Stupid Question about Winter Commuting
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Stupid Question about Winter Commuting
So I recetly purchased a Giant Defy 4 (my first road-bike) and while I was browsing through bikes, there was always something about how cyclo-cross bikes are kinda like road bikes, but can be rideen much harder and double up as a winter commuter. Can my bike be a winter commuter? I mean I know I can't use it on snow or ice but surely I can use it everywhere else?
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I used to have a cyclocross bike I bought specifically to use as a commuter. It worked really well for that. I don't know about your particular bike, but some are not designed to take racks which most commuters seem to use. I hauled a change of clothes, lunch, etc. Any bike can be used to commute on, but some will be more comfortable/practical. If you can't use racks, but don't mind carrying a pack then you should be fine. I would just pay attention to weather and decide what you are willing to subject the bike, and yourself, to. I can't afford multiple bikes so I'm not going to ride my CAAD in snow, ice, road salt and grime, etc. Dry and cold is fine though.
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my bad weather commuter is a spec tricross, which has cx geometry but is drilled for fenders and a rack. its a bit heavy for racing so its a great commuter if you like drops and road-ish geometry.
i have two wheelsets for it, one with 25cc gatorskins and one with schwalbe marathon winter studs.
i have two wheelsets for it, one with 25cc gatorskins and one with schwalbe marathon winter studs.
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#7
stole your bike
I commute on my road bike through the winter and ride the trainer when conditions don't permit (snow and ice).
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#10
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Road bikes cannot be used in winter except on a trainer/rollers. Much less commuting. I thought this was common knowledge.
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Incorrect. You just fill the tubes with anti-freeze and they are fine.
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#14
Portland Fred
So I recetly purchased a Giant Defy 4 (my first road-bike) and while I was browsing through bikes, there was always something about how cyclo-cross bikes are kinda like road bikes, but can be rideen much harder and double up as a winter commuter. Can my bike be a winter commuter? I mean I know I can't use it on snow or ice but surely I can use it everywhere else?
The only catch with winter riding is you'll get all kinds of gunk and crud on it, so components won't last nearly as long. But bikes are for riding. Don't be the cycling equivalent of people who buy comic books that they wouldn't dream of reading for fear of messing them up.
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Cross frame = clearance for bigger tires.
So yes, they're good for winter. You can throw some studded winter tires on there (assuming your rims are wide enough for the tire) in the winter and keep riding.
If you have dry winters where you live, or a dry period, you can just ride the slicks all year round. Watch out for patches of ice and you'll be fine. Pay special attention to cleaning your drivetrain because road salt is nasty stuff.
So yes, they're good for winter. You can throw some studded winter tires on there (assuming your rims are wide enough for the tire) in the winter and keep riding.
If you have dry winters where you live, or a dry period, you can just ride the slicks all year round. Watch out for patches of ice and you'll be fine. Pay special attention to cleaning your drivetrain because road salt is nasty stuff.
#18
stole your bike
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If you coddle your bike like your pet dog, bring it in and give her a good wash and lube every so often, then you can ride in the winter as long as conditions permit.
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#21
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I dont know about the Defy 4 but I guess it can't take tires wider than 25mm - they're useless on snow/ice. I've taken it off road on trails but only when I felt experimental and only in summer. For rain riding, fenders are great. My rb used to have race-blade fenders which were ok but eventually worked themselves loose so I got a CX bike with sturdier full-size fenders (and a rack/pannier set).
By far I get more enjoyment riding the rb, but when the conditions turn nasty, I turn to the CX bike. Having said that, I've given winter commuting a little break to see how I fare on the train.
By far I get more enjoyment riding the rb, but when the conditions turn nasty, I turn to the CX bike. Having said that, I've given winter commuting a little break to see how I fare on the train.
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i ride my TCR until the snow/ice hits. i use a large saddle bag or a messenger bag to bring food/clothes and personally wouldnt run p-clips or anything like that for racks/panniers on carbon. any bike is fine for commuting but it also matters how far the commute is.