The Chainlink

Dedicated Winter Bike?

You got a dedicated winter bike? Why? I've got a fairly nice steel road bike - wondering about buying an cheap fixie or some such. Only thing is my commute is so long and I just got my current ride the way I want it.

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Permalink Reply by Steve G on November 25, 2015 at 9:33am

I bought a Surly Cross Check in fall of 2014 so I could have wider-than-28mm tires and full fenders, which would not fit on my Masi road bike. The Cross Check works great for all seasons, so no dedicated winter bike for me. My commutes vary from 10 to 60 miles r/t. 

Permalink Reply by mweerd on November 25, 2015 at 11:05am

Cross check is such a versatile bike - if I had to do over again I probably would have gotten the Soma Double Cross - I'm on the Soma ES now

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on November 25, 2015 at 9:37am

I've had an Schwinn Sierra ( a 26" wheel steel rigid MTB/Hybrid) in project status for uh, like two years now. The intention is to make it a winter bike - probably fixed - with all the usual commuting stuff - fenders, racks, air horn. (just kidding about the air horn probably).

I still like the idea of having a winter bike, but I've been too lazy to pull it together. I also started to think after I got the bike that it would simplify my life somewhat if I didn't add a bike into my fleet with yet another tire size.      So, I guess, technically I am in the market for an old steel hybrid with a ton of fender clearance and 700c wheels. 

Why? riding through the winter is hard on paint and drive-trains and I like the idea of having a bike that I care a bit less about to trash up. Also, the fender clearance on my two currently working bikes is fine most of the time, but isn't enough to deal with a lot of snow and or slush.

Permalink Reply by ad on November 25, 2015 at 10:52am

The problem I have with a "cheap" winter bike is that I like to tinker on bikes and ride far enough on my commute that I want the bike to feel good, which means I start upgrading things, and what started as "cheap" suddenly isn't so cheap.  Already happening with my current winter bike, which begs the question over whether I'm really saving any money vs just riding and replacing the worn out components on my nice bike.     

Permalink Reply by mweerd on November 25, 2015 at 11:10am

Yes this. Thank you for providing me with a peak into the future of this decision! I've been called out by the wife here on this for one bike -

Permalink Reply by David P. on November 25, 2015 at 12:02pm

Only one? :)

Permalink Reply by David P. on November 25, 2015 at 12:05pm

I care enough about riding something I enjoy, and then iterating to make it just right, that I don't want to ride something crappy even in winter. My sort-of-winter-bike is a Raleigh One Way with F&R racks, basket, fenders, Albatross bars, chain guard, dynamo lighting. Got it for $300 with some really nice parts on it, but I've probably spent another $200 on it since then. And now I want to replace the rack with a different one, etc. Bought a IGH wheel and shifter for it, but it got stolen off my steps. Soon enough, the $300 bike turns into a $700 bike.

Permalink Reply by Steve G on November 25, 2015 at 12:18pm

Me too- I used to feel bike commuting was (partly) about saving money, but once I started really doing it consistently to the exclusion of using my car, that idea took a back seat. Now, I'm happy to spend money on the bike to improve safety, comfort and functionality. 

This season- replaced light road wheels with 36 spoke tourers, got a nice headlight, etc., and I bought an expensive riding jacket and a pair of high end rain pants. Makes it easy to get out and ride when the weather is bad, and totally worth it. 

Now, if I could only find a way to stop paying for my car insurance during the weeks I don't drive it!

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on November 25, 2015 at 9:42am

Wow, I'm jealous of some of these winter rides! I purchased what is definitely a "cheap fixie" for winter commuting - a Nashbar Single-speed Cyclocross Bike. Total for the bike with shipping/tax was around $350 (wait for one of their sales). That's cheap for sure, but it has been such a wonderful bike for its purpose that it's now my everyday commuter bike. I spent a few more dollars to add fenders and different pedals (total for both, again from Nashbar, was $50) and I moved my rack and saddle from my other commuter bike. So, for $400 I have a great long-commute bike that I don't have to worry about too much in the winter crud. I can give more details about the bike if you'd like, but overall for the price I couldn't be more pleased.

Permalink Reply by mweerd on November 25, 2015 at 11:11am

So they send you the bike and you put it together? I've always wondered about Nashbar... right now they say $334.98... that's pretty sweet deal it "seems"

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on November 25, 2015 at 12:34pm

The bike comes in a box. You just have to attach the pedals, front wheel, seat, and handlebar. Not what I would call a real bike assembly. I didn't have to do any adjustment to the brakes (which to be honest aren't great), true the wheels, etc. Wig Bags did a good video about the assembly (my bike had some different, upgraded components like a 4 bolt stem):

Permalink Reply by David P. on November 25, 2015 at 10:53am

Not really, but I do often favor my single-speed / just-riding-around / cheap bike for winter. It doesn't get any mods for winter, though I could put studs on it if I wanted. Other than that, I ride my primary do-it-all bike in the winter. This one is quite nice, but I see no reason to stop riding it since it works so well.

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