Struggling with the same dilemma.
My road bike is 20 years old this year. I'd like something winter proof, but I don't want a "winter" and "summer" bike. Currently narrowed it down to
Equilibrium 725, there's nothing wrong with it, it's just not a Fairlight Strael.
Fairllight Strael, looks amazing, ticks every box, apart from the 44mm headtube looks off. And for a £1400 frameset "looking off" matters as it's way over budget.
Kinesis R2, objectively the best choice, but I just don't look at it and want to ride it.
Ribble CGR 725, less roadie, but the Endurance 725 lacks tire clearance.
Anything from a big brands would require HR to change C2W schemes and go with someone other than Halfords.
Interesting that you have to be under 10kg
My thoughts on winter riding is that the roads are greasy, full mud guards are essential, my riding kit is heavier/more bulky
So dont worry so much about the weight / speed. Take the benefit in the spring when going back to a nice light summer bike 🙂
Depends how you measure the weight.
10kg as it leaves the shop is a realistic figure for a durable road bike with disk brakes and big tire clearance.
It's probably not achievable ready for a (winter) ride with guards, puncture resistant tires, saddle bag, bottle cages, thick bar tape, frame pump, etc. At least not without £££ and/or comprimises.
Worse than almost any corroded alloy post I have seen inside any metal frame in the past.
I don't bother with cleaning seatposts much, and whilst I have had many alu posts sieze (in fact, I consider it inevitable without frequent cleaning) I haven't had a carbon post do this in a carbon frame. Tbh, given that they are made of plastic, this is more likely to be due to applying grease than anything else, causing the resin to swell.
Cheeky sideways comment: You could save a shed load of money and buy my Whyte Wessex from me?! Sub 9kg, perfect for winter riding, and summer, fully mudguarded with 32mm tyres. Fast and comfy and infinitely upgradeable. It's on the STW classifieds.
Some interesting thoughts. Thanks all . <br />leaning towards a Mason or Fairlight .
A giant Revolt makes a lot of sense but for some unknown reason does get me excited. same for the new Defy .<br /><br />I’ll keep looking
Ribble have a sale on. They seem popular in my club.
My Ritchey Logic is undet 10kg (about 9kg) and that's a nice steel frame with a full carbon fork. If I added full guards and bigger all season tyres I think it would be over 10kg. Not sure you'd get a modern steel framed, disc braked road bike c/w guards for under 10kg, not without spending big money.
over budget and maybe little heavy for your needs but Enigma Etape? I bought ultegra spec from Epic this year and intended to not use in winter, but ability to run wide TL and even be "light gravel" with disc brakes and full mudguards make it an excellent winter bike so I am running it through the winter. Its handling capabilities make it feel very comfortable and confident on the pretty crap conditions we have at the moment.
Ribble have a sale on
The blue Ribble alloy was THE go to winter road bike for years. Cheap, light, mudguards. Plenty about but my club seem to prefer light carbon and no mudguards, even in winter.
Apologies for slight hijack, but, @footflaps - how is the Topstone? I've just been looking at that very deal on Evans and it seems excellent. I'm looking for a new gravel bike.
The blue Ribble alloy was THE go to winter road bike for years.
Obviously no one told all these people they would rust! Thank god we now have stw forum advice!
