Foo - Used road vs. mountain for trainer this winter?

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bluevelo
09-21-09, 01:16 PM
I commute here in Sacramento most of the year on my road bike, but once winter/dark/rain months (all 2 1/2 weeks we get of rain) arrive, I switch to my mountain bike. Since my mileage goes down in the dark, I also ride my trainer.

I don't have oodles and gobs of cash to spend, and really want to keep my road bike in the best shape possible and not have to replace the cassette, wheelset, chain, etc. any sooner than I have to (I ride 3-4,000 miles a year) as well as the rear tire, so I'm pondering finding a used road bike for the trainer this year. Problem is, I'm short - 5'5" - and its hard to find a working road bike that's the proper size.

I'm thinking instead that it might be MUCH simpler to find a used mountain bike and put slicks on it and slap on some SPDs for the drainer. What do you all think of that?

ModoVincere
09-21-09, 01:17 PM
Get a Denali from Walmart....it won't be worth riding much, but you won't have spent a lot either.
USAZorro
09-21-09, 01:21 PM
Come to C&V and tell people what you're looking for.

bluevelo
09-21-09, 01:36 PM
Come to C&V and tell people what you're looking for.

C&V? I'm still kind of new here at the forums.
Chacal
09-21-09, 01:38 PM
Get a Denali from Walmart....it won't be worth riding much, but you won't have spent a lot either.

That might make more sense; it will be easier to duplicate your road bike's position. They can also share wheelsets which is economical.

Having said that, I have used both on my trainer and they work equally well. Either way you'll have a good backup commuter/winter bike, which is always a nice thing.
UnsafeAlpine
09-21-09, 01:46 PM
Go with a mid to late 90s Trek 800 or 900 series with a rigid fork and slap some slicks and fenders on it. They're made to take a beating and they do it well. The wider tires will work a little better in sleet or snow, if you guys get any out there.
JoelS
09-21-09, 02:10 PM
Find an old bike you can dedicate to trainer. I have an old Bianchi which is just that.

I live in the Sacramento area too, so I know all about the wet winters! Check the NorCal forum for rides and other stuff.
bluevelo
09-21-09, 03:47 PM
Find an old bike you can dedicate to trainer. I have an old Bianchi which is just that.

I live in the Sacramento area too, so I know all about the wet winters! Check the NorCal forum for rides and other stuff.

Another suggestion I got in the Road forum was to get a cheap rear wheel and tire and just swap it out. I do have a used cassette that's still good and a few leftover tires that would work really nice. That way I can keep the same fit I'm used to and not have another bike cluttering up the garage.