In the biking world, one popular piece of advice is to consider having a separate bike for winter use. Why? Well, riding your cherished road machine through icy, snowy, or salt-filled streets can do a number on its lifespan. Unkind winter conditions can cause serious wear and tear, leading to more frequent maintenance, and potentially increasing repair costs. By reserving your primary bike for friendlier conditions, you can keep it in top shape for longer.
The ideal candidate for a winter bike? A good gravel bike. With its ability to brave rough terrains and adverse weather conditions, the gravel bike offers a perfect blend of toughness and versatility. Its robust frame, wide tires, and disc brakes make it more robust and safer to ride in slippery or icy conditions. More than this, gravel bikes are designed to handle a bit of everything – from gritty off-road adventures to slick, wintry roads - which can add a whole new dimension to your winter cycling experience.
An alternative to getting a second, winter-specific bike is modifying your road bike for the colder months. While this is possible, and can certainly save some coin, it isn't without drawbacks. Road bikes are honed for speed and efficiency on smooth tarmac, and while adding mudguards and winter tires can help, they simply aren't designed with the same durability and versatility as a purpose-built winter bike like a gravel bike.
While the thought of maintaining two bikes might seem a bit much, there's a case to be made that it's a worthwhile investment. It could be argued that pampering your beloved summer racer and avoiding the hassles of incessant winter maintenance make the case for a dedicated winter bike strong. But from a budget perspective, it's relevant to remember that not everyone can afford, or has space for, a second bike. Do what's best for you, your budget, and your situation. If modifying your road bike works for you and keeps you cycling throughout winter, that's a victory!
That's all folks ✌️ Thanks for reading!
