Originally Posted by
mcours2006
Just curious if some of you have a bike which you use for fair weather commutes and one for foul weather commutes?
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When it's dry I'll turn to my vintage racer or racy hybrid with 25mm slick tires. They are more fun and faster to ride.
I have multiple bikes, but I suspect my fair weather bikes resemble foul weather bike for many posters. Virtually all my bikes have racks, most have lights (I plan to fix this) and almost all have fenders. I like the 3 speeds sports and roadsters, so normal tires are 1 3/8 to 1 1/2" (35-40mm); at Clydesdale weight carrying groceries, computers etc I've never dared try 25mm or smaller tires.
Braking on the 3 speeds is adequate in light/moderate rain, especially with drum brakes or coaster brakes, but not outstanding. For foul weather (heaver rain, snow, ice) I have a mid 90's rigid Bridgestone MTB. Braking is vastly improved with alloy rims, cantilever brakes and wider, studded tires.