'Winter bike' - I don't get it, so please explain.
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
'Winter bike' - I don't get it, so please explain.
I usually only go out in the winter when it's dry, but this year I've really caught the bug, so I want to go ride through wind and rain and save the turbo trainer for when it's icy.
So excuse my ignorance, but please explain to me why anyone 'needs' a winter-specific bike.
Why can't I just use mudguards and budget wheels on my road bike? What going to happen to my bike(s) (Wilier Mortirolo and Bianchi Infinito - both carbon) if I ride them through the winter?
Thanks.
So excuse my ignorance, but please explain to me why anyone 'needs' a winter-specific bike.
Why can't I just use mudguards and budget wheels on my road bike? What going to happen to my bike(s) (Wilier Mortirolo and Bianchi Infinito - both carbon) if I ride them through the winter?
Thanks.
#2
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Orangeville, Ontario
Posts: 388
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
all the salt and sand here destroys the bearing, chain and gears in the winter. sometimes in the spring i see piles of salt and sand still in the middle of the road
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
#4
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Add in freezing temperatures that could be as cold as -43C , snow, and ice and you might understand the need for a different ride for winter.
#5
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Orangeville, Ontario
Posts: 388
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
no. i don't have a garage or heated area where i could wash it it down plus it would be a ton of work if i had to wash it every time i took it out. during winter i just drive it like i stole it and rebuild it in the sping.
#6
Single-serving poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 5,098
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
No, water won't evaporate... it freezes and then you're stuck with a mess. I don't wash the bicycle for months. Even if you wash it carefully you can watch the rust forming somedays!
#7
Senior Member
In these types of winter climates, outside faucets and hoses will freeze up so they are usually taken out of service; there is nothing available to wash your bike down with. Even if you did have access to running water, it would freeze on the bike within minutes or even seconds, causing malfunctioning components.
Must be nice to not have to worry about that.
Must be nice to not have to worry about that.
#8
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
In the winter? Oh gawd no!
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#9
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Plus you don't want to store the bike someplace warm. Big temperature changes, like going from a nice warm barn to a frigid commute, can cause strange and sometimes bad things to happen.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#10
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bear in mind the OP is from the UK, and generally will not deal with our winter issues here in Canada, things like ... winter. Do they even use road salt in the UK? Occasionally they might see some snow flakes. If your winter is a general coolish drizzle then by all means fenders and grotty condition wheels, possibly some differing brake pads (Kool Salmons perhaps). You might have some drive train issues come spring, but nothing a couple parts can't take care of.
Never underestimate the protective qualities of a layer of filth and grease, but this is reserved for real winter riding. From the sounds of the OP's bike description, this won't happen. Winter carbon riding, anyone?
Never underestimate the protective qualities of a layer of filth and grease, but this is reserved for real winter riding. From the sounds of the OP's bike description, this won't happen. Winter carbon riding, anyone?
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 08-30-10 at 01:17 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Maidenhead, England
Posts: 141
Bikes: COLNAGO CLX AND ENIGMA ECHO
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hi Monkeyface, it's me again!
It's absolute tosh when people say riding in bad weather ruins your bike, I ride every week of the year(except for holidays and snow) on a carbon bike with decent wheels and 23mm tyres.
As long as you clean the bike and re lube the chain after each "dirty" ride you will have no problems at all. Personally I don't bother with mudguards, you and the bike are going to get wet and dirty with or without mudguards!
I think that there is nothing more invigorating that a good long ride in the rain.
As long as you clean the bike and re lube the chain after each "dirty" ride you will have no problems at all. Personally I don't bother with mudguards, you and the bike are going to get wet and dirty with or without mudguards!
I think that there is nothing more invigorating that a good long ride in the rain.
#12
Tawp Dawg
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '06 Surly Pugsley, '14 Surly Straggler, '88 Kuwahara Xtracycle, '10 Motobecane Outcast 29er, '?? Surly Cross Check (wife's), '00 Trek 4500 (wife's), '12 Windsor Oxford 3-speed (dogs')
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Do you get that winter conditions vary by region? It doesn't sound like you need a winter bike, as you don't ride in a region where winter seriously alters road conditions. Some people want more wheel clearance to fit fenders and studded tires. Some people want a frame that doesn't rust in all the road salt, or one that they don't care whether it rusts. Some people like having a single-speed or IGH drivetrain so they don't have to deal with snow and ice packing into the cassette. Some people like having an excuse to own multiple bikes. Why do you have two? Would you like to have three?
Mind you, I don't have a winter bike. I just put studded tires on my sole bike and keep going. Since you plan on remaining a fair weather cyclist, not riding when it's icy, then winter tires probably won't do you any good. Just slap on some fenders and ride what you got, if that's what you want to do.
Mind you, I don't have a winter bike. I just put studded tires on my sole bike and keep going. Since you plan on remaining a fair weather cyclist, not riding when it's icy, then winter tires probably won't do you any good. Just slap on some fenders and ride what you got, if that's what you want to do.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
We do have salt over here, but it's reassuring to hear from clx1, who's basically articulated what I kind of suspected.
I agree (GriddleCakes) - over here it seems more like an excuse to buy another bike rather than a necessity. In which case I think I need a singlespeed!
#14
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
It's absolute tosh when people say riding in bad weather ruins your bike, I ride every week of the year(except for holidays and snow) on a carbon bike with decent wheels and 23mm tyres.
As long as you clean the bike and re lube the chain after each "dirty" ride you will have no problems at all. Personally I don't bother with mudguards, you and the bike are going to get wet and dirty with or without mudguards!
I think that there is nothing more invigorating that a good long ride in the rain.
As long as you clean the bike and re lube the chain after each "dirty" ride you will have no problems at all. Personally I don't bother with mudguards, you and the bike are going to get wet and dirty with or without mudguards!
I think that there is nothing more invigorating that a good long ride in the rain.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#15
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's absolute tosh when people say riding in bad weather ruins your bike, I ride every week of the year(except for holidays and snow) on a carbon bike with decent wheels and 23mm tyres.
As long as you clean the bike and re lube the chain after each "dirty" ride you will have no problems at all. Personally I don't bother with mudguards, you and the bike are going to get wet and dirty with or without mudguards!
I think that there is nothing more invigorating that a good long ride in the rain.
As long as you clean the bike and re lube the chain after each "dirty" ride you will have no problems at all. Personally I don't bother with mudguards, you and the bike are going to get wet and dirty with or without mudguards!
I think that there is nothing more invigorating that a good long ride in the rain.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cleveland-ish, OH
Posts: 306
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Is the temperature difference really a big deal? I live in an apartment with no outside storage (i guess unless i can sell my car and build a fortress in my parking spot) and there's no way in hell I'm leaving my baby out there for the bastards to steal or vandalize it... I was just figuring that I'd have to spray it down and lube it once a day...
#18
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Few people experience winters as severe as ours, unless you are from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
For us it is about dealing with the cold as we don't have the same humidity and large snowfalls they get in the east but we still get our fair share of the white stuff.
Cold and wet is our spring and fall... and today.
Am riding a proper British 3 speed today that does not care a whit about the weather and keeps ticking along happily on it's hub gears.
For us it is about dealing with the cold as we don't have the same humidity and large snowfalls they get in the east but we still get our fair share of the white stuff.
Cold and wet is our spring and fall... and today.
Am riding a proper British 3 speed today that does not care a whit about the weather and keeps ticking along happily on it's hub gears.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cleveland-ish, OH
Posts: 306
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#20
Tawp Dawg
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '06 Surly Pugsley, '14 Surly Straggler, '88 Kuwahara Xtracycle, '10 Motobecane Outcast 29er, '?? Surly Cross Check (wife's), '00 Trek 4500 (wife's), '12 Windsor Oxford 3-speed (dogs')
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The only thing that I've noticed is that snow builds up on the frame and drivetrain faster and thicker when the bike is warm than when the bike is cold. I think this is because snow will melt when it comes in contact with a warm frame, then immediately freeze. If the bike is already below freezing, most of the snow will bounce off. This only lasts until the bike cools down, but if you're throwing a fair amount of snow then you can pack the cassette full within minutes and lose the ability to shift. I suppose that more snow and ice on the frame means you're hauling more weight, as well.
"I swear I didn't mean to steal the bike, I was just checking it out and my hand froze to the frame! I was walking it to the nearest warm water source to thaw us apart, and then I was gonna bring it right back, I promise!"
"I swear I didn't mean to steal the bike, I was just checking it out and my hand froze to the frame! I was walking it to the nearest warm water source to thaw us apart, and then I was gonna bring it right back, I promise!"
#21
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's 42C today with the humidity, and this thread had me looking forward to a nice winter snow ride.
#22
Born Again Pagan
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Southwestern Ontario
Posts: 2,241
Bikes: Schwinn hybrid, Raleigh MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Is the temperature difference really a big deal? I live in an apartment with no outside storage (i guess unless i can sell my car and build a fortress in my parking spot) and there's no way in hell I'm leaving my baby out there for the bastards to steal or vandalize it... I was just figuring that I'd have to spray it down and lube it once a day...
#23
Dances With Cars
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 10,527
Bikes: TBL Onyx Pro(ss converted), Pake SS (starting to look kinda pimped)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I bring mine to a heated garage @ where I can hose it down, and it drip dries in the house afterwards. Mucho lube is used over the course of the winter. In the messenger days we had a firehouse that would hose our bikes down to get all the salt and crap off.
Last edited by TRaffic Jammer; 08-31-10 at 07:19 AM.
#24
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
It's not so much that I'm a clean bike freak, but that the only place I have to store my bikes is the living room...
...and I do so dislike slush on the hardwood floor.
In any event, three years of winters on this bike with no adverse effects, other than expected chain wear.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 172
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The mixed blessing about Calgary is the chinook. It's wonderful when it melts the snow and drys out the roads, and you can ride your road bike in warm clothing and enjoy a sunny day. It sucks when all it does is turn the snow to ice before a re-freeze - the most fun you can have on two wheels