First winter

[Roy33]

So after buying my Dawes giro 300 in april this year and loved every minute of it and don't want to stop riding through winter, am just wondering is it worth buying a set of the plastic mud gaurds or just run it as it is

 

[peelywally]

if you need to arrive some place relatively dry and clean get mudguards if not then dont get them

 

[Roy33]

Any advice on what tyres to buy to run through the winter ?

 

[ianrauk]

the tyres that are on the bike already would probably be more then fine for the winter. What tyres are they?

 

[Roy33]

It still has the Kendal k-196 On

 

[Enw.nigel]

I bought the Zefal Swan Rear Road Mudguard for last winter and found it really good. I don't usually bother going out when it's raining but there is always plenty of surface water on the roads. I got fed up of the wet brown line up my back at the end of each ride.
I spotted another guy out one day with a rear mudguard and thought what a great idea. After some research I found the Zefal Swan. So easy to put on and take off. It just clamps to the seatpost. Worth the money to keep your back dry.

 

[mcshroom]

I'd go for mudguards, or raceblades as they will keep the rain off of you and make the bike easier to clean. You will need to clean your bike more often in the winter, and re-lube the chain far more frequently.

You shouldn't need to change tyres, just be careful over any ironwork and painted lines on the road as they get slippery in the wet. You may decide to change for some with a little more puncture protection if you find you keep picking up punctures, but other than that there's no real reason to change.

 

[Roy33]

What's the best drink to have during winter rides

 

[Melonfish]

Painted lines are indeed damned slippery! also watch roundabouts, take them a little slower when you think there may be ice.
otherwise get lit up and happy commuting

 

[apollo179]

Yes mudguards are a good idea. Sometimes in winter i just get the train home - with the bike - rather than riding in the dark in the wet and cold etc etc.

 

[4F]

If found that SKS Chromoplastic mudguards are the best and well worth the money, Raceblades also work well.

Agree about keeping off white lines and I would add drain covers to that as well.

 

[ianrauk]

What's the best drink to have during winter rides

Tea

 

[WychwoodTrev]

Be carefull of piles of damp leaves specialy on corners and piles of grit that can gather at the bottom of hills after a rain storm

 

[Arch]

if you need to arrive some place relatively dry and clean get mudguards if not then dont get them

Also get them, if you don't want every cyclist who happens to ride behind you to swear at you...

And it's not just for the rider's benefit, the front guard keeps the worst of the salty muck from being thrown up onto the downtube and Bottom Bracket area.

Note to self: get the Brom kitted out.