Winter commuting bike

mavers · 15 Aug 2018 at 21:09

I've decided that I'm going to try and give cycling a go all year round, as the commute is only 7 miles each way.

Was thinking of making good use of the cycle to work scheme and pick up a bike that way.
Question is... any recommendations for a winter bike? and should I be looking at a particular tyre width, or other features?

Also any recommendation on front and rear lights.. only need lights to be seen. Have been looking at Cygolite, but they seem difficult to source in the UK

FishFluff · 16 Aug 2018 at 00:09

Make sure you get something that can fit full length mudguards and a rack. How hilly is your commute? If it’s mostly flat I’d even look at something with hub gears as that’s essentially zero maintenance.

Something like this maybe: https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/urban/urban-and-cross-utility/day-one/day-one-20

mavers · 17 Aug 2018 at 09:52

Will bear that in mind, and see if I can see the bike in the flesh.

Commute isn't that hilly, but there are a couple of climbs I wouldn't want to do in a single speed!

The Darkness · 20 Aug 2018 at 13:09

Thinking positively, after enjoying your commute for a few months you may start to cycle longer distances at weekends etc for fun. With that in mind I'd buy an entry level road bike, with mudguard mounts as FishFluff mentions (I personally wouldn't worry about a rack). Go wide on tyre clearance (28mm min), get hydraulic disc brakes if you can afford it (they are simply better and have nearly zero maintenance, and start at Tiagra). Too many options to choose from but personally I'd start with looking at the Pinnacle Dolomite (Evans) and google away for alternatives! Hopefully you'll be hooked, its awesome.

mavers · 21 Aug 2018 at 21:05

Went to my LBS and had and was advised to look at Cyclocross or Gravel bikes. Looks like you can get a lot of bike for around 1k!
Thinking either Cube (Nuroad or Cross Race) or Whyte (Dorset). Will make sure it comes with mudguards etc.

Whats the thoughts around tyres? Currently I have Grand Prix 4000SII on my road bike. But what should I be thinking with the winter bike? i.e. is it worth getting a set of tyres for Autumn (rain!) and then winter (ice)?

Lights - I went with Lezyne 500XL for the fronts, and moon nebula for the rear