Good winter bike

[Leighrider]

Hi

Any suggestions on a good winter commuting bike for around £300 - £350.
I currently use a Giant FCR2 but want something a bit sturdier and better on gritted roads for the winter.
I am unsure on another hybrid or a hardtail.

 

[RedBike]

It all depends on just how much sturdier you want to go.

I would recommend a hybrid that will accept larger volume tyre, say 34mm tyres cyclo-x tyre or in extreme conditions a studded tyre.

When everywhere was really icy at the start of this year I somehow managed to keep commuting on a road bike with 28mm slick tyres. By riding VERY carefully and not being afraid to walk some bits I somehow managed to avoid falling off the thing.
However, I was falling off my MTB at least once nearly every single ride. The fatter, grippier tyres encouraged more speed / confidence which resulted in more slips and spills.

 

[2Loose]

When everywhere was really icy at the start of this year I somehow managed to keep commuting on a road bike with 28mm slick tyres. By riding VERY carefully and not being afraid to walk some bits I somehow managed to avoid falling off the thing.
However, I was falling off my MTB at least once nearly every single ride. The fatter, grippier tyres encouraged more speed / confidence which resulted in more slips and spills.

Which is exactly why my mucky winter bike is an mtb. It can take the abuse more easily and I won't worry about it so much. Also, disk brakes are awesome in the wet.

Mind you, my commute is only 5 miles.

 

[jimboalee]

Which is exactly why my mucky winter bike is an mtb. It can take the abuse more easily and I won't worry about it so much. Also, disk brakes are awesome in the wet.

Mind you, my commute is only 5 miles.

Agreed.

Disk brakes and enormous clearances. Enough clearance to get fingers and cloth between tyre and mudguard, and mudguard and frame.

Mudflap on front mudguard that scrapes the ground.

Can of Waxoil. Liberally coat everything BEFORE it gets used.

 

[RedBike]

Which is exactly why my mucky winter bike is an mtb. It can take the abuse more easily and I won't worry about it so much. Also, disk brakes are awesome in the wet.

Mind you, my commute is only 5 miles.

The road bike was a fixed wheel bike. I felt happier leaving that bike outside work all day covered in salt/ snow than an expensive MTB.

The road bike also had full length mud-guards whereas my MTB didn't have any. A most welcome addition when there was grit/salt everywhere.

 

[Moodyman]

As above. For durability, you might want to lean towards an aluminium frame as it doesn't rust.

Salt is pretty bad for steel frames.

 

[2Loose]

As above. For durability, you might want to lean towards an aluminium frame as it doesn't rust.

Salt is pretty bad for steel frames everything.

FTFY

 

[botchjob]

It's worth looking at a Kona Dew for that money