s-creek-rider

Great site to exchange ideas and commentary about aspects of cycling. Winter is almost here in S Ontario, and I have a new Specialized Expediion lined up to buy so that I can cycle this winter - will I totally destroy the bike with road salt and slush, etc or can I use special waxes and lubes to protect against the winter ravages? Thanks for your input

Portis

Well prepare to not get your question answered. You are going to get different opinions based on the fact that this question gets asked often. Some people will tell you to get a beater while others will tell you that you need a comfortable reliable bike to ride in the winter.

I happen to advocate the latter. It is a bit relative though. At first look, that appears to be about a $400 bike. From my perspective that is about the top $$ amount i would take out in the snow. A lot depends on your income and how you look at things.

I ride two Trek 4300's in the winter. I am not all that concerned about either bike although i take good care of my stuff. If i see salt on the frame, i wash it off. GEnerally i wash the bikes anytime the weather permits anyway, just because i like clean stuff. I take care to keep water out of the unsealed bearing areas, (wheel hubs, headset, etc.) .

Like i said this is a matter of personal preference. I do think i can address the question... "will i totall destroy this bike?" The answer to that is......NO. Buy, it ride it, have some fun. Then occasionally clean it.

Archie

Hi

Same here . . . buy it if you cannot wait and then ride it whenever possible, but SAFELY with traffic, ice & so on - not a cheap bike :-)

Regards