Winter riding

[MattDB]

I'm looking for my first road bike - I commute year-round. I'd all-but settled on a Felt Z85 then I read another thread about winter doing terrible things to road bikes. I know the Z85 is no top-end cycle but this advice has made me think again and wonder if I should be spending less (something like a Z95) as I'll put a lot of wear on components over the winter. I just wondered if people have differing philosophies on using their 'best' bikes over the winter?

Interested in any thoughts people have...

Matt

 

[vickster]

Cheaper bikes, cheaper components, cheaper to replace. Weather is hard on chains and cassettes which aren't excessively expensive, just need to maintain more. I'd get the best bike I can afford and worry about the maintenance later

What's the spec of the two bikes?

 

[cyberknight]

the z 85 is 105 .

 

[vickster]

Versus sora, can't imagine there's more than £50 in it for chain and cassette?

Not that I've ever changed either, I sell a bike once it gets dirty let alone worn

 

[cyberknight]

Versus sora, can't imagine there's more than £50 in it for chain and cassette?

Not that I've ever changed either, I sell a bike once it gets dirty let alone worn

10 speed chains a chain and you can always run cheaper cassette eg tiagra , as long as you clean enough it should not be a problem.

 

[Profpointy]

One word: mudguards

 

[SpokeyDokey]

And the price difference between the 2 bikes is..............................?

 

[vickster]

£210 on Wiggle for example

 

[MattDB]

Thanks everyone for your input - very helpful.

So I think I'll probably go for the Z85, put mudguards on it and keep it clean!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

If it's a matter of £200 then I'd also go with the 'better' bike - depends on your financial situation as to whether £200 is a lot or neither here nor there.

 

[ianrauk]

Keep your bike clean, greased and lubed up regularly during the winter. Give the components a quick wipe after any rainy commute and the bike and components will be fine.

 

[confusedcyclist]

Keep your bike clean, greased and lubed up regularly during the winter. Give the components a quick wipe after any rainy commute and the bike and components will be fine.

Got any good resources for thorough maintenance of a bike?

 

[fossyant]

Just look after it, that's all.

You might want another bike in reserve for icy days, or find alternative transport.