Stupid Question about Winter Commuting
12-14-10, 03:37 AM
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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?
12-14-10, 06:41 AM
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The Defy can take fenders and has clearance for wider 25-28mm tyres so it can be used as a practical winter bike in non-freezing conditions. Those 2 features separate play bikes from practical bikes.
12-14-10, 04:15 PM
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Pretty much any bike can be used as a winter bike. Just dress the part. It is 11F degrees outside with a dusting of snow and I could have taken my hardtail MTB with 1.25" slicks and no fenders.
12-14-10, 07:02 PM
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If you're not going to ride it on snow or ice, then it's a non-issue. I ride my road bike with it's 23 mm tires until the snow starts piling up on the ground. Then I switch to bike that can take wider tires.
Many cyclocross bikes can take tires up to 38 mm and larger. That's room enough for a decent studded tire but it's nice to be able to go larger.
Many cyclocross bikes can take tires up to 38 mm and larger. That's room enough for a decent studded tire but it's nice to be able to go larger.
