Supersix for winter use?
rob13
Posts: 430
For the last 18 months, i've had my Boardman Road Comp which has been jolly decent, pretty trouble free and its only cost me a new set of tyres in that time. I've got a mate who is interested in buying it from me.
I've seen the Cannondale Supersix 105 up for £1400 and I've always fancied a 'Dale. I like to ride through winter though, and whilst the Boardman was never ideal for winter due its lack of having space for full guards, I did use it with a set of crud racers (which arent great in my opinion). A couple of the spring clips on the back of the brakes seem to be the only things which have suffered, showing surface rust. I like to keep on top of cleaning and make sure the chain drive is well oiled.
I'm finding it hard to resist splashing out on the Supersix, but to fund it need to sell the Boardman, thus leaving me with a very expensive (for me) carbon bike which I will be looking to use all year round. Is it sacrilege to be doing this, or can they take the abuse of a winter of salty, shitty roads? I'm trying to justify buying one as you can see!
I've seen the Cannondale Supersix 105 up for £1400 and I've always fancied a 'Dale. I like to ride through winter though, and whilst the Boardman was never ideal for winter due its lack of having space for full guards, I did use it with a set of crud racers (which arent great in my opinion). A couple of the spring clips on the back of the brakes seem to be the only things which have suffered, showing surface rust. I like to keep on top of cleaning and make sure the chain drive is well oiled.
I'm finding it hard to resist splashing out on the Supersix, but to fund it need to sell the Boardman, thus leaving me with a very expensive (for me) carbon bike which I will be looking to use all year round. Is it sacrilege to be doing this, or can they take the abuse of a winter of salty, shitty roads? I'm trying to justify buying one as you can see!
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Comments
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Can't you sell a kidney or summat and have both bikes?0
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How about getting a second bike to go with the cannondale - something used or maybe a btwin triban?
I am in a similar position. I am waiting for delivery of a bianchi carbon road bike - my first road bike. I will ride my road bike on dry winter days. I know there is a a lot of salt about but:
a) I will be careful to clean after ever ride
b) Any breakages/damage/corrosion is fate's blessing to upgrade components
"why did I have to buy new wheels dear? Well look the old ones corroded!" - you get the idea
I will admit that on wet days I will ride my MTB because I am a little nervous of those skinny little road tyres. Also on my MTB I am happy to get a ton of mud and water up my butt (it has medicinal properties) but on my road bike I don't think I would enjoy it so much.2010 Specialized Rockhopper
2012 Bianchi Infinito0 -
Carbon Fibre parts should be entirely unaffected by water or road grime or salt (might get dirty yes but CF does not corrode),
105 drivetrain = it is not overly expensive (on my budget but maybe not yours?) to replace bits if they are affected,
the only bit I would worry about is maybe the wheels if they are very expensive so maybe a cheaper winter set for when its bad and salty ?
so ... why not just buy it and enjoy it in all weathers?
It would make more sense to me to have a dry weather only bike if it was made of steel or some other material which is affected badly by weather if unprotected and/or if the drivetrain was very expensive to replace bits if needed.0 -
Does Carbon become pitted? I'm just thinking of the amount of muck around during winter/early spring when the farmers come out and cover the roads around here.
Interesting thought about using it all year round, I might try and see whether the SKS blades are better than the Cruds, but I did think of a Genesis Equilibrium as a winter hack as it would take full guards. Not so good, being Steel though!
Being able to justify 2 bikes at that kind of expense just doesnt feature though. I'd need to commute also to start to feel like I was getting my money's worth out of 2.0 -
I was in a similar position to you. I bought the Boardman last under the cycle to work scheme and really enjoyed riding it. I got the bug and craving for a carbon fibre!
It took me a while to convince and plead with Mrs Aff that the Cannondale Supersix 105 was a bargain that could not be missed! I got the local bike shop to price match Westbrook cycles.
Would your local bike shop or Evans cycles etc. price match and offer 12 months interest free?
If so, you may be able to keep both!0 -
Westbrooks are one of my LBS' so I wouldnt mind using them. I could easily stick it on my empty CC which has a few more months of interest free left on it.
Over the Boardman, how big a difference have you noticed to comfort/power transfer etc? Is it all a bit sharper?0 -
I would buy one and use it for winter - why not? Stick some crud Mk 2 roadracers on it and of we go ......0
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Noticed the difference mainly going uphill, seems more responsive and dare I say it....easier!
Strava times have improved all round but that could just be the excitement of the new bike!
But if you asked me, is it twice as good as the Boardman because it's twice the price, I would have to say no.
It's a great bike, sharp, lightweight, very responsive and looks cool!0 -
I used a new caad10 with crud catcher guards on it last winter, I believe the geo is similar, the bike held up well and
literally doesn't have a mark on it!0 -
People can get too precious about bikes. If you can only have one bike then get something you'll love riding. Helitape the frame, especially where the cruds go, if you feel the need and just enjoy it. I've got a SuperSix and really like it (although thinking of selling it for a Scott Foil now)0
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rjsmith wrote:People can get too precious about bikes. If you can only have one bike then get something you'll love riding. Helitape the frame, especially where the cruds go, if you feel the need and just enjoy it. I've got a SuperSix and really like it (although thinking of selling it for a Scott Foil now)
I'm with this - although I'd suggest sks race blade longs. Much sturdier and more protection.0 -
Is it sacrilege to be doing this
Its sacrilege to buy a bike and NOT use it over winter.
Its just a bike, crack on.
Keep it clean and it'll last for ever.0 -
I'm not a great believer in winter bikes - to me all they represent is another set of components to maintain/ service/ clean/ replace.
I've been using a Spesh Roubaix Pro with dura ace for the daily commute all year round since 2007. Fitted crud guards for the first time last winter - they aren't coming off!! The frame is absolutely fine. I have replaced the odd cassette and chain but really, as long as you make the effort to keep the drive train clean and lubed, there is no real need for another bike. I have a friend who has been running a supersix for the past two or three years with no issues (albeit he succumbed to the strange fixie bug last winter!).
Peter0
