Not prepared for the winterness

[[Philip]]

OK so I have a lovely bike, best one I've ever owned (thank you cycle to work scheme!). Skinny wheels makes me go zoooom!

Or seems to make me go Aaaaaargh I'm about to die! on wet, leafy, slightly frosty roads.

Had never considered that perhaps my bike isn't suitable for winter riding. It's Whyte Charing Cross.

Can I get fatter wheels for it for the winter?
Shall I get a cheapo gumtree mountain bike or hybrid to use for the winter?

What to do what to do?

 

[downfader]

Just googled your bike as I'm not familiar. Looks like a "commuter cyclocross" style. One possibility would be to change the tyres over to thicker 35c semi slicks like the Continental cyclocross "Speed" tyre I think they're called (I have them on my Genesis CDF bike), or something from the Vittoria touring range. I tend to find these a little more comfortable at this time of year, you still need to go careful though if there is ice out and the way you approach corners is more important when cold and wet.

You'd need to make sure the tyres fit the frame, obviously

If you want to keep the bike pristine then perhaps a cheap mountain bike could be an option. I know a few guys who ride 3 seasons on a racer, then switch to a proper fat tyred 26" wheel jobbie.

 

[gaz]

What ever tyre you will use it will feel the same. You just need to take it easy when the temps get low.

I currently use 25mm wide tyres but have used 23mm tyres all year round and had no issues.

 

[downfader]

What ever tyre you will use it will feel the same. You just need to take it easy when the temps get low.

I currently use 25mm wide tyres but have used 23mm tyres all year round and had no issues.

I think it depends on the terrain too. Around here its more comfortable due to the rough roads and the undulating landscape. The times you ride also dictate how the bike may respond - for example I'm often out before 7am... any later and the sun has an effect and will warm the ground.

 

[Leodis]

As Gaz says in winter just take it easy, when summer comes you can ride it like you stole it.

 

[ianrauk]

Just take it a bit easier.
I commute all year round in all weathers (apart from snow) on 23's.

 

[lukesdad]

Just take it a bit easier.
I commute all year round in all weathers (apart from snow) on 23's.

+1 'cept for the taking it easier bit.

 

[vickster]

I have just put 28mm Marathon Plus on the Whyte for puncture protection, but the rear end is very skittish with some weight on the back and is quite nerve wracking on greasy surfaces! Is this normal with M+?

 

[HLaB]

I have just put 28mm Marathon Plus on the Whyte for puncture protection, but the rear end is very skittish with some weight on the back and is quite nerve wracking on greasy surfaces! Is this normal with M+?

In general IME the better the p'ture resistance the skittier the tyre

 

[Jenkins]

I have just put 28mm Marathon Plus on the Whyte for puncture protection, but the rear end is very skittish with some weight on the back and is quite nerve wracking on greasy surfaces! Is this normal with M+?

Yup - found the same problem with M+ on my Boardman. If it's damp roundabouts & corners are taken much slower than in the dry.

Also to the OP as already advised, just take it easier at this time of year (but if you have the money and space to store a cheapo mountain bike, why not get one for fun)

 

[vickster]

In general IME the better the p'ture resistance the skittier the tyre

Sounds like that was £75 well spent

 

[midliferider]

Will the different pressure make a difference?

 

[HLaB]

Sounds like that was £75 well spent

Its usually a trade off but what pressures are you running, dropping it may mitigate the skittish feeling.

 

[vickster]

Whatever the LBS put in 2 weeks ago

 

[Breedon]

I have the wyhte kings cross bike using stock tires rode on frost, wet leaves with no problems
All you need to do is take you time.