The need for a winter bike?

As above, but its not the frame that is the main worry anyway. The road salt eats alloy components more than anything else. Just give it a rinse off with clean water after a ride and all will be well.

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19660920#p19660920]ravey1981[/url] wrote:

As above, but its not the frame that is the main worry anyway. The road salt eats alloy components more than anything else. Just give it a rinse off with clean water after a ride and all will be well.

This. And keep the chain oiled

or alternatively don't be so fastidious in the cleaning routine and replace everything in the Spring (my lazy arse method).

If you're riding in a group it would be good form to get a full length mudguard on the rear to keep those behind you dry and one on the downtube to keep your feet dry(er). If you are billy no mates then an arse saver will suffice on the rear.

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19666520#p19666520]Bozabyka[/url] wrote:

In a group is it acceptable to fit a mountain bike style mudguard to my seatpost?

If they don't like it, sod um.
Why care what others think?

ass saver ?... a complete waste of money, too small and too high up

get some clip on mud guards and some tape for your frame.

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19666718#p19666718]mamba80[/url] wrote:

ass saver ?... a complete waste of money, too small and too high up

get some clip on mud guards and some tape for your frame.

They do offer a longer version now but even the small version is useful. Have it folded under my seat for unexpected showers, does the job in summer and generally keeps road crap off me, better than using a mtb guard. Can't beat full guards for winter though...

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19666751#p19666751]markhewitt1978[/url] wrote:

I use these for the winter http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/sks-raceblade-mudguards/rp-prod25796
(just for the back, don't usually bother with the front)

The advantage is that they don't go under the brakes so fit my frame with 25mm tyres, where nothing else will. The disadvantage is that they don't go under the brakes!

I have those too. The front one isn't great though (which if you don't use it is probably fine for you!) as there is no guard in front of the brakes so when going at any speed you get spray over the front which is very annoying! I have crud road racers on my designated wet bike and they are much better but less removable.

as for the need for a winter bike? you don't need one but then you don't need a remote control for your tv but they do make life a little easier!

I'm thinking of winterising my son's bike because he doesn't use it very much. Although I have never worried before about wet weather damaging the bike, I had two crashes on ice last winter, one of which resulted in a broken wrist, and I really don't want to be going through that again. I can't face a turbo trainer in the garage, and I don't want to stop of 3-6 months of the year. The ability to put grippier cold weather tyres on the bike (presumably you can get them?) is almost more important to me than mudguards.

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19666986#p19666986]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19666664#p19666664]iPete[/url] wrote:

Because riding in a group?

And??????
That is a good reason to use full mudguards, and you deserve derision for using guards that are ineffective to those following, like ass savers.
But if they are the kind of people who will deride someone for using "Mtb" guards instead of "roadie" guards then they are not worth spending time with.

Did you not read on..."Of course if you want to stay dry, don't go outside or ride with a group but full guards are common courtesy on most winter club rides,"

I merely suggest an Ass-Saver as they are probably easier than buying a MTB guard (you can fold it under your seat and they don't obstruct lights) but neither are suitable for winter group riding. Nothing to do with a bizarre mtb/roadie mud guard snobbery..

I'm sure you have room for another bike? By a cheap bike bag and break the one not being used down over winter imo. Having said that I used my Canyon Ultimate through all weathers. All I do is make sure it's dried off properly, give a few bits a squirt of GT85 and then relube the chain when necessary. Spare set of cheap wheels £150 max for winter will do nicely. Cassette's and chains can be replaced quite cheaply.

No-one needs a dedicated winter bike. However, many people find them very useful to have. I currently have only one road bike, with a TT bike and a hybrid.
My road bike can also take full guards come the winter time which is very useful, and in fact it would be nice on some of the damp summer days to have them fitted still- clip ons don't really fit as well and are far more fiddly, plus guards don't slow you down all that much.

However, it depends how much you ride your bike. When I eventually upgrade to a good road bike, I will keep my current machine as a winter bike as the drivetrain will be cheaper and easier to service and I won't have to worry about clipping guards on and off.
A cyclocross bike would also make for a good winter trainer if you can get the geometry right- although I will probably get a 'cross bike soon as well for riding cross and commuting, I will still retain the winter bike so I can get into a similar position as on the good bike though.

A second road bike is also invaluable when the miles have taken their toll and your main machine has to be taken off the road for a bit waiting for a replacement part as mine has for nearly 2 weeks now. Doing chaingangs on a hybrid that normally doesn't do any more than 6 miles at a go really loses the novelty factor after the first 15 minutes.