Commuting/Winter/do-it-all bike recommendations?

[andrew_s]

I commute year round on rim braked bikes and have had exactly zero incidents over 14 years that were related to braking ability in wet or wintry weather.

That's because you modify your riding style for wet weather, by doing things like applying the brakes 50 yards before a T-junction to wipe the water off the rims, or squeezing the brake levers much harder than you would in the dry (OK if you have good grip strength, but less so if not).

 

[KneesUp]

That's because you modify your riding style for wet weather, by doing things like applying the brakes 50 yards before a T-junction to wipe the water off the rims, or squeezing the brake levers much harder than you would in the dry (OK if you have good grip strength, but less so if not).

Isn't riding according to the conditions something we all do?
If it's wet, surely everyone brakes with less force than normal regardless of what their brakes can deliver, in order to prevent their wheel skidding?

 

[Andrew_P]

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-al-tiagra-2016/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-al-sora-w-2016/

I am running 30mm tyres with mudguards - great all round bike

 

[mjr]

Isn't riding according to the conditions something we all do?
If it's wet, surely everyone brakes with less force than normal regardless of what their brakes can deliver, in order to prevent their wheel skidding?

Some clearly don't! I expect there are posts on here blaming the weather for crashes. Although you brake less, when you switch bikes to one with less effective or more rain-affected brakes, it can still come as a nasty surprise. Ride a bike with 35mm-pad side-pulls on steel rims and you'll be wondering how some cyclists ever survived a winter

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X Planet X

 

[Yazzoo]

Hmm, I think equilibriums start at 52cm...I'm nearly 5'10 and ride a 54cm (although a 56cm would probably be ok too)

I'm sure Spa would love to advise on Sabbath sizing, they do an XS

Better get the tape measure out, there is an XS equilibrium, better see how small that is!

The thing that puts me off planet x/ribble/dolan etc is buying having not sat on and I'm in the South - away from all the bikes. . .

 

[Elybazza61]

Frame only;

https://bowman-cycles.com/product/pilgrims/

cross with guard and rack mounts;

https://bowman-cycles.com/product/foots-cray/

Or something steel and hand-built(will do a custom size for you as well),if I had the cash I'd be floggong my Planet X XLS and ordering one;

http://www.shandcycles.com/bikes/stooshie/

or;

http://www.shandcycles.com/bikes/stoater/

 

[vickster]

Better get the tape measure out, there is an XS equilibrium, better see how small that is!

The thing that puts me off planet x/ribble/dolan etc is buying having not sat on and I'm in the South - away from all the bikes. . .

Freeborn in Horsham sell Genesis. I think @GrumpyGregry might know them as an lbs?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Freeborn in Horsham sell Genesis. I think @GrumpyGregry might know them as an lbs?

Very reputable shop, focuses on high-end off-road stuff too much for my taste. Which means I am scared old man on a limited budget.

They are, ime, pretty much, a risk free place to buy from.

EDIT but Horsham is long way south of Suffolk.

 

[vickster]

Very reputable shop, focuses on high-end off-road stuff too much for my taste. Which means I am scared old man on a limited budget.

They are, ime, pretty much, a risk free place to buy from.

EDIT but Horsham is long way south of Suffolk.

Ah I couldn't see that she was from Suffolk on my phone. Suffolk isn't really South for a Londoner like me

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Ah I couldn't see that she was from Suffolk on my phone. Suffolk isn't really South for a Londoner like me

I had to drill down to their profile.

 

[G3CWI]

Nip down to Decathlon. They have some very reasonable bikes.

 

[lutonloony]

Thanks, @vickster i'm only 5'4"

Maybe worth checking out mothercare?

 

[Yazzoo]

@lutonloony I'm considered tall for my family!

Having now seen the bike store at the new office I'm rethinking. It is a covered bike shed but also general dumping ground, my bike was blocked in with a motorbike at the end of today...

So I think as lovely as the Genesis et al are I think I now need to look for the equivalent but sub500 so I dare leave it in the shed riding it right in to the building is out of the question sadly!

 

[vickster]

Brompton ftw