After yesterday's 50mph winds and driving rain (probably only the 5th or 6th day I haven't ridden this year) I decided to winterise the BMC.
SKS raceguards repaired after 10months in the shed and then fitted, bar ends on to give more options when wearing thick gloves. And a 1.5cm shorter stem, because I found a Superstar Zephyr with a red Faceplate that matches all the KCNC bits. Moved the saddle back a tad and added reflectors and a light plus pedals with reflectors.
Somewhere I have reflective spokeydokeys to go on as well.
Washed the belt drive and we're ready till Spring.
Of course today is sunny and quite warm, but what the heck. Time for a ride.
Just looking out of the window as I've got back from holiday and work in the last couple of weeks. The trails are going to be shite and I hate road riding in the wind. Wish I had a belt drive hub geared hub braked bike. And a drysuit to wear to ride it.
Yep, riding on the road in wind is pants especially on an SS, but heck like they say "at least you know you're always going to be in the wrong gear..." Oh and that black electrical tape is because the super velco came off the frame when I removed the mudguards in February. Grrr.
Nice! I've been rockign mudguards since the end of summer and it's paying off now that winter is here. Mind you, the spikes cause me concern. I needed them for the early part of the week, but now the ice has melted and it is raining. They do have more tread than the summer slicks, so not too unhappy.
Still glad I went uncool and added more lights and got the reflective sidewalls though.
Had the mudguards on my SS road bike for about 2 months now!
Lights are on it all the time - always have daytime running lights. In spite of being SS, the chain is really starting to look like it's seen better days. I tend to run it with as little maintainance as possible bar basic cleaning over winter and then do a full strip and rebuild on it in spring.
That BMC looks smart, nice bike!
First time fitting proper mud-guard on the weekend, have always just made do with a wet bum. What a ****t of a job!
Am now winter ready. Pannier rack too, so I can carry some nice warm clobber to work.
Bring it on;
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4834/44299235500_314321c024_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4834/44299235500_314321c024_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2auzamq ]Winter bike[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandwicheater/ ]Phil Dalton[/url], on Flickr
That BMC looks smart, nice bike!
It has the best EBB I’ve seen yet. The whole unit has 4 bolts on the underside that stop it rotating and a couple of holes for a pin spanner to let you precisely tension the belt using the Gates app on the iPad. If only the anodising on the chainring (beltring?) hadn’t faded from black to brown...
I quite like the bronze coloured chainring - like a bit of subtle bling.
Yeah, skinwall chainring. It’s the way forward.
My commuter has mudguards all year round. Even through that immense summer we just had
My winter mode is exactly the same as summer, not a single change. Didn't feel like winter on a ride this morning with sun out and 12 degrees. Bit envious of your belt drive as that would remove the only bit of maintenance I really have to do.
That looks stunning kerley. Needs more black.
...needs brakes
And guards.
And gears, also put some proper handlebars on whilst you're there.
I have mudguards and 38mm gravel tyres on year round.
Though I have started wearing my tights now.
Did 35 miles in the wind and rain this morning as a warm up for all you can eat buffet date night tonight. 'Between jobs' just now so riding every day.
Winter starts tomorrow in my book, but really it's been winter for a WHILE here. In the last month, Night Rides - Check, Rain - double check, Snow - a little.
The only thing missing so far, one of those almost impossibly frosty sub-zero rides. My personal record is -5c, but I'm sure many STWers have ridden in colder.
And gears, also put some proper handlebars on whilst you’re there.
Haven't used gears for 16 years and not planning to any time soon. As for the handlebars, they are great - 150 grams of Easton XC 90 SL which
The only thing missing so far, one of those almost impossibly frosty sub-zero rides. My personal record is -5c, but I’m sure many STWers have ridden in colder.
Mate of mine and I have a regular weekly ride that is usually a 'no excuses' kinda thing so we tend to get out regardless. Our record is -15C (registering on the Wahoo Bolt) a couple of winters ago, ride coincidentally involved walking along at least a kilometer of country lane covered in sheet ice, in road shoes.!! We were debating whether to stop for a warming coffee and cake 3/4 of the way round but decided there was zero chance either of us would willingly get back out on the road so we kept going..
Coldest I've MTBed in recently is about -5, maybe a little more up high. Guessing same for road. I probably commuted in -15 or so in Finland but it wasn't far although I XC skiied all day in similar temps.