I am not exactly looking to change my road bike (Bianch Brava) into a cylcocross bike, however, I am looking to perhaps make it suited for all weather conditions and I figured that this would be the best forum to display that notion. I am already looking into fenders and wider tires with more tread. The Brava also already has a triple and some lower geared cassette cogs to accomodate novices on the road. Does anyone know of any other areas of the bike the are at great risk of being corrupted by precipitation or all weather conditions? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanx!

sounds like a commuting/touring question. but....whats the frame made of? steel? u could use frame saver on the insides of the frame to resist rusting internally. keep your chain lubed. dont store it in the rain. if you live in an area where they salt the roads, wash that off after every ride.

jeremyb

I am not exactly looking to change my road bike (Bianch Brava) into a cylcocross bike, however, I am looking to perhaps make it suited for all weather conditions and I figured that this would be the best forum to display that notion. I am already looking into fenders and wider tires with more tread. The Brava also already has a triple and some lower geared cassette cogs to accomodate novices on the road. Does anyone know of any other areas of the bike the are at great risk of being corrupted by precipitation or all weather conditions? Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanx!

I know nothing about the Brava. What I do know is that road-bike manufacturers pretty much across the board build their bikes with insufficient fork and brake tolerances to accomodate even moderately larger tires and in most cases fenders can ONLY fit (if at all) with 23mm tires max. I struggled mightily with my late 90's Bianchi Campione to do what you propose. I eventually succeeded with very narrow full fenders. You also probably don't have eyelets to attach fenders to the bike which poses special problems. You can try the clip on fenders, but those are pretty weak for serious all-weather riding. Google Sheldon Brown's article on fenders on his website and Rivendell Bicycle Works (commercial site with a great hard sell on their road bikes with ample tire and fender clearances - beautiful bikes, too.)

Know that your plan is frought with peril, but it's probably possible with a bit of perseverance and luck. In the end, you might look at trading up (down?) to something like the Bianchi Volpe, which is more of a tourer, but a really nice bike. rides and looks like a road-bike, tough and versatile like a cross bike.

Good luck.