Bosock

Hi All

Well, the biking bug really bit me this year. I purchased my bikes towards the end of last year and enjoyed riding, however, this year i am tapping my foot impatiently at work in anticipation for the longer weekend rides. I live in Utah which has your typical seasons and our winters can get harsh. I am told that you can ride year around with a couple scattered weekly breaks through the season (due to snow). However, i have also been told that the winter conditions play havoc on your road bike. I have a Roubaix Elite which is carbon fiber with middle of the road components...105s. I really do like the bike and looking to replace the wheels come spring. I would like to continue my riding through the winter but do not know how hard the elements will be on that carbon fiber bike. I have an arrangement with the wife and i deposit a little chunk of money into my slush/hobby fund per paycheck for parts, bikes, etc...it is built up and can probably by a decent entry level or middle level crossbike. As it is for winter, with a shorter season and rides probably no more than 20 miles, do not think i would need above tiagra or 105 components...specially if the conditions associated with winter riding would have your replace them more often.

So here is my question. Would getting a cyclocross bike work for a winter season ride. I am told they are pretty decent on the road, unlike my mountain bike which is geared low and is heavy for the road, just right for mountain :-). From research i have done it seems that the frames are more sturdy, can take more punishment, and more stable in rougher muddier conditions than your typical road bike. I am looking at it as basically a less efficient road bike that i can ride in conditions i do not want to expose my roubaix to.

Now getting rid of the roubaix is not an option. I am closing in on 50 mile weekend rides, going on a 40 miler when done here, and I like my Roubaix to much for my summer ride season to get rid of it. However, do not know how a brutal winter ride season would impact it. Dont see riding 20 miles in the winter on the road with my mountain bike. So am i experiencing a bit of the fever and caught up in unnecessarily expanding my bike stable, or, does it make sense to get an entry level cross bike for winter rides. Based on age, past surgeries and a few other excuses i will not waste your time with, i will not be racing or participating in cyclocross events. Also, I see me continuing to ride the mountains on my stumpy during the summer at least once a week and my Roubaix on the road 3-4 times per week. So hunting for cross trails in the summer would be unlikely, however, if i found route that had dirt and paved roads which i really liked would probably work that into routine. Anyway, any advice, suggestions, or alternatives you could provide me here would be greatly appreciated. I guess if i just saved the money and road the Roubaix into the ground it would give me the money and justification to upgrade my elite to an SL...can you tell i really like the Roubaix:-) model....Thanks

knucklesandwich

Just ride what you got. The carbon will not freeze and crack or anything. Keep building up that fund and buy something even nicer in 2 years.

merlinextraligh

If your winter riding is going to involve riding in snowy, wet, slushy conditions, I think getting a beater, and keeping your Roubaix nice is a good, albeit not essential, idea.

An entry level cross bike, or a used one, would be a good alternative.