Winter Bike

onlineweb

I’m on the lookout for a decent winter bike.

Currently have a Giant Defy Advanced 1 Carbon Frame. I would prefer not to use this on icy roads especially as it’s my good bike.

Any suggestions?

CantGetNoSleep

How much are you looking at spending? Hydraulic discs are obviously great for winter but immediately bring up cost, wider tire clearance, mudguard mounts, possibly alu or steel but for me a winter bike has to be a good bit cheaper than my good bike.

For example I've a few year old Cannondale Synapse 105 disc vs a Giant TCR Ultegra Di2 as the good bike. The poor TCR probably won't see the road until next April.

I'd look at gravel bikes and any endurance road bikes you can get a good deal on

onlineweb

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

How much are you looking at spending? Hydraulic discs are obviously great for winter but immediately bring up cost, wider tire clearance, mudguard mounts, possibly alu or steel but for me a winter bike has to be a good bit cheaper than my good bike.

For example I've a few year old Cannondale Synapse 105 disc vs a Giant TCR Ultegra Di2 as the good bike. The poor TCR probably won't see the road until next April.

I'd look at gravel bikes and any endurance road bikes you can get a good deal on

Any where up to €1,500

Would like disc breaks, tire clearance to fit 38 mm perhaps, light weight alumi etc

I’m looking at gravel and hybrid bikes at the moment.

Cee-Jay-Cee

For me a winter bike must be aluminium, disc brakes and good tyre clearance. Mine is a Felt VR30 which I’ve owned for almost 4 years now and has become almost my everyday bike. My good bike, an S-Works Roubaix Di2 rarely gets an outing, according to Strava I’ve only done 389km on it this year so far and that’s not likely to increase unless we get a good dry spell of weather.

I’ve also a holiday/turbo bike which is a Cube Attain. It’s the 2018 Claris model and it’s such a nice bike to ride. I’m eligible for the BTW scheme again next year and if I do buy something it’ll most likely be an Attain with hydraulic disc brakes, you should be able to get a disc brake model for your budget.

The biggest problem you might have is finding somewhere that has stock or can get bikes as everywhere appears to be sold out of popular sizes (52-58cm)

Wishbone Ash

onlineweb wrote: »

...I would prefer not to use this on icy roads...

Why would you wish to use any bike on icy roads? It's a danger to yourself and others regardless of any damage to a bike.

onlineweb

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Why would you wish to use any bike on icy roads? It's a danger to yourself and others regardless of any damage to a bike.

It’s a figure of speech, will not be literally using it on icy roads.

onlineweb

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

For me a winter bike must be aluminium, disc brakes and good tyre clearance. Mine is a Felt VR30 which I’ve owned for almost 4 years now and has become almost my everyday bike. My good bike, an S-Works Roubaix Di2 rarely gets an outing, according to Strava I’ve only done 389km on it this year so far and that’s not likely to increase unless we get a good dry spell of weather.

I’ve also a holiday/turbo bike which is a Cube Attain. It’s the 2018 Claris model and it’s such a nice bike to ride. I’m eligible for the BTW scheme again next year and if I do buy something it’ll most likely be an Attain with hydraulic disc brakes, you should be able to get a disc brake model for your budget.

Thanks for the suggestions, will check it out!

a148pro

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

For me a winter bike must be aluminium, disc brakes and good tyre clearance. Mine is a Felt VR30 which I’ve owned for almost 4 years now and has become almost my everyday bike. My good bike, an S-Works Roubaix Di2 rarely gets an outing, according to Strava I’ve only done 389km on it this year so far and that’s not likely to increase unless we get a good dry spell of weather.

I’ve also a holiday/turbo bike which is a Cube Attain. It’s the 2018 Claris model and it’s such a nice bike to ride. I’m eligible for the BTW scheme again next year and if I do buy something it’ll most likely be an Attain with hydraulic disc brakes, you should be able to get a disc brake model for your budget.

The biggest problem you might have is finding somewhere that has stock or can get bikes as everywhere appears to be sold out of popular sizes (52-58cm)

Why aluminum specifically? Does it have properties good for winter or do you damage carbon using it in winter or what? I will take my carbon yoke out on a nice winters day occasionally

bingobars

Winter bike featuring as many of the following would be my pref anyway...

Thru axel
Hydraulic disc
Mudguard eyelets
Internal cable routing
Internal headset
Threaded BB
Clearance for up to 35mm
Tubeless


That’s what id be looking for anyway from a comfort, reliability, ease of cleaning and maintenance perspective

onlineweb

a148pro wrote: »

Why aluminum specifically? Does it have properties good for winter or do you damage carbon using it in winter or what? I will take my carbon yoke out on a nice winters day occasionally

When carbon fiber fails, it fails spectacularly. While other materials might simply buckle or bend, carbon fiber can shatter into pieces, sending riders flying into the road or trail. And this kind of catastrophic destruction can happen to any part of a bike made with the material.

This is an interesting article

https://www.outsideonline.com/2311816/carbon-fiber-bike-accidents-lawsuits

at1withmyself

onlineweb wrote: »

When carbon fiber fails, it fails spectacularly. While other materials might simply buckle or bend, carbon fiber can shatter into pieces, sending riders flying into the road or trail. And this kind of catastrophic destruction can happen to any part of a bike made with the material.

This is an interesting article

https://www.outsideonline.com/2311816/carbon-fiber-bike-accidents-lawsuits

So are you saying Carbon Fiber can only fail in he Winter I've been riding carbon bikes through winters for over 20 years and never had one fail. 1000's of cyclist do likewise without issue?

nilhg

I'd read the preference for alu for a winter bike as meaning the budget doesn't reach to carbon fibre, generally speaking if you compare bikes of similar spec component wise the alu version will be a nice bit cheaper.

Biker79

Ribble have always done a great winter bike. Probably don't need disc brakes in winter unless you're in a hilly area.

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-endurance-725-shimano-105/

onlineweb

at1withmyself wrote: »

So are you saying Carbon Fiber can only fail in the Winter I've been riding carbon bikes through winters for over 20 years and never had one fail. 1000's of cyclist do likewise without issue?

No, you are more prone to accidents in the winter due to weather conditions.

If your carbon frame bike is involved in an accident, it can cause it to fail, i.e. fracture, cracks.

Carbons don’t have the same durability as Aluminum. Because carbon is a very stiff material, i.e. it can be brittle.

onlineweb

bingobars wrote: »

Winter bike featuring as many of the following would be my pref anyway...

Thru axel
Hydraulic disc
Mudguard eyelets
Internal cable routing
Internal headset
Threaded BB
Clearance for up to 35mm
Tubeless


That’s what id be looking for anyway from a comfort, reliability, ease of cleaning and maintenance perspective

Yes, absolutely agree.

Tubeless is a good idea.

onlineweb

Biker79 wrote: »

Ribble have always done a great winter bike. Probably don't need disc brakes in winter unless you're in a hilly area.

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-endurance-725-shimano-105/

Good suggestion, nice bike.

Cee-Jay-Cee

a148pro wrote: »

Why aluminum specifically? Does it have properties good for winter or do you damage carbon using it in winter or what? I will take my carbon yoke out on a nice winters day occasionally

It’s tougher than carbon and will take more abuse. You won’t be running to the bike shop every time you get a stone chip to see if it’s just a crack in the clear coat/paint or structural damage with an alloy bike. And like someone else said if you take a fall, your less likely to cause any structural damage with alloy than with carbon.

zindicato

what frame size you looking for?

saccades

See that hole there on the downtube?

That's a hole drilled into a carbon mountain bike for a dropper post.

I bet you wouldn't do that to an aluminium frame.

I have raced for 24 hours on that frame, and jumped it and crashed it and generally not paid any attention to that hole and it's fine. And I often weigh north of 100kg so it's not being minced on. It's a light weight xc race bike too, so no burly dh beast.

It's currently waiting until my eldest grows 3" and I expect it not to shatter or blow up at any time.

I've carbon suspension forks from 95 that only got hung up 5 years ago covered in MTB use marks, proper gouges. I've another 2 carbon suspension forks that are about to be serviced and go back on bikes.

The only carbon fibre I have heard of shatter were the real early defender lacrosse sticks, I presume from the resin used. These sticks were being used to smack people and kit for 80 minutes (hard) and even then I only heard of a couple breaking in the states.

There is so much nonsense written about frame materials, tap a coke cap walled aluminium frame wrong and it crumples, steel is twangy and will rust and carbon fibre will shatter and explode...

byrnem31

I have a 2020 defy advanced 2 and I'm going to cycle the nuts off it through all sorts of weather.its great craic to cycle and can take on most roads. I'll be divorced if I get another bike in anyway. Cube nuroad would be another option. I had one previously and they are a great bike.

There was a god video on YouTube showing how strong carbon is when made right. It's based in the giant factory. They had different materials in foot lengths on a wall and carbon was one of the strongest.

magicbastarder

saccades wrote: »

There is so much nonsense written about frame materials, tap a coke cap walled aluminium frame wrong and it crumples, steel is twangy and will rust and carbon fibre will shatter and explode...

someone sould make a frame with an outer carbon fibre layer, an intermediate steel layer, and an inner aluminium layer. just to hedge their bets.

and paint it with titanium paint.
(well, any white house paint you buy has titanium in it, so that's easy)

Wishbone Ash

saccades wrote: »

...See that hole there on the downtube?

That's a hole drilled into a carbon mountain bike for a dropper post....

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make? A hole and a crack are two totally different things in terms of integrity. You can drill a hole in a pane of glass and it won't affect its integrity. Cause a crack in it and it's a different matter entirely.

Speculator

at1withmyself wrote: »

So are you saying Carbon Fiber can only fail in he Winter I've been riding carbon bikes through winters for over 20 years and never had one fail. 1000's of cyclist do likewise without issue?

I am bewildered by this comment.

Speculator

saccades wrote: »

See that hole there on the downtube?

That's a hole drilled into a carbon mountain bike for a dropper post.

I bet you wouldn't do that to an aluminium frame.

I have raced for 24 hours on that frame, and jumped it and crashed it and generally not paid any attention to that hole and it's fine. And I often weigh north of 100kg so it's not being minced on. It's a light weight xc race bike too, so no burly dh beast.

It's currently waiting until my eldest grows 3" and I expect it not to shatter or blow up at any time.

I've carbon suspension forks from 95 that only got hung up 5 years ago covered in MTB use marks, proper gouges. I've another 2 carbon suspension forks that are about to be serviced and go back on bikes.

The only carbon fibre I have heard of shatter were the real early defender lacrosse sticks, I presume from the resin used. These sticks were being used to smack people and kit for 80 minutes (hard) and even then I only heard of a couple breaking in the states.

There is so much nonsense written about frame materials, tap a coke cap walled aluminium frame wrong and it crumples, steel is twangy and will rust and carbon fibre will shatter and explode...

I am astounded that you would spend big money on a carbon frame and then drill a hole through it. This bike is now worthless IMO.

:mad:

Speculator

There is a big difference between Steel, Aluminum and Carbon frames.

All need to be cared for differently, and all have advantages and disadvantages.


I have a 3T, which I will be taking out of the shed in September for the winter months, which I would highly recommend.

I would not buy a brand new bike, search donedeal and adverts for second-hand deals.

https://www.3t.bike/en/217-exploro-proteamltd

at1withmyself

Speculator wrote: »

I am bewildered by this comment.

I am bewildered by this comment

magicbastarder

Speculator wrote: »

I am bewildered by this comment.

seems to me the issue is whether the OP is saying 'i do not want a carbon bike as my winter bike as carbon fibre is more brittle', and the response is that carbon is no more nor less brittle in the winter.

people don't usually use carbon bikes in the winter i guess because winter can be hard on a bike and they don't want to destroy their good bike with road dirt and salt and what have you, so they go for cheaper alloy bikes.

onlineweb

magicbastarder wrote: »

seems to me the issue is whether the OP is saying 'i do not want a carbon bike as my winter bike as carbon fibre is more brittle', and the response is that carbon is no more nor less brittle in the winter.

people don't usually use carbon bikes in the winter i guess because winter can be hard on a bike and they don't want to destroy their good bike with road dirt and salt and what have you, so they go for cheaper alloy bikes.

onlineweb wrote: »

No, you are more prone to accidents in the winter due to weather conditions.

If your carbon frame bike is involved in an accident, it can cause it to fail, i.e. fracture, cracks.

Carbons don’t have the same durability as Aluminum. Because carbon is a very stiff material, i.e. it can be brittle.

Yes I think he was a bit confused, so I had to spell things out. See above.

@magicbastarder what’s your thoughts on a Giant Revolt as a winter bike?

triggermortis

I'm currently looking for a new bike for winter/commuting and have no problem with using a carbon frame. I'll go for cheaper components as that's what wears more. If I had cash I'd probably look at adverts / donedeal etc but I'll be using BTW so it'll be a new bike.
I'm not bothered about disc brakes as I'd rather have some compatability with what I already use in case I need to swap bits about

zindicato

onlineweb wrote: »

I’m on the lookout for a decent winter bike.

Currently have a Giant Defy Advanced 1 Carbon Frame. I would prefer not to use this on icy roads especially as it’s my good bike.

Any suggestions?

What frame size you looking at?

onlineweb

zindicato wrote: »

What frame size you looking at?

I’m 6ft, so probably large depending on the make of bike.

zindicato

onlineweb wrote: »

I’m 6ft, so probably large depending on the make of bike.

pity got a gravel bike here that I'm thinking selling it's too small for you

saccades

Speculator wrote: »

I am astounded that you would spend big money on a carbon frame and then drill a hole through it. This bike is now worthless IMO.

:mad:

Only if I had plans to sell it, I took that into account when I did all this and I could/can well afford it.

at1withmyself

onlineweb wrote: »

Yes I think he was a bit confused, so I had to spell things out. See above.

@magicbastarder what’s your thoughts on a Giant Revolt as a winter bike?

Nothing needs to be spelled out, carbon bikes are made to last and no need to mind them any more then other bikes, that's why I'm confused.

I've never had a winter bike and never will as I don't see the need. For someone racing who depends on there bike in a racing environment - that I can understand. But for anyone not racing I don't see the point as its just another bike to maintain.

Tony04

The new orbea avant ticks all your needs but youd have to wait
https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2021-orbea-avant-disc/

Something in stock that might suit
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-r1-disc-105-913934

magicbastarder

at1withmyself wrote: »

Nothing needs to be spelled out, carbon bikes are made to last and no need to mind them any more then other bikes, that's why I'm confused.

that said, i have a carbon bike and a steel bike (well, three steel bikes).
i know which of those four i'd be nervous cycling if a hammer dropped on it. but this isn't exactly the context in question.

Wishbone Ash

at1withmyself wrote: »

Nothing needs to be spelled out, carbon bikes are made to last and no need to mind them any more then other bikes, that's why I'm confused.

I was advised to 'retire' a carbon bike by my LBS last year. I left it in for some routine repair and they spotted a hairline crack all along the underside of the top tube. They said it 'could go any minute'. Another one of my carbon bikes has a hairline crack at the base of the frame (under the BB). I'm actively monitoring it.

As someone who has carbon, alumimium and steel bikes in the fleet, I can say that carbon has to be 'minded' more.

at1withmyself wrote:

....I've never had a winter bike and never will as I don't see the need. For someone racing who depends on there bike in a racing environment - that I can understand. But for anyone not racing I don't see the point as its just another bike to maintain.

It's not that simple. Non-carbon bikes are generally easier to fit mudguards to and have better clearance for them. Most clubs require full mudguards on group rides between October and March which is why most club members need a winter bike. I can't ever recall seeing proper mudguards on a carbon frame.

byrnem31

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I was advised to 'retire' a carbon bike by my LBS last year. I left it in for some routine repair and they spotted a hairline crack all along the underside of the top tube. They said it 'could go any minute'. Another one of my carbon bikes has a hairline crack at the base of the frame (under the BB). I'm actively monitoring it.

As someone who has carbon, alumimium and steel bikes in the fleet, I can say that carbon has to be 'minded' more.

It's not that simple. Non-carbon bikes are generally easier to fit mudguards to and have better clearance for them. Most clubs require full mudguards on group rides between October and March which is why most club members need a winter bike. I can't ever recall seeing proper mudguards on a carbon frame.

There are heaps of carbon bikes with full mudguards. The giant defy advanced has an owners club on Facebook and the guys have loads of pics with full mudguards on their carbon bikes.

byrnem31

See here

Macy0161

I upgraded from an aluminium defy (mechanical) disc to a TCR a couple of years ago. I've set the defy up as a winter bike, which full mudguards.

If I'd got the TCR first, would I have bothered for a winter road bike? Probably not to be honest. Yes wear is more, but it'd generally only out once a week anyway on the club spin, and if it is icy, i'd tend not go out on the road anyway. It's a lot of component wear to off set the cost of a new bike.

If you are looking at n+1, I'm tempted to suggest looking at the Road v Gravel Bike thread. A gravel bike will do everything you want a winter road bike to do, and with a second wheel set you have the versatility to go off road (which I tend to do on those icy days!). Plus options for bike packing etc.

Wishbone Ash

byrnem31 wrote: »

See here

Fair enough but any carbon bike I've had didn't have clearance or eyelets for proper mudguards. I had to compromise with clip on types.

onlineweb

at1withmyself wrote: »

Nothing needs to be spelled out, carbon bikes are made to last and no need to mind them any more then other bikes, that's why I'm confused.

I've never had a winter bike and never will as I don't see the need. For someone racing who depends on there bike in a racing environment - that I can understand. But for anyone not racing I don't see the point as its just another bike to maintain.

Hi

In my opinion, a carbon frame needs to be cared for and maintained differently than an aluminium frame. It’s nothing to do with racing. If it gets damaged, it could cause the frame to fail and shatter. Safety is paramount.

Anyway, this thread is going off-topic. I can see we have different point of views, and I understand and accept your comments.

My priority is to buy something more robust and comfortable for the winter. Preferably something with a tyre clearance of plus 30 mm with disc breaks.

onlineweb

Weepsie wrote: »

360 cycles have a lovely Croix de fer for about 1800. That's probably what I'd get.

It's neither a gravel, cx or road bike. It's a fun, super comfortable , albeit can be a heavy bike.

My preference is for steel. My alu bike is pretty much my turbo bike for now

This one?

https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/croix-de-fer-20

onlineweb

Tony04 wrote: »

The new orbea avant ticks all your needs but youd have to wait
https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2021-orbea-avant-disc/

Something in stock that might suit
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/radon-r1-disc-105-913934

Great looking bike.

onlineweb

onlineweb wrote: »

Great looking bike.

Have an eye on the 105 Orbea Avant myself. Would be a nice upgrade to me at least, bit on the pricey side at €1699 maybe? I was told February when I made enquiries

I'll get my Birthday bike at some stage, it's only been 2 months since I hit 40.

Tony04

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Would be a nice upgrade to me at least, bit on the pricey side at €1699?

As long as your not using bike to work scheme with a middle man, you should be able to haggle the price down with your lbs. And anyway 1700 is really good for a shop bought bike with a decent alu frame and 105 hydraulic groupset.

Tony04

onlineweb wrote: »

Great looking bike.

Could see the orbea being a very popular choice.

And the radon is the best bike for the price ive seen, and if your 6ft they should have your size in stock.

Another bike worth a shout is the cube attain sl, but youll probably have to wait for the new model,

Difficult to predict when youd be getting 2021 bikes, as theres a component shortage right now, namely shimano

Plastik

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I can't ever recall seeing proper mudguards on a carbon frame.

Not carbon per say, but full proper mudguards on a mountless race frame. The solutions are out there

https://ridepdw.com/collections/fenders/products/full-metal-fenders-road-size?variant=14871507238969

magicbastarder

Weepsie wrote: »

https://www.360cycles.ie/genesis-croix-de-fer-30-2020-green.html

But realised it's smAll, though genesis bikes you often size down. My 2 are medium

says it has a GRX rear mech, but the photo shows a 105?
anyway, i don't need this temptation.

54and56

Deleted User wrote: »

Have an eye on the 105 Orbea Avant myself. Would be a nice upgrade to me at least, bit on the pricey side at €1699 maybe? I was told February when I made enquiries

I'll get my Birthday bike at some stage, it's only been 2 months since I hit 40.

I'm also in the market for an upgrade at the moment and have narrowed my choice down to the €1,699 Orbea H30-D and the €1,999 Cube Attain GTC SL which is at the top end of my budget.

My biggest motivation is to get onto Disc brakes as I had a good few scares on rim brakes over last winter and with the weather turning towards winter I'm keen to pull the trigger.

Contacted Orbea yesterday and they confirmed the newly launched H30-D won't be available until May 2021 :eek: That rules the Orbea out of my thinking.

I'm not sure what the supply situation is like with Cube but can't imagine it's anywhere close to 9 months!!

54and56

Tony04 wrote: »

Could see the orbea being a very popular choice.

And the radon is the best bike for the price ive seen, and if your 6ft they should have your size in stock.

Another bike worth a shout is the cube attain sl, but youll probably have to wait for the new model,

Difficult to predict when youd be getting 2021 bikes, as theres a component shortage right now, namely shimano

Is there much difference between the 2020 and 2021 models of the Cube Attain GTC SL? I checked both the 2020 version and the 2021 version on their website and can't see any difference in components, geometry etc.

Am I missing something obvious?