i have some general questions:

1. how do i mitigate winter damage to my drivetrain, especially rear cassette and derailer (i accept that fact that i will be replacing the chain, cable and ferules—that's not a problem);

2. what are some other ways to avoid winter wear on non-drivetrain parts (e.g., BB, headset, rear stay rack brazeons, etc.); the BB is properlly torqued and the threads used plenty of heavy-duty anti-seize; headset also is full of grease in the proper spots; the bike uses disc brakes front and rear, so i'll just check them for normal wear and tear and replace parts as necessary.

3. i plan to tear the bike down and re-apply anti-rust (it's a steel frame). i don't care if the bike doesn't last more than a decade, but i'd ideally like it to last about 10 years-ish—any other suggestions?

thanks for everyone's help!

I'm planning to commute through the winter for the first time, and have been seeing a lot of you talk about road salt/grit/sand/slush wrecking bikes. From what I've read, the top reasons for riding a second bike in winter seem to be drivetrain wear and corrosion from the gunk, and clearance issues for fenders and studded tires. Tire and fender clearance is a non-issue on my '08 Singlecross, and as far as corrosion goes, the frame is aluminum, and I run it fixed. With frequent chain lubing, will I really have anything to worry about?

Like I said, I've never biked through a winter, so your thoughts are appreciated.

You will certainly have much less to worry about with a bike set up like that. But still the threads of every bolt/nut will get gunked and corroded up. With some basic ocasional cleaning and maintenance you will be just fine.

jim

Good to hear. Thanks! :)

I'm planning to commute through the winter for the first time, and have been seeing a lot of you talk about road salt/grit/sand/slush wrecking bikes. From what I've read, the top reasons for riding a second bike in winter seem to be drivetrain wear and corrosion from the gunk, and clearance issues for fenders and studded tires. Tire and fender clearance is a non-issue on my '08 Singlecross, and as far as corrosion goes, the frame is aluminum, and I run it fixed. With frequent chain lubing, will I really have anything to worry about?

Like I said, I've never biked through a winter, so your thoughts are appreciated.

Your biggest issue is going to be the drivetrain. Your chain will take a beating and you need to watch for grit and sand getting into the inner workings of the rear derailleur. Other than that you've got no serious worries.

I would suggest that we all have a different notion of what winter is. Where I live it involves a lot of temperature swings across the freezing point so I see quite a bit of ice and wet, salty roads. That means fenders, studded tires, and a bike that I won't worry too much about crashing occasionally. Not quite a beater bike (who wants to ride that?) but also not the nice bike.

+1

Not so much a "beater" bike, but two, or possibly three different bikes for the conditions. Yes, you could change wheels instead, but in Calgary, you don't know exactly what you're gonna get right up till you leave the house, sometimes not then. :(

I'm planning to commute through the winter for the first time, and have been seeing a lot of you talk about road salt/grit/sand/slush wrecking bikes. From what I've read, the top reasons for riding a second bike in winter seem to be drivetrain wear and corrosion from the gunk, and clearance issues for fenders and studded tires. Tire and fender clearance is a non-issue on my '08 Singlecross, and as far as corrosion goes, the frame is aluminum, and I run it fixed. With frequent chain lubing, will I really have anything to worry about?

Like I said, I've never biked through a winter, so your thoughts are appreciated.

Where do you live? Whats the Winter like? Thats the determining factor.

Someplace, no changes necessary, others, Hibernate!

I like being able to run a few bikes for the variable weather conditions we have... through most of the winter I will ride fixed and I will be using this bike for work.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/messenger1.jpg

But if it warms up and the roads are drier I might be riding anything.

Your biggest issue is going to be the drivetrain. Your chain will take a beating and you need to watch for grit and sand getting into the inner workings of the rear derailleur. Other than that you've got no serious worries.
Well, minus one worry then -- I don't have a derailleur! :thumb:

Where do you live? Whats the Winter like? Thats the determining factor.

Someplace, no changes necessary, others, Hibernate!
Yeah, I meant to input that in my profile but forgot: Iowa City (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=iowa+city&oe=UTF-8&ll=40.178873,-93.515625&spn=44.339444,78.75&z=4). I'll be learning exactly what the winter is like for the first time myself, as I moved into the area (from 300 miles NW of here) just a couple months ago. I'd guess that this page (http://bikewinter.org/tipsAndResources/chicagowinterweather.php) more or less describes winter here, though Iowa City and Coralville's snowplowing efficiency, promptitude and salt/sand usage are of course unknown to me.

Yeah, I meant to input that in my profile but forgot: Iowa City (http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=iowa+city&oe=UTF-8&ll=40.178873,-93.515625&spn=44.339444,78.75&z=4). I'll be learning exactly what the winter is like for the first time myself, as I moved into the area (from 300 miles NW of here) just a couple months ago. I'd guess that this page (http://bikewinter.org/tipsAndResources/chicagowinterweather.php) more or less describes winter here, though Iowa City and Coralville's snowplowing efficiency, promptitude and salt/sand usage are of course unknown to me.

I should have read your post longer, the fixed gear needs little prep, thats why its popular for Winter. The only thing that might be a concern is dropping the gearing to cope with deep snow. Biking in snow is hard work!

I should have read your post longer, the fixed gear needs little prep, thats why its popular for Winter. The only thing that might be a concern is dropping the gearing to cope with deep snow. Biking in snow is hard work!
Good call, that hadn't occurred to me. Added drag from studded tires won't help either.

iowa city. i lived there for 15 years. people are used to driving in snow/ice; plowing is Ok, and there is a lot of salt and sand used. Snow is less of an issue (though you'll get it) than is ICE. Basically it'll be pure ice from the end of December through the beginning of April, at least. There'll be salt and sand on that ice, so sometimes a layer of sand on top of nice slick film of water on top of extra slick ice.

the small road hills are tricky (i.e., Brown St., Dill St., etc.; big hills like Wash. Ave are no problem, unless you're going down them... always a patch of sand at the bottom).

But besides ice, it's the whipping wind that hurts. at the height of winter i used to use goggles, a face mask, sherpa hat under my helmet, gloves and mitts over my gloves---that was nice and toasty for the daily commute into campus.

oh, and you'll want a fender or something to keep the monkey-tail off. you wouldn't get off your bick and roll in it, so why let your tyre spray you?

good luck!

Thanks for that! I keep fenders on all the time, and I'm well acquainted with the wind (it's actually consistently calmer here than where I moved from), so I'm equipped pretty well clothing-wise -- just need to get some goggles. Sounds like my initial idea of a second wheelset is unnecessary if it's consistently that icy for that long. What kind of tires did you run?

i was mostly just riding to/from school on the streets, so i never even changed the very generic 700c road tires i was using--something with minor traction, so generic and long ago that i've forgotten--never once took a spill due to ice, though.

for commuting the second wheelset isn't necessary. if you go from road to trail, then it might be a different matter. only a couple of times a year, when sheet ice covered everything, did i decide not to ride; but then, during those times most people don't bother to go out. just stay at home and sip coffee.

the ice, by the way, is mostly on the side of the roads where bicyclists ride and where snow plows either tend to miss, or the salt-melt refreezes. however, if you just take it easy it's not a problem; and since you have the winter clothes, you'll be fine! good that you're already familiar with the bite of Great Plains weather!!

All good to know, thanks again.