do i need another bike

andy83

Have just bought a trek 1.2 and absolutly love it (being my first road bike)

now i am looking long term and thinking whether or not this will be suitable for my winter commute or is it best if i get another bike.

budget wont be massive but am thinking id rather something else to commute on during the winter but im unsure of what.

i have fell in love with the speed and comfort from a road bike however at 15st 10 am thinking whether a more heavier bike would be suitable during the winter

would it be worth to just get a second hand road bike for them horrible winter days??

thanks in advance

Jay dubbleU

Absolutely - take a look at Ribble they do good reasonably cheap winter road bikes

You can never have too many bikes 8)

soy_sauce

what is the different between a winter and a summer road bike? what classify it to be one or the other?

prawny

I was going to say yes before I even read your post but you make a good arguement anyway. Does your trek have mountings for full guards? If it does it'll be fine for the winter anyway then I'd consider getting a new best bike for while the weathers nice

If it doesn't any cheapo road bike would do how about a carrera valour? £320 with fittings for guards and a rack.

biondino

The 1.2 is a great all round bike which you could race on, but it's also solid enough to be a year-round commuter bike. A little bit of tlc to wipe off road muck and it'll be fine. It doesn't rain *that* much more during the winter (though admittedly it's a lot less fun when it does) - here's data for Brum:

http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/dat ... 100+03534W

If you're having thoughts about a second bike, why not start researching - and saving - for a best bike?

andy83

Jay dubbleU wrote:

Absolutely - take a look at Ribble they do good reasonably cheap winter road bikes

You can never have too many bikes 8)

i know there can never bee too many that i own, but everytime i bring up a new bike gf says can you pay that one off first, looking at the bike sitting in the lounge lol

ribble site not working for me

so in theory best to get another bike to use in the winter??

how much would i be looking to get something half decent??

also would it be more advisable if i went for something that had slightly bigger wheels and alu forks instead of carbon??

Eau Rouge

henry_ho_yin wrote:

what is the different between a winter and a summer road bike? what classify it to be one or the other?

Cheaper, with cheaper components (gears etc) that you don't mind wearing out faster. (wet roads, lots of grime for the chain to pick up and wear the cogs with, salt on the roads etc ) or (hopefully not) getting crash damaged, maybe with more clearence for mudguards, running slower but more puncture-proof/grippy tyres possibly with cheaper wheels your a little less concerned about running into unseen objects in the dark on. You can cover it in safe, but ugly, lights without worrying about scratching bits of it too.

I don't have one.
yet

prawny

biondino wrote:

The 1.2 is a great all round bike which you could race on, but it's also solid enough to be a year-round commuter bike. A little bit of tlc to wipe off road muck and it'll be fine. It doesn't rain *that* much more during the winter (though admittedly it's a lot less fun when it does) - here's data for Brum:

http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/dat ... 100+03534W

If you're having thoughts about a second bike, why not start researching - and saving - for a best bike?

Fnar! That link is ace, I love that august is the wettest month. I love brum!

biondino

Andy, once again, the Trek is a fine winter bike. If it's your intention to keep it as a summer bike, fair enough, but it's not some fragile carbon masterwork - it's an honest workhorse, and owning a second lower-end bike seems contrary.

On the other hand, if you actually want a bike that's a bit different, rather than one that's essentially the same but cheaper, how about a single speed? Fuji track, say, or a Bowery?

andy83

prawny wrote:

I was going to say yes before I even read your post but you make a good arguement anyway. Does your trek have mountings for full guards? If it does it'll be fine for the winter anyway then I'd consider getting a new best bike for while the weathers nice

If it doesn't any cheapo road bike would do how about a carrera valour? £320 with fittings for guards and a rack.

doesnt look like it does but means another bike could be on the cards . To be honest i know it aint the nicest but not a fan of having mudguards on

The 1.2 is a great all round bike which you could race on, but it's also solid enough to be a year-round commuter bike. A little bit of tlc to wipe off road muck and it'll be fine. It doesn't rain *that* much more during the winter (though admittedly it's a lot less fun when it does) - here's data for Brum:

http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/dat ... 100+03534W

If you're having thoughts about a second bike, why not start researching - and saving - for a best bike?

To be honest im not interested in racing its mainly for pleasure and fitness. Im very particular and almost panic when it gets dirty and clean off all the grime and try look after chain etc. To be honest sometimes i enjoy cycling in the rain, just dont like what it does to my bike lol.

i also had a fall last winter and would be gutted if i hit some black ice on my trek, and using spds now would mean id prob end up panicking and being stuck to the bike when i fall lol.

Your last point is very interesting for me, my current bike is on the cycle to work scheme and ive already been thinking of getting a new one come april. maybe i could save up until then and just add it onto the £1k total i can spend and get a full carbon beast

Cheaper, with cheaper components (gears etc) that you don't mind wearing out faster. (wet roads, lots of grime for the chain to pick up and wear the cogs with, salt on the roads etc ) or (hopefully not) getting crash damaged, maybe with more clearence for mudguards, running slower but more puncture-proof/grippy tyres possibly with cheaper wheels your a little less concerned about running into unseen objects in the dark on. You can cover it in safe, but ugly, lights without worrying about scratching bits of it too.

I don't have one.
yet

thats answered my question of the difference and makes me think of getting cheap second hand one when i know salt on roads and lots of rain etc

roger_merriman

and what about maybe disks? my ideal commuting bike would be hub/single geared with disk brakes, not so much for power but so you didn't eat rim's pads so quickly.

andy83

biondino wrote:

Andy, once again, the Trek is a fine winter bike. If it's your intention to keep it as a summer bike, fair enough, but it's not some fragile carbon masterwork - it's an honest workhorse, and owning a second lower-end bike seems contrary.

On the other hand, if you actually want a bike that's a bit different, rather than one that's essentially the same but cheaper, how about a single speed? Fuji track, say, or a Bowery?

I really think that has made my mind up. As you say its not a carbon masterpiece and to be honest with it my first road bike i didnt want that. if im honest with myself i would probably get REALLY annoyed with anything less when as you say the trek will do fine. Im relatively ok on the maintance side so hopefully can keep it clean and in working order

never been keen on singlespeeds.

to be honest as a summer bike i would like something more top end, but for this summer im sure the trek will do fine.

right my question has been answered and no i dont need another bike. on top of arguments on here and fact in process of buying new house think i will just get some fun out of the trek and get a new bike next year

soy_sauce

Eau Rouge wrote:

henry_ho_yin wrote:

what is the different between a winter and a summer road bike? what classify it to be one or the other?

Cheaper, with cheaper components (gears etc) that you don't mind wearing out faster. (wet roads, lots of grime for the chain to pick up and wear the cogs with, salt on the roads etc ) or (hopefully not) getting crash damaged, maybe with more clearence for mudguards, running slower but more puncture-proof/grippy tyres possibly with cheaper wheels your a little less concerned about running into unseen objects in the dark on. You can cover it in safe, but ugly, lights without worrying about scratching bits of it too.

I don't have one.
yet

i see. i thought it have to be with some components which specifically made for the winter condition. :oops:

Jynxman

Unless you live In Scotland, just get some tyres with tread and puncture resistance. As for the chainset getting salty oiling it with dirt resistant oil will help a bit and really at the end of the day if something gets warn unless your chainset is majorly expensive it is probably going to be cheaper than buying a bike that'll fall apart in a few years.

il_principe

andy83 wrote:

Do i need another bike

Andy Andy Andy, the answer to this question is always "YES!"

Even a dedicated non MTB'er needs (minimum):

1 Uber Bling lightweight wonder custom bike
1Ti Bike
1 TT Bike
1 Track bike
1 Carbon Summer Bike
1 Tourer
1 Steel bike
1 Race Bike
1 Winter bike
1 CX bike
1 Pub Hack
1 Commuting bike
1 OTP SS
1 lovingly restored old school fixed bike

So far I only have 3, but I'm working on it!

andy83

i think i will eventually have more than one but my old debts need to be paid off first and also moving into new house soon when soliciters actually start working :evil:

was gutted when little scallys scuppered me having two bikes by nicking my old one a day after i ordered the new one, it was like they knew

think i may get another bike on the c2w next year when my current one runs out. and after seeing one of these http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/j ... ikes-22067 in the lbs i fell in love with it.

shame my scheme runs out in april

Sewinman

biondino wrote:

The 1.2 is a great all round bike which you could race on, but it's also solid enough to be a year-round commuter bike. A little bit of tlc to wipe off road muck and it'll be fine. It doesn't rain *that* much more during the winter (though admittedly it's a lot less fun when it does) - here's data for Brum:

http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/dat ... 100+03534W

If you're having thoughts about a second bike, why not start researching - and saving - for a best bike?

+100000 million

Don't waste any money on a cheaper bike. The Trek 1.2 will be fine in the winter, just keep it clean and oiled.

Save up and get a better bike next summer and keep the Trek for winter use. Onwards and upwards!

[Tim]

I only read the thread title but the answer is, of course, YES

itboffin

Il Principe wrote:

andy83 wrote:

Do i need another bike

Andy Andy Andy, the answer to this question is always "YES!"

Even a dedicated non MTB'er needs (minimum):

1 Uber Bling lightweight wonder custom bike = ?
1Ti Bike = ?
1 TT Bike = check
1 Track bike = check
1 Carbon Summer Bike = ?
1 Tourer = check
1 Steel bike = check
1 Race Bike = check
1 Winter bike = check
1 CX bike = check
1 Pub Hack = check
1 Commuting bike = check
1 OTP SS = check
1 lovingly restored old school fixed bike = check

So far I only have 3, but I'm working on it!

Some are double purpose but you can clearly see i've been working hard, still room for improvement.

DonDaddyD

Every man should have at least 2 bikes, its why we have two testicles! :shock: FACT!

What? It is!!!

il_principe

DonDaddyD wrote:

Every man should have at least 2 bikes, its why we have two testicles! :shock: FACT!

What? It is!!!

I'd save up for a best bike though, and then relegate the Trek to a winter bike (a Trek's tightful place ).

No fun in downgrading.

boneyjoe

Does that mean LA should have only 1 bike?

itboffin

Il Principe wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

Every man should have at least 2 bikes, its why we have two testicles! :shock: FACT!

What? It is!!!

I'd save up for a best bike though, and then relegate the Trek to a winter bike (a Trek's tightful place ).

No fun in downgrading.

Hey I like my Trek

tardington

Of course you do itboffin of course you do.

itboffin

tardington wrote:

Of course you do itboffin of course you do.

As did the thousands of cyclist who watch as I pass them and disappear into the distance

BTW my bike was clearly the cheapest road bike at last Sundays Dragon ride I STILL luv it.

Edit: As soon as I can out ride its capabilities i'll be a carbon (Trek) until then I'm happy learning to ride better.

andy83

Il Principe wrote:

DonDaddyD wrote:

Every man should have at least 2 bikes, its why we have two testicles! :shock: FACT!

What? It is!!!

I'd save up for a best bike though, and then relegate the Trek to a winter bike (a Trek's tightful place ).

No fun in downgrading.

completely decided now not to downgrade. am just going to save what i can and lump it onto the £1k from c2w next april and see what i can get

ok i understand trek bikes get a lot of stick but i love mine, and i actually tried a few bikes before i bought and liked the feel of the trek the most

i dont care what you all say i like it :P

il_principe

I have nothing against Trek, I just like baiting ITB - which (for the record) is big and clever.

andy83

lol fair enough

i have noticed those that get a bit of a baiting from other members, keep doing it as he has far too many bikes the mean person

think im going to go and clean my bike up, well not very far as it lives in the front room. think its best to do it before the girlfriend gets back as she will not like the lovely mess i create in the living room

tailwindhome

There is a simple formula to calculate the number of bikes required.

If Y is the number of bikes required
And X is the number of bikes currently owned


Y=X+1

Simple mathematics really