seafoamer
pretty plz!
The cheaper the better. Definately under 1k.
The cheaper the better. Definately under 1k.
Suggest me a Winter Bike for Commuting in Ma.
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knucklesandwich
Can you go singlespeed?
Bianchi San Jose, IRO Rob Roy, etc.
Bianchi San Jose, IRO Rob Roy, etc.
seafoamer
Can you go singlespeed?
Bianchi San Jose, IRO Rob Roy, etc.
thnx for the suggestions!
I really wanted to go w/ a SS or FG, but I'm in a fairly hilly area. I was thinking about Sheldon's San Jos8, although part of me thinks I should go w/ something w/ more of a upright riding pos. I want to be able to slap on Studed tires, & ride through the worst weather MA has to offer.
Bianchi San Jose, IRO Rob Roy, etc.
thnx for the suggestions!
I really wanted to go w/ a SS or FG, but I'm in a fairly hilly area. I was thinking about Sheldon's San Jos8, although part of me thinks I should go w/ something w/ more of a upright riding pos. I want to be able to slap on Studed tires, & ride through the worst weather MA has to offer.
Portis
Buy a bike specifically for winter? Spend $1000 on it? NO thanks. Maybe just buy a $1000 bike that you really like all year long and then ride it in the winter.
seafoamer
Buy a bike specifically for winter? Spend $1000 on it? NO thanks. Maybe just buy a $1000 bike that you really like all year long and then ride it in the winter.
Well,
1) it can snow Nov. - April in Massachusetts.
2) Having only a serious road bike, I was hoping to also use the winter bike as a trail, beach, & bad weather commuter in the other 3 seasons.
Trust me, I have $1000 to throw away on a bike like I have a need to be kicked in the junk. Plus, I said "definately under 1K".
Well,
1) it can snow Nov. - April in Massachusetts.
2) Having only a serious road bike, I was hoping to also use the winter bike as a trail, beach, & bad weather commuter in the other 3 seasons.
Trust me, I have $1000 to throw away on a bike like I have a need to be kicked in the junk. Plus, I said "definately under 1K".
Portis
Get a good hardtail mountain bike. A Trek 6000 is a good "bang for the buck."
kweichsel
Can you go singlespeed?
Bianchi San Jose, IRO Rob Roy, etc.
I am in Watertown MA and also looking at SS/FG year-round commuters. Tried the Raleigh One Way at Harris, and think either that or the Rob Roy is the ticket. The Raleigh comes with fenders and 35c tires, while the IRO can only fit 32c with fenders installed. I'm curious to see what you end up with!
Bianchi San Jose, IRO Rob Roy, etc.
I am in Watertown MA and also looking at SS/FG year-round commuters. Tried the Raleigh One Way at Harris, and think either that or the Rob Roy is the ticket. The Raleigh comes with fenders and 35c tires, while the IRO can only fit 32c with fenders installed. I'm curious to see what you end up with!
Bekologist
Redline Conquest Sport, Bianchi Volpe, Surly CrossCheck complete.
Ziemas
Jamis Coda. About $500 and a good ride.
jpmac55
I am in Watertown MA and also looking at SS/FG year-round commuters. Tried the Raleigh One Way at Harris, and think either that or the Rob Roy is the ticket. The Raleigh comes with fenders and 35c tires, while the IRO can only fit 32c with fenders installed. I'm curious to see what you end up with!
I don't commute but recently purchased a leftover 2007 Raleigh One Way. I gotta say, it's a great ride and plan on using it through winter.
I don't commute but recently purchased a leftover 2007 Raleigh One Way. I gotta say, it's a great ride and plan on using it through winter.
seafoamer
thnx for the suggestions. Anyone put studded tires on any of these bikes?
ldesfor1@ithaca
I commuted on a crosscheck from brighton to newton all last winter, it was a mild winter but some rides were through 3-4 inches of fresh snow. I used a 35mm nokian studded tire in front and a 70x37 continental contact (non studded) in back and fenders. I tried the dual studded set up but it was so slow and the weather was so mild that i took it off. With only a studded front, I'm much faster and had only a few days where i was wishing for the studded REAR tire. I ran a shimano red band internal gear hub most of the winter and it worked well. SS or fixed is cool, but not having more options on a slippery uphill can be tough.
I'd look at the Jamis Commuter with the internal gear hub. it's under 600 and harris stocks it. get some studded tires and you're set.
--leo in allston
I'd look at the Jamis Commuter with the internal gear hub. it's under 600 and harris stocks it. get some studded tires and you're set.
--leo in allston
seafoamer
I commuted on a crosscheck from brighton to newton all last winter, it was a mild winter but some rides were through 3-4 inches of fresh snow. I used a 35mm nokian studded tire in front and a 70x37 continental contact (non studded) in back and fenders. I tried the dual studded set up but it was so slow and the weather was so mild that i took it off. With only a studded front, I'm much faster and had only a few days where i was wishing for the studded REAR tire. I ran a shimano red band internal gear hub most of the winter and it worked well. SS or fixed is cool, but not having more options on a slippery uphill can be tough.
I'd look at the Jamis Commuter with the internal gear hub. it's under 600 and harris stocks it. get some studded tires and you're set.
--leo in allston
Hey thnx for the reply!
I've been wondering which frames out there are wide enough to rock with a studded tire. I like your crosscheck bike. I've been also thinkin' about an internal gear hub. Did you get your cross check at Harris's? That Jamis looks cool, but I like more of a road bike style.
I'd look at the Jamis Commuter with the internal gear hub. it's under 600 and harris stocks it. get some studded tires and you're set.
--leo in allston
Hey thnx for the reply!
I've been wondering which frames out there are wide enough to rock with a studded tire. I like your crosscheck bike. I've been also thinkin' about an internal gear hub. Did you get your cross check at Harris's? That Jamis looks cool, but I like more of a road bike style.
CastIron
My winter commuter (and year round grocery getter) is a hardtail. It's about $1k before you hang all the junk on it. Pretty stiff ride, too.
randomgear
Where in Mass?
It's a world of difference from Boston and the suburbs to say out by Fitchburg and Ashby.
It's a world of difference from Boston and the suburbs to say out by Fitchburg and Ashby.
randomgear
What was I thinking, a bad winter anywhere is a bad winter.
Although I can't even imagine cycling the hills in Fitchburg in a bad year - personally I think full body armor with skid plates, but I might be a wimp.
As long as you can fit studded tires with full coverage fenders on the bike it should work.
If you have the money, disk brakes sound like they are great in the snow. If not run salmon colored pads and give them lots of time to clear the slush and water from the rim.
I would get pedals that can take winter boots for the really cold days, and if it's icey, studded boots. You can get mini-sheet metal screws to screw into wading shoes for fishing - I suspect you could screw them into any thick sole with deep lugs.
I ride a mountain bike and I like both the more upright position and the flat bars - hands always close to the brakes. You could, of course, set up cyclocross interrupter levers on drop bars.
Snow November to April? - In a real bad year it's October through May if you include flurries that leave an inch or two on the roads, well maybe not with global warming.
Good luck.
Although I can't even imagine cycling the hills in Fitchburg in a bad year - personally I think full body armor with skid plates, but I might be a wimp.
As long as you can fit studded tires with full coverage fenders on the bike it should work.
If you have the money, disk brakes sound like they are great in the snow. If not run salmon colored pads and give them lots of time to clear the slush and water from the rim.
I would get pedals that can take winter boots for the really cold days, and if it's icey, studded boots. You can get mini-sheet metal screws to screw into wading shoes for fishing - I suspect you could screw them into any thick sole with deep lugs.
I ride a mountain bike and I like both the more upright position and the flat bars - hands always close to the brakes. You could, of course, set up cyclocross interrupter levers on drop bars.
Snow November to April? - In a real bad year it's October through May if you include flurries that leave an inch or two on the roads, well maybe not with global warming.
Good luck.
flipped4bikes
Harris Cyclery in Newton sells the Bianchi San Jose8 (http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/bianchi-sanjos8/index.html). That'll pretty much take care of your budget right there.
diff_lock2
I just ride a 70$ beater. with 70$ pair of tires.
What is important, is that my brake doesn't fail (rear drum brake), and the traction my tires supply.
What is important, is that my brake doesn't fail (rear drum brake), and the traction my tires supply.
Newspaperguy
If you're in an area with a lot of snow and where salt or sand is used on the road, your bike will take a beating. Steel parts will corrode and drivetrains will wear out. As a result, I'd suggest a cheap bike for winter, possibly a used bike.
CastIron
If you're in an area with a lot of snow and where salt or sand is used on the road, your bike will take a beating. Steel parts will corrode and drivetrains will wear out. As a result, I'd suggest a cheap bike for winter, possibly a used bike.
This is a half truth. Plan on replacing expendable moving parts more often and buying a lot of lube. It ups the maintenance required but is easily enough managed that you can run quality bits.
This is a half truth. Plan on replacing expendable moving parts more often and buying a lot of lube. It ups the maintenance required but is easily enough managed that you can run quality bits.
Spicy McHaggis
Kona Smoke. (http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/SMOKE/index.html)
About 350 bucks. Look for one a year or two older and save even more bucks. I bought mine for 275 bucks.
Spend the other 600 or so on good riding gear, studded tires, etc.
About 350 bucks. Look for one a year or two older and save even more bucks. I bought mine for 275 bucks.
Spend the other 600 or so on good riding gear, studded tires, etc.
Carl26
Get a good hardtail mountain bike. A Trek 6000 is a good "bang for the buck."
I was also thinking about the Trek 6000 or even the Trek 4300 Disc. Both have disc brakes. Both hardtails. Fairly inexpensive and I think they're both made in China so who cares if they rust.
I was also thinking about the Trek 6000 or even the Trek 4300 Disc. Both have disc brakes. Both hardtails. Fairly inexpensive and I think they're both made in China so who cares if they rust.
BMonei
Check out the Redline SS Ridge Mountain Bikes.
Redrom
$0 junker MTB w/ $70 studded tires.
I like the idea of an internal hub though, but fixie helps when the breaks and gears get jammed with ice. If only there was an internal hub fixie... heh heh... cool...
I like the idea of an internal hub though, but fixie helps when the breaks and gears get jammed with ice. If only there was an internal hub fixie... heh heh... cool...
carpediemracing
my bro lives in somerville, rides all year (he takes the bus if it's really bad). Worked in Harvard Sq for about 7 years, now I don't know where he rides to.
He had a Jamis something mtb, $400 or so new, steel, no-name brakes, cranks (alloy arms, steel rings), straight post, etc. He wore the components out after a few years so he got a Specialized FSR something in a scratch 'n dent sale, swapped what he could, and sold the rest (including the frame and fork). The totally beat up steel frame is key as the bike sits out the whole day. He wears boots and isn't quick but he gets there and back. Standard mtb tires.
Wear and tear - keep in mind where you're riding. My bro's wheels regularly get bent by vandals (college kids prob). It's not just wear and tear.
He had a hybrid/cross bike but the wheels didn't last very long. It's his backup now.
cdr
He had a Jamis something mtb, $400 or so new, steel, no-name brakes, cranks (alloy arms, steel rings), straight post, etc. He wore the components out after a few years so he got a Specialized FSR something in a scratch 'n dent sale, swapped what he could, and sold the rest (including the frame and fork). The totally beat up steel frame is key as the bike sits out the whole day. He wears boots and isn't quick but he gets there and back. Standard mtb tires.
Wear and tear - keep in mind where you're riding. My bro's wheels regularly get bent by vandals (college kids prob). It's not just wear and tear.
He had a hybrid/cross bike but the wheels didn't last very long. It's his backup now.
cdr
testtube
If you're in MA and looking for a year round SS/FG commuter contact the seller for this eBay auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110192622427&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=001) for a 57cm On-One Il Pompino.
The frame is actually a 57cm (auction lists it as 56cm), on-one's sites lists it as appropriately size for heghts 6'0"-6'4". Looks like a nice build. I would have jumped on it but the wife said "no".
The frame is actually a 57cm (auction lists it as 56cm), on-one's sites lists it as appropriately size for heghts 6'0"-6'4". Looks like a nice build. I would have jumped on it but the wife said "no".
jimisnowhere
*salivate* (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/outcast29_08.htm)
seafoamer
so, i figured out what I wanted a few weeks ago & my LBS is currently buildin her up for me. Could be ready this weekend.
hint: it's one of the rides mentioned in this thead. pixx soon!!!
hint: it's one of the rides mentioned in this thead. pixx soon!!!
seafoamer
Yay! Picked her up 2day:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/ArzilloBOneWayPic001Medium.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/ArzilloBOneWayPic003Small.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/ArzilloBOneWayPic004Small.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/ArzilloBOneWayPic001Medium.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/ArzilloBOneWayPic003Small.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/remaofaes/ArzilloBOneWayPic004Small.jpg
stiggywigget
Wow. Really nice. So, what the hell is it? It's the Raleigh, right? With a Brooks saddle, studded tires (Nokian?), and what else? Some kind of internal hub thingy? Love the fenders. Where can I get those?
randomgear
Very, very nice! Just need to add lights and your all set.
mulchie
That's a beaut. Where did you get her? Looks like that shop on Broadway?
I'm about to put Nokian m&g 160s on my old mtb for the winter rides here just west of you. I'll see how it holds up.
Tell us your specs!
please
I'm about to put Nokian m&g 160s on my old mtb for the winter rides here just west of you. I'll see how it holds up.
Tell us your specs!
please
seafoamer
Thanks for digging it! It's a '08 Raleigh One Way. It is shown with a wheelset I had built up for her w/ a Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub, and i am keeping the stock track/single speed wheelset for variety. Nokian W106's are on the nexus wheelset. The Brooks seat and bar tape come stock on the bike. I've only ridden it twice since picking her up Saturday, but I'm really digging it!
seafoamer
Where did you get her?
My LBS, Grace Bicycles in Holliston, Ma.
My LBS, Grace Bicycles in Holliston, Ma.
ianjk
IMO the best winter bike is the one that you don't have to worry about.
An old lugged road frame (bad paint, nicks, dings, etc) can be had for next to nothing.
Repack the bearings. (once a year)
Throw on a new rear wheel (or just toss the gears out and throw on a bmx freewheel/track cog & bb lockring).
If the brakes suck, get new pads.
Fenders can found for ~$30, many old frames will take big cross tires and still have room for fenders.
A new "Z" chain is ~$8, replace it at the beginning of the winter. (I lube maybe once a month on my winter bike, I consider the chain "disposable").
You are looking at less than $200 for a bike that will last for a while.
An old lugged road frame (bad paint, nicks, dings, etc) can be had for next to nothing.
Repack the bearings. (once a year)
Throw on a new rear wheel (or just toss the gears out and throw on a bmx freewheel/track cog & bb lockring).
If the brakes suck, get new pads.
Fenders can found for ~$30, many old frames will take big cross tires and still have room for fenders.
A new "Z" chain is ~$8, replace it at the beginning of the winter. (I lube maybe once a month on my winter bike, I consider the chain "disposable").
You are looking at less than $200 for a bike that will last for a while.
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Common bike forum topics in clue bicycles, cycling, mountain biking,
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cycling jerseys, shorts, socks, shoes and bike equiptment selection.