Newbie question: what is a good "winter" bike?

Browsing the classifieds section I often see the phrase “this would make a good winter bike”. Does this just mean a second bike to thrash around upon and ride less carefully, or a cheapo bike, or a bike with characteristics that make it good for riding in winter, or something else?

as far as i see it,a winter bike would be something that would be easy to look after (sealed hub gearing for instance/or single speed) disc brakes,more than likely a hardtail bike too* (front suspension only).also would have plenty of mud clearance between the frame/wheels so the wheels don’t clog up.
just a bike that you can use and not have to spend a lot of time cleaning afterwards.

* an orange 5 is an exception though (full suspension bike that is single pivot so easy to clean/look after).

Based on what I’ve seen, that makes sense.

In the UK i believe it just means a bike.

This

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/on-one-inbred-ss-18-rigid

In practice it means one of two things:

1) I’ve spent so much money on my good bike that I’m afraid to ride it, in case it gets worn
2) I want an excuse to buy another bike.

Bang on northwind.lol

Mine 😀

one that you ride

Northwind speaketh the truth.

A black one.

Mine is a good winter bike, and its a good job with the fantastic summers of late 🙁

To me its a singlespeed with mud tyres and currently rigid. Minimal maintenance = more family and pub time. although I would drag the fs off to trail centres whatever the weather.

One that you ride. Stuff wears out regardless. If you want 2 bikes get 2 bike.

A hose pipe would help.

All my bikes are winter bikes, summer bikes, spring bikes, autumn bikes.

Just ride them. If your problem is the hassle of cleaning in the winter, don’t clean them. If you like clean bikes all the time, then take up a different hobby 😛

Something singlespeed with masses of mud clearance and a CK BB and hope brakes.

Something singlespeed with masses of mud clearance and a CK BB and hope shimano brakes

FTFY

I’ve spent so much money on my good bike that I’m afraid to ride it, in case it gets worn

I took my Yeti out yesterday and after and hour of cleaning / lubing, its locked up at the back of the line of other bikes.

My HT is as the front of the bike stack awaiting the fitting of some mud x’s and a mudguard. My singlespeed is right by the shed door…..