I'm off the bike at the mo and the mind gets wandering...
Last winter I didn't get out as much as I should and lost fitness, I'll admit it was partly weather driven.
So thinking about getting something to get me out on the road for a spin instead, when needed.
Thing is, do I just get a road bike? Specifically go for a winter training style bike - or something a bit different? Singelspeed for example, like a Cooper.
Anyone use something a bit different to get some road miles in?
For me it's something you can get full roadie mudguards on and don't mind being eaten by road salt.....
how about an indoor trainer? after the last few winters where all that rain and miserey was just too much to bear going out in i took the plunge in dec and bought a cheap'ish (120quid cycleops magneto) one and a few spinervals dvds and its made an amazing difference. i love the fact that even on the worst winter day i can get a quality workout, or if i only have 30 or 40 mins to spare i can do something worthwhile rather than veg out infront of the telly.
Yep full guards, as little to go wrong as poss so SS maybe or if you can manage it fixie, no freewheel to go wrong and take some of the strain from your brakes too.
Or just get a SS mtb and stop worrying about mud 🙂
My solution:-
cyclo cross bike set up as a winter hack (full guards) for covering comfortable road miles & then reset for autumn cross racing and summer road touring (off tonight)
Alfined hardtail for muddy winter fun which just keeps going no matter how muddy it gets and does not cost a fortune in worn out parts.
Off road running when its too icy on the roads and too impassable off road.
Works for me. I tried having a fixed road bike but it ruined all my favourite lumpy rides with very little training benefit - good for long rural commute as I could put it away in the dark on getting home and rarely worry about cleaning it, but disliked it for actual training.
Old complete road bike from Ebay, a nice old steel job with mudguard clearance will give a comfortable ride. Doesn't have to be flash.
Or something like a genesis day one.
Just no point it getting another bike you're going to get all precious about.
I'm in the same boat, I've got a road, MTB and cross bike and they all get raced. So I'm after something to winter out on.
Edit;
Don't forget it wont be like it is now outside of your window. Cold, rain, wind, extra clothing all make for a slower ride. You can stay quite dry on a road bike with guards and with gears you'll just be able to sit down and dig in.
haha, not found a solution that keeps my hands and feet dry yet, warm(ish) yes, dry no.You can stay quite dry on a road bike with guards
What about a drop bar Cotic Roadrat or a Genesis Day One Cross
I bought my roadrat for absolutely the same reason.. trouble is it's so addictive, I'm barely off it now.
Yes, SS MTB an interesting prospect, perhaps in 29er flavour would be good on the road too?
Cyclo-cross also a good option - Genesis vapour or day one look tempting