Building a new winter bike. some questions
10-25-14, 06:16 AM
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Building a new winter bike. some questions
This year I kinda wanna try something new. I wanna move away from 26' wheels. next year ill have a 29er ready but for now im thinking about using a Marin Lakespur hybrid this winter. How are 700c wheels in the winter compaired to 26'? also I was gonna use just reguler decent group set on it but I do have a pair of wheels that are Sturmey archer 5 speed with drums. anyone have experience with those in the winter? does it kill them? I tend to take care of my winter bike and clean it after most rides.
10-26-14, 07:17 PM
#2
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I have 35cm studded tires on a 700c bike that I use for "fair weather" riding. Meaning is hasn't snowed in a few days and I know my route is icy but otherwise in decent shape.
Otherwise i stick with a regular 26er. Reasons:
1. More studded tire options
2. More fender options
3. 29er studded tires get big and heavy pretty quickly when you get up to 2+ inches wide.
all in all, I don't see the benefit to a 29er. Granted, plenty of times during a winter ride I've wished I was on a 29er but that was more about wanting anything other than what I had because I was suffering.
I ride fixed gear bikes so I don't know about the five speed. I have an 8 speed nexus IGH but I really like the speed control of fixed gear. Especially going down hill. I don't trust a rear brake. Generally though, the internal gear hubs have a good reputation in the winter.
Otherwise i stick with a regular 26er. Reasons:
1. More studded tire options
2. More fender options
3. 29er studded tires get big and heavy pretty quickly when you get up to 2+ inches wide.
all in all, I don't see the benefit to a 29er. Granted, plenty of times during a winter ride I've wished I was on a 29er but that was more about wanting anything other than what I had because I was suffering.
I ride fixed gear bikes so I don't know about the five speed. I have an 8 speed nexus IGH but I really like the speed control of fixed gear. Especially going down hill. I don't trust a rear brake. Generally though, the internal gear hubs have a good reputation in the winter.
10-26-14, 07:50 PM
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26" mountain bike is really the way to go.
I ride an old mtb with a single speed coaster brake, Nokian W106 studded tires, fenders and a rack.
No cables, gears, brake pads to freeze up, simple and reliable.
I run a cheap wheel set and it is still going strong after many seasons (if you buy this make sure to repack the coaster hub).
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Shimano.../dp/B004E3SQYQ
I have rode in -40/-50 below with windchill and have had no problems.
I wash my bike with vinegar/water to remove the salt etc and then clean with lemon pledge and lube with boeshield T9.
In extreme cold, ice, wind etc the last thing I need is to have a bike that is not 100% reliable.
I ride an old mtb with a single speed coaster brake, Nokian W106 studded tires, fenders and a rack.
No cables, gears, brake pads to freeze up, simple and reliable.
I run a cheap wheel set and it is still going strong after many seasons (if you buy this make sure to repack the coaster hub).
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Shimano.../dp/B004E3SQYQ
I have rode in -40/-50 below with windchill and have had no problems.
I wash my bike with vinegar/water to remove the salt etc and then clean with lemon pledge and lube with boeshield T9.
In extreme cold, ice, wind etc the last thing I need is to have a bike that is not 100% reliable.
